Best Flooring for Pets: Top Options for Scratch Resistance, Durability, and Easy Cleaning

If you share your home with a dog, cat, or any four-legged family member, you already know that pets and flooring don’t always get along. Between muddy paws, unexpected accidents, shedding, nail scratches, and water bowls that somehow always spill, the wrong flooring can wear down fast. Choosing the best flooring for pets isn’t just about style—it’s about durability, resilience, and making your home easier to maintain.

At Cincy Preferred Flooring, we help homeowners find pet-friendly solutions that stand up to the daily chaos pets bring while still creating a beautiful look you’ll love. Whether you’re replacing floors in one room or updating your entire home, here are the top flooring options that offer the best combination of scratch resistance, durability, and easy cleaning.

Why Pet-Friendly Flooring Matters

Pets live hard—and your flooring needs to keep up. The right flooring should make your life easier, not harder. Homeowners often find that traditional flooring options don’t hold up well over time if furry family members are involved.

The most common pet-related issues flooring must withstand:

• Scratch damage from claws
• Stains and lingering odors from accidents
• Moisture buildup from water bowls or wet paws
• Wear and tear from running and playing
• Allergens and dander accumulation

Choosing the best flooring for pets can save you money, reduce daily cleaning, and improve your home's overall comfort.

1. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): The Best All-Around Flooring for Pets

If you’re looking for the most durable, low-maintenance, and pet-proof flooring available today, luxury vinyl plank sits at the top of the list.

Why It’s Great for Pets

✔ Highly scratch-resistant:

 LVP is engineered with a protective wear layer that prevents nail scratches—even from large dogs.

✔ Waterproof or water-resistant:

 No stress when accidents happen or your dog drips water across the floor after drinking.

✔ Easy to clean:

 Just wipe or mop—no special cleaners needed.

✔ Softer and quieter underfoot:

 LVP absorbs sound better than tile or hardwood, making it easier on paws and joints.

✔ Affordable:

 You can get the look of hardwood without worrying about scratches or moisture.

Best For:

Homes with dogs of all sizes, multi-pet households, and families wanting maximum durability.

At Cincy Preferred Flooring, LVP is one of our top-recommended surfaces for pet owners because it offers the perfect balance between beauty and performance.

2. Tile Flooring: The Most Durable Pet-Proof Option

When it comes to pure durability, tile is nearly indestructible. With proper installation and sealing, tile floors can withstand anything your pets throw at them.

Why It’s Great for Pets

✔ Completely scratch-proof:

 No nail marks, no wear patterns, no dents.

✔ 100% waterproof:

 Perfect for rooms with indoor–outdoor pet traffic.

✔ Extremely easy to clean:

 Mud, spills, and stains can’t penetrate tile.

✔ Works well with radiant heating:

 Keeps pets warm in winter and is great for older pets with joint stiffness.

What to Consider

Tile is harder on joints, so it may not be ideal for senior dogs unless paired with rugs. Grout may need to be sealed to prevent stains.

Best For:

Entryways, mudrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic homes with active pets.

3. Laminate Flooring: A Budget-Friendly, Scratch-Resistant Alternative

Laminate flooring has improved significantly over the years, especially for pet owners. Modern laminate features stronger wear layers and improved water resistance.

Why It’s Great for Pets

✔ Highly scratch-resistant:

 Laminate is known for its tough top layer.

✔ More affordable than hardwood or tile:

 A great option for families on a budget.

✔ Easy to clean:

 Sweeping and occasional mopping are usually all that’s needed.

✔ Available in a wide range of wood-look designs:

 Get that warm hardwood appearance without the risk of scratches.

What to Consider

Standard laminate is not fully waterproof. If you choose laminate and have pets prone to accidents, consider the waterproof laminate options available at Cincy Preferred Flooring.

Best For:

Homes needing a wood look with high scratch resistance at a lower price point.

4. Engineered Hardwood: A More Pet-Friendly Alternative to Solid Hardwood

While hardwood isn’t always the first choice for pet households, engineered hardwood offers a more resilient option.

Why It’s Great for Pets (Compared to Solid Hardwood)

✔ More scratch-resistant:

 Engineered hardwood is harder and more durable.

✔ Stability in humidity:

 It resists warping and expanding better than solid hardwood.

✔ Can be refinished:

 If scratches do occur, refinishing can restore the surface.

✔ Beautiful and authentic:

 No other flooring matches the warmth and character of real wood.

What to Consider

Even engineered hardwood can scratch or stain if not properly maintained. Look for:

• Harder wood species (oak, hickory, maple)
• Matte or hand-scraped finishes to hide imperfections
• High-quality protective coatings

Best For:

Homeowners who want real hardwood but also need a more pet-tolerant option.

5. Carpet: The Comfortable Option (With Pet-Friendly Improvements)

Carpet may seem like the worst choice for pets, but modern pet-friendly carpet has come a long way. With stain-resistant fibers and waterproof padding, it can be a comfortable and practical choice.

Why It’s Great for Pets

✔ Soft and warm:

 Perfect for pets who love to lounge.

✔ Reduces noise:

 Ideal for multi-level homes.

✔ New technology resists stains and odors:

 Brands now offer pet-proof backing and fibers.

What to Consider

Carpet still requires regular cleaning to manage hair and odors. It's best for bedrooms or low-traffic rooms rather than main living spaces.

Best For:

Small dogs, senior pets, cats, bedrooms, and low-impact areas.