Hosting Pet-Allergic Guests: How to Prepare Your Home

If you have a cat or dog and a guest with pet allergies is coming, a few days of preparation can make a big difference. Pet allergens come mainly from proteins in saliva, dander and skin, and they spread to furniture, bedding and the air. Because a significant share of cat and dog allergen is carried on small particles that stay airborne, the EPA notes air filters can help with it more than with heavier allergens like dust mite debris.

This guide gives a before, during and after plan for hosts, plus tips for allergic guests. For more, see our pet allergy guides.

Jump to: Quick answer · Why pet allergens linger · Before guests arrive · During the visit · Tips for allergic guests · FAQ

Quick answer

• Make the guest room pet-free days ahead, and wash its bedding in hot water.
• Clean with a HEPA vacuum and damp-dust surfaces where pets spend time.
• Run a HEPA air purifier in the guest room and main living area.
• Keep pets out of rooms where guests sleep and relax most.
• Guests should bring their medicines, including inhalers and, if prescribed, epinephrine.

Why pet allergens linger

• Cats: the main cat allergen, Fel d 1, is made in saliva and spread to the fur during grooming. Up to 90% of cat-allergic adults react to it.
• Dogs: a Dutch study found dog allergen in hair and home dust, and no evidence that so-called hypoallergenic breeds reduce allergen in homes.
• Airborne particles: the EPA notes a significant fraction of cat and dog allergen travels on smaller particles that stay in the air, unlike heavier allergens that settle fast.

That’s why cleaning surfaces and filtering the air both matter. See are hypoallergenic cats real?

Before guests arrive

1. Close off the guest room to pets several days ahead, if possible.
2. Wash guest bedding, throws and pillow covers in hot water. Mayo Clinic recommends at least 130°F (54.4°C) for allergen control. See laundry methods for allergies.
3. Vacuum carpets, rugs and upholstery with a HEPA vacuum; see choosing a vacuum for allergies.
4. Damp-dust surfaces instead of dry-dusting, which stirs particles into the air.
5. Replace your HVAC filter if it’s due.
6. Set up a HEPA air purifier in the guest room, sized with a clean air delivery rate of at least two-thirds of the room’s area. See air purifier myths.
7. Bathe or groom your pet before the visit if your vet says it’s suitable.

During the visit

• Keep pets out of the guest room and, if possible, off the furniture guests use.
• Run the air purifier continuously with doors and windows closed for best effect (EPA).
• Offer a pet-free seat, or cover a chair with a freshly washed throw.
• Wash hands after handling pets before preparing food or greeting guests.
• Consider boarding or a pet sitter for longer stays or guests with asthma.
• Avoid adding irritants like scented candles and air freshener sprays; see fragrance allergy.

Tips for allergic guests

• Talk to your doctor before the trip about starting allergy medicine ahead of time. ACAAI notes nasal steroid sprays are the most effective drug class for allergic rhinitis.
• Bring your inhaler and asthma action plan if you have asthma.
• Ask about a pet-free room, or consider a nearby hotel for longer stays.
• Consider long-term options: allergy shots can treat pet dander allergy (Mayo Clinic). See allergy drops vs shots.

Visiting family for the holidays? See holiday allergies.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Read our medical disclaimer.

Frequently asked questions

How do I prepare my house for someone allergic to cats?

Keep the cat out of the guest room for several days, wash bedding in hot water, HEPA-vacuum, damp-dust, and run a HEPA air purifier in the guest room.

Do air purifiers help with pet allergies?

They can. The EPA notes much cat and dog allergen is on small particles that stay airborne, which air filters can capture.

Should I put my pet away when allergic guests visit?

Keeping pets out of the rooms guests use most helps. For longer stays or guests with asthma, consider a pet sitter or boarding.

Can allergic guests take medicine before visiting?

Yes, with their doctor’s advice. Nasal steroid sprays are the most effective drug class for allergic rhinitis, according to ACAAI.

Are some dog breeds better for allergic guests?

A Dutch study found no evidence that “hypoallergenic” breeds lower allergen levels in homes.

Sources

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Residential air cleaners: a technical summary. 2018.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Indoor air filtration fact sheet. 2026.
• Satyaraj E, Li Q, Sun P, Sherrill S. Anti-Fel d1 immunoglobulin Y antibody-containing egg ingredient lowers allergen levels in cat saliva. J Feline Med Surg. 2019;21(10):875-881.
• Vredegoor DW, Willemse T, Chapman MD, et al. Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of different dog breeds. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012;130(4):904-909.
• American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Hay fever (rhinitis).
• Mayo Clinic Staff. Allergy shots.

Last reviewed: October 21, 2026.