I Test Sofas for a Living — These Pet-Friendly Styles Actually Look Good, Too

A slipcovered sofa is an obvious but still foolproof choice if you have a dog or cat because if it happens to get any stains, you can just throw the cover in the washer. You’ll just want to make sure your couch’s slipcover is removable, as is the case for Pottery Barn’s York sofa. Not only does it come in 92 performance fabrics and 87 pet-friendly fabrics, but it also has a timeless silhouette and is available in five different sizes. For another washable slipcover sofa option, I also recommend Interior Define’s Dixon sofa.

Burrow released the Ember sectional last year, and it became an instant favorite of mine among the brand’s modular sofas. Its seats are very wide, as is its chaise, meaning you have plenty of space to spread out. The sectional also comes in four gorgeous performance chenille upholstery colors. Months after seeing the sofa in-store, I’m still thinking about the “Seaglass” fabric swatch a store manager showed me.

For a more trendy style, check out CB2’s Strato sofa. It instantly caught my eye with its channel tufted design, and it comes in a small-space-friendly 80-inch length. Like the others, this couch also comes in a few different performance fabrics, including a linen, velvet, and basket weave. Because its short legs are hidden, it’ll also survive puppy-stage chewing.

Ashley’s Elissa Court sectional is one of my top picks for families with pets and kids. For one, it has plenty of lounging space for everyone, and it’s also modular, so you could split it into separate units if you wanted to. Additionally, it’s upholstered in Next-Gen Nuvella fabric, which is soft, durable, and easy to spot-clean. These features make the sectional perfect for game nights and casual dinners around the coffee table.

No matter your interior aesthetic, you’ll have no trouble styling Interior Define’s Sloan sofa, thanks to its clean lines and highly customizable design. Like all of the brand’s sofas, this one comes in a slew of low-maintenance fabrics that’ll prove hard to damage for pets and kids. The performance chenille is antimicrobial, too.

I admire the Newport sofa’s modular frame and small footprint, but I was initially drawn to its green velvet performance upholstery while touring West Elm’s showroom. Its seat cushions are plush, but not so soft that you'll sink in. And because of its modular design, the sofa turns into a sofa chaise when you add an ottoman from the same collection onto one side. It’s a great spot for cuddling with your pet — there’s no doubt about that.

The Briar sleeper is a hit with Joybird customers, and for good reason. It folds out into a queen-size bed seamlessly, and when closed it doesn’t take up a lot of space. What’s more, you can have it upholstered in a stain- and water-resistant fabric, of which there are 44 options. The Briar makes a statement with its tufted seat and roll side pillows. You’ll also be happy to learn that you can choose between a standard foam mattress or a TEMPUR-Response memory foam mattress for extra comfort.