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The most pet-friendly sofas

Looking to accommodate a four-legged, furry friend? Look no further than this curated selection of pet-friendly sofas. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing furniture with a dog, cat, or even a house rabbit in mind.

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What to consider when choosing a pet-friendly sofa?


When it comes to choosing your brand new sofa, there are several factors to consider. Below is a handy checklist for you to tick off when comparing different sofa specs. 


1. Colour


Beige, brown or navy blue sofas will be your best option as they're good at hiding the inevitable mud soiling that all dogs have even after a good rub down with towels after a muddy walk.


All of our ranges are available in a palette of colours, from light neutrals through to deep browns. Though I'd advise staying away from creams as muddy paws and accidents will be harder to remove on lighter fabrics.


If your pet doesn’t moult, looking for a darker coloured sofa such as a chocolate brown or dark grey may be a better option as any mucky paws will be easily hidden.


2. Material


Certain fabrics are more pet-friendly than others because of their properties, such as easy-clean. So when you’re choosing your upholstery it’s worth bearing these in mind, so you can make your sofa work for the whole family.


Some of the most pet-proof fabrics include leather and synthetic materials such as nylon. 

Newsham Corner Sofa

3. Protection


With little paws running around and jumping onto your sofa, our Premium and Ultimate Care Packages will be well worth it.


Another easy way to help protect your sofa from your pet’s playful antics is to layer throws or blankets over the cushions. Just be sure to lay them loosely rather than tucking them down the sides, as this can affect the shape of the foam, and try not to keep them on permanently so your sofa can breathe and keep its shape.


These protective layers not only add a stylish touch to your living space but also act as a barrier, shielding your sofa from fur, scratches, and spills.



Choose durable, pet-friendly fabrics to strike the perfect balance between maintaining the integrity of your furniture and providing a cosy retreat for your furry companions.


4. Care



Using a soft clothes brush as part of your daily or weekly care routine can help remove unwanted pet hair and agitate the fibres back into position. Pets should always be supervised while on your cherished sofa to avoid unwanted accidents.

What fabrics are most pet-friendly?


Pets love to jump up and join their owners on the sofa, and they shouldn’t have to miss out — after all, they deserve to enjoy the same comfort.


When choosing a pet-friendly sofa, it's best to look for materials that are durable, easy to maintain, stain-resistant, quick to wipe clean, and made from anti-allergenic man-made synthetics such as microfibre.


Microfibre and velvet are excellent choices for pet-friendly furniture. They’re easy to clean, more durable in a busy pet home than many woven fabrics, and help keep sofas and armchairs looking their best, without compromising on comfort.


While microfibres (including our Endurance range) and velvets are more durable than other fabrics, they are not completely resistant to sharp claws or teeth.


Ideally, your pet-friendly sofa should tick all of these boxes.

Leather


It may surprise you that leather sofas can be a great option for pet-friendly households for a handful of reasons.


Firstly, they’re low maintenance and easy to wipe, so any spills or muddy paw prints can easily be removed – keeping your sofa looking pristine for longer.


Also, pet hairs and odours won’t become trapped in the fibres of leather as it doesn't have a weave.


The best part about leather is that it gets better with age, so any wear and tear will essentially be breaking your sofa in and making it even comfier and characterful! 


There are however some considerations to keep in mind when opting for leather over fabric, as any damage can be far more consequential. For instance, if the leather surface gets damaged, especially by claws, it can be quite a task to repair. Cats, in particular, tend to dig their claws into leather, causing deeper damage.


Additionally, our beloved furry friends naturally transfer oils from their coats/skin onto the leather surface. While these oils are invisible, they can accumulate over time and, if left, may impact the sealant. Taking preventive measures and regular maintenance can help preserve the beauty and longevity of your leather sofa.


Find out more about caring for your leather sofa in our care guide.


Fabric coverings 


If you’re thinking of investing in a fabric sofa, you’ll want to make sure you look out for a few key features to ensure it’s pet-friendly. One thing is for certain, they’ll love to join you on your fabric sofa at the start and end of the day.  


A variety of synthetic, man-made materials such as polyester and nylon are great for hiding pet hairs, and also for disguising any snags or pulls, making them perfect candidates for dog-friendly sofas.


Plus, they can withstand more wear and tear than natural materials (except leather of course!)


Your pets can lounge at their leisure, as synthetic materials are more resistant than traditional fabrics against pet claws you won’t have to worry too much about snagging. Whilst these materials are hardy, keeping your pet’s claws trimmed will be the most effective way of ensuring minimal tearing.


Looking for sofas with removable covers is another top tip as you can always pop them in the wash when they start to look a little tired and are in need of a freshen up.

Paul O'Reilly

Written by:

Upholstery Service Manager

at ScS

10th April 2025

With over 30 years of experience working within Upholstery and nearly 20 years of service at ScS, Paul knows a thing or two about sofas. Along the way, Paul has trained in all areas of upholstery, modern and traditional, antiques and factory-produced pieces, creating, and restoring. Paul is passionate about making sure upholstery is properly cared for. His top tip is to care for the cushions on your sofa like you would do your pillows on the bed; dress them, plump them, smooth them and turn them. Spending just 5 minutes a day can keep you sofa looking its best.