Ulta Lab Tests

Animal Dander Allergy Tests

Animal dander allergy occurs when your immune system makes IgE antibodies to proteins from pets and other animals—most often cats, dogs, rodents (mouse/rat), rabbits, horses, and some birds. These proteins ride on skin flakes (dander), saliva, and urine and can persist indoors long after an animal leaves. A proactive plan starts with allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) blood tests to likely culprits (cat/dog) and expands to other animals based on exposure (home, school/lab, farm/stables). When results or history are mixed, component-resolved diagnostics (CRD)—for example, 

Fel d 1 (cat) and Can f 1–6 (dog)—help separate true sensitization from cross-reactivity and refine counseling.
sIgE requires a routine blood draw and, unlike skin testing, is not blocked by antihistamines. Use results with your clinician to align findings with symptoms and exposure.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Nose/eyes: sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy/watery eyes

  • Chest: cough, wheeze, chest tightness—worse indoors or near animals

  • Skin: hives or itchy rash after contact; eczema flares with pet handling

  • Exposure clues: home pets; classrooms/labs (mouse/rat); barns/stables (horse); small mammals (rabbit/guinea pig); bird cages/feather bedding

  • Urgent care: breathing trouble or facial swelling—seek immediate help
    All symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified clinician.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Confirm sensitization to specific animals with targeted sIgE

  • Clarify cross-reactivity using components (lipocalins, albumins, kallikrein)

  • Support monitoring over time and inform exposure-reduction steps

What testing cannot do

  • Predict exact severity (IgE levels reflect likelihood, not intensity)

  • Replace clinician-directed skin testing or challenge when needed for complex cases

  • Provide treatment advice on its own—use with clinical guidance

Test Numbers at a Glance (sIgE and Components)

  • Cat Dander (e1) IgE — Test 2601. Reflex to Cat Components — Test 10564 (Fel d 1 [e94], Fel d 2 [e220], Fel d 4 [e228], Fel d 7 [e231]).

  • Dog Dander (e5) IgE — Test 2605. Reflex to Dog Components — Test 10571 (Can f 1 [e101], Can f 2 [e102], Can f 3 [e221], Can f 4 [e229], Can f 5 [e226], Can f 6 [e230]).

  • Mouse IgE (e88) — Test 2611; Rat IgE (e87) — Test 2538; Rat Epithelia (e73) — Test 2659.

  • Horse Dander (e3) IgE — Test 2603; Horse Dander w/Reflex to Equ c 1 (e227) — Test 10629.

  • Rabbit Epithelia (e82) — Test 2654; Rabbit (hair) options vary (availability by service area).

  • Bird/Feather selections: Feather Mix (chicken/duck/goose/turkey) — Test 37508; Canary Feathers (e201) — Test 2542; Pigeon Feathers (e215) — Test 2616.

  • Total IgE (context only) — Test 542.

Component patterns matter: Fel d 1 positivity supports true cat sensitization; Can f 1–6 patterns refine dog risk; isolated albumin positivity can reflect mammalian cross-reactivity. Panel reflexes typically trigger at ≥0.10 kU/L for the whole-dander test.

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Map exposures: list pets and settings (home, school/lab, barn/stable).

  2. Order targeted tests: begin with Cat (2601/10564) and Dog (2605/10571); add Mouse (2611), Rat (2538 or 2659), Horse (2603/10629), Rabbit (2654), Bird/Feather (e.g., 37508/2542/2616) as exposure indicates.

  3. Collect: routine blood draw—no antihistamine hold needed for sIgE.

  4. Results: view securely online in a few days.

  5. Next steps: review with your clinician to align findings with symptoms and environment.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • Positive specific IgE consistent with exposure and symptoms supports clinical allergy.

  • Component-positive (Fel d 1; selected Can f markers) strengthens evidence for true pet sensitization; albumin-only findings suggest possible mammalian cross-reactivity.

  • Low/borderline sIgE can still be meaningful if symptoms are strong with exposure; your clinician may add skin testing or more components.

