Finding an alternative

I'm allergic / my family is allergic to my dog

It’s frustrating to develop an allergy – or have an existing allergy get worse – when you own a dog. It’s doubly upsetting if it means you may have to give up your pooch. 

Before taking the step of giving up your dog, it’s worth speaking to your doctor, to make sure that your symptoms are consistent with a pet allergy, and not being caused by something else. 

If that’s confirmed, then there are measures to see if you can minimise the problem – the NHS advice guide and Allergy UK factsheet below may help. 

NHS

Practical advice on allergies from symptoms and diagnosis to treatment and prevention.

Allergy UK

Allergy UK support people living with allergies and offer some great advice on dealing with pet allergies.

This didn't work for me, what's next?

We know this is a tough decision, and we won’t judge you for needing to find your dog a new home. Sometimes, asking us for help is the most responsible thing you can do for your dog. 

We will do everything we can but in some circumstances, we won’t be able to take a dog. If that’s the case, we’ll be honest with you about it. We'll always offer advice and help you make alternative arrangements if we can.

If you need to return a dog you've rehomed from us please see our post-adoption support advice for next steps.