Pet-Friendly Carpets: The Best Durable and Easy-to-Clean Options for UK Homes

Many people believe that the only solution to pet-friendly flooring is to opt for hard floors. But if you’d prefer the feel of a cosy carpet underneath your feet in your lounge, bedroom, or living area, it’s perfectly possible to get modern, robust and easy-clean pet friendly carpets for UK homes.

In the UK alone, around 51% of adults reported owning a pet in 2024, which is why pet friendly flooring has become more popular than ever. When it comes to our furry friends, some may worry that fur, claws, busy paws, and odours can make carpets for pets a bit of a challenge. But, at Online Carpets, we know you love your animals, and that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your beautiful carpeted living room or bedroom thanks to our stain-resistant, easy-clean, and highly durable options. 

Why Choose Pet-Friendly Carpets for Your Home?

There’s nothing quite like stepping onto a soft carpet at the end of a long day. Both pets and people appreciate the warm feeling underneath bare feet or paws, and they can certainly help to keep rooms warmer in the winter. However, carpets may be more at risk of muddy prints, fur build-up, and nasty niffs in the case of accidents. This is where pet friendly carpets come in. These durable, easy-to-clean carpets are designed for heavy use, wear and tear, and regular heavy duty scrubbing and stain removal.

The Benefits of Pet-Friendly Flooring

Liberty Heathers Carpet

Pet friendly flooring can give you the look and feel that you want in your home without compromising on quality or style. It keeps pets and owners happy by balancing warmth and comfort with practicality, helping your flooring look its best for longer. Carpets are also quiet underfoot, won’t get scratched by pet claws, and the right materials are simple to clean; even with bleach-based products to avoid stains and odours. As well as homeowners with pets and children, pet friendly flooring is ideal for rental properties. Our carpets offer a long-lasting solution that is low-maintenance and easy to spot-clean.

Challenges Pet Owners Face with Carpets

Carpets in homes with pets can pose a few challenges compared to hard floors, but their specially-designed materials make cleaning easy while offering a soft, comfortable, and scratch-proof surface for any room in the home. Pets can bring a build up of hair, dander, wear and tear, stains, odours, and potential damage, which is why homes with pets need a hard-wearing carpet that is stain-resistant and able to be deep cleaned regularly. Carpets for pets and children are non-slip, cosy underfoot, insulative, quiet to step on, and are gentle on little (and big) feet. 

What Makes a Carpet Pet-Friendly?

Aspire Twist Carpet

Carpets for pets need to be strong, even in high-traffic areas, non toxic, low odour, and easy to keep clean. Our durable polypropylene carpets are the best for pets thanks to their strong stain-resistance, helping avoid marks and spills from being absorbed by the fibres. They can even be cleaned with diluted bleach if needed. Strong, stylish, and available in a wide choice of shades and patterns, their soft, 2-ply twist pile gives the carpet a flecked look which can help to hide pet hair and dirt between vacuuming. 

Durability Against Claws and Scratches

Some laminates, vinyls, and real wood floors are susceptible to scratching from pet claws, children’s shoes, toys, and daily living. Durable carpets designed for heavy footfall areas are remarkably resilient, and you won’t have to worry about having to maintain them by sanding, polishing, or lacquering them. They are also non-slip for busy pets and children in the event of spills. 

Comfort for Pets and Owners

Achieve the welcoming and homely look you want thanks to our diverse selection of carpet colours, styles, patterns, materials, backings, and thicknesses. From luxury carpets to budget-friendly options, we have the right carpet for you, which you and your pets can enjoy together all year round.

Types of Carpet to Avoid

If you have dogs or cats, we recommend steering clear of loop carpets. While the tightly looped fibres make it generally an ultra-durable option for homes, there is a risk that your pets’ claws get caught in the loops, thereby removing the carpet threads. This is because the texture of these carpets can be tempting for pets to scratch, essentially turning your floor into a massive scratching pole. Plus, once loop flooring is damaged it can be very difficult to repair and restore. 

This can also be the case for deep saxony carpets, but to a lesser extent. There is less likelihood of snagging in the fibres, but a greater risk of marks from claws and paws showing due to its softer texture. The type of carpet you opt for will ultimately depend on your needs. Saxony can still be a good option if your priority is comfort and softness under bare feet and paws. 

Top Features to Look for in Pet-Friendly Carpets UK Products

When considering carpets for homes with pets there are some important considerations to consider, from durability and colours to anti-stain technology, to help you make the right choice:

• Choosing carpets with built-in anti-stain technology helps to make cleaning easier.
  
• Synthetic materials, such as polypropylene, are less likely to absorb odours and stains.
  
• Consider the recommended underlay for your carpet and its location in the home.
  
• Opt for a lower pile carpet over a higher pile, which is less likely to trap dirt, fur and claws.
• Darker shades, such as grey rather than creams or whites, can help hide any marks or animal hair. 
• Picking a carpet with flecks of varying colours can help to camouflage imperfections or damage caused by pets or children.

Recommended Pet-Friendly Carpet Options

Belton Feltback Twist - Grey

Online Carpets have a wide range of durable carpets for pets and homes with children that can withstand heavy footfall and are easy to clean after any accidents. Our range of easy-clean options and bleach-cleanable carpets are ideal options. Specific anti-stain ranges such as Liberty Heathers and Belton Feltback Twist are great choices for pet owners, as they are suited to high-traffic areas, have a twist pile for added durability, and can be fitted with or without an underlay.

Creating a Pet-Ready Home with the Right Carpet

Choosing the most practical flooring for homes with pets or young children, or those who plan to get pets in the future, can make a huge difference to the longevity, hygiene, and overall appearance of your carpets. Online Carpets are your trusted supplier of stain-resistant, durable, and stylish pet-friendly carpet options and easy-to-maintain carpet solutions for every room in the home. Browse our range today, and enjoy our lowest price guarantee for your peace of mind.

FAQs: Choosing and Caring for Pet-Friendly Carpets

Are carpets a good idea if you have pets?

Carpets for pets can be a great solution for warmth underfoot and quieter pet (or small person) footsteps, but it’s important to choose an animal-friendly product which is durable, easy to maintain, and can be deep cleaned. Shorter piles are a better fit when it comes to fur, as they can be vacuumed more effectively.

What carpet material is most resistant to stains and pet accidents?

Industry data states that nylon carpets are up to 30% more durable against pet claws than some polyester alternatives. Modern materials such as polypropylene can also be cleaned using bleach or pet-friendly stain removers. Be sure to check the product label first. It’s best to avoid wool or any delicate materials with pets.

How do I keep my carpet clean with pets?

We recommend vacuuming your carpets at least twice a week if you have animals, and to groom your animals regularly to remove any excess fur. If an accident happens, a pet-friendly cleaner can be used on the stain. A repeat treatment may be needed to reduce any odours. It’s best to deep clean carpets throughout the year using a carpet shampoo.