We Tested More Than 30 Rugs And Found the Best For Homes With Dogs (2024)

A perfect pet-friendly rug should make clean-up easy, whether it’s dirty paws, doggie slobber, or house training accidents. "Many rugs have built-in pet protection against stains and moisture, which may make them easier to clean,” Rob White, Director of Cleaning Systems at Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning shared with The Spruce Pets. “You should treat pet messes right away because the quicker you get to it, the better.”

The Winners

We tested more than 30 dog-friendly rugs in our New York testing lab and in our own homes with each rug spending weeks under foot and paw. From zoomies to naps, our rugs saw lots of action. Our favorite is the Ruggable Linear Striped Multicolor Rug, which comes in two pieces so you can wash the top in a standard washing machine. For a classic rug that works in many different home décor settings, we like the LL Bean Braided Wool Rug, which is reversible and heavy-duty so that it doesn’t slide around every time you walk across it. We also identified many other options worth your consideration:

Best Wool: Garnet Hill Hable Wool Rug at Garnethill

Best Runner: Safavieh Crystal Collection Rug

Best Outdoor Rug: IKEA LYDERSHOLM Rug

Best Floral: Rifle Paper Co. Provence Joliette Power-Loomed Rug

Best Solid-Color Shag: Safavieh Milan Shag Accent Rug

Best Checkered: AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Rug

Best Jute: Revival Hart Jute Rug

Best Faux Fur: Ashler Home Faux Sheepskin Rug

Our Favorite Rug For Homes With Dogs

Ruggable Linear Striped Multicolor Rug

View on Ruggable.com

What We Like: Machine wash and dry; huge variety of sizes, colors and styles; very low pile; relatively lightweight and easy to move

What We Don’t Like: Not very cushy; tends to move around on slick surfaces

While most rugs suggest using a rug pad (which usually is sold separately) for grip and to protect your flooring, Ruggable rugs incorporate the rug pad into each purchase, so you’re buying a two-piece “Rug System.” The outer rug layer attaches to the rug pad, but it can be separated for washing in a standard washing machine.

While Ruggable offers a huge selection of machine-washable rugs, our favorite is the Ruggable Linear Striped, which is available in a multicolor version or navy blue option. And if you're looking for a doormat suitable for dogs, Ruggable has those as well.

The rug cover component of the Ruggable system is made from polyester with a water-resistant polyurethane barrier, which stands up well to pet spills. Anything that can’t be spot-cleaned can then be easily washed in a standard washing machine. The rug pad is latex-free and easy to spot clean. The rug cover and pad combined are only a quarter-inch thick.

While we have had the best experience with the Ruggable selection of runners and area rugs, there are several other machine-washable brands worth considering, including Tumble and Rugs USA.

Comes in two-piece set (cover and pad) with washable cover

A Sturdy Choice

L.L. Bean Braided Wool Rug

$599 at L.L.Bean

What We Like: Reversible and easy to vacuum; available in four shapes (rectangle, circle, oval, runner) and six colors; range of dimensions; all wool (not synthetic)

What We Don't Like: Will eventually show signs of wear from repeated clawing; rug pad not included

For a home with a dog, the Braided Wool Rug from L.L Bean is a solid choice offering a texture that is heavy-duty, yet soft to the touch. For testing the rug's performance, we used a pet brush to scratch the rug with an action similar to a dog pawing the surface. The rug exhibited some wear with small loose fibers but overall remained intact. The rug is also reversible which will likely contribute to its longevity.

For daily maintenance care, the rug is easy to vacuum and coffee grounds were quickly picked up with handheld vacuum in our testing. The removal of chocolate syrup was best tackled with a cleaning solution and a cloth rag. We attempted to use a paper towel but it shredded and pieces attached to the rug fibers. Wool is naturally stain-resistant, but it’s not as effective at repelling wet messes as many synthetic fibers.

While testing, the addition of a non-slip rug pad underneath in a corresponding size made the rug feel more stable and plush. The intricate braiding of the wool—which we felt was more impressive when viewed in person than online—gives the rug a classic look. The rug is available in four shapes (oval, circle, runner, rectangle) and in six colors, with each shade weaving together variations on complementary hues.

