Best Flooring for Pets: The Ultimate Guide for 2025 Homes

"We love our two dogs, but after they ruined our carpet, we had to get serious about finding flooring that could keep up." — Hannah B., Pet Owner

What’s the Best Flooring for Pets?

Let’s face it: pets are family. But they can also be tough on your floors. From muddy paws and scratching claws to unexpected accidents and shedding fur, your flooring needs to handle it all—and still look great.

If you’re wondering what flooring can survive your four-legged companions, this guide is for you. We’ll break down the best (and worst) flooring options for pet owners, help you understand the pros and cons of each, and give you expert tips for choosing the perfect floor for your home.

Whether you’ve got dogs, cats, or both, we’ll help you find flooring that’s scratch-resistant, waterproof, and pet-friendly.

What Pets Need From Your Floors

Before we dive into the best flooring types, it’s important to understand what challenges pets bring to your home’s surfaces:

1. Scratches and Dents

Pet claws—especially dogs—can scratch soft flooring. Even trimmed nails leave marks over time. Dropped toys, food bowls, or even a sudden zoomie session can cause dents if the material isn’t tough enough.

2. Water and Accidents

Young puppies, senior pets, and cats with attitude all cause messes. You need waterproof flooring that won’t soak in odours or stain.

3. Traction and Comfort

Slippery floors can cause injury. At the same time, pets love a surface that’s comfortable for lying down.

4. Noise Control

Hard floors can be noisy with pets running around. Floors that absorb sound are ideal.

Best Flooring Types for Pets (Ranked)

Here’s how the most popular flooring types stack up for homes with pets:

1. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

Best all-rounder for pet owners

LVT is the top choice for many modern pet-friendly homes. It’s waterproof, scratch-resistant, and soft underfoot.

Pros:

• 100% waterproof

• Scratch and dent resistant

• Quiet and cushioned underfoot

• Easy to clean and maintain

Cons:

• Low-end options may wear faster

• Look and feel varies by brand

👉 Ideal for: Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, open-plan spaces

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2. Tile (Porcelain or Ceramic)

Best for messes and durability

Tile is extremely tough and completely waterproof. It won’t scratch, and it’s easy to clean up after accidents.

Pros:

• Waterproof and stain-resistant

• Scratch-proof surface

• Long-lasting (20+ years)

Cons:

• Hard and cold underfoot

• Slippery when wet

• Loud for pets running across

👉 Ideal for: Bathrooms, utility rooms, high-mess zones

3. Laminate Flooring (Water-Resistant or Waterproof Types)

Affordable and stylish—but not invincible

Modern laminate floors offer decent scratch resistance and a realistic wood look. Some are labelled “waterproof,” though they still use a fibreboard core that can swell over time.

Pros:

• Tough against scratches (look for AC4 or AC5 ratings)

• Easy to install

• More affordable than hardwood or tile

Cons:

• Not fully waterproof

• Can be loud

• May be slippery for older dogs

Conclusion: While affordable, laminate is a high-risk choice for homes with puppies, senior dogs, or any pet prone to accidents due to its vulnerable core.

👉 Ideal for: Living rooms and bedrooms (if pet accidents are rare)

4. Engineered Wood Flooring

Natural beauty, but needs extra care

Engineered wood is more stable than solid hardwood and slightly more resistant to moisture. Still, it’s prone to scratches and dents.

• Oak (approx. 1,290 Janka rating) is a durable choice, less prone to dents from heavy paws or falling objects.

• Softer woods like Pine (690) scratch and dent much more easily.

Pros:

• Looks like real wood

• Can be refinished (once or twice)

Cons:

• Expensive

• Not waterproof

• Scratches easily

👉 Ideal for: Low-traffic homes with older or calm pets

5. Carpet

Soft and quiet, but easily damaged

Pets and carpets usually don’t mix well. Accidents soak in fast, odours linger, and claws can pull fibres.

Pros:

• Soft and quiet

• Warm underfoot

Cons:

• Stains easily

• Traps hair and odour

• Hard to clean

👉 Best avoided unless it’s pet-specific, stain-resistant carpet with low pile.

Key Features to Look For

When choosing pet-friendly flooring, prioritise the following features:

1. Waterproofing

Look for 100% waterproof products like LVT or porcelain tile. Avoid traditional wood and standard laminate in wet zones.

2. Scratch Resistance

Check the wear layer thickness (LVT) or AC rating (laminate). The higher the rating, the better.

3. Comfort

Vinyl is softer underfoot than tile. Rugs can help on harder floors.

4. Noise Reduction

Cork-backed vinyl or underlay under laminate can reduce clatter from paws.

5. Easy Maintenance

Choose floors that don’t require special cleaners. Avoid porous materials.

Real-World Test: LVT vs Laminate vs Tile

We tested three common flooring samples with simulated pet traffic:

• Test: We ran a dog claw across each sample and spilled a mix of water and vinegar (to simulate a pet accident). After 1 hour, we wiped it clean.

Results:

• Tile: No damage, but still slippery

• Laminate: Scratched and edges slightly lifted

• LVT: No scratching or warping

Conclusion: LVT wins for best balance of comfort, durability, and water resistance.

Best Flooring by Room for Pet Owners

Room	Best Option	Why
Kitchen	LVT or tile	Waterproof, easy clean-up
Bathroom	LVT or tile	Moisture-proof, safe for wet paws
Living Room	LVT or laminate	Comfortable, attractive, low upkeep
Bedroom	Carpet (low pile) or LVT	Soft, but cleanable
Basement	LVT (SPC core)	Handles moisture, temperature swings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What flooring is best for pets who shed a lot?A: Hard surfaces like LVT or tile make it easier to vacuum up hair. Avoid carpet.

Q: Can dogs scratch vinyl flooring?A: Most high-quality LVT has a strong wear layer that resists scratching from pets.

Q: What’s the easiest floor to clean after pet accidents?A: Tile and LVT are both waterproof and easy to mop. Avoid wood and carpet.

Q: Is underfloor heating okay with pet-friendly flooring?A: Yes. Most LVT and engineered wood floors are compatible with underfloor heating. Always check the manufacturer’s specs.

Q: Can I use rugs or runners on LVT?A: Absolutely. Use non-slip rugs to give pets traction, especially on stairs or high-speed zones.

Q: What’s the best flooring for senior dogs with hip dysplasia?A: WPC LVT is ideal. It’s cushioned, quiet, and provides grip—helping reduce slips and joint stress.

Q: How do I clean pet messes off engineered wood?A: Blot spills immediately with paper towels. Use a pet-safe wood floor cleaner like Bona or Method to avoid harsh chemicals. Never use steam mops.

Q: Does pet-friendly flooring add value to my home?A: Yes. Buyers with pets often prioritise durable, low-maintenance flooring—especially LVT and tile—in key living areas.

Further Reading and Trusted Resources

• Homebuilding & Renovating – LVT Flooring Guide

• Green Building Advisor – Pet-Friendly Materials