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.

@Chasingadvice what difference does it make? None.

Context is everything dear.

Most are allergic to saliva so no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog.
Yes u should stand up well out of the way.

Tbh I would have happily left if you explained your son had allergies. Distress, not so much.

Well luckily that wasn’t what happened to us then ! It was just 2 regular non guide dogs and their very irate owners who had to leave and check their privilege on the way out .

@Fourteenhouses your autistic doesn't matter to the dog obsessed. All that matters is 'their right' to take the mutts everywhere and anywhere- usually inappropriate places but you know.. it's their fur baby.

They really aren't allowed everywhere though, are they?

Dogs are allowed on public transport. As long as they aren't on the seats, and they are well behaved and not jumping around at anyone, is it that big of a deal? Would a dog sitting 2 rows in front of someone with allergies cause more of an issue than sitting next to a dog groomer? A vet? A person with many pets, absolutely covered in fur? Would they be expected to move too?

She should have moved to the back.

and if you were stood at the front, you must have been stood near a seat. You should have sat in it.

Did you tag the right person??

I didn’t say guide dogs are only labradors and for the blind.

And I’ve answered about guide dog element.

Because the business owners have made a conscious decision to allow dogs.

Your autistic son doesn't matter I meant to write- he really doesn't. The dogs rights trump his in these peoples eyes.

I don’t need to explain the distress , it’s sadly very obvious. Horrendous screaming etc , triggers very severe meltdowns , as bad as his allergies are it’s the distress that can actually be more challenging

I would have moved too. But only as far as I could from her where there was a seat. I wouldn't be standing for the journey and I'm surprised the driver allowed that.

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/publication-download/assistance-dogs-guide-all-businesses

Assistance dogs rights of access come before people’s allergies. I’ve had this argument with many people claiming to have ‘owner trained’ their dogs and wanting to bring them to stay at our holidays homes.

This is why I avoid dog friendly cafes.

Because businesses seemingly make it clear that they will put the care of the dogs over the care of a paying human, and I don’t like that ethos

If dogs are allowed which they are then she should have got off! I would have ignored her. Tell her to take an antihistamine and get a grip!

Seems that way doesn’t it !!!

I think some posters are at this moment trying to manifest a scenario so we are in the same place at the same time with a blind person and a guide dog to prove their point - the ultimate disability and dog top trumps!

As I said if they were there first then no- but if as like the situation we were in they arrived after us then we would take priority

they might not agree.

and you could not force them to leave.

She was lucky she came across you@anywayhereswonderwall

As I certainly would definitely not stand up all the time for anyone, especially with my health disorders .

She would have to just lump it , otherwise if I had to stand up,

I would of ended up falling over into her Lap
😃

Who are you even talking to?! You’re like a mad person on the bus chuntering to yourself.

I was one of the ones who said that guide dogs meeting with dog allergy sufferers are surely very few and far between and the rights of the guide dog owners in that instance trump that of the allergy sufferer.

Not the case for someone just bringing their dog into a similar space for shits and giggles.

Interesting. I don't know if it is a reasonable adjustment to expect a business to turn away customers - the adjustment can be considered on cost grounds. It's one to look into for my own curiousity.

I live in a town where many people come and bring their dogs. I was standing outside with the dog whilst my mum went in and looked at shoes. The manager invited me inside and said dogs are welcome because if they banned them, they wouldn't have any customers. Just about every cafe in our town - and there are lots - allow dogs.

I'd think most would prefer not to have dogs but they know their own finances.

This is true, so how would the lady on the bus at risk of a reaction unless she touched the OP’s dog? Miniature poodles don’t shed hair which is why they are so high maintenance grooming wise.

@PollyPeptide yes, it probably is a business decision. Or because they like dogs.