What’s the Best Carpet for Pets? Experts Weigh In

With their boop-able nose, wagging tail, and cuddle skills, it’s hard not to love your pet wholly and completely. When they make that inevitable mess on the carpet, though, feeling frustrated is completely understandable.

Choosing the best carpet for pets in your home can help minimize the headache by making cleanup easier, stains less likely, and lingering smells a thing of the past. Pet-friendly carpet is also less likely to snag on their cute little feet, ensuring comfort for them—and a nice-looking home for you.

Carpet choice really does matter when you have pets, because our furry friends can cause stains, spills, smells, and above-normal wear and tear, says Carly Fox, DVM, senior veterinarian in the emergency and critical care unit at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City.

While there’s no such thing as pet-proof carpet, you can opt for one that is easier to clean and less likely to stain or snag. Here’s what to think about when carpet shopping.

While an organic or natural material—such as wool, coir, jute, or sisal—may appeal to you, the reality is that these types of carpets are quite difficult to keep clean. Add a pet to the mix and you may be setting yourself up for headaches.

“Wool is not ideal and, in my experience, clients with natural-fiber carpets and pets will always struggle to pick up pet hair, dander, and other pet-related stains,” says Delah Gomasi, a cleaning professional and CEO of MaidForYou. “We always recommend our clients choose a more synthetic fiber that has durability and is not too expensive.”

Recommended synthetic pet-friendly carpet options include:

• Nylon
• Polyester
• Triexta (a combination of nylon and polyester)
• Polypropylene/olefin

Pile refers to the height and density of the carpet, and low-pile options are the best carpet for pets, Dr. Fox says.

“Ideally, you want to choose a carpet that is low-pile and has short fibers, to make cleaning the carpet easier,” she says. “These carpets are less likely to trap pet hair and easier to vacuum effectively.” Conversely, high-pile carpets sit high and tend to have large loops versus short, compact loops.

Though low-pile carpets are often denser and less soft in general, some are softer than others. These may be the best carpet for pets in their golden years, Dr. Fox says.

“If your pet is older and/or has mobility issues, having a soft carpet is key to prevent slips and falls,” she explains. “However, any carpet is better than hardwood and tile for these patients.” Extra padding underneath the carpet can also help create more softness.

If you already have carpet installed or want to keep hard floors in your home, consider adding a washable rug on top to increase protection and softness on your floors. Several brands exist, and you simply have to pop the rug into the washing machine when it’s dirty to make it as good as new.

Another option to consider, especially for mess-prone pets, is carpet tiles. These are installed in smaller pieces, similar to regular tiles. This approach gives you the ability to remove and replace a single tile if your pet makes a mess that doesn’t come clean.

Avoid carpets that are high-pile, which are harder to deep-clean. These also have large loops that can snag on your pet’s nails, causing discomfort to them and damage to the carpet, Dr. Fox says.

She also recommends steering clear of carpets made from natural fibers like wool, “as these are much more difficult to clean, and common cleaning products should be avoided on them.”

Even with pet-friendly carpet, it’s important to stay on top of spills, accidents, and smells. Gomasi says, “When removing pet stains from carpets, it’s best that you attend to the stain or spill immediately. Failure to do so can cause irreparable damage to your carpet.”

Gomasi suggests blotting the stain with a paper towel right away, doing your best to lift away as much of the accident as possible. Next, apply a topical cleaner. You can use non-enzymatic carpet cleaner on messes like tracked dirt, food, or other spills.

For urine and feces, though, he recommends removing as much as you can and then spraying an enzymatic cleaner directly on the stain and letting it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with a small amount of water.

“Enzyme cleaners break down organic compounds in spills that cause odors,” he explains. Try Nature’s Miracle® Odor Control Formula or POOPH™ Odor & Stain Eliminator.

To stay on top of general dirt, dander, hair, and smells, vacuum your carpet at least once weekly and spot clean as needed. The Hoover® PowerDash Pet Carpet Cleaner is built specifically to tackle pet messes, and for a handheld option, check out the Black+Decker® Dustbuster Hand Vacuum Cleaner.

Is there carpet that repels dog urine?

Synthetic-fiber carpets with a hydrophobic finish or waterproof backing can repel moisture and resist stains, including from dog urine. While they’re not completely urine-proof, this type of carpet may be preferred in homes where a lot of dog accidents occur because it makes cleanup much easier.

Is there such a thing as pet-proof carpet?

There is no such thing as a completely “pet-proof” carpet, but choosing one that is pet-friendly can help with its maintenance and longevity. This includes carpets that are stain-resistant, durable (e.g. nylon or polyester), and low-pile with tightly woven threads. Medium- and dark-colored carpets will also conceal more wear and tear over time.

Pets are the greatest, but the stains and odors they can make aren’t exactly enjoyable. Choosing the best carpet for pets in your home and staying on top of accidents and routine cleaning can make all the difference.

Expert insight provided by Carly Fox, DVM, senior veterinarian in the emergency and critical care unit at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City; and Delah Gomasi, a cleaning professional and CEO of MaidForYou in Sydney, Australia.