When looking for the best flooring for homes with pets, durability has to be top of the list. Your floor should be able to withstand scratches from claws and dents from heavy paws without losing its charm. Hardwoods, while timeless and beautiful, can be vulnerable to scratches unless you choose a particularly hard species and apply a strong finish. In this category, engineered hardwood can sometimes perform better than solid hardwood due to its enhanced stability, but it still requires care. For truly scratch-resistant options, many pet owners turn to laminate or luxury vinyl plank flooring. Both of these materials offer a hard, durable surface that can resist scratches and dents far better than softer woods.