  • Negative sIgE with a convincing history may prompt evaluation for non-IgE triggers or other indoor allergens.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Pet-owner start: Cat (2601 ± 10564) and Dog (2605 ± 10571)

  • Occupational/academic labs: Mouse (2611) and Rat (2538 or 2659); add Rabbit (2654) if present

  • Equestrian exposure: Horse (2603 ± 10629)

  • Bird/feather bedding: Feather Mix (37508); consider specific bird feathers (2542, 2616) and dust-mite testing if pillows/comforters are used

  • Clarify cross-reactivity: add components (Fel d 1; Can f 1–6) when dander sIgE is positive but history is mixed

FAQs

Do I need to stop antihistamines before these blood tests?
No. Antihistamines do not affect sIgE blood testing (they can affect skin tests).

Does a higher IgE mean a worse reaction?
Not necessarily. Higher levels increase likelihood of reactivity but don’t measure severity.

Why order components like Fel d 1 or Can f 1–6?
Components help separate true pet sensitization from cross-reactivity, improving counseling.

Can I be allergic to one dog but not another?
Yes. Dogs carry multiple allergen families; component patterns and exposure levels matter more than breed.

If the pet leaves, will results turn negative?
sIgE may persist for months or years; symptoms often improve sooner with reduced exposure.

Blood vs skin tests—what’s the difference?
sIgE blood is medication-friendly and standardized; skin testing can be more sensitive for some allergens and is clinician-performed.

Internal Links & Cross-References

  • Allergy Testing Hub

  • Environmental Allergies • Dust Mite • Mold • Pollen (Trees/Grasses/Weeds) • Food Allergy Testing (IgE) • Allergy Components

  • Downward (individual test pages): Cat sIgE 2601 (± Cat Components 10564) • Dog sIgE 2605 (± Dog Components 10571) • Mouse sIgE 2611 • Rat sIgE 2538/2659 • Horse sIgE 2603 (± Component Reflex 10629) • Rabbit sIgE 2654 • Feather Mix 37508 • Canary 2542 • Pigeon 2616 • Total IgE 542

References

  1. Component testing for furry animal allergies—topic brief (content reviewed 2024).

  2. Respiratory Allergy Panel test details showing reflex to cat and dog component panels and reflex threshold.

  3. Individual test details for Cat (2601/10564), Dog (2605/10571), Mouse (2611), Rat (2538/2659), Horse (2603/10629), Rabbit (2654), Feather Mix (37508), Canary (2542), Pigeon (2616), Total IgE (542).

Available Tests & Panels

Your animal dander allergy menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Use filters to select single-allergen sIgE(e.g., 2601, 2605, 2611, 2538/2659, 2603, 2654, 37508, 2542, 2616), add component testing (Fel d 1; Can f 1–6 via 10564/10571) when cross-reactivity is suspected, and include Total IgE (542) for context. Schedule a local blood draw and review results with your clinician to align testing with symptoms and exposures.

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Name Matches

The Cat Dander e1 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins found in cat skin flakes, saliva, and urine. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic response, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, asthma, or skin reactions. This test helps identify cat-related allergies, supporting diagnosis and guiding effective avoidance and treatment strategies.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Cat Dander IgE Test, Cat Dander e1 Test
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The Dog Dander e5 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins found in dog skin flakes, saliva, and urine. Elevated IgE levels may indicate an allergic reaction to dog exposure, with symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, asthma, or skin irritation. This test helps identify dog dander as a potential allergen to guide allergy diagnosis and management.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Dog Dander IgE Test, Dog Dander e5 Test
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The Dog Fennel w46 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to dog fennel, a weed that can trigger allergic reactions. Elevated IgE levels may suggest an allergy, with symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, asthma, or skin irritation after exposure. The test helps identify dog fennel as a potential allergen to guide diagnosis and allergy management.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Dog Fennel IgE Test, Dog Fennel w46 Test
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The Horse Dander e3 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins found in horse dander. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, which can cause respiratory symptoms, skin irritation, or asthma flare-ups when exposed to horses. The test helps identify horse-related allergies and supports management strategies, including avoidance measures or allergy treatment plans guided by healthcare providers.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Horse Dander IgE Test, Horse Dander e3 Test
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The Rabbit Epithelia e82 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins from rabbit skin and fur. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, which can cause sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, skin irritation, or asthma in sensitive individuals. This test helps identify rabbit epithelium allergies and supports management through avoidance strategies or allergy treatments guided by healthcare providers.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Rabbit Epithelia IgE Test, Rabbit Epithelia e82 Test
Add to  

