Best Types of Flooring for a Home with Pets
- GOFLOORIT
- Jul 30
- 5 min read
At GOFLOORIT, we provide carpets and hard flooring to homes in Towcester and further a field every day. Many of our customers are families which means there are several considerations to take into account when choosing the right flooring for their homes.
It’s about more than just looks - it’s about lifestyle. As a flooring provider and fitter, we always ask our customers about their day-to-day life when discussing the options. One important factor that’s often overlooked? Pets.
Pets and Flooring
If you currently have pets - or even if you’re planning to add a furry friend to the family in the near future - it’s well worth thinking about how your flooring will hold up. You’ll want something durable, easy to clean, and resistant to the kind of wear and tear that comes with claws, muddy paws, and the occasional accident. But of course, it still needs to look good and feel comfortable underfoot.
If you’re looking for flooring for your home and you have pets, contact our team today. We can talk about the different options and what will work best for you.
Suitable Types of Flooring for a Home with Pets
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s our expert breakdown of the most pet-friendly flooring types, including the pros, cons, and our recommendations based on years of experience fitting floors for pet owners.
Although carpets may seem like a rogue choice for households with pets, they can still be selected for low-traffic areas within your home or if you have a calm or elderly pet.
Pros:
Softer and warmer underfoot, ideal for pets that like to lounge
Sound-absorbing, which helps keep noise down (especially in flats)
Some ranges are stain-resistant and designed with pets in mind
Cons:
More difficult to clean than hard flooring options, especially with accidents or shedding. If you have a pet that is not house-trained, then carpets should be avoided.
Can retain odours over time if not properly maintained
Claws can snag loops in certain carpet types leaving pulls or damaging your pets claws.
Our Recommendation:
If you have your heart set on carpet and you have pets then opt for a short-pile, tight-weave, stain-resistant carpet in neutral or dark tones to avoid staining. These types of carpets hides fur better and stand up to wear and tear longer. Avoid loop pile carpets with cats—they love to scratch them!
Hardwood flooring is recommended for stylish homes with well-trained pets.
Pros:
Elegant and timeless aesthetic
Adds value to your home
Easy to clean spills and accidents if caught quickly
Cons:
Scratches easily from claws, especially large dogs
Needs regular maintenance (e.g., resealing) to stay looking good. These could be more frequently if your pet scratches or damages the floor.
Can be slippery for pets, which may cause joint issues over time
Our Recommendation:
If you’re desperate for hard flooring in your home and you have pets then go for harder woods like oak or maple with a matte or textured finish to reduce visible scratches and improve grip. Engineered wood can also be a more stable and pet-friendly option than solid hardwood. Invest in carpets and rugs to reduce slipping for your dog and save their joints.
Probably the most practice option so far. Laminate flooring is great for busy households looking for an affordable, low-maintenance option
Pros:
Scratch and stain-resistant surface
Easy to wipe clean - perfect for pet messes
More affordable than hardwood but with a similar look
Cons:
Can be slippery for pets (rugs may be needed)
Cheaper laminates may be noisy and hollow underfoot
Not ideal if water sits too long—can cause swelling so make sure you wipe up any accidents quickly.
Our Recommendation:
Choose a good-quality laminate with a heavy domestic or commercial use rating. Embossed finishes provide better traction for pets!
Luxury Vinyl Tile or LVT flooring is a great option for pet owners looking for durability and style in their homes. It’s particularly well received in kitchens, bathrooms and entrance ways.
Pros:
Extremely durable and waterproof—ideal for kitchens and utility rooms
Stain-resistance
Comfortable underfoot and quieter than laminate or tile
Wide range of stylish designs, including wood and stone effects
Cons:
Slightly more expensive than laminate – although with the added durability we’re sure you’ll agree that it’s worth the extra cost.
Must be installed on a level subfloor for best results
Our Recommendation:
LVT has got to be one of our top choices for homes with pets. It combines the resilience you need with the style you want. Great for dogs, cats, and everything in between.
Click Fit Flooring is a popular choice for the DIY-ers or those looking for a long-term, pet-proof solution.
Pros:
Simple click-together system—ideal for quick installs
Often waterproof and extremely tough
Great for covering existing floors
Cons:
Needs careful fitting to prevent lifting or gaps- this will hinder the water proof element.
Cheaper versions may feel cold or hard underfoot
Our Recommendation:
Click flooring is tough, waterproof, and built to last. It’s an excellent for pets that are prone to accidents or love to race around the house.
Different Pets, Different Needs – for Flooring as well as Care
Not all pets are created equal when it comes to flooring. Here’s what to consider:
Dogs and Cats: These pets will have the most impact on your flooring choices because they move freely around the house and can scratch floors with their claws. Accidents, muddy paws, and shedding are also common. Flooring needs to be durable, easy to clean, and safe for their joints.
Caged Pets (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): Less impact on flooring as they’re usually confined to specific areas or kept outside. However, any bedding or hay spills should still be easy to clean.
Birds or Reptiles: Mostly kept in enclosures—choose smooth, easy-to-clean flooring around their cages or tanks for hygiene.
If your pet is elderly or has mobility issues, soft flooring like cushioned LVT or carpet may be better for their comfort.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, choosing the right flooring for a pet-friendly home is all about balance. You want something that works for your household now and into the future. That means thinking about durability, style, comfort - and of course, your pets.
Need help choosing the perfect flooring for your home and furry friends?
We’re here to help. Pop into our showroom or book a free consultation today. We’ll help you find a flooring solution that suits your style and stands up to paws, claws, and the chaos of pet life.
