Shopping for a new sofa is complicated on many levels, but if you have a pet, it makes matters even more challenging. While you want something stylish, comfy, and affordable, you also have to worry about getting something that your furry friend won't destroy, too. If you're looking for a sectional sofa or a classic, comfortable couch that'll last you for years to come (even with a cat or dog), you're in the right place.
To help, we've tested hundreds of options, and found eight choices worth shopping, whether you're worried about Fido's slobber, Felix's claws, or your red wine. We've included options in a wide range of price points, including a few styles on sale. But before we dive into our favorite sofas and sectionals for people with dogs and cats, some tips from the experts.
Our Favorite Pet-Friendly Sofa Picks to Shop
How We Test the Best Pet-Friendly Sofas
We spent hours reviewing customer feedback, inspecting product materials, and analyzing brand claims to find the best sofas for homes with cats and dogs. We prioritized pieces designed to resist claws, spills, and shedding all while keeping your space looking stylish. Here's what we considered:
- Pet-Resistant Fabrics Is the upholstery tightly woven and durable enough to resist scratching, snagging, or absorbing hair?
- Easy Cleaning Can you wipe off muddy paw prints or vacuum away fur without ruining the fabric? Bonus points for removable and washable cushion covers.
- Comfort For All Is the sofa cozy enough for you and roomy enough for your pet to curl up on? We looked for soft yet supportive cushions.
- Durability Over Time Does the couch hold up after months of daily use or does it sag, pill, or trap odors?
- Design That Works Pet-friendly shouldn't mean ugly. We chose sofas that blend into modern living rooms and still feel like a treat for your pet.
What to Look For in a Pet-Friendly Sofa
Where to begin? Well, for starters, it's smart to look for sofas with "removable and cleanable covers for customers with children and pets," Kimberly Kronberger, Home Furnishing Business Leader for Living Room Seating at Ikea US, tells Popsugar. "Not only can you remove and clean these covers, but you can also replace them if you ever need to, which is a much more cost-conscious option than replacing an entire sofa due to dirt or stains."
Another rule of thumb is to choose performance fabrics when they're available. "These days, so many furniture brands offer beautiful performance velvets and flat weaves that resist snags, spills, and stains, and they can truly last for years," says Shelby Girard, the former VP of Creative & Design at Havenly. "Look for fabrics with high rub and thread counts the higher the count, the more durable the fabric. And for those with active kids and pets, I'd stay away from nubby fabrics like boucl� (they tend to snag) or true linen (it's easy to stain)."
What to Look For in a Quality Sofa
Kronberger makes a good point, noting that whether or not a sofa is "quality" ultimately "depends on what's important to you." Here are some guidelines to consider, according to the interior expert: "Do you have pets or children? If so, a sofa with a removable cover may be your best bet, so you have the option to remove the cover and clean it as often as you need. If you are pressed for space in your home, a sofa with built-in storage might be right for you. Or, if you live in a space where your living area may need to double for sleep, a sofa bed may be a good idea. Ergonomics are very important when choosing your sofa If you like a relaxed position, go for a low, deep seat. A higher, narrower seat favors an upright position, while a high backrest supports your neck and shoulders."
Another great tip? "The right sofa should always reflect how you live (or plan to live) in that space," says Girard. For example: "If you're in a TV room, a big, cushy sectional is comfortable enough for the whole family to curl up on. For more elegant living spaces and sitting rooms, your sofa might have more of an upright seat, so guests can easily lean in for conversation or grab their drink. If your sofa is in a light-filled space, keep in mind that sunlight can cause darker colors to fade over time. In that case, choose a performance fabric that's more resistant to fading." Ultimately, choosing a quality sofa comes down to how you live and your personal preferences.
How to Choose the Right Size Sofa
Obviously, dimensions are your friend, and thankfully, brands are generally really good at giving you the exact dimensions so you can find a sofa or sectional with the ideal width, height, and depth for your space. Keep in mind, though, that it's not just about whether or not it will fit but if it will fit comfortably. "It's all about scale too big, and your sofa overwhelms the whole room, too small, and there's no room to sit," says Girard. "If you're short on square footage, look for sofas and loveseats with slim proportions and shallower seat depths. For large spaces, play around with a large sectional or a pair of sofas to help anchor the space. In the case of tricky room layouts that require a sized-just-right sofa, go custom! You may have to wait longer, but you can choose the exact length, width, and depth you need."
Oh, and a tip that both Girard and Kronberger were quick to point out is that you need to measure your doorways and stairwells as well to make sure you can even get your sofa into the apartment. "It's an easily avoidable mistake I see made way too often," says the former Havenly pro.
Keep reading to see the choices we gathered based on Kronberger and Girard's advice and extensive market research.
Experts Featured in This Article
Kimberly Kronberger is the Home Furnishing Business Leader for Living Room Seating at Ikea US and Shelby Girard is the former VP of Creative & Design at Havenly.
Update on August 1, 2025 at 8:30 AM ET: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
User reviews may have been lightly edited for clarity.