The Chicken Feathers e85 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins found in chicken feathers. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, which can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, or other symptoms when exposed to chicken feathers. This test helps identify feather-related allergies and supports proper management and avoidance strategies.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Chicken Feathers IgE Test, Chicken Feathers e85 Test
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The Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Screen detects IgG precipitins to inhaled antigens—such as Aspergillus fumigatus, Micropolyspora faeni, and pigeon serum—to support evaluation of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Positive precipitins help identify antigen sensitization linked to interstitial lung inflammation and guide further diagnostic workup.

Blood
Blood Draw
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The Beta-Lactoglobulin f77 IgE Test detects IgE antibodies to beta-lactoglobulin, a major whey protein in cow’s milk. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction that can cause symptoms such as hives, digestive upset, respiratory issues, or anaphylaxis. This test helps confirm milk protein allergy and supports personalized dietary and allergy management.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Beta-Lactoglobulin IgE Test, Beta-Lactoglobulin f77 Test
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The Canary Bird Feathers e201 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins found in canary feathers. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, nasal congestion, or asthma. This test helps identify bird feather exposure as a potential trigger for respiratory or allergic symptoms, supporting accurate diagnosis and management.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Canary Bird Feathers IgE Test, Canary Bird Feathers e201 Test
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The Cow Dander e4 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to cow dander proteins. Elevated levels may suggest an allergic reaction, which can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, skin irritation, or asthma. The test helps identify cow dander as a potential allergen, supporting healthcare providers in diagnosing allergies and developing management or avoidance strategies.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Cow Dander IgE Test, Cow Dander e4 Test
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The Duck Feathers e86 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to duck feather proteins, which can cause allergic reactions. Elevated IgE levels may indicate an allergy, with possible symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, asthma, or skin irritation upon exposure. The test helps identify duck feathers as a potential allergen to support diagnosis and management of allergy-related conditions.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Duck Feathers IgE Test, Duck Feathers e86 Test
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The Ferret Epithelium e217 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins from ferret skin and dander. Elevated IgE levels suggest an allergic response, which may cause sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, wheezing, or asthma in individuals exposed to ferrets. This test helps identify pet-related allergies and supports effective management or avoidance strategies to reduce allergic reactions and improve quality of life.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Ferret Epithelium IgE Test, Ferret Epithelium e217 Test
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The Finch Feathers re214 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins found in finch feathers. Elevated results may indicate an allergic reaction, with symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, skin irritation, or asthma in exposed individuals. This test helps identify bird feather allergies, supporting diagnosis and management strategies like allergen avoidance and targeted treatment for improved respiratory and overall health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Finch Feathers IgE Test, Finch Feathers re214 Test
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The Gerbil e209 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to gerbil proteins, which can be present in dander, saliva, or urine. Elevated IgE levels may indicate an allergic reaction, with possible symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, asthma, or skin irritation. The test helps identify gerbils as a potential source of allergic responses, supporting diagnosis and management of pet-related allergies.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Gerbil IgE Test, Gerbil e209 Test
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The Goat Epithelia e80 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins from goat epithelial cells. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, which can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, skin irritation, or asthma-like issues. The test helps identify goat exposure as a potential allergen, supporting diagnosis and guiding avoidance or allergy management strategies.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Goat Epithelia IgE Test, Goat Epithelia e80 Test
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The Goose Feathers e70 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to goose feather allergens. Elevated levels may suggest an allergic reaction, with symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, skin irritation, or asthma. The test helps identify goose feather exposure as a possible trigger, aiding in diagnosis and guiding allergy management strategies.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Goose Feathers IgE Test, Goose Feathers e70 Test
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The Guinea Pig Epithelia e6 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins from guinea pig skin and fur. Elevated results may indicate an allergic reaction, which can present with symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, skin irritation, or asthma. The test helps identify guinea pig exposure as a potential allergy trigger, assisting healthcare providers in diagnosis and management of pet-related allergies.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Guinea Pig Epithelia IgE Test, Guinea Pig Epithelia e6 Test
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The Hamster Epithelia e84 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins from hamster skin and fur. Elevated antibody levels may indicate an allergic reaction, which can cause symptoms like sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, skin irritation, or asthma when exposed to hamsters. This test helps identify hamster exposure as a possible trigger for pet-related allergies and supports diagnosis and management.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Hamster Epithelia IgE Test, Hamster Epithelia e84 Test
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The Mouse e88 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins found in mouse dander and urine. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, skin irritation, or asthma. This test helps identify mouse-related allergies and supports management through avoidance strategies or allergy treatments guided by healthcare providers.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Mouse IgE Test, Mouse e88 Test
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The Mouse Epithelia e71 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins from mouse skin and fur. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, which can cause nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, skin irritation, or asthma in sensitive individuals. This test helps identify mouse epithelium allergies and supports management through avoidance strategies or allergy treatments guided by healthcare providers.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Mouse Epithelia IgE Test, Mouse Epithelia e71 Test
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The Mouse Urine e72 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins in mouse urine. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, which can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, skin irritation, or asthma. This test helps identify mouse urine allergies and supports management through avoidance strategies or allergy treatments guided by healthcare providers.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Mouse Urine IgE Test, Mouse Urine e72 Test
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The Pigeon Feathers e215 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins in pigeon feathers. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, skin irritation, or asthma. This test helps identify pigeon feather allergies and supports management through avoidance strategies or allergy treatments guided by healthcare providers.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Pigeon Feathers IgE Test, Pigeon Feathers e215 Test
Add to  

