What is Pet Friendly Flooring? UK

What is pet friendly flooring?

Well, that depends who’s asking; humans or dogs! In the past we have regarded ‘pet friendly flooring' as a system that is easy to clean and maintain in an environment with pets. Smooth hard floors are excellent at keeping out ingrained dirt, however they are not the best solution for all of us in the family. What we have sometimes not considered is what our beloved dogs require; Slippery floors are a significant contributor to chronic pain and arthritis in dogs, due to injury from slips. For dogs with existing arthritis it is essential that flooring issues are addressed.

It's time we stopped asking 'will my dog damage my flooring?' And start asking 'will my flooring damage my dog?'

Most dogs in the UK live in their owner’s home, and may spend up to 90% of their life in that environment. If there are steps that they repeatedly struggle up and down, floors they repeatedly slip on, or solid cold beds they repeatedly sleep on, their condition will not improve as they will continue to injure themselves. Your dog’s lack of ability to correct and therefore protect themselves when they slip or have to negotiate difficult paths will leave them prone to further trauma.

A slippery floor, be it wooden, laminate, or tile is very hazardous for an arthritic dog that already has weak & painful limbs.

Repeated slips, no matter how small, will progress the clinical signs of arthritis. For more information about Canine arthritis please see below; Canine arthritis  So when choosing your next pet friendly flooring please take into account the slip-resistance of your choice; Our PawSafe domestic flooring has a +36 PTV rating so is 100% safe flooring for dogs.  On top of this it ticks all the boxes you require as a dog owner and a home owner; Durable, guaranteed against Dog claws, waterproof, easy to maintain and attractive. no more grubby, hard to clean carpets! Click below for the best pet friendly flooring Best flooring for pets

What makes flooring pet-friendly?

Pet-friendly flooring is designed to withstand daily wear from claws, accidents, and fur without compromising on style or comfort. Key features include:

• Scratch resistance – ideal for dogs that run and play indoors.
• Water resistance – essential for puppies, older pets, or rainy-day walks.
• Non-slip surfaces – to prevent injuries for pets and people alike.
• Comfort underfoot – important for older dogs with joint issues.

Top Pet-friendly flooring options in the UK

1. Luxury vinyl flooring

LVT is a top choice for pet owners thanks to its durability and ease of cleaning. It’s waterproof, scratch-resistant, and soft underfoot. Many UK homes love LVT for high-traffic areas like kitchens and lounges.

2. Pet-friendly laminate flooring

Modern laminates are much more resistant to scratches and spills than earlier versions. Look for AC4 or AC5-rated laminates for pet durability, however is not anti-slip for dogs

3. Engineered wood with a tough finish

While real wood can be vulnerable to scratches, engineered wood with a strong lacquer can handle moderate pet activity—just keep those claws trimmed!

4. Specialist pet-friendly flooring from Floors for Paws

At Floors for Paws, we offer a range of flooring specifically designed with pets in mind. Our products are tested for slip resistance, comfort, and durability—and are recommended by UK vets and dog trainers.

Additional tips for choosing pet-friendly flooring

• Choose tones close to your dog's colour to hide pet hair.
• Avoid high-gloss finishes; they show scratches more easily.

Conclusion: Invest in flooring that loves pets as much as you do. With the right flooring, your home can be both beautiful and pet-friendly. Explore our collection of pet-proof flooring and see why so many UK pet owners choose Floors for Paws for quality and peace of mind.