Comes in oval, rectangular, circular and runner sizes to fit any space

How We Picked

While we've tested more than 50 different rugs, for our most recent round of testing we purchased 30 rugs and sent each one to a volunteer's home for real-world use and assessment. Our criteria included:

Each tester conducted two controlled tests to measure stain removal and durability (coffee grounds and chocolate syrup), and then took notes of how the rug held up to daily use over the course of two months.
Each tester used a stiff pet comb on the rug to scratch it and then look for fiber loosening, fraying, and other signs of damage. The testers took note of the rugs’ resilience and the strength of the fibers.
Each tester was asked to provide feedback in the following categories: quality, appeal, accuracy of online photos, ease of cleaning, and overall value.

Equipped with this first-hand information, we ranked and categorized our top picks—all of which received high marks from our testers.

What To Look For

Material

Rugs can be made with natural materials, such as wool and jute, or synthetic materials, like polyester and polypropylene. Both types are generally safe for use in a home with a dog (unless your dog has an allergy). Look for textile certifications like OEKO-TEX Standard 100—a label certifying all materials to be free of over one thousand harmful substances.

Wool: A incredibly durable, natural fiber derived from animals, typically sheep but also llamas, alpacas, and goats. The woolly fleece coat is cut from the animal and woven into strands of yarn. The method used for weaving the rug (hand-hooked, machine woven, etc.) will determine how well it can withstand wear and tear, but generally rugs made natural material, like wool, last longer than those made with synthetic material.
Jute: A natural fiber procured from plants that is durable, stain-resistant, and holds up to heavy traffic.
Polypropylene: A flexible type of plastic formulated to be a soft, stain-resistant synthetic fiber. For frequent pet clean-ups, material that water-resistant, like nylon, polypropylene, and polyester (all synthetics), will be easier to clean.

Vacuuming

Most rugs can be vacuumed, but many manufacturers recommend a light suction setting and/or avoiding the use of a beater bar, also known as a brush bar or roller brush, in the vacuum head. Opting for a handheld vacuum is also recommended.

Having a rug professionally cleaned once year and/or taking it outside and beating the rug to remove particles can help preserve its longevity.

Stain Removal

To completely remove a dog's organic matter—drool, vomit, urine, and feces, you'll need an enzymatic cleaner. You can check out our top tested cleaning products for pet stain removal. Using a recommended cleaner along with a paper towel or cloth rag to agitate should be sufficient for removal of stains from the rugs we recommend.

With potty training, using an enzymatic cleaner is essential to fully removing any remaining scent. Dogs have a more powerful sense of smell, so even a faint remnant of urine may lead to remarking in the same spot. Using a urine detector, you can check for any residual urine you can't smell.

Fringe-Free and Low Pile

Fringe may look nice, but it’s a tempting chew toy for puppies and even adult dogs. If you know that your pet is a chewer or you have a puppy, avoid fringe, and save yourself the aggravation and a potential visit to the vet. The same temptation for chewing goes for high pile rugs. A flat-woven rug will be less tempting for a dog to chew, and it will likely be easier for you to clean.

More We Recommend

Garnet Hill Hable Cross-Vine Hooked Wool Rug

$349 at Garnethill.com

Safavieh Crystal Collection Rug

$44 at Amazon $58 at Walmart $179 at Home Depot

What We Like: Runner shape offered in eight sizes and seven colors; suitable for high traffic areas; standard 100 certified by OEKO-TEX

What We Don't Like: Rug pad sold separately

Best Runner: The Crystal Collection Runner Rug from Safavieh is suitable for use in high traffic areas, such as a hallway or an entryway. The synthetic fiber rug (polypropylene) has a low pile (0.25 inches), won't shed, and is resistant to stains.

