>> WE’VE ALL HAD more time at home these last two years, whether we like it or not. For some, the pandemic has been a welcome break from their busy, everyday lives. For others, the quiet time has been, well — too quiet. It’s no wonder pet adoptions have been at a high, with the Ontario SPCA estimating that nearly three in 10 Canadians welcomed a pet during the pandemic. Pets are loyal companions. They’re also long-term commitments, and they require long-term planning. If you’re moving into a new home, you’ll want to consider how it works for your furry and non-furry family members alike. Put simply, that wall-to-wall, plush carpet you love might not be the best option. Nor is that soft, expensive wood flooring. You want something cost- and pet-effective (and kid- and adult-effective, while we’re at it). Something durable and stylish. Something that looks high-end, but won’t be ruined the minute your dog skids across the floor to fetch her favourite ball or your cat decides to forego his scratching post.
YOU WANT SOMETHING COST- AND PET-EFFECTIVE.
Durable flooring “Your best bet is a waterproof laminate,” says Evelyn Janz, who specializes in new- construction sales at Curtis Carpets. “Laminate has the most durable finish for a wall-to-wall product. It’s scratch-resistant and it has a wood visual.” Janz emphasizes the waterproof specification, especially when it comes to pets. “Regular laminate isn’t waterproof, so if the flooring gets wet around the water bowl or if your pet has an accident, traditional laminate will swell up around the seams.” The waterproof version will resist moisture for 72 hours or longer, without letting water seep past it or cause swelling.
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