I've been following this thread, and my heart goes out to Anatess and her family, I can't imagine having to face the decision of having to choose to re home my pets. Our pets are a part of our hearts, and we see them as family, but at the same time I agree with Dozersmom comments that the quality of our children's lives and their health is also important I also agree that there are many other options you can try first before having to make that decision. There are many new medications, treatments, vaccinations and cleaning products and rituals you can try to reduce the allergens in the house. I also have allergies to my cat, and when I first got her, I was sneezing, and my nose was runny, but after a while, I got desensitized to her, and I just don't let her in my bedroom, and we vacuum a lot. I hope you are able to find a solution for your family, sending you lots of love and prayers that all works out.
I found some information and tips on living with allergies and pets
Living with Allergies to Animals
People who suffer from allergies to cats, dogs, or other animals may be advised by well-intentioned doctors to find new homes for their companion animals, but doctors are increasingly recognizing the importance of the human-animal bond. Says one California allergist, “If the advice to give up their pets is handed down … most people change allergists rather than change pets.”(1) There are many ways to increase the chances that your allergies and your animal companion can peacefully coexist.
What Causes Allergic Reactions?
Allergy-causing substances (allergens) can be found in animals’ hair, dander, urine, feces, and saliva. They can be carried on clothes and can stay in carpets and furniture for months, even after an animal no longer lives there.(2) The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reported that dog and cat allergens are detectable in 100 percent of U.S. homes.(3)
Despite some claims, there are no allergen-free cats or dogs. Dr. Kerry Hancock, who is with the National Asthma Council Australia, says, “All cats are going to shed hair (containing allergens), whether they’re long or short-haired. The allergen is the same across all cat breeds,” although allergy-causing proteins may be higher in male cats than female, and neutering a male cat might decrease allergic reactions.(4,5) As for canine companions, don’t let all the hype about labradoodles and other so-called “hypoallergenic breeds” keep you from adopting a mutt. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states, “No dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Even hairless dogs produce some allergens.”(6) Dogs with short hair or those who shed less might give their guardians fewer allergy problems.
Even exposure to rats, mice, rabbits, and horses can cause an allergic reaction.(7) Regardless of breed, allergy-sufferers who are considering adopting an animal should spend time with each prospective animal individually to see if a reaction develops.
Reducing Allergies in Childhood
Early childhood exposure to cats, dogs, and other animals has been shown to lower the risk of developing allergic reactions later in life. One study of more than 800 children in Switzerland found an inverse relationship between contact with dogs and diagnoses of hay fever and asthma, whereas children who had “early and current contact with cats were associated with reduced risk of wheezing and grass pollen sensitization.”(8) Another study of more than 8,000 children, ages 5 to 7, determined that those who had been continuously exposed to cats from the time that they were 1 year old were 67 percent less likely than other children to develop allergic asthma.(9) In some countries where cat companionship is high, epidemiological studies have shown a relatively low prevalence of cat allergies.(10)
Medication May Be a Solution
New medications can make living with allergies much more comfortable. A wide variety of nasal sprays, antihistamines, decongestants, and inhalers can help control allergy symptoms. Immunotherapy is composed of a series of shots given over time that can help desensitize you to allergens. Your allergist can help you choose the right plan for you.
Certain nutritional supplements and herbs can also help to minimize an allergic response, including vitamins A, B6, C, and E; bioflavonoids such as citrin; flaxseed oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids; MSM (methylsulfonylmethane); and the herbs stinging nettles, grapeseed extract, and ginkgo.(11) Check with a holistic health-care practitioner for more information.
What You Can Do
First, be sure that it really is your animal who is provoking your allergic reaction. If you’re allergic to an animal, you are probably allergic to other things as well. By decreasing other irritants, you’ll reduce your overall symptoms. Avoid tobacco smoke, automobile exhaust, and other irritants that can inflame your airways. The following are some other suggestions for decreasing symptoms from allergies to animals:
Buy inexpensive vinyl encasing for mattresses and box springs, and minimize upholstered furniture. Wash walls, ceilings, blankets, curtains, and throw pillows regularly. (The main reservoirs of cat allergens are carpets, drapes, upholstered furniture, mattresses, walls, and ceilings, which catch dust and dander.)
