Specifying for the 58%: How Pet-Owner Priorities Are Reshaping Builder Material Standards

Homebuyers increasingly prioritize their pets’ needs equally with their own when choosing a home. This behavioral shift means professional builders must now treat scratch-resistant, easy-to-clean, durable flooring as a default specification standard to remain competitive with the majority of buyers who are families with dogs, cats and children.

How Are Pet Owners Redefining Home Value?

Pet ownership is expanding, and buyers are prioritizing home features that accommodate their animals. According to the American Pet Products Association, “dog ownership continues to expand, reaching 53% of U.S. households in 2025. At the same time, owners are increasingly redefining value, shifting spending toward products and services they view as most important while finding savings elsewhere.”

This spending pattern extends to home purchases, as a 2026 survey of pet owners found that 58% prioritize their pets’ needs during the house-hunting process.  Pet owners are actively seeking proximity to veterinary clinics, dog parks and walking trails. Large, securely fenced yards have become standard requirements. Single-story layouts for aging pets, mudrooms with dog-washing stations and dedicated litter box alcoves are now expected amenities.

Construction material companies can position themselves strategically by addressing this growing market. Homeowners considering luxury vinyl plank or laminate for a house with children are simultaneously evaluating which options will withstand pet claws and accidents. 

O’Fallon Family Floors, a Missouri-based flooring specialist serving residential homeowners with over 400 flooring samples and professional installation backed by lifetime warranties, suggests two family-friendly flooring options for homes with kids and pets. The A-rated BBB-accredited provider shares that “Laminate flooring makes cleaning easy, whether it’s muddy paws, hair shedding or the occasional accident. A quick sweep or mop can remove dirt and messes, keeping your home looking clean and fresh

Why Should Builders Rethink Standard Grade Materials?

Builders must move away from cheap, easily damaged materials to meet evolving buyer safety expectations. The Southern American describes how “Homeowners are paying closer attention to potential hazards by securing toxic plants, storing cleaning products out of reach, and choosing pet-safe materials whenever possible. Features like fenced yards, secure gates, and sturdy window screens also help protect curious pets.”

This heightened safety awareness translates to specific material performance requirements. Homeowners want to know which type of flooring is the easiest to clean after spills and pet accidents. It reflects practical concerns about maintaining home hygiene when living with animals and young children who generate frequent messes.

Standard builder-grade flooring options that lack waterproofing or scratch resistance no longer satisfy buyer expectations. Materials must perform under real-world conditions that include muddy paws tracking across entryways, water bowls spilling on kitchen floors and the constant friction of claws on high-traffic surfaces.

What Are the Essential Flooring Upgrades for Active Homes?

Professional builders seeking the best flooring for a house with kids and pets should prioritize material categories that deliver proven performance.

Option 1: Luxury Vinyl Plank

One of the most durable floorings for a large dog and two kids is luxury vinyl plank (LVP), which combines waterproof construction with exceptional scratch resistance. According to O’Fallon Family Floors, “Vinyl flooring is a versatile and durable flooring option made from synthetic materials like PVC (polyvinyl chloride). It comes in various styles, including luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and vinyl tiles, offering a wide range of designs to suit different preferences and needs.”

LVP  features a thick protective top layer engineered to resist claw marks and toy drops. Its 100% waterproof design means flooring can handle pet accidents and toddler messes without damage. The material also offers a slightly softer, warmer underfoot feel than tile or hardwood, while providing noise-reducing properties that benefit multilevel homes.

Option 2: Laminate Flooring

O’Fallon Family Floors describes laminate flooring as “crafted through advanced laminate technology, which combines multiple layers into a single, durable product.”

Laminate mimics the look of natural wood or stone at a lower price point, making it an affordable choice for families. Its advanced surface technology provides solid scratch and dent defenses. O’Fallon Family Floors also offers select waterproof or heavily water-resistant core options, addressing the limitation that standard laminate can warp if liquid penetrates between seams.

Performance Comparison

Here is a direct comparison of LVP and laminate flooring for builders.

How Can Builders Appeal to Pet Owners?

Builders should offer durable flooring that solves pet owners’ pain points. The floors should be scratch- and water-resistant, easy to clean and made of nontoxic materials. These features can keep the floor practical and beautiful for busy families.  

Builders can differentiate their offerings by highlighting shop-at-home programs that provide hassle-free material selection. Conversely, in-store experiences allow customers to examine a broader range of products. Both consultation models help buyers make informed decisions based on their specific household needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most commonly asked questions about pet-friendly flooring.

What is the most durable flooring if you have a large dog and two kids?

High-quality luxury vinyl plank or premium laminate is the top choice for extreme durability against heavy traffic. Luxury vinyl plank offers 100% waterproof protection and superior scratch resistance, while premium laminate delivers exceptional surface hardness at a lower price point.

Is luxury vinyl plank or laminate better for a house with children?

Luxury vinyl plank is 100% waterproof and provides a softer, quieter underfoot experience, making it ideal for households with frequent spills and active play. Laminate is highly scratch-resistant and budget-friendly, offering an excellent balance of durability and cost for families prioritizing affordability without sacrificing performance.

How can you find flooring that won’t get scratched by cat claws?

Buyers should look for flooring with a thick wear layer in luxury vinyl plank or a high-quality laminate to prevent claw marks. These specifications indicate the material’s ability to withstand surface abrasion from pet claws during normal use.

Which type of flooring is the easiest to clean after spills and pet accidents?

Luxury vinyl plank is 100% waterproof, making it the safest choice for liquid spills and pet accidents. Water-resistant laminate is incredibly easy to sweep and mop for daily dirt and shedding, yet it requires prompt cleanup of standing water to prevent seam damage.

How Can Builders Build for the Future of Family Living?

Updating material catalogs to reflect the large pet-owner demographic reality positions builders as responsive to buyer priorities rather than trailing behind market expectations. Material specifications that accommodate pets and children can deliver long-term value through reduced warranty claims and enhanced buyer satisfaction.

*Please note that this list includes sponsored content. Some of the companies, products, or services featured have entered into commercial agreements for placement. Sponsored placements do not necessarily reflect an endorsement and should be considered alongside other options in the marketplace.