For households with dogs or cats, luxury vinyl plank and laminate tend to be the most practical choices — both resist scratches from claws reasonably well, and quality LVP in particular can handle accidents without damage since it’s fully waterproof at the core.

Solid hardwood is more prone to visible scratching from claws over time, particularly with larger or more active dogs, though engineered hardwood with a harder wear layer, or hardwood species rated higher on the Janka hardness scale (like hickory or oak versus softer woods), holds up noticeably better than softer options.

Carpet is generally the least pet-friendly choice for durability and odor, though it remains popular in bedrooms for comfort. Tile is extremely scratch-resistant but can be hard and cold underfoot, and grout lines require more maintenance around pet messes.