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 where I live near river - lots of dogs on towpath with b owners walking staunchly ahead, ‘not noticing’ their dogs shitting.

Bingo!
Always get one that prefers dogs to children😂

I think you'll find 99% of places are dog friendly now - it's a marketing boom. May depend on region. It's more of an issue for anyone who needs wheelchair accessible accommodation. Those who don't can book a room that isn't "dog friendly" so not so much an issue for them. the issue is that the dog friendly rooms are the same rooms as the wheelchair accessible rooms - ie on the ground floor. So if you happen to be a wheelchair user with a severe dog allergy you are xxxxed! Of course you're in a minority but .................. the whole point about accessible rooms is they should be accessible!

Words fail me as to this. Balloons are not commonly found in hotel rooms. It must be a worrying allergy, but the comment could have equally applied to dog owners 10 years ago - when hardly ANYWHERE accepted dogs. ie - "you can't accommodate everyone who has a pet - hotels are for humans".

Also a bedroom is for sleeping in and should be an allergy-free space as much as possible. Public rooms can be avoided if needed but a bedroom you breathe the air when you sleep. I mean why pay money to have an asthma issue?!

Hotels and pubs don't care. Dog friendly is big money these days. Obviously they don't care, they are businesses.

I do feel for people with severe latex or peanut allergies as well. Very difficult.

I work in a supermarket & we ask people not to carry balloons in the shop. Most parents are outraged & refuse & yell abuse. Tell me I've no right to say what their kids can do. I just have to do the best I can to avoid it. Often sitting in trolleys wielding them close to my face.

That's my workplace not a holiday!!

You can make calls to hotels/holiday parks & ask for details & explain your circumstances then avoid those places that can't meet your needs.

Make sure you have your epi pens with you & make sure you check they are in date.

I have been ICU on several occasions following anaphylaxis. I still don't expect society to revolve around me.

Making calls is demoralising tbh - if you need a wheelchair accessible room - dogs take priority!

I’ve stayed in at least one larger hotel where all dogs are always allocated rooms on two specific floors. Anyone with an allergy is then allocated a room on a non-doggy floor. Seems to work pretty well for them. I’ve also been in smaller hotels which only allow dogs in specific rooms, but I admit these are often the ground-floor, wheelchair accessible rooms, which is less good.

The last time I went to Spoons, (last Tuesday) there were no rowdy children around, (and I was sat with two) and my food wasn't greasy. It was absolutely delicious! Same with the time before (and really every time before that.) It's the adults who get rowdy in the evening.

I've asked this before, but to those who prefer dogs to children, who exactly do you think is going to be looking after you in old age or if you need to go to hospital? Cos it won't be dogs, it'll be other people's kids who have grown up. (Hard to use a syringe when you don't have opposable thumbs!) I've also noticed other pet owners don't usually have this level of entitlement, so why dog owners? (Who are still in the minority, last time I checked.)