An estimated 70 percent of people in the United States live with animals in their homes, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). For many people, this contact results in nothing out of the ordinary. However, the ACAAI estimates 10 percent of people experience an allergic reaction as the result of an animal allergy. This figure is just an estimate – the actual number of animal-sensitive people may be 20 percent or even higher, according to other sources.

Animal allergies can result in a number of physical reactions, including runny nose, watery eyes, hives or skin rash, and difficulty breathing. There is also a strong link between animal allergies and asthma, as well as other allergies, such as pollen or dust.

Because people are most likely to have dogs and cats in their homes as pets, dog and cat allergies are the most common animal allergies treated and discussed. However, people may be allergic to all types of animals, including other types of pets (e.g., rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, rodents, ferrets, birds) and non-household animals (e.g., horses, cows, pigs, moles). In addition, people may react to urine and droppings from animals, including birds, rodents and insects, as well as insect bites and stings.

Animal allergies may also be triggered by products made from animals. This list includes feather pillows and some upholstery (though allergies associated with these are far more likely to be triggered by dust mites).

Animal allergies can appear at any stage in life. A person’s risk of developing an allergy (of any type, including animals) rises if a parent has an allergy (of any type). Treating animal allergies usually begins with avoidance, if possible, but it may include management strategies that can reduce the level of allergens within a person’s home or immunotherapy.