In our home testing the rug proved to be resilient, and our intentional messes (coffee grounds and chocolate syrup) were easy to clean with a vacuum, a mild detergent, and a cloth rag. The rug has been Standard 100 certified by OEKO-TEX, a global non-profit organization that conducts independent testing on textiles. The Standard 100 certification indicates that all items used to create this rug are free of over 1,000 chemicals known to be harmful to the health of humans.

The runner holds up well to scratching and clawing and is available in a variety of colors to suit almost any home. For stability and adding some plushness, use a rug pad.

Polypropylene is easy to clean up from spills and accidents

IKEA LYDERSHOLM Rug

$150 at Ikea

What We Like: Suitable for outdoor spaces, heavy-use area, and under kitchen table; water-resistant; no signs of wear after testing

What We Don't Like: Only available in one shape (rectangle)

Best Outdoor Rug: The Lydersholm Rug from IKEA is neutral, durable, and water-resistant, making it suitable for use outdoors or indoors, and in high traffic spaces, such as an entryway or kitchen. In our clawing test, using a pet brush to scratch the surface, the rug showed no signs of wear.

The rectangular rug is made from polypropylene, a soft, flexible material that stands up to stains well. It’s not machine-washable but can be shaken out or vacuumed using a standard floor head. In our home testing, coffee grounds were quickly swept up in one pass, and tackling the runny chocolate syrup spill required only a few paper towels. If needed, a damp cloth and mild detergent can also be used. For dry stains, a soft brush should remove the mess.

The rug is available in two sizes (6' 7" by 9' 10" and 5' 3" by 7' 7") and has a rubber backing to help keep it in place. If more stability is required for use indoors, IKEA recommends the Stopp Filt anti-slip mat underneath. Depending on which size you select, you made need to use more than one mat and cut it for a concealed fit.

Water-resistant and durable

Rifle Paper Co. Provence Joliette Power-Loomed Rug

Safavieh Milan Shag Collection Accent Rug

$46 at Amazon $232 at Walmart $342 at Home Depot

What We Like: Available in nine solid colors; plush with thick pile; stains removed easily; budge priced
What We Don’t Like: Rug pad not included; both vacuuming and shaking were required to remove coffee grounds

Best Shag: The Milan Shag Collection Accent Rug comes in four shapes, more than 20 sizes, and nine solid colors. This affordably-priced rug from Safavieh (the same manufacturer of our Best Runner pick) is plush with a high pile for a cozy feel.

In our testing we sprinkled coffee grounds to see how easily it could be removed from the shag. Several passes from a vacuum, along with picking up and shaking the rug, were necessary for total removal. However, overall the rug is low maintenance and easy to spot clean. The shag is made entirely out of polypropylene, so using a mild detergent and a cloth rag is sufficient for the removal of most spills.

The Milan Shag Collection Accent Rug does not come with a rug pad, but the use of one is recommended.

Available in ten rectangular sizes, six circular sizes, nine runner sizes, and four square sizes

AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Area Rug

$145 at Wayfair View on Allmodern.com $429 at Havenly.com

What We Like: Three shapes; stain resistant material; soft under feet

What We Don't Like: Higher pile might entice chewing; rug pad not included

Best Checkered: The AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Area Rug is stain resistant, durable, and comes in a variety of color combinations. The rug feels soft underfoot and is easy to clean.

The synthetic fibers of the shag rug are resistant to moisture, and the high pile texture returns to its soft and fluffy state after spot cleaning and vacuuming. If you opt for a light-colored rug and spill something such as coffee or chocolate syrup, you may find some slight discoloration even after cleaning.

The rug comes in three shapes (rectangle, runner, and square) and eight sizes. The edges are thick and the rug laid flat immediately after unboxing. The backing is a combination of polyester and jute which does provide a bit of traction, but you'll likely want to add a rug pad underneath (sold separately) unless you plan to anchor this rug under a bed frame.

Available in seven colors

Revival Hart Jute Rug

View on Revivalrugs.com

What We Like: Custom sizing available; made from biodegradable, unbleached jute; resistant against clawing; rug pad included

What We Don’t Like: Rug pad sold separately; not cozy under bare feet

Best Jute: Jute is a natural fiber made from plants, and the textile often is referred to as burlap. The Hart Jute Rug from Revival can be used both indoors or out. It's durable and stain-resistant, and the neutral color adds texture and warmth to any space. Revival offers custom sizing for this rug, but it also is available as a rectangle and a runner in various sizes.

