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While our furry friends are great company, unfortunately they’re not everyone’s ideal companion. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, as many as three in 10 people with allergies also have allergic reactions to cats and dogs, with cat allergies being twice as common as dog allergies.
Unfortunately, this means we see cats and dogs surrendered to our shelter because their owners, or someone in the household, has an allergy. This can be a very sad and difficult situation for the dog or cat and the family, so it’s important to do some research before getting a pet.
A common misconception is that people are allergic to the fur of a cat or dog. In reality, it’s rarely the fur that triggers a reaction, but the allergy is to the animal’s dander (skin flakes), saliva and urine. As you can imagine, these allergens are found in very small air particles that can stick around for a long time. Because reactions aren’t only to fur, unfortunately there’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic pet. It’s true that animals that shed less release less dander into the air, but no cat or dog is completely hypoallergenic.
What can be done? If you’re prone to allergies, but really want a dog or cat (and who can blame you?) talk to your doctor or an allergist to see if allergy testing is an option, or what else they may recommend.
Some less serious allergies can be managed by keeping your pets out of your bedroom, avoiding carpeting in your home and cleaning and vacuuming often.
Adopting an animal is an important commitment, and considering all your lifestyle factors, including allergies, is an important step in the process. That’s why we always ask potential adopters about allergies before approving an adoption. This helps us ensure that our pets are going to their forever homes.