If you’re a pet-owner, you’re probably already all too familiar with the wear and tear that our furry friends can cause to your home over time. Scratches, stains, odors and dirt are all common pet-caused hassles that can be especially damaging to floors.

That’s why many pet-owners, whether they’re building or remodeling a home, are cautious about what type of flooring they choose to install in the areas in which their pets live with them.

Before you begin your search, there are 4 common concerns that pet owners should consider when searching for flooring for their next project.

1. Scratch resistance: How well does the floor resist scratches and other marks, commonly caused by dogs’ nails as they walk around?
2. Damage resistance: Does the floor have a natural resistance to damage from things like pet urine and other accidents?
3. Traction & comfort: Does the surface of the floor allow pets to move, walk, run, sit and lay safely and comfortably?
4. Durability & ease of cleaning: How easy is it to regularly clean the floor and return it to its original look?

So, with all of that in mind, which types of flooring are best for dogs and other pets? You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that you have a lot of options when it comes to pet-friendly flooring.

Modern innovations have led to pet-focused technologies and warranties across the entire spectrum of flooring categories. We’ll dive into each one and give you our top product recommendations.

Pet-friendly carpet

Many people prefer soft, warm carpet in their bedrooms, but it’s probably not your first thought when you’re trying to pick flooring for a home with pets.

Carpet feels good for your pets to lie down, but it can be tough to clean and is prone to easy wear and tear. If you do opt for carpet, consider keeping it in low-traffic areas (such as bedrooms) where your pets don’t spend much time playing and running around.

Pet-friendly tile

Tile is well-suited to homes with pets in the family. Its hard surface and dense makeup make tile extremely durable and resistant to scratches from toenails.

Tile is also very easy to clean, as soil and pet hair sits on the surface. A routine sweeping, dusting or gentle vacuuming will pick up most solid debris. Wet mop as soon as spills or accidents occur, and you’ll be able to keep your tile looking and smelling as fresh and clean as the day you bought it.

The only significant drawback to having tile in a home with pets is that the surface is relatively cold and hard in comparison to most other types of flooring. You can solve this by laying down area rugs throughout your space, or a soft dog or cat bed or cushion.

Pet-friendly vinyl flooring

Luxury vinyl is arguably the ideal choice for pet-friendly flooring. The list of benefits is long. For example, vinyl flooring:

• Is extremely affordable compared to other flooring options
• Can be installed anywhere in the home, on, above or below grade
• Offers great traction with realistic wood textures
• Comes in a variety of beautiful, natural designs that mimic wood and tile
• Is easy to clean and resistant to scratches and stains
• Does not trap or release allergens into the air
• Is comfortable and quiet underfoot

You may be considering LifeProof Vinyl Flooring. Be sure to educate yourself on the pros and cons before making your decision.

The main potential drawback to vinyl flooring is that it can be susceptible to water or other liquid damage. However, modern innovation has led to a number of waterproof vinyl options that are well-suited to homes with pets.

Pet-friendly laminate flooring

Laminate is similar to vinyl in many ways. It looks like hardwood, is easy to clean, and it resists water and scratches well.

You’ll want to familiarize yourself with the difference between vinyl plank vs. laminate before you start the decision making process.

One drawback to laminate are that it often has a slippery surface that isn’t great for soft paws. You can avoid this by choosing a laminate with a textured surface. These floors are beautiful and are especially good for active or older dogs.