For two months, the Hart Jute Rug was subjected to daily traffic from people and pets (a cat and a dog). The plant-based fiber is tightly woven by hand making it less susceptible to collecting dust or pulls.

The use of a hand vacuum is recommended along with spot cleaning to remove spills. In humid conditions, the edges of the rug may curl up—this is common with jute rugs—which can be irresistible to dog's who like to chew. Revival has a simple solution, which is to fold up the corner, roll the edge like a burrito and then lay flat (check out this video from Revival for a visual).

For testing, we added the corresponding sized rug pad from Revival (which can be added at check out), and we highly recommended this addition to keep the rug firmly in place. The overall thickness is under half an inch.

Sizing can be customized

Ashler Home Ultra Soft Faux Sheepskin Rug

$17 at Amazon

What We Like: Affordably priced; easy maintenance; soft texture; rug pad not needed

What We Don't Like: Color, size, and shape availability varies among retailers

Best Faux Fur: The addition of a soft faux fur rug is likely become one of your dog's favorite spots to relax. The Ashler Home Ultra Soft Faux Fur Sheepskin Rug is our top choice because it's easy to care for, affordably priced, and equipped with a suede-like backing that keeps the rug in place without the need for an additional rug pad. After two months in a testers home, the low maintenance rug is showing minimal to no signs of wear.

The rug is made of synthetic material that can be vacuumed and spot cleaned with a mild detergent. In our coffee grounds test, the vacuum quickly swept up the granules without compromising the integrity of the faux fur strands. Depending the size of your Ultra Soft Faux Fur Sheepskin Rug, you can also chose to machine wash on a gentle cycle and lay flat to dry. The rug stands up to a dog's pawing, and the brand even recommends using a wide metal comb to brush the rug.

The faux fur rug is made in four shapes: rectangle, circle, runner, and fur throw, more than 20 fun colors, and in a variety of sizes, from 2 by 3 feet to 6 by 9 feet.

Most can be machine washed on gentle

FAQ

Are sisal rugs good for dogs?

Sisal is made from theleaves of sisal hemp grass or the aloe plant. The name comes from the town in Mexico where it was first used. It’s extremely durable and often reversible, but it’s also stiff and difficult to clean.
“Natural fibers such as sisal typically can only be vacuumed, so they’re not the best choice for people with dogs, in case of accidents,” Rob White, director of cleaning systems at Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning told The Spruce Pets.
Are wool rugs good for dogs?

Wool is derived from animals such as sheep, goats or alpacas. While wool has a soft, appealing texture and is durable and long-lasting, it’s also very absorbent, so it tends to soak up accidents quickly (perhaps before you even discover they’ve occurred). It’s also expensive, so it may not be the best choice if you’re still in the house-training phase, because it doesn’t have as much stain resistance as some other types of fibers, such as synthetics, says White.
What rug materials are easiest to clean?

Nylon, polypropylene (olefin), polyester, and triexta arethe most resilient fibersto stains and are the easiest to clean. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy other types of fibers, such as wool, but be aware that you may need to clean more frequently.
How do you get a pet stain out of carpet?

As soon as you discover it, get to work. For wet accidents, “absorb as much as possible with an old towel or white paper towel,” says White. “Don’t use paper towels with prints or patterns, because the dyes can transfer to the carpet fibers.” Keep pressing the towels into the area to get up as much moisture as possible. You can even stand on the towel to help soak up more.
You also can use a handheld carpet machine to extract more liquid, but don’t use heat, which can set the stain. As long as you’re still seeing improvement in the stain, keep at it, says White. It can take several iterations to remove. To prevent odors (and, hopefully, prevent a repeat performance in this spot), use an enzymatic pet cleaner that is specially designed to break down uric acid. Follow the label instructions, but it usually must be left to air-dry.
For solids, gently lift the residue off the carpet without spreading it further. (Use a cardboard or stiff plastic utensil, if need be.) Then, follow the same steps as above.
If you’re fairly certain you've got a stain up, only for it to appear again later, you’re not imagining things. “You may get the surface clean, but if the urine has absorbed into the pad, it will keep wicking up from the padding, up into the carpet,” says White. That’s when it’s likely you’ll need a professional carpet-cleaning service.
How often should carpets be cleaned if you have pets?

