What You Should Look For When Shopping for a Pet-Friendly Rug — Plus 5 of Our Top Picks

These finds are a no-brainer. Whether your pet likes to get dirty outside or is prone to accidents, a washable rug is bound to be your new best friend. Every couple of weeks (or as needed), just throw it into the washing machine, and voila — your rug is as good as new. Ruggable is a brand we’ve tested and love for its ingenious design. The company sends both a thick rug pad and a thinner decorative cover that attach — the pad stays on the ground while you throw the cover in the wash. In particular, we recommend this minimal-patterned rug. So simple and so stylish.

A natural dried plant fiber often used in burlap, jute makes for a beautiful, organic rug that fits any decor style. These types of rugs are highly durable and fairly easy to clean. Running a soft vacuum over them quickly gets dust and hair out of their crevices, so they’re a good idea for a fur-filled home. This hand-spun jute rug from West Elm is made of 100 percent jute and has a soft texture that makes it comfortable for (human and pet) feet. 

Nylon, polypropylene, and other synthetic materials are known for their durability and ease of cleaning — two rug musts when there’s a pet in the house. These fabrics are pretty non-absorbent, which means they don’t stain easily, and they typically have a low pile, so they won’t be easily chewed or clawed at by your curious four-legged friend. Bonus: Synthetics tend to be less expensive than other materials, as proven by this oriental polypropylene rug from Joss & Main. Go ahead and get two, just in case. 

Wool isn’t just a great winter sock material, it’s also surprisingly pet-friendly when it’s used to make rugs. Wool fibers are highly flexible and won’t lose their shape when they get wet, making wool rugs extremely durable. Like synthetic materials, they’re not fluffy or stringy, so your pet won’t be tempted to tear at them. Even better? The material naturally resists stains and moisture, and if dirt gets onto a wool rug, a vacuum can easily pull it out. That means you can even go for one that’s white, like this intricate mid-century-inspired rug, without fear that it’ll get completely discolored. 

Rugs made for both indoor/outdoor use are a smart move for anyone looking for a design that can take a beating. Their sole purpose is to weather the elements — and to look good while doing so, of course. They’re meant to resist whatever the great outdoors has in store, including water and stains, and they typically require no more than a quick shake to clean. Many options, like this gray Moroccan-inspired rug made of polypropylene, are pretty enough to work in any indoor space.