Do you think there will ever come a time when business need to take account of the needs of those of us allergic to dogs?

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OK, so I don't want this to turn into one of the many threads where huge rows erupt about the number of dogs around. I accept that this seems to be the way of the world - for now anyway - but some recent experiences have made me question the implications.

I'm in the process of booking a UK touring holiday and have spent the last few weeks trying to book some medium range hotels in various places. Mainly countryside locations which might be part of the issue.

I am allergic to dogs and prone to fairly serious reactions, including asthma attacks if exposed for a prolonged period.

The problem is that I'm coming across so many places I like only to read that they are pet friendly. This is often accompanied by photos showing dogs running around the hotel interior, sitting on the beds and couches in rooms etc. If I were to stay in this room after a dog had been there it's highly likely I'd be quite poorly. When I've rung these hotels to ask if they have any designated pet free rooms, they have replied that no, they are 'pet friendly', as if this somehow makes them morally superior and those of us who have allergies are some sort of animal hater!

Given the legislation on dietary labelling that came in following some tragic incidents, I do wonder if we're going to end up in a situation where someone is likely to come to harm through inadvertent exposure. This is probably more likely to be a child as grown adults will be able to spot early warning signs.

I'm just interested in views on this as it's increasingly feeling like I'm being denied access to a service in a way that would not be acceptable in other situations.

Yes, another allergic asthmatic who has fewer and fewer options with the surge in pet friendly establishments.

Accommodation options are the pits. Dogs are bloody everywhere.

They absolutely are. Can’t go because their policies make someone unwell is discrimination,

Wetherspoons pubs are still dog free; Tim Martin feels quite strongly about it.
My town has absolutely loads of cafes and only one dog free, which is only because it is tiny and they would get in the way.
I suspect it will take people with allergies organising dog free listings, stickers for cafe doors, and campaigning for visibility around the issue.
I don’t have an allergy and I only mind dogs when they are noisy but I would very much like there to be a choice.

Not just guide dogs unfortunately but all assistance dogs are allowed and anyone can slap an assistance jacket or harness on a pet dog and call it an assistance dog. I stayed at a premier inn in Cumbria recently and I saw two different “assistance” dogs.

I was sat in the premier inn restaurant waiting for my order to come out . I’d arranged to have it a disposable container and take it back to my room, since I could see both dogs there. While I was waiting I saw a waitress walk up and ask to pet the “assistance dog” which the owner happily agreed to. I was just thinking hope she washed her hands afterwards before going into the Kitchen to bring more food orders out.

Where that an actual guide dog the owner probably would’ve said no to someone touching it.

Honestly it is not discrimination. I am allergic to wasp stings. I avoid beer gardens. "Why am I being discriminated against when other people can enjoy a beer garden". See how ridiculous that sounds ?

It sounds ridiculous because allowing bees isn't a policy. 🙄

The vast majority of hotels and places to stay are still NOT pet friendly. It really shouldn't be an issue, just don't tick pet friendly when you search.

It is discrimination. It is at least indirect discrimination as the policy is unintentionally adversely affecting those with allergies.

You go girl. I often watch those shows about 5 star London hotels and they are so proud of their resident pets that roam at will. I often wonder what Chef makes of a cat in the 5 star kitchen. I don't stay in hotels due to allergies. And nobody cares. I hope it changes in due course.

😂😂😂😂

Wasos are wild insects that go wheeeevwr they want. You can’t control them.

Dogs have owners who choose what their dogs do.

Assistance dogs are less likely to be climbing on all the furniture

Agree
Its just a case of picking whats relevant to you OP
You may fall in love with an accommodation online but if it’s pet friendly it’s not for you
There are plenty around even though your choice will not be as great as those who don’t have allergies

Businesses have to make a living

I think it would take a huge campaign and probably a tragedy to occur first.

It's rubbish for people with allergies but being pet friendly isn't something businesses do to be altruistic, or even because they are dog lovers themselves in the majority of cases. They do it because it makes them more money than it loses.

Yes it’s a common misconception that it’s the hair that’s the problem.

It’s actually the animal dander (dandruff). So if a dog has a shake down, it’s the particles that are released into the air that also then then settle on furniture (or deposited on chairs/beds/carpets where a dog has been) that are the issue - even if any hair isn’t visible.

I sympathise but think the increase in hotels and restaurants allowing dogs reflects the fact that they believe that’s how they will get the business

other than some specifically dog friendly hotels, most don’t allow dogs in the restaurant and some other areas. Most also have specific rooms that allow dogs ime so there should be rooms that are pet free (rather like in the old days when you had smoking and no smoking rooms)

i think if you want change or for people to realise how serious it can be then it needs campaigning

So you are only allergic if they are on the sofa and not the carpet? Strange allergy

I have a do and have stayed in hotels many times - there is always just a couple of rooms for dogs, for this reason.

Ah ok, remind to tell the school that when they ban peanuts due to a child’s allergy.

You’re making a silly false equivalence.

Wasps/bees are not under human control.

The discrimination is where an establishment actively chooses a policy they can control that results in people being excluded from the premises.

Likewise.
I love dogs, have had several myself & appreciate everything about them & the joy of owning but I’m sick of their prevalence too.

If dogs have been on a couch prior to me sitting there and I am unfortunate enough to put my hands on the seat and, then through the course of conversation, bring my hands to my face, then yes, I'm far more likely to have a reaction. You seem to have a lot of nonsense posts that only betray your ignorance @Maddy70

I agree OP. Dogs seem to take priority over people in a lot of places now.
I used to like dogs but no longer being able to go for a coffee in a local coffee shop without being surrounded by dogs has changed my opinion

As someone with dogs who goes on holiday with my dogs, there are SO many dog free hotels and even holiday cottage websites where you specifically can search dog free ….

You really can’t work out how dog residue on the furniture, where it is nearer your face and exposed skin of hands, might be more likely to cause trouble than if it is on the floor?

Don't be obtuse.
If the dog stays on the floor, it sheds and slobbers there. You typically don't put your bare forearm on the floor, but you often do on sofa.