Pet ownership is on the rise, and many families have or are looking to get a dog. Pets are a great addition to any family. They can teach children responsibility and help improve their confidence levels.

But with larger pets such as dogs and cats, there are extra considerations to make around the home. And pet-friendly flooring is one of them. If you’re a pet owner looking to renew or replace the flooring in your home, here’s what to look for.

What makes flooring pet friendly?

The first thing to look for is durability. Not simply because of your pet, but because busy households mean high foot traffic and more wear. So, look for flooring that can withstand a lot of use, including the rough and tumble of both children and pets.

Next, and no less important, is checking that it’s easy to clean. Some surfaces need mild cleaners or specialist cleaners, so you’ll need to consider how practical that is. Will you need to clean it more often?

Hard flooring materials that can be hoovered, brushed and mopped are ideal. And stain-resistant carpets that can be cleaned with hoovers, carpet cleaners and common cleaning solutions, will be the most practical.

Some flooring types are more low maintenance than others too. Meaning they only require a wipe over or a quick hoover, rather than needing special treatments such as wax or polish.

Especially with clawed and energetic pets, there are two other important considerations to make. Is the floor slip-proof and scratch-proof? Claws can make indentations in some surfaces and hard surfaces can be too smooth for pets to walk on easily.

So, what flooring is best for pets?

Luxury vinyl

Vinyl flooring is one of the most practical materials you can install in your home. It has many benefits, including being low maintenance, durable and quiet to walk on. But some brands are better than others. Look for a good vinyl thickness and a long guarantee, as this is a useful indicator of their quality. For example, Karndean’s rigid core luxury vinyl looks like real wood and doesn’t need polishing. And thanks to a protective layer, it’s scuff and stain-resistant. Installing a Karndean floor is best done by a professional fitter though, so it’s more likely to last and to make sure the finish is flawless.

Hardwood

Of course, you may prefer the real thing. Wood floors look great in any home, but not every type of wood is suitable for pet owners. You’ll need hardwood such as oak and maple as softwood materials like pine scratch too easily, spoiling the look of your surface.

Wood does need a protective coat of varnish, oil or wax to keep it water and stain-resistant. And this may need reapplying periodically to keep it in good condition. So, it’s not quite as low maintenance as vinyl.

Tiles

Tiles are really hard-wearing and easy to mop or hoover as necessary. So, they’re definitely practical for pets. However, it’s not ideal to tile your whole house. It’s too hard and cold to be comfortable in bedrooms and lounges. So, tiles are best for kitchens and bathrooms unless you choose to install underfloor heating and add a few rugs.

If you’re going for tiled flooring, choose a textured tile. This will provide a grippier surface for your pets and children to walk on. And although tiles are easy to clean, the grouting may not be. Pick a dark grout colour, so stains won’t show up.

Carpet

Carpet can be a great pet-friendly solution for your floors, but you do need to choose wisely. Claws can get stuck and create unsightly pulls in loop piles. So, go with a cut loop pile such as a Saxony carpet for easier cleaning and higher wearability.

As for materials, an easy-to-clean synthetic carpet or a natural textile with a stain-resistant coating is the best choice. Although sisal is hard-wearing, spills and pet accidents can stain, and dirt can be hard to get out. With wool, you need to remember that many cleaning chemicals will spoil the colour of the carpet. And spills will need to be treated straight away. Try a natural-looking polypropylene carpet for a hard-wearing option that can be cleaned with mild bleach solutions.