The Best Flooring For Pets

The best flooring for pets is strong, easy to clean, and safe for paws. But not all pet-friendly floors perform the same. Some resist claws but let moisture in. Others feel soft but hold onto hair and smells (not ideal).

Flooring experts and experienced pet owners agree on the basics. Good pet flooring should stand up to scratches, protect against spills, and feel safe underfoot for animals of all ages.

This guide breaks down what works and what doesn’t. It includes expert input on the most reliable surfaces, from luxury vinyl tile flooring to engineered wood flooring. You’ll learn how each option handles wear, mess, and daily life with pets.

Whether you're raising a puppy, caring for an older cat, or managing a busy home with multiple pets, this guide will help you choose the right flooring for your space and your animals.

Top Flooring Choices for Pet Owners

When choosing the best flooring for pets, the goal is to balance comfort, strength, and, of course, hygiene. Below is a side-by-side comparison of the most trusted flooring options based on expert input and real pet owner experience.

What Should You Be Looking for?

The best flooring for pets needs to do more than look good. It must handle real-world wear from paws, claws, and accidents. Whether you live with a large dog, an active cat, or several pets, flooring experts look at how well each material resists scratches, moisture, and mess.

Scratch Resistance

Sharp-clawed pets can leave marks. Scratch-resistant surfaces like luxury vinyl tile flooring, tile, and quality laminate flooring tend to hold up well. Engineered wood flooring and bamboo flooring resist damage better than solid wood, though regular nail trimming and protective finishes are still important.

Want something stylish that’s also scratch-resistant? Karndean Van Gogh Smoked Butternut Vinyl Floor Tiles are a great option. It offers a traditional wood design but has a tough surface that stands up to claws and daily use.

Water and Stain Resistance

From muddy paws to unexpected messes, pet life can be unpredictable. Fortunately, all vinyl flooring, whether LVT or sheet vinyl, offers water-resistant protection, and many LVT styles are fully waterproof. Thanks to modern innovations, even some laminate ranges like the Berry Alloc Ocean Collection now feature waterproof coatings, making them ideal for homes with pets that are house training, ageing, or prone to spills.

For example, Berry Alloc Ocean+ Select Light Brown Laminate Flooring offers a strong waterproof surface with the beauty of wood. It’s stable under pressure and easy to clean, perfect for feeding areas, kitchens, or utility spaces.

Another great option is Moduleo LayRed Herringbone Laurel Oak, which combines modern style with moisture resistance. It holds up well in multi-pet households and wipes clean easily, making it ideal for mess-prone zones.

Comfort and Safety

Some surfaces are hard or slippery, especially for older pets. LVT or cushioned vinyl flooring gives a slight cushion underfoot and works better for pets with mobility issues or joint pain. Add nonslip flooring finishes or rugs in entryways and feeding spots to reduce slipping.

Love the look of tiles but not the cold, hard surface? Onyx Porcelain Sheet Vinyl Flooring delivers the elegant style of tile with a softer, cushioned backing and a slip-resistant finish. It also features a scratch-resistant surface that stands up to paws and play, making it a smart and stylish choice for pet-friendly homes.

Ease of Cleaning

Pet hair, litter, food, and dirt are easier to remove from smooth floors. Cleaning Vinyl and Laminate flooring is a breeze, they are incredibly low-maintenance. They just need to be swept or mopped daily. Textured wood and carpet trap hair and allergens, so they need more vacuuming and effort to stay clean.

For a pet-friendly floor that’s easy to clean and brightens up a room, try Berry Alloc Ocean+ Bloom Sand Natural Laminate. It mimics real wood but with a smooth surface that makes hair, crumbs, and dirt easier to spot and clean.

Health and Air Quality

Choose pet-friendly flooring with low VOCs and no harsh chemicals. All of our luxury vinyl flooring meets these standards. Some are also underfloor heating safe, which helps keep floors warm in colder months, ideal for chilly paws!

For a stylish option that supports both design and air quality, consider Moduleo Rootts Herringbone Galtymore Oak 86639. It’s a luxury vinyl tile with a stunning parquet design, low VOCs, and an easy-to-clean surface that helps maintain a healthier environment for pets and people alike. And it contains at least 22% recycled materials!

Floor Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners

Even the best flooring for pets needs care. Daily wear from claws, spills, litter, or food can damage any surface over time. These expert tips help extend the life of your floors, no matter what kind of pets you have.

1. Keep Nails Trimmed

Whether it’s a dog’s heavy paws or a cat’s claws, trimming helps prevent scratches. This matters even on scratch-resistant floors like laminate or luxury vinyl. Over time, long nails can still leave marks, especially near doors or feeding areas.

2. Clean Up Accidents Right Away

Pet messes can stain or seep into seams. Clean spills immediately, especially on laminate flooring. Use a mild cleaner that’s safe for pets. Avoid harsh chemicals or anything with strong fumes.

3. Use Rugs in High-Risk Areas

Place washable mats near litter boxes, food bowls, and water dishes. This protects the floor and makes cleanup easier. In entryways, rugs help catch dirt from paws before it spreads.

