There are several carpet fibers on the market that will essentially oxidize any organic liquid that comes in contact with the carpet. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, there is padding that is designed with pets in mind that prevents liquid from reaching the decking.

There are many types of tiles to choose from that provide a high slip coefficient. Keep in mind, the higher the slip coefficient, the more difficult the tile is to clean. Most tiles today offer a nice balance between ease of maintenance and safety.

Laminate does have a different sound when you walk on it, however, there are acoustical underlayments available that deaden the echo and make it sound much more like a real hardwood floor. Make sure to voice your concern so the appropriate underlayment is used in the installation process.