Replace carpets with tile, hardwood flooring, linoleum, or rugs that can be washed, especially in rooms where you spend a lot of time, such as the bedroom. If you must have carpets, spray them with a product that contains nontoxic tannic acid, which helps combat the effects of cat allergens.
Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)-type vacuum—it will capture the small particles of allergens that conventional paper-filter vacuums cannot. Consider getting a HEPA-filter room air-cleaner, which removes almost 100 percent of allergenic particles. Free-standing cleaners are better than the small, table-top filters. Remember to replace the filters often.
Provide your animal companions with their own comfortable beds and blankets.
Always wash your hands after petting your animal companions.
If possible, have others groom and bathe your animals and clean the litterbox. Grooming should be done in a well-ventilated area.
Beware of dusty or deodorized cat litter, which can be as allergenic as the cat.
Keep ducts, furnaces, and air conditioner filters clean.
Ventilate your house. Circulate air in the house by opening windows every day.
Feed your animal a high-quality diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids; healthy animals produce less dander.
Be thorough in cleaning—search out dust, mold, and animal hair.
Minimize or eliminate your consumption of common allergenic foods. In one study, 15 of 22 patients with asthma enjoyed improved health after only a couple of weeks of avoiding all dairy foods.(12)
Resources
Sources of allergy control devices and supplies:
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Allergic to Dogs
Managing Your Dog Allergies and Your Dog
Are you one of the many dog lovers that can't be in the same room as a dog without degenerating into a sneezing fit? Don't despair! You are not alone!
Thousands of animal lovers around the world are allergic to their pets, but that hasn't stopped us yet. Yes, that's me included. Before you accept the fact that you'll never join the ranks of the dog-loving public, or worse, feel you need to find Dustmop a new home, read these tips for keeping your allergies under control, and Dustmop by your side.
You're not even limited in your choice of dog breed. Terriers, Schnauzers, and Poodles aren't your preferred breed? Don't want to have to pay a lot of money for a purebred, and you'd rather hit the shelter to rescue a buddy in need, but you're afraid of your nasal reaction? No problem!
Living with three large, overly-affectionate, dander-by-the-ton dogs, I've found what really works to keep allergies under control.
Start Now
Visit your Allergist. Many are sympathetic to the pet lover's plight, and anti-histamine therapy is available for minor allergies. Immunotherapy allergy shots are also there for the heavy-hitting allergens. Ask your Allergist about starting a therapeutic program to get a handle on your allergies.
Air Filters are essential to any allergic household, regardless of pets present or not.
Carpeting should be removed regardless of the impending presence of pets or not. Carpet is one the biggest allergen collecting items, and with a pet, that effect is intensified.
Daily Allergy Controllers
Brushing your dog daily, especially during shedding season, in a well-ventilated area (preferably outdoors) can minimize the dust from floating furballs inside the house.
Vacuuming regularly, to catch and remove the aforementioned "floating furballs".
Weekly Maintenance
Hot water washing of all sheets and bedding that the pet lays on, even yours, if your bed is his favorite resting place.
Plain water rinsing of the dog will be the biggest allergen reducer. Even a dog with little dander will pick up allergens on his coat. Dust, pollen, and dirt all contribute to the "allergic" effect of a dog. Use plain water only, as shampoos and conditions can add to the allergen factor.
Wash the walls and floors of your house in mild dish soap to remove accumulated dander from the walls.
It's a lot of work, but nobody can deny the effect of a loving pet on the well-being of his owner. I have found the rewards of having dogs far outweigh any inconvenience
of a cleaning regime, and would not want them anywhere but by my side, in my house, and under my feet.
~Krista - living with dogs for eleven years and still breathing easy.
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I mean, I do suffer with my allergies, but I feel having my dogs outweigh the costs...even though I am very allergic around my dogs. 
