If you have a pet at home, you’re in good company. More than 85 million households in America include at least one pet, and for good reason. These fuzzy, scaled, and feathered critters provide many benefits to their humans. While pets of every classification and breed provide companionship, lower our blood pressure and just generally bring us joy, we can all agree that they are not much help when it comes to keeping our houses clean—especially our floors.

Not every carpet is up to the challenges pets present. If your home includes one or more four-footed family members, you’ll want to take extra care when choosing carpet.

Here are 4 tips for selecting pet proof carpet:

Tip 1: First and foremost, shop for carpet with easy maintenance. Specifically, look for fibers that clean easily, so when messes happen—and they will—you don’t have to spend your days cleaning floors.

Tip 2: Since accidents are inevitable, stain resistance is also a must. No one needs an unsightly reminder that Fido isn’t perfect.

Tip 3: Pets and odors tend to go together. But some carpets boast 0% moisture absorption, which nearly eliminates pet-related odors.

Tip 4: And finally, all those extra feet running around can test a carpet’s durability. Choose fibers that spring back to maintain a fresher look.

You don’t have to live without carpet just because you have pets. You just need to shop for the right carpet. Learn more about Mohawk’s SmartStrand carpet, which was developed with pet lovers like you in mind.