ASTHMA FACT SHEET:
PETS

What is a pet allergen?
Pet allergens are proteins found in dogs’ and cats’ dander, dead skin, and body fluids. Pet allergens stick to pet fur and other surfaces like carpet. Actually, the fur itself is not an allergen, but the dander and saliva that stick to the fur. This means that hair-less or short-haired pet breeds also produce pet allergens. Other animals with fur or feathers (birds, rodents, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs) produce these allergens, but people are less likely to be allergic to them. Fish, turtles and snakes do not produce allergens.

Where are pet allergens commonly found indoors?
When pets are kept indoors, pet allergens are found on all surfaces. Pet allergens are very light and can remain in the air a long time. Pet allergens are also sticky, so the allergens can stick to clothing and be carried to other buildings. Most buildings have some level of pet allergens. This includes buildings without pets, like schools and offices.

How can pet allergens be controlled?

  • Consider finding a new home for your pet (s).  
  • Keep pets outdoors.
  • If you can not remove the animal, do the following actions:
    • Keep pets off furniture and out of bedrooms. Keep bedroom doors closed.
    • Place dense vent filters over air vents to trap floating dander.
    • Replace the furnace filter every six months. Use a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter to capture more allergens (found at hardware stores.)
    • Vacuum carpets, area rugs, curtains, mattresses and fabric-covered furniture weekly when people with asthma are not present. Use HEPA filter vacuums or HEPA filter bags.
    • Consider removing carpeting from rooms where it can be found. Carpet is hard to keep clean.
    • Consider using a HEPA air purifier to help filter airborne allergens.
    • Bathe animals with fur at least weekly.
    • Pets kept in cages (gerbils, birds) should remain in cages as much as possible. Clean cages often.
    • Locate caged pets away from vents and returns.
    • Wash hands after handling, feeding, or cleaning the animal or its cage.
  • Pets in classrooms at schools and early child care facilities are not recommended.