The Perils of Travel with Pet Allergies
I used to think that if I had to have allergies, I was lucky that my allergies were to cats and dogs because I was able to avoid my allergens. I didn't like it, but it could be done. I no longer find that true.
NOTE: No medical discussion here on the merits of various allergy medications and their side-effects. No debate on whether or not sinus infections following exposure to allergens are the result of that exposure. No explanation of why not being able to breath is more than an unpleasant sensation. No defense of wanting to avoid allergens. Let's just say, I choose not to rush home to strip, shower and wash my hair to remove allergens-and if home is currently a hotel room with allergens that is not even a possibility.
I choose to avoid my allergens. Being exposed to them while traveling can ruin a trip. Let me rephrase, discovering I have been unknowingly exposed to them when traveling can ruin a trip. So I choose to avoid them. I don't want to be told that my allergies are in my head, that I could just pop a pill and that you never let your allergies control you. Let me repeat, I work hard to avoid them. It is getting harder and harder as more and more people travel with their pets. Avoiding being seated next to an animal on a plane or a train can be an issue but the main problem, and the most serious, is finding a hotel that does not allow pets in the guest rooms. (Service animals are always allowed and I've yet to find a hotel that restricts them to specific rooms.)
I was once informed when making a reservation at a Omni property, the Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford Springs Pennsylvania, that I needed to book a room where pets were not allowed because it did not matter if the pet was present the allergens could still be present. If I could have found a way to kiss that rep, I would have. Although I have preached that message many times, it was the first time I had it preached to me. All the special cleaning in the world (which I trust hotels do since they charge pet owners) cannot be relied on to remove allergens.
I discovered this problem by checking into hotel rooms and finding my health deteriorating. Ten years ago, I saw it as an isolated incident. No longer. Finding pet free accommodations consumes the largest part of my time when planning travel.
Let me assure pet-owners of a few things. I do not hate your dog. When it comes to being a judge of character, I would probably trust your dog more than I would you. Dogs know. Even if I can't pet them, I swear they know I am a friend. Many more people travel with dogs than cats, but felines are also hitting the road more often. I could provide references from cats who sought me out in the past, but they probably would not deign to cooperate. And I love them for that independence.
There should be no judgment here. Dander can be a problem. If it is for you, I hope to help you avoid it.
I used to think that if I had to have allergies, I was lucky that my allergies were to cats and dogs because I was able to avoid my allergens. I didn't like it, but it could be done. I no longer find that true.
NOTE: No medical discussion here on the merits of various allergy medications and their side-effects. No debate on whether or not sinus infections following exposure to allergens are the result of that exposure. No explanation of why not being able to breath is more than an unpleasant sensation. No defense of wanting to avoid allergens. Let's just say, I choose not to rush home to strip, shower and wash my hair to remove allergens-and if home is currently a hotel room with allergens that is not even a possibility.
I choose to avoid my allergens. Being exposed to them while traveling can ruin a trip. Let me rephrase, discovering I have been unknowingly exposed to them when traveling can ruin a trip. So I choose to avoid them. I don't want to be told that my allergies are in my head, that I could just pop a pill and that you never let your allergies control you. Let me repeat, I work hard to avoid them. It is getting harder and harder as more and more people travel with their pets. Avoiding being seated next to an animal on a plane or a train can be an issue but the main problem, and the most serious, is finding a hotel that does not allow pets in the guest rooms. (Service animals are always allowed and I've yet to find a hotel that restricts them to specific rooms.)
I was once informed when making a reservation at a Omni property, the Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford Springs Pennsylvania, that I needed to book a room where pets were not allowed because it did not matter if the pet was present the allergens could still be present. If I could have found a way to kiss that rep, I would have. Although I have preached that message many times, it was the first time I had it preached to me. All the special cleaning in the world (which I trust hotels do since they charge pet owners) cannot be relied on to remove allergens.
I discovered this problem by checking into hotel rooms and finding my health deteriorating. Ten years ago, I saw it as an isolated incident. No longer. Finding pet free accommodations consumes the largest part of my time when planning travel.
Let me assure pet-owners of a few things. I do not hate your dog. When it comes to being a judge of character, I would probably trust your dog more than I would you. Dogs know. Even if I can't pet them, I swear they know I am a friend. Many more people travel with dogs than cats, but felines are also hitting the road more often. I could provide references from cats who sought me out in the past, but they probably would not deign to cooperate. And I love them for that independence.
There should be no judgment here. Dander can be a problem. If it is for you, I hope to help you avoid it.
Comments
Post a Comment