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

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.

Synthetic Fibers

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

Low Pile

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.

Soft Carpet

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.

Washable Rugs

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.

Carpet Tiles

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.”

To Clean Tracked Dirt or Spills …

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.

To Clean Urine or Feces …

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 Clean Hair and Eliminate Odor …

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.