It depends on the overall traffic in your home. However, most wall-to-wall carpeting needs to be cleaned every 12 to 18 months to maintain its appearance as well as to remove pollen or dirt tracked in from everyday living, says White. If you have a dog, you may need professional cleanings every six to nine months, or more often if you have more than one dog or a dog who’s prone to accidents.
Will machine washing a rug get rid of urine smell?

Cleaning rug that is suitable for a washing machine with detergent in a spin cycle will likely make the smell of urine undetectable to you, but dogs have a stronger sense of smell than humans. We recommend pre-treating the rug with an enzymatic cleaner to fully get rid of the odor-causing proteins found in dog pee. This extra step will minimize the chances of your dog re-marking the rug.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

This roundup was updated by Arricca SanSone. SanSone writes about home, garden and lifestyle for many print and digital publications, including House Beautiful and Veranda. She lives with two very active papillons, whose house-training days taught her to be proficient with stain-removal techniques.

A previous version was written by Anna Mejorada, an editor for The Spruce Pets, who shares her home with a happy Pomeranian named Gidget who loves to do kicks on a rug from Ruggable (it works every time).

We Tested More Than 30 Rugs And Found the Best For Homes With Dogs (2024)

FAQs

What type of rug is best with dogs? ›

Dog Proof Rugs

Polypropylene rugs are also a great option for pet owners; these rugs are made from synthetic materials and are often designed to mimic the look of wool, jute, sisal, and viscose-blend fibers. They're non-absorbent, stain-resistant and low pile – perfect for avoiding those pesky pet scratches or chewing!

Get More Info Here ›

What are the best rugs with pets at home? ›

Materials such as olefin, jute, sisal, and polypropylene are good for pets with allergies. They don't have that many fibers, if any. Low pile carpets are also great for those with allergies because they are much easier to clean.

What is the easiest carpet to keep clean? ›

There are many types of carpets out there, but only a few are very easy to keep clean. Polyester, nylon, and polypropylene carpets are some of the easiest carpets to clean and keep clean, even if you drop substances on them or have a lot of traffic running through them every day.

What is the best time of year to buy a rug? ›

New year and spring sales are both a part of seasonal rug sales. Even though these sales may not be associated with specific holidays or dates, they occur because shops are often making room for new inventory and because the rug shops want to offer new rugs for the new season.

Get More Info ›

Is carpet out of style in 2024? ›

Despite the rise in hard surface floors, there's still a place for carpet in 2024. Carpet offers unparalleled softness and warmth underfoot, which explains why it's the top choice for bedrooms and ideal for creating cozy, comfortable living spaces.

Know More ›

What is the trend in rugs in 2025? ›

Bold patterns and vibrant colors are set to dominate rug design in 2025. These designs add personality and make a strong statement in any room.

Discover More ›

Is carpet or hardwood better for dogs? ›

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

If you love the look of hardwood, engineered hardwood may be the best flooring for dogs in busy, high-traffic spaces. Benefits: Stylish look may improve your home's resale value. Offers some scratch and water protection.

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Is wool or nylon carpet better for dogs? ›

Most pet owners know that living with pets means cleaning up mud, and potentially sick and toilet accidents, so you need a carpet that won't stain and can be cleaned with ease. It is easier to clean synthetic stain-resistant carpets such as polypropylene or nylon so these carpet materials are usually preferable.

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What carpet does not show dog hair? ›

Synthetic carpets made from polyester or nylon fibres are also a good choice, but we find that polypropylene carpets are the best all-rounders for pet owners.

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