What can I do to help?

How can I advocate for people who are being affected?

  • Be understanding

    • If someone does not return your dog’s enthusiasm, there is likely a reason, whether it be an allergy, cultural difference or fear.

    • Help fight the stigma by understanding that none of this is a choice.

    • If you are an employer with employees that need service animals and employees with allergies, adjust the space to accommodate both individuals, install a HEPA filter, and designate dog free zones (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5451949/ ). For more employer information on dogs in the workplace, visit: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5451949/

  • Be an honest and concerned citizen

    • Getting a service vest for a dog when it isn’t needed is a disservice to those who actually need support animals, as well as a threat to the lives of those with allergies.

    • There are unethical providers of dog accessories that sell service dog jackets, and some even provide purchased documentation of disability, so that dog owners do not have to be inconvenienced by leaving their dogs at home. Do not purchase or use these items. It is unethical to fake a disability or claim a privilege reserved for individuals who genuinely have no choice. It is also unethical to falsely claim you are training a service dog for such an individual.

    • It results in unnecessary accumulation of dander in public spaces (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5451949/) and increases the chances of an allergic individual coming into contact with dogs as they go about their day.

  • Keep your dog on a leash and under control

    • “Don’t worry, he won’t hurt you” isn’t true for everyone… Whether or not a dog bites is not everyone’s concern.

    • Others may be afraid, whether due to past experience or their cultural background.

  • Respect shared use of public spaces

    • Do not bring dogs to events if they do not need to be there. It may be convenient, but you could be unknowingly forcing someone else to leave the event.

    • Do not bring dogs into grocery and hardware stores and other places where people need to do essential shopping.

  • Spread the word

    • Tell a friend about the severity and prevalence of dog allergies.

    • Printable brochures are available here.

This website is run and maintained by volunteers, many of whom have families and demanding careers. We need help to keep this website going and to help build a community dedicated to the support of people who, but for the discrimination and unkindness they face, could be living happy and fulfilled lives. There are many areas where we would like to advance our advocacy. Contact us if you would like to connect with a human!

Share your story

We need to know your story and where it is occurring to help keep people safe. We also need to build allies for advocacy, which is a difficult task, given the prejudice and misunderstanding associated with environmental allergies - dog allergies in particular - and the political implications that ensue. If you have information that can help us, let us know.

A note on privacy: We will do our best to protect your identity from the general public should you choose either of these options.