Your doctor will diagnose a pet allergy based on your symptoms, a physical examination, your medical history and test results. Cat and dog allergies are usually diagnosed with a simple and quick ‘skin-prick test’. Your doctor will place a small extract of pet allergen (dander) on your skin and lightly prick you with a small probe to allow the allergen to get under the skin’s surface. You will then be monitored for any signs of an allergic reaction, which will typically occur within 15 to 20 minutes. If you do experience allergy symptoms, this will confirm that you are allergic to the animal.2 Even if you strongly believe that your symptoms are caused by your pets, it’s still a good idea to get tested. Your symptoms can actually be caused by other environmental exposures or by dust and pollen that is caught in your pet’s fur.2