The Rat e87 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins found in rat dander, urine, and saliva. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, skin irritation, or asthma. This test helps identify rat-related allergies and supports management through avoidance strategies or allergy treatments guided by healthcare providers.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Rat IgE Test, Rat e87 Test
Add to  

The Rat Epithelia e73 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins from rat skin and fur. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, which can cause sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, skin irritation, or asthma in sensitive individuals. This test helps identify rat epithelium allergies and supports management through avoidance strategies or allergy treatments guided by healthcare providers.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Rat Epithelia IgE Test, Rat Epithelia e73 Test
Add to  

The Sheep Epithelia e81 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins from sheep skin and fur. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, which can cause sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, skin irritation, or asthma in sensitive individuals. This test helps identify sheep epithelium allergies and supports management through avoidance strategies or allergy treatments guided by healthcare providers.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Sheep Epithelia IgE Test, Sheep Epithelia e81 Test
Add to  

Everything You Need to Know About A Pet Allergy Test

Did you know that 30% of Americans are allergic to animals? With such a large percentage of pet allergies, you'd think that there wouldn't be so many misconceptions about animal pet dander. 

We are here to set the facts straight about allergic reactions, pet dander, and pet allergy tests. 

Keep reading to learn more!

What are Pet Allergies?

Pet allergies are often associated with the hair and fur that make our fluffy friends so adorable. This is not the case! Pet allergies are a reaction due to animal skin cells, saliva, and urine, which contain a specific protein that causes us to sniffle. 

Dead flakes of skin called dander cause most allergic reactions. You can have allergic reactions to all sorts of animals, but cats and dogs are the most common, most likely because they are the most common animals we interact with. 

Our immune system plays a critical role in keeping us healthy and alive. Its job is to find and fight foreign substances. These substances can include viruses, bacteria, or small particles such as dead skin cells, dust, or hair. 

An allergic reaction is when an immune system reacts to harmless particles such as animal dander. As the immune system fights these particles, your body starts to exhibit symptoms that are similar to colds and other viruses.

Animal allergies can get worse with frequent exposure. So if you suspect that you have an animal dander allergy, make sure you take a pet allergy test to confirm. 

Risk Factors for Animal Dander Allergy

Many signs and symptoms are minor and simply annoying when it comes to animal allergic reactions. However, there are some major risk factors if the allergic reaction is severe. 

