The Secret to Choosing Pet-Proof Floors

Need help choosing a new floor? Ask your dog. It may sound like an odd place to start, but according to flooring expert Kent Keoppel, owner of Floor Coverings International, that’s exactly what many homeowners are doing.

“After 13 years in business, the first thing people ask us isn’t about color, style, or even budget,” Kent says. “They ask about durability. They want a floor that can stand up to their fur babies.”

Fortunately, flooring technology has evolved dramatically, giving homeowners more choices than ever.

People who love the look of hardwood often assume it isn’t practical for a home with pets. But engineered hardwood offers the same warmth while standing up to the everyday wear of pet claws, Kent says.

Luxury vinyl planks are another favorite. It delivers the appearance of hardwood in a range of colors and styles while offering durability and value. Many products come with lifetime warranties.

And carpet? Kent says it’s time to rethink that, too. Today’s carpets are hypoallergenic and often feature built-in stain protection, helping them maintain their beauty even with pets.

Before recommending any flooring, Kent starts with one simple question: Why a new floor now?

“We hear everything from ‘our tile is outdated’ to ‘the carpet has seen better days,’” he says. “But more often than not, the answer is, ‘Well… we have a dog.’”

Understanding how a family lives—and who shares the home—helps Kent recommend floors that look beautiful and perform for years to come.