Man’s Best Friend? The Hidden Exclusion in "Pet-Friendly" Spaces

I’ve recently been reminded of the people in my life who make an extra effort to host us as a family. And it's not easy hosting us as a family with a child with severe allergies to food as well as animals(!). It is no small ask. I’ve got friends who thoroughly hoover and clean their house before we arrive and deliberately leave windows open-accepting the cold even in winter- to ensure a constant flow of fresh air. We’ve got family who without a second thought will leave their dog behind (appropriately cared for!) when meeting up for a weekend. I am grateful for their thoughtfulness. For their desire to make sure our family can join in as safely as possible. 

Because as we know, life with allergies doesn’t stop for holidays.

And it impacts every area of the human existence- from where you sleep to what you eat. 

Life with allergies is a constant risk assessment. ‘Can I eat this?’ being the obvious question, but ‘is it safe for me to go there?’ is increasingly becoming the question many allergy sufferers are having to ask. Recently, I’ve noticed the rise of people bringing their pet into previously pet-free places like workplaces and schools. Maybe- hopefully- my experience isn’t representative. But if my research, like all good research- informed by my social media feed and anecdotal school playground chat- is anything to go on, the slow creep of animals into shared spaces like offices and schools is creating a new danger zone which previously didn’t exist. And if this is the case, it will already be having an impact on the allergy suffering population. 

Believe me I understand the joy a friendly pet brings, but it does lead me to question how much thought is being paid to those who aren’t able to enjoy furry friends without a packet of antihistamine and asthma inhaler to hand? Could we be marching towards ‘inclusive spaces’, forgetting that 1 in 5 people suffer from respiratory allergies!!

Managing allergies is an isolating experience. Full exclusion is the only true way of eliminating the risk they pose. People with food allergies are used to this. Foregoing snacks and treats; taking their own food everywhere is par for the course for those with severe allergies. But when people, innocently enough, bring their beloved pet into the office or school it can impact the health of their colleagues or pupils in ways they possibly haven’t considered. 

Pet dander causes cold-like symptoms in those allergic but can also lead to severe breathing issues (this is our experience) if they come into an area where a pooch has been. Proper research (not my own) shows that pet allergens are remarkably 'sticky'—clinging to carpets and clothing for months-look it up! For a child with severe asthma, a ‘pet-friendly’ school wouldn't just be a mild inconvenience, it becomes a barrier to health and education. Frustratingly, the passive exposure means the impact can often be felt long after the animal has departed in inexplicable flaring eczema, watering eyes and runny noses. 

And while I’m here dying on this hill in my fight against cute animals-I know it’s a hard sell(!), but while I’m here, let’s also recognise the psychological impact on those who are allergic. It will, for certain, be there and will largely go unnoticed. 

The dander-contaminated office or school quickly becomes another place added to the long list where these people have to be careful. More head space will be taken up by their allergic load and the worry of having to have awkward conversations- after all who wants to be the office dog police? It becomes another thing that makes you different from everyone else. Another allergy conversation to be had. And sadly what was designed to bring joy and comfort can-without appropriate safeguards- become another means of excluding people with allergies. People will decide- where they can- to work from home if there’s a risk of having an allergic reaction and the 'culture-building' dog actually harms the team's cohesion. And much of this will go unsaid.

So am I advocating for a total ban on pets from the workplace? Should schools shut the door to furry friends? In an ideal world everyone would be able to enjoy animals. But that’s not where we find ourselves. And I am all for improving the work/school environment but only if it is an improvement in the environment for all. If pets in public places becomes a new way to isolate a section of society, then I for one am going to be taking a regrettable stand against it.

Have you ever had to "opt-out" of a space because of allergies? Leave a comment below.