Looking for the Best Flooring for Dogs? Start with These 4
May 5, 2025 - Michelle Murphy
Muddy paws, surprise accidents, uncontrollable zoomies. Dogs bring a lot of joy—and a whole lotta wear and tear on your poor floors! You need something that can hold up to all the chaos. But you also want it to look nice.
The good news is that you don’t have to choose between pet-friendly and design-forward. There are plenty of options out there that can do both.
Time to talk the best flooring for dogs.
These 8 pet accessories are an absolute must for new homeowners.
What Makes Flooring Pet Friendly?
Before we get into the best options, let’s talk about what pet friendly flooring actually means.
- Scratch-resistant: Claws, toys, and the occasional furniture drag can all leave marks. Look for surfaces that won’t scratch easily.
- Water-resistant: Accidents, water bowl spills, and wet pup shake-offs are inevitable. Waterproof or water-resistant materials are your best friend (second only to man’s, of course).
- Easy to clean: Aka, lowest maintenance possible. You want something that doesn’t require a whole production to tidy up.
- Comfort: Hard, cold surfaces might not be ideal for older dogs or pets with joint issues. A bit of give can go a long way for your furry friend.
The best pet friendly flooring types will check all these boxes.
Top 4 Best Flooring for Dogs
Not all floors are created equal when you’ve got crazy canines running around. You’ll want to seek out options that balance durability and design.
1. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or Tile (LVT)
If we had to pick an all-around winner, this would be it. LVP and LVT are tough, stain and scratch-resistant, waterproof, and super easy to clean. It also helps that they look soooo much better than they used to. You can find styles that very closely mimic hardwood, stone, or tile, and they’re available in just about every colour and texture. It’s also softer and warmer underfoot than tile.
Though it didn’t make our top list, laminate still deserves an honourable mention as a more affordable alternative to LVP. Just keep in mind, not all brands are waterproof and laminate flooring is often more prone to scratches and chipping overtime (hence why it’s not our top pick for pet households).
2. Tile (Porcelain or Ceramic)
Tile is another great choice for homes with dogs, especially in entryways, kitchens, or mudrooms where messes are bound to happen. It’s water-resistant, easy to clean, and really tough to scratch. If your dog’s a digger or sprinter, tile can take it.
Tile also comes in everything from modern concrete looks to classic encaustic patterns. It can be a little hard and chilly, so consider adding a rug or mat where your pet likes to nap or play.
While you’re here, check out MMID’s Ultimate Guide to Flooring Types.
3. Engineered Hardwood (With the Right Finish)
If you’ve got your heart set on wood, engineered hardwood is a safer bet than traditional hardwood. It’s made in layers, which makes it a bit more stable and resistant to moisture. It’s still real wood, so you get all the beauty and warmth, just with added durability.
For pets, we recommend a matte or wire-brushed finish to help hide scratches. And stick to harder wood species like oak or hickory. Softer woods (like pine) won’t hold up as well.
4. Carpet
We know. Controversial.
Carpet isn’t usually the first pick for pet owners, and to be honest, it’s not typically ours either. BUT. Some newer carpets on the market are specifically made to resist stains and hold up better against wear. So if you—like many of our clients—simply cannot live without that soft, cozy feeling under your feet, you can make it work with the right material.
You’ll want to look for:
- Snag-free low-pile or frieze styles
- Stain protection
- Waterproof backing
- Performance synthetic fibres like nylon, olefin (good for indoor/outdoor use), polyester, and triexta
Pro tip. Not all floor cleaners are safe for pets, so make sure you have a pet friendly floor cleaner on hand. Look for one that’s gentle, non-toxic, and designed for your specific flooring type.
You can learn more about pet-safe cleaning products in our pet-friendly fabrics blog.
Find a Floor That’s Designed for You & Built for Your Dog
The best flooring for dogs is tough, easy to clean, and still looks great in your space. Materials like luxury vinyl, tile, and engineered hardwood check all the boxes and come in styles that work with any design.
If you’re updating your floors and want something that works for both your pets and your lifestyle, we can help you narrow it down.