Let’s face it, pets are one of the best things life has to offer. Whether you own a cat, dog, bird, fish, or rabbit, caring for a pet is a relationship filled with unconditional love and joy. After all, pets are always there for us and are nonjudgmental.

It’s disconcerting when a person who really wants a pet is allergic. Individuals who experience allergic reactions to pets may want to research allergy-free companions. While some breeds of cats and dogs may be more allergy-friendly than others, here’s the news flash: There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog or cat. Allergic reactions are commonly caused by pet dander (shedding skin flakes), saliva, and urine. Animal fur or hair, contrary to common misconception, is not a significant cause of allergies, but it does collect dust, mold, pollen, and other allergens. That’s why the best pets for people with allergies are ones that do not have dander, fur, or hair.

Hair itself isn’t the problem, but it can act as a vehicle for dander and spread allergens around the home. Some breeds, such as the poodle, shed less hair, which means that there is less dander. Keep in mind that while poodles and some terriers may be allergy-friendly pets, it’s not 100 percent guaranteed.

When determining which breeds of dogs are more likely to trigger allergies in people and which are allergy-friendly, consider the size of the dog, not the breed. Large dogs are more likely to produce greater amounts of allergens. So if you have a golden retriever, you will likely be dealing with more allergens than if you own a Chihuahua.

Short-haired cats are on the short list. Just as there are no hypoallergenic dogs, there isn’t a breed of cat that is allergen-free. Even the hairless sphynx has dander and saliva proteins, which are the true culprits when it comes to pet allergies. There are some cat breeds that shed more hair, and hair can carry and spread dander around you home. If you own a Himalayan, Maine coon, or rag-doll cat, you may experience more problems because now you will be dealing with copious amounts of fur that tends to shed in clumps.

Controlling pet dander is one way to minimize allergic reactions. Special shampoos that are designed to reduce allergens can minimize reactions if the dog is bathed on a weekly basis. Cats, in general, tend to cause more allergic symptoms than dogs due to the fact that feline dander is light and sticky and is easily transported over a greater area. Try having someone who isn’t allergic brush cats daily and then clean the brush thoroughly to minimize dander. A damp washcloth may also be used to wipe down cats on a regular basis. Finally, consult with your veterinarian about healthy diets that can prevent dry skin and reduce the dander.

Fish, turtles, and other reptiles do not have hair or dander, so they make excellent allergy-friendly pets. But there are a few precautions to consider, such as making sure tanks are cleaned regularly to prevent mold, which can trigger allergies. With aquariums, it’s a good idea to make sure your house doesn’t become too humid, which can also lead to mold and cause a build-up of dust mites, which thrive in humid environments.

Vacuuming regularly with a unit that has a HEPA filter may help control the amount of pet dander in your home. It is imperative not to use a regular vacuum cleaner, which can spread the dander around and make the situation worse. Another important tip is to keep pets off the furniture. When a pet jumps on the furniture, saliva and hair can be released into the texture of the fabric.

So if you are caught between being an allergy sufferer, and a pet lover, fear not: There are plenty of hypoallergenic companions that you can add to your home, but keep in mind, the truly hypoallergenic pets are the ones with scales!

Margaret A. Reed, PhD, is the coauthor of the best-selling book, The Dogs of Camelot, an AKC dog show judge, thoroughbred racehorse owner, principal of Canine Training and Behavior Services LLC, and she serves on the board of Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, James A Baker Institute for Animal Health.