For being annoyed I was asked to stand on a bus because of dog allergies?

[anywayhereswonderwall]

I went to visit a friend in London today and I took my dog. It's worth noting she is a mini poodle, and hypoallergenic, and well behaved. You can barely even tell she's there. I got on the bus as part of my journey. It was the middle of the day so there were a few empty seats (but not loads).

I got on and sat down, and the woman a few rows behind me said 'can you move , I have a dog allergy'. I apologised and moved a few rows forwards, the furthest forwards I could go and still get a seat.

She then shouted forwards 'not far enough, you're going have to stand at the front'.

I was confused, but did it. I spent the rest of the 35 minute journey standing right at the front of the bus while the woman was 3/4 of the way along, sitting.

I did what she said for the journey, but when I got off I felt annoyed and I'm not sure if I'm justified.

I would have ignored her and stayed in the seat.

No dog is hypoallergenic.

Are you annoyed with yourself for letting the other passenger boss you around? I don't much like dogs but they are allowed on buses so 🤷

This.

Im not sure when it became acceptable to take bloody dogs everywhere and anywhere but for people with allergies it can be very distressing.

Seriously? Why did you do what she TOLD you to do? You were kind enough to move forward. That's more than she should expect. For all she knows every person around her could be covered in dog hair

I would have told her to get off and wait for the next bus if she’s worried for her health, but then I’m a moody cow these days with far less tolerance now I’m of a certain age. Then got my book out and ignored her.

@TheObstinateHeadstrongGirl Im not sure when it became acceptable to take bloody dogs everywhere and anywhere but for people with allergies it can be very distressing.
But as it IS allowed, it is unreasonable to demand someone stands up. Every person on that bus might have dog hair all over them.

We recently had to ask in a cafe for someone with a dog to leave. We were there first as they opened so it was empty. DS is autistic, allergic to dogs and scared of dogs. We had just settled down with food and drinks and two women came in with dogs and ds was distressed .

I immediately spoke to the owner who said ‘well we are dog friendly!’ I said no sorry a child with disabilities comes first. One of the women started saying they had just as much right to be there it was awful.
It seems that everywhere is dog friendly now and it’s not always appropriate

I think you were right to move as requested on the bus OP , maybe she could have asked in a nicer way but was probably stressed if she has an allergy

YABU for taking a dog on a bus 🙄

As someone with bad allergies, I hate the fact that dogs and cats can now pretty much go anywhere. It limits my world a lot more than it used to. Not that different though from someone with a peanut allergy who has to navigate a world of nuts! But I accept that most people don't really give a damn about me or my health and so I make decisions that I need to to stay healthy. Some cost more and some are less convenient. Even air travel is a gamble now.

Wow - entitled much?
It's not on the dog owners to manage your son's allergies.
They have as much right to be there as your son.

If dogs are allowed on a bus, in a shop, in a cafe etc - then the person objecting to the dog has the option to leave.

what would they do if it was a guide dog or other service dog?

you were very nice to move.

No such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, size is irrelevant.

The woman's allergies are more important than your animal.

If you don't own or drive a car how else do you expect a dog owner to visit people, places or businesses they need to get to? If my DH has the car I need to get a bus to take out dog to the vet.

🙄

Would you just pretend you didn't hear?

I have an allergy to dogs (and cats) - I’ve had to ask people not to sit near me on public transport… they don’t often take it well. I’ve seen people on Public Transport let their dog sit on a seat, all I can think of is about the horrendous time I would have if I was the next person to sit there.

I did contact Avanti, and asked them if they could designate one carriage as “pet free” .. but that was a sound “no”

My allergy to cats is really bad .. and you would be surprised at the number of people who take their cats on a train.

Cafes & Pubs, I generally avoid anywhere “dog friendly” - I quite like it when they advertise it, so I know where to avoid.

Allergies AND distress due to autism / fear of dogs and last time I checked having a disability is a reason for reasonable adjustments- having a dog doesn’t afford the same rights😂 the cafe owner saw sense and realised that they had to prioritise someone and despite being ‘dog friendly’ accommodated the needs of the person with the rights

Would you say that to someone with a guide dog?

dogs are allowed on buses.

@KnittingNeedles
No it isn't. It's on her to manage her health, not on the OP. Her and her dog have as much right to be out in public as everyone else.

People take dogs on buses all the time 😂

I've just had a google and you're totally right. I stand corrected on that!

Exactly

@Fourteenhouses
So what would you do if it was a guide dog? Ask them to leave as well because your son's needs trumps theirs?

Did the bus not have an upstairs? I'd have either gone upstairs or got off and got the next bus.

If she's deathly allergic then I can understand her point. What would you do if it was the other way round? If you were massively allergic to dogs and a dog got on the bus? Would expect to just have to put up with the effects? Get off and hope the next bus doesn't have a dog? It must be difficult for her.