4. Sweep or Vacuum Often

Hair, dander, and grit build up quickly. On hard floors, this debris can act like sandpaper and dull the surface. Use a soft broom or vacuum made for pet hair. Vacuum regularly if you have textured flooring or rugs.

5. Choose the Right Finish

Pick a slip-resistant or textured surface. This helps older pets stay stable and reduces the chance of injury. Smooth floors may need grip mats to improve safety.

If you're bringing home a puppy or rescue animal, consider a temporary floor covering during the early training phase. It protects your main floor from early mess and scratches.

What to Avoid...

Not all materials work well for pets. Some floors are too soft, too slippery, or too hard to clean. Here’s what flooring experts say to avoid if you want a surface that supports your furry friends and stays in good shape.

1. Traditional Carpet

Carpet can trap hair, dust, and dander. It tends to be hard to disinfect and may not hold up to dogs’ nails or sharp claws from other pets. Accidents can soak in fast, and avoiding staining is tough, even with strong cleaners. If you do choose carpet, look for short-pile, dog-friendly flooring rated as stain resistant.

Carpet can also make it harder to manage fleas or other pests. Hard flooring is easier to clean thoroughly and supports a more hygienic space for pets.

2. Solid Hardwood Floors

While beautiful, solid hardwood floors scratch easily and don’t handle moisture well. Dog-proof flooring needs better surface strength. If you're set on a wood-effect, LVT offers more stability and still gives the look of real wood.

3. Cheap Laminate Flooring

Thin, low-quality laminate flooring can warp when wet and become slippery. While there are modern water-resistant ranges available, many laminates are not 100% waterproof. Some also lack a scratch-resistant flooring surface. Look for laminate with good click-lock stability and a textured finish to help grip.

4. High Gloss or Slippery Surfaces

Shiny floors may look clean, but they create problems for older pets. They can lead to slips and joint strain. These surfaces aren’t generally safe for pets who run, play, or struggle with balance. Use non slip flooring, mats or go with a softer surface to avoid falls during those fast, playful antics.

5. Skipping Prep or Reusing Worn Floors

Even the best flooring for dogs won’t perform well if it's installed over uneven or existing flooring that’s damaged. Prep work matters! Pet claws can catch on edges or seams, and moisture can build up under the wrong materials. Always start with a clean, flat base.

Keep Your Floor Looking Fabulous

1. Lay a barrier mat at doorways and the feeding station
2. Ensure muddy paw prints and accidents are cleaned up quickly.
3. Keep your dog's nails trimmed
4. Consider rugs and mats for older pets and for the 'zoomie' episodes.

Dog-Friendly Flooring FAQs

What's the best flooring for dogs?

The best flooring for dogs is waterproof, scratch resistant, and easy to clean. Luxury vinyl and textured laminate flooring are top choices. They hold up to claws, spills, and daily wear, making them ideal flooring for dogs.

Is Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring Pet Friendly?

Luxury Vinyl Flooring Tiles are great for pets as they are often scratch-resistant due to the wear layers, and the Click LVT and Rigid LVT are water-resistant when properly installed. Luxury vinyl is resilient, which means it gives but 'bounces back', and it has sound-resistant properties, and it is also easy to maintain, but do pay attention to the maintenance instructions for your chosen floor.

Is Sheet Vinyl Flooring Pet Friendly?

Sheet vinyl flooring can be fine for pets due to the water resistance and easy maintenance; however, make sure you opt for an option that has a scratch-proof surface and a strong wear layer. On the plus side, sheet vinyl is a very affordable option, and this means it won't break the bank if you need to replace it every so often. Even better, it comes in a fantastic choice of designs!

If you need help finding a suitable sheet vinyl for pets, dont hesitate to contact our friendly team!

Is Laminate Flooring Pet Friendly?

Laminate flooring can be a great option, look out for the collections that are designed with pets in mind. These are water resistant, better for allergies, hard wearing, and easy to maintain.

A great example is the Berry Alloc Chateau+ Walnut Brown. It’s water-resistant, has a textured finish to reduce slipping, and delivers the warm look of traditional wood with better durability for everyday pet life.

Is Wood Flooring or Engineered Wood OK for Pets?

It can be! If you have large, heavy, active dogs, zoomers, or a cat that likes to scratch, things could get interesting. Things to consider:

• Keep your pet's nails short
• Liquids can get into the grain easily, so be ready to catch it before it hits!
• Engineered wood is more resilient than solid wood.
• Solid wood can be repaired by sanding it down.
• Disclaimer: We are flooring retailers with real-life experience of all the above points. For your animal health and behaviour issues, please consult with a relevant professional.

What flooring is safest for older pets?

Choose a surface that offers grip and a softer surface. LVT or textured laminate flooring reduces slipping and supports sore joints. Add rugs in hallways or feeding zones for extra comfort and safety.

How do I stop pet hair and dirt from ruining my new flooring?

Sweep or vacuum often, and place mats at doorways and feeding stations. Hard surfaces like vinyl and tile make cleanup easier. Choose dog-proof finishes that resist scratches from grit and movement.

Need Help Choosing?

Explore our full range of pet-friendly flooring to find surfaces that stand up to paws, claws, and everything in between. Whether you're after waterproof vinyl, tough laminate, or softer options for older pets, we’ve got the right fit for your home.