Choosing A Pet-Friendly Rug

Pets are part of the family, and in Australia, we love our pets. A national survey conducted in 2017 revealed that:

• There are around 29 million pets in Australia (more than the human population of 25 million!).
• Three in five Australian households (or 61% of households) have a pet.
• 90% of Australian households have had a pet at some time.

But as much as we love our pets, sometimes, they can make a real mess of our homes! However, there's no need to banish them outside. We just need to think a little more carefully about our furnishings to make sure they are as pet-friendly as possible. Here's what you need to know about choosing a pet-friendly rug.

What type of rug is best for pets?

The most important feature of any pet-friendly rug is that it is easy to clean. Pets tend to love getting their paws muddy, and all pets can have an accident from time to time. Other features of a pet-friendly rug to look out for include:

• durable
• stain resistant
• low-pile or flatweave
• dark colour or patterned to hide stains (unless you have a pet that sheds a lot, in which case you might want to match the colour of your rug to the colour of your pet's coat)

Generally speaking, synthetic fibres are best, and it's advisable to steer clear of  shaggy or long pile rugs. Indoor/outdoor rugs are another good option for pet owners.

Carpet care and maintenance with pets

As we mentioned earlier, accidents and mess are an inevitable part of pet ownership. Our top tips for keeping your rug in good condition include:

• Attend to accidents quickly to ensure the stain doesn't set in.
• Keep your dog's nails trimmed to minimise damage to your carpets.
• Use doormats to minimise the amount of dirt entering your home.
• Vacuum regularly to keep your rug looking its best for longer.

Natural fibre rugslike jute and sisal aren't ideal for homes with pets as they tend to be very absorbent. If your pet has an accident or lies down on the rug when they are wet or muddy, the stains can be very difficult to remove.

Find a pet-friendly rug online

Whether you need to replace worn-out rugs or you are looking to invest in a pet-friendly rug so you and your furry friend can cohabit in harmony, Rugs Express provide the highest quality  rugs online has something to suit almost every home. Browse our collection or get in touch with our knowledgeable team if you have any questions.