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At some point in our lives, most of us have been pet owners. In fact, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), nearly 60% of Americans currently own a pet. Since pets spend most of their time on floors, it makes sense that consideration should be taken when choosing a type of flooring that is best suited for pet ownership. Some things to consider are:

• Expense of the flooring type
• Comfort for both pets and people
• Ability to clean and maintain
• Durability

Each flooring type has its own pros and cons.  Below, we’ll discuss the most popular flooring choices and highlight what makes each a good or bad candidate for pet owners.

Stone/ceramic tile flooring is a great option for pet owners. The resilient surface is both scratch and moisture resistant. Maintenance is very minimal on this flooring type and it can deal with almost anything your pets can throw at it. On the downside, this type of flooring can be a bit expensive. Additionally, it can get cold and uncomfortable without a couple of area rugs. Though pet nails are unlikely to scratch stone or tile floors, you will likely hear the clickety sound of their nails as they walk.

Laminate flooring can offer the beauty of wood floors, while providing a more durable and easier to maintain surface. This type of flooring can hold up well in traffic and is difficult to scratch. You may need a couple of throw-rugs to keep it comfortable. The surface is pretty moisture resistant as long as liquids don’t sit for too long. Because of the hard, smooth surface of laminate flooring, it is also known to be slippery for pets.

Wood flooring is one of the most popular flooring types used today. While it can be very susceptible to pet damage, such as accidents, water/mud, and scratching, there are some ways to minimize issues. When choosing a wood type, the harder varieties make for better flooring. Wood types that best stand up to pets are Oak, Hickory, Hard Maple, and Brazilian Walnut. Also consider using mats at the entrances were pets come in. Keep their pet dishes on a protective mat as well. Make sure to clean up any messes as soon as they occur.

Linoleum flooring can be very pet friendly. It is very water resistant and somewhat soft, thus a quieter surface for your pets to walk on. As a rule, linoleum is difficult to scratch and is capable of handling traffic quite well. Best of all, linoleum is relatively inexpensive.

Carpeting is probably the least pet friendly choice. It easily soaks up moisture like a sponge, and can be difficult to thoroughly clean. On the upside, there are many stain resistant options available today. It is the most comfortable choice for your pets and there is very little noise as they walk. Still, it’s important to keep their nails trimmed; since some pets may have issues getting their nails caught in the weave and can either hurt themselves or damage the carpeting.