Don’t let owning a pet keep you from installing the gorgeous hardwood floor you always wanted. Your pet can live harmoniously with your hardwood floors if you follow some simple steps and take some precautions to keep your hardwood floors looking great. First of all, it is best if the hardwood floor’s finish is a three coat oil-based urethane with a satin sheen to add a safety coating to your floor. This type of finish is less work to keep clean and maintain. Hardwood floors are great for pets because they don’t hang onto the pet dander, dust mites, and allergens that carpeting can harbor. It may be best to place your animal’s food and water dish on a water resistant mat and/or throw rug to catch any spills or leakage that may occur. If a spill does happen, be sure to wipe it up immediately with a soft, absorbent cloth. It’s important not to let water spills and pet accidents lie around, because that will cause lasting damage to your hardwood floors. If your pet is new to your home or very young, you may want to consider fencing it off in an area away from where damage can occur until it is accustomed to its new living environment. Be sure to trim your pet’s nails properly and often. Scratches can occur if your pet’s nails are carelessly left to grow too long. If you follow these simple steps, your pets can co-exist with your hardwood floors wonderfully.