What is Pet-Friendly Flooring?

Choosing the right flooring material can be a real challenge for a homeowner with pets. How do you keep your pets safe and comfortable while protecting your floors from moisture, staining, scratches, and other types of damage? Fortunately, the friendly and knowledgeable flooring experts at Flooring America make it easy to find materials that are compatible with every family member - including Fido and Fluffy! Whether you’re searching for the best flooring for pet stains, scratch-resistant flooring for dogs, or other pet-proof flooring options, read on to learn the basics and get some design ideas your furry friends will love. 

Pet-Proof Flooring Types

Choosing the right pet-friendly flooring requires some important considerations as there are pros and cons to the different flooring materials depending on your pet’s needs. Finding flooring that suits your style and is ideal for your pet can be tricky, but our flooring experts are here to help you find the perfect balance. Potential flooring options include:

• Hardwood flooring
• Laminate flooring
• Luxury vinyl flooring
• Tile flooring
• Waterproof carpet

What Does “Pet-Proof Flooring” Mean?

The phrase “pet-proof flooring” means that it has to be strong enough to withstand damage from urine, scratching nails, tracked-in mud, and other hazards to your home. Durable, waterproof, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to clean are the qualities in flooring that essentially make it “pet-proof.” However, pet-friendly flooring should satisfy your needs as a pet owner and as a homeowner. Luckily, there are plenty of flooring options that can satisfy every need, whether it is style or durability and everything in between.

Why Should I Get Pet-Proof Flooring?

While we all love our pets, we know they can take a toll on our home. They can leave behind scratches, pet hair, dander, and messes. There are a few factors to remember when shopping for pet-friendly flooring. Consider the following when comparing different flooring options:

Is the flooring resistant to scratches?

Scratching is a major concern for dog owners, so durable flooring options are needed. Scratch-resistant flooring options include hardwood floors, stone tile, laminate flooring, and luxury vinyl flooring.

Is the flooring resistant to pet damage as well as wear and tear?

Scratches aren’t the only source of pet damage. Stains, mud, and moisture can also take a toll. This is especially true for hardwood flooring. If urine or moisture is your main concern, consider a line of waterproof products, such as luxury vinyl flooring or engineered hardwood flooring. 

Will it be comfortable for my cat or dog?

Of course! Pets appreciate a soft landing just as much as their owners - especially pets that love to jump. Plush, flexible flooring materials like carpet and cork flooring offer more cushioning and support than hard flooring materials like tile or wood. 

Does pet-proof flooring offer traction for my pet?

Both dogs and cats need traction, or the ability to “grip” the floor while they walk and run, to ensure they can safely navigate your home. Some types of flooring, like carpet, provide more traction than others.

What flooring type is best for pet urine?

Urine can damage your floors in more ways than one, so it is important to get stain-resistant and moisture-resistant flooring. Ceramic tile, porcelain tile, luxury vinyl, laminate, and solid hardwood with a dense, durable coating to repel liquids can all do the trick!

Waterproof Flooring for Pets

Accidents are a fact of life when you have pets - especially those with new puppies or kittens. That’s why all pet-friendly flooring options are waterproof! This is ideal for accident-prone pets and helps your floors withstand little spills and dribbles from the water bowl. 

For waterproof flooring options, consider a product made with luxury vinyl flooring, which comes in a wide selection of patterns, colors, and styles. You can even purchase vinyl flooring in luxury vinyl planks or luxury vinyl tile, depending on which design aesthetic you are going for. Luxury vinyl is tougher and more durable against moisture from urine, water, and other spills. That said, there are plenty of other waterproof and scratch-resistant options like engineered hardwood flooring, tile flooring, and laminate flooring for every pet owner’s budget and style preference.

Scratch-Resistant Flooring for Pets

The wear and tear from a dog’s nails can scar your floor for life and burn through your wallet in the process. Don’t worry, though! There are flooring options that are specially designed to withstand pet damage from those scratching and clacking nails. If you’re searching for a scratch-resistant flooring product, here are a few options to consider:

• Wood Floors - Certain hardwood flooring species are more resistant to scratching and denting than others. A good source to determine the hardness of a species is the Janka scale. The higher the rating on the Janka scale, the more likely the species will hold up to pet scratches. Engineered hardwood flooring is also durable and offers both style and strength. 
• Luxury Vinyl - Luxury vinyl is waterproof flooring that is also scratch-proof and dent-proof. With the correct backing, it can even be sound dampening. It is durable and cost-effective, making it ideal for any home with pets.
• Stone Flooring - Stone is another easy-to-clean yet scratch-resistant flooring option, providing an elegant alternative to luxury vinyl

Pet-Friendly Flooring Options for Dogs & Cats

At Flooring America, we understand that your pet is like a family member. They are an active part of your day-to-day life. We’re dedicated to helping you find safe, comfortable, and attractive flooring that meets your needs - and the needs of your furry friend! Whether your primary concern is preventing water damage, staining, claw marks, or all three, count on our friendly team of flooring experts to deliver top-quality flooring for every room in your home. 

You can find more information on our Best Pet-Friendly Flooring page, which will give you some pointers and tips for getting started. You can also contact your local Flooring America to connect with flooring experts who can help you find the best fit for your home.

Visualize Your Flooring Dreams

Want a preview of how new floors will look in your home? Try our room visualizer, My Floor Style. Upload a photo of your room, select your style preferences, and get a virtual look at each different flooring style. With My Floor Style, there are no surprises. Only beautiful new floors.