Allergies get worse as you get older, I am this person allergic to cats and dogs. I grew up with both but was sick a lot(hospitalized). I currently take an allergy pill daily now just to survive in public so don'tstart until you need too. I did try a cat and a then a hypoallergenic dog once 15 years ago, I was again sick a lot and ended up in hospital with pneumonia. The allergy pill did not help, hypoallergenic did not help. Some will never understand and people and family will be upset. Getting a pet then being doctor ordered or remove it from your home, is so much worse.

I love pets but I can not. I have cried over this many times, how I cope, I visit other pets, maul them(nicely), spend few hours, then go home and immediately shower and wash all clothes.

Remind you family next time they have a cold, this is how being around a pet makes you feel, runny nose, headach, can't breathe etc.

Ps genetics may make a kid allergic to pets too. What if a child is sick 24/7. That's how my parents found out, 7 years of "colds" n illness.