Best Flooring for Pets: Easy-Care Floors for Dogs and Cats

September 28, 2026

Muddy paws, splashing water bowls, the odd accident and a lot of zoomies. Life with dogs and cats is wonderful, but it can be tough on floors. The good news? Choosing the best flooring for pets makes life so much easier, and it can still look fantastic.

Best flooring for pets: timber-look vinyl plank flooring in a family living room

What makes the best flooring for pets?

  • Scratch resistance to stand up to claws.
  • Water resistance for spills, wet coats and accidents.
  • Easy cleaning so hair and dirt sweep straight up.
  • Comfort and grip for pets that love to lie on the floor, and for older dogs.

Pet-friendly flooring at a glance

FlooringWhy pet owners like itBest for
HybridWater-resistant core, tough wear layer, easy to cleanLiving areas, kitchens, whole of home
Vinyl plankWaterproof, quiet and softer underfootApartments, laundries, pet zones
LaminateVery hard, scratch-resistant surfaceDry areas and homes with big dogs
Triexta carpetBuilt-in stain resistance, warm and softBedrooms and lounge rooms

Our pet-friendly picks

Royal 6.5mm Premium hybrid – a 100% waterproof core, 0.5mm wear layer and 6 Star acoustic rating, so claws are quieter too. Perfect through living areas and kitchens.

Royal 5mm Vinyl Plank – a commercial-grade 0.7mm wear layer, anti-stain coating and ultra-matte finish that hides paw prints.

RoyalStep 12mm laminate – an AC5-rated surface with a timber-design bevel that helps keep water and dirt out of the joins. A strong option for big, energetic dogs in drier areas.

Freedom triexta carpet – wonderfully soft, pet friendly and cleanable with cold water, with stain resistance built into the fibre. Rated Residential Extra Heavy Duty & Stairs.

Quick tips for pet owners

  • Keep claws trimmed. It is the easiest way to reduce scratches on any floor.
  • Put a mat at the back door and a tray under water bowls.
  • Wipe up accidents quickly and use a cleaner that suits your floor.
  • Choose matte or textured finishes, which hide marks better than gloss.
  • Add rugs where older dogs need extra grip.

Torn between the two most popular hard floors? Read hybrid vs laminate flooring. Prefer carpet? Our guide to pet-friendly carpets has more ideas.

See the options in person

Pets and floors are personal, so it helps to see and feel the samples. Visit Royal Floors in Penrith, Campbelltown, Hornsby or Logan, or book a free measure and quote and we will bring the samples to you.

A few of our favourite shades

Frequently asked questions

What is the best flooring for dogs?

Hybrid and vinyl plank are the most popular choices because they handle water and are easy to clean. For big dogs in dry areas, a high-rated laminate is also very tough.

What is the most scratch-resistant flooring for pets?

Laminate with an AC4 or AC5 rating has one of the hardest surfaces. No floor is completely scratch-proof, so trimming claws helps.

Is carpet OK with pets?

Yes. Stain-resistant fibres such as triexta and cut-pile styles work well with cats and dogs.

Explore our flooring range and find a floor the whole family will love, fur babies included.

Seasonal Deals Are Here!

Enjoy royal savings on our exclusive seasonal offers.

Where great floors begin, Visit us at

Sydney & Brisbane

CAMPBELLTOWN

02 8605 1900

LOGAN QLD

0457 770 261