Many people that have pet related allergies. Some are severe enough to keep the person from having a pet, however, many times managing the situation allows for a person and pet to live together. Pet allergies stem mainly from the dander in a pet's skin that is transmitted to the coat and spread when the animal sheds. Saliva can also contain allergens, which cats in particular can spread by licking their fur before shedding. There are steps, however, that can be taken to reduce the spread of these allergens. First, creating an allergy free zone, usually a bedroom or section of the house where pets aren't allowed provides a place that is relatively allergen free. Keeping pets off furniture is helpful, as is reducing the amount of fabric (such as curtains and carpets) used in the home since these places collect dust, dander, and fur. Clean air is the goal, so high efficiency air filters, as well as proper ventilation, and frequent vacuuming with a high efficiency filtration system, all help to keep allergens out of the air. Good care of your pet also helps to reduce allergens. Daily brushing preferably by someone not allergic helps reduce shedding. Weekly bathing, or using bath wipes also helps to reduce dander. However, use a mild shampoo if bathing frequently so as not to cause dry skin. Bathing a cat can be difficult, but early training when the cat is young often helps them to adjust and accept a bath, yet many find grooming and/or bath wipes a mcuh easier solution. Finally, wash your hands after touching or petting your dog or cat.

If you are planning to get a pet, there are certain breeds of pets that tend to easier for allergic pet owners to deal with. There are no hypoallergenic pets, but due to their fur type and the amount that they shed some tend to cause less of a problem. However, since there are no guarantees it is best to meet your potential pet first to see if you have a reaction to him. Animals that don't shed, have no fur, or have hair-like fur tend to be pets that are easiest for allergy sufferers. This is due to either less dander or less ability to spread dander from these animals. For dog lovers small dogs are sometimes recommended simply because they have much less fur than a large dog. In the no-hair or low hair category Basenjis, Boxers, Chinese Crested, Greyhounds, Mexican Hairless and Whippets are often recommended. Dogs that have hair-like fur include Bichon Frise, Havanese, Maltese, Silky and Skye Terriers, and Yorkshire Terriers. Dogs that don't shed are the Komondor, Poodles, and the Puli. Again, none of these breeds are guaranteed to not spark allergies, but they are good breeds to look into. Allergies to cats are even more common than allergies to dogs. Due to the amount cats clean themselves and the fineness of their fur cat dander is spread easily. A few cat breeds to investigate are the Devon Rex and the Cornish Rex and the Sphinx.