Best Area Rugs for Pets

Muddy paws, shedding fur, scratching claws and inevitable accidents ruin traditional rugs, keeping you stuck in a constant battle to keep your home clean and tasteful. You want to create a cozy, relaxing environment, but know all too well what it's like to waste your hard-earned money on decor that won't survive your furry family members.

Luckily, many rug materials withstand daily wear and tear, so you can maintain a loving home for your pets without sacrificing style. Enjoy a beautiful living space and stress-free cleanup with pet-proof area rugs.

Features of a Pet-Friendly Area Rug

Pet parents quickly learn to appreciate practicality. Pet-friendly home decor should offer a more comfortable experience than the alternatives. Here are some features shared by the best rugs for pets.

Washability and Stain Resistance

Hand-washing rugs is messy and time-consuming, and buying or renting a carpet steamer can be expensive. Washable area rugs solve those problems with built-in stain and moisture resistance, providing additional protection against pet-related spills and stains.

Pile Construction

Low-pile rugs are an ideal choice for pet owners, since they trap less fur and are easier to vacuum. In contrast, high-pile rugs can easily trap spills and fibers in their deep crevices, making them difficult to clean. If you want the softness of high-pile rugs without sacrificing ease of cleaning, medium-pile is your best bet for cat- and dog-friendly rugs.

Nonslip Backing for Safety

It's cute and funny when your dog or cat gets the zoomies, but they can injure themselves by running across a slippery area rug. Look for options with built-in nonslip backing to avoid accidents. You can also use a separate rug pad with gripping to improve pet safety.

The Best Rug Materials for Homes with Pets

Besides specialized pet-friendly features, look for these materials to put the finishing touches on your decor.

Synthetic Fibers

The best rugs for dogs and cats are often synthetic fibers, such as nylon, polypropylene and polyester. These artificial materials offer increased stain and mold resistance, making them the perfect choice for areas where pets can easily make a mess. Synthetic fibers also withstand matting, which can reduce maintenance and replacements over time.

Wool

Many wool rugs are durable enough to withstand daily pet activity while still being soft underfoot. Wool is also naturally stain-resistant, making it a popular choice for pet owners. However, if stain resistance is your top priority, you should know that wool doesn't resist stains as well as synthetic materials.

Cotton

Cotton is a casual and washable option for everyday areas with pets. Cotton rugs are soft and breathable, but aren't as durable as some other rug materials. Pet parents can benefit from using cotton rugs in areas prone to spills, though scratches may still cause damage.

Rug Materials to Avoid if You Have Pets

No matter the material, you shouldn't choose some rug styles if you have pets. Though these are trendy, they can be challenging to maintain in a home with constant pet activity.

Shag and High-Pile

Shaggy or high-pile rugs are among the softest choices, but they can easily trap dirt, such as pet hair, in their stringy fibers. When dirt gets caught in these rugs, it can be a headache to clean without professional help. Additionally, shaggy rugs are easy for pets to chew, which can pose safety risks and damage your rugs.

Fringed and Tasseled Edges

Frilly trimmings around a rug are the perfect toy for playful pets, which can lead to increased dirt and damage. These decorative elements are easy to destroy and can make your dog or cat sick if ingested.

Vintage or Delicate Antiques

Vintage rugs are often more delicate and require special maintenance and cleaning. A beloved pet can ruin your expensive heirloom before you realize what has happened.

Pet-Friendly Tips for Choosing Rug Designs

Strategic decorating choices hide stains and fur, while other options can accentuate messes. Here's what to consider when choosing pet-friendly area rug designs.

• Pattern: Bold, busy patterns disguise stubborn stains and everyday grime. Choose a pet-friendly material in a pattern you love for a flooring option that suits your aesthetic preferences and lifestyle.
• Color: Conceal daily pet hair buildup by matching your area rug to your pet's fur. For example, if you have a dachshund or chocolate Lab, a brown area rug will hide their shed hair fairly easily. Alternatively, a gray area rug can camouflage hair buildup if you live with a black dog and a white cat are members of your family.
• Texture: Soft, fuzzy rugs will always attract more pet hair and dirt, while low-pile rugs are more durable and easier to take care of. Pick your rug texture based on your needs.

Quick Area Rug Care Tips for a Pet-Friendly Home

Any rugs you choose will require periodic attention — but every pet parent knows that frequent cleaning is a small price to pay for unconditional love. Here's how to keep your floors clean while living with pets.

• Vacuum frequently: Combat accumulated pet hair and dander by vacuuming regularly.
• Clean up messes immediately: Accidents are inevitable with pets. Address spills as soon as possible to prevent staining and mold buildup. 
• Buy washable rugs: Spot cleaning may not be sufficient to remove stubborn stains. Washable rugs are ideal for families with pets, as they can withstand frequent cycles without damage or increased wear.

Explore Our Selection of Area Rugs at Carpet & Tile Mart

Life with pets is even more rewarding when you don't need to sacrifice your space. With washable area rugs, your entire household can enjoy soft, durable floors without worrying about wear and tear.

Carpet & Tile Mart offers a wide selection of high-quality, pet-friendly area rugs for every lifestyle. If you'd like to feel it before you buy it, head to one of our 14 physical stores throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey to explore the best area rugs for dogs and cats in person. Otherwise, contact us today to discuss your pet-friendly flooring needs and shop online for free shipping on area rugs.