The reaction can include anything from a runny nose to sneezing, to more severe reactions like difficulty breathing, chest tightness, audible wheezing, or trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath. When you are experiencing these symptoms, remove yourself from the situation and follow up with a doctor. 

You can also develop a sinus infection or asthma if you are continuously exposed to the animal you are allergic to. 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Pet Allergies?

Most allergic reactions are caused by the dander landing on your eyes and nose. When you are allergic, these areas will swell and itch when you are in close proximity to the animal you are allergic to. 

Often times the dead skin cells, or dander, are small enough to enter the lungs. As a result, those with a history of asthma or sensitive lungs can experience severe breathing problems. In addition, these problems can lead to a severe allergic reaction if not managed properly. 

Animal allergies do not only affect the respiratory system. They can also affect your skin. This is called allergic dermatitis, which is an immune reaction causing inflammation. 

These symptoms can include hives, eczema, and itchy skin. 

As mentioned before, pets are not the only cause of allergic reactions. Many people are allergic to different types of animals. We may not even know which animals since we rarely come in contact with them. The symptoms are the same, however. 

So, if you are visiting a friend's farm and suddenly start sneezing and coughing, you might be allergic to the cattle, ducks, or mice that live in the barn. 

How is Animal Dander Allergy Diagnosed?

The doctor will go over your symptoms, medical history, and conduct a physical examination to determine whether you are allergic to certain animals. When you visit the doctor, they will also order several lab tests to confirm the diagnosis.

What Are the Different Types of Pet Allergy Tests?

Since the immune system fights harmful and harmless particles in a similar manner, it is important to confirm what it is fighting. 

That is why pet allergy tests are crucial to determining what is ailing us. The doctor will order several tests, including blood tests (IgE), intradermal skin tests, or in some cases, usually with allergic dermatitis, patch tests.

An IgE test is an allergen blood test collected by a phlebotomist at a patient service center and sent to a national testing lab. At Ulta Lab Tests, we offer several IgE tests that are accurate and affordable, and you don’t need health insurance or a doctor’s referral to order them.

We offer 100's of allergy tests, including the following animal allergy tests.

  • Canary Bird Feathers (e201) IgE
  • Cat Dander (e1) IgE
  • Chicken Feathers (e85) IgE
  • Cow Dander (e4) IgE
  • Dog Danger (e5) IgE
  • Duck Feathers (e86) IgE
  • Ferret Epithelium (e217) IgE
  • Finch Feathers (re214) IgE
  • Gerbil (e209) IgE
  • Goat Epithelia (e80) IgE
  • Goose Feathers (e70) IgE
  • Hamster Epithelia (e84) IgE
  • Horse Dander (e88) IgE
  • Parrot/Parakeet Feathers (e78) IgE
  • Pigeon Feathers (e215) IgE
  • Rat (e87) IgE
  • Sheep Epithelia (e81) IgE
  • Swine Epithelia (e83) IgE
  • Turkey Feathers (e89) IgE

With an intradermal test, the doctor or nurse will inject a small amount of the suspected allergen under your skin. If the area swells up and becomes inflamed, you are likely allergic to that specific animal. A doctor may still suspect an allergy even if the skin does not swell. 

Lastly, a patch test is used when a skin allergy is suspected. For example, if your new kitten is causing rashes and itchy skin, you may have allergic dermatitis. Instead of injecting the skin as with the intradermal test, the doctor will place a tiny amount of allergen on your skin. If you are allergic, you will develop a rash in that area.

Are You Allergic to Animal Dander?

Allergies are no fun. Whether you are allergic to pets, cattle, or other fluffy friends, allergies are frustrating. If you suspect that you are allergic, don't hesitate to order a pet test allergy. 

Are you interested in more lab tests that are secure and confidential, affordable, and don't need an insurance referral? 

Ulta Lab Tests offers highly accurate and reliable tests with a 100% satisfaction guarantee so that you can make informed decisions about your health. 

Order your pet allergy lab test today, and your results will be provided to you securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests. Take control of your health today with Ulta Lab Tests.