You bring up an interesting issue that I will research on my blog. I would say no to carpet tiles because washing the carpet tiles will not get everything (dirt, germs, stains) out. Plus, it will prove to be an expensive investment. You should consider something harder, easier to replace, and something where urine and dirt sit on top of. I would say no to hardwood floors because they can stain and get scratches. How about a inexpensive laminate flooring? It should work and you will have better results. I will do further research on this.

www.justyourfloors.com

Here is a link that might be useful: Just Your Floors

About the most pet friendly floor you'll ever find will be porcelain tile grouted with epoxy grout. Both tile and grout have nearly no absorbancy to them what so ever.

I'd nix laminate because of the many seams which over time will not do well with standing 'water'. Sheet vinyl or Marmolueum would be my suggestion. The wider the better so you have a pretty impervious surface.

A good commercial sheet vinyl that can be used in hospital/health care would be an excellent choice. Marmoleum (linoleum), although 'green' and naturally 'sanitary', might not be as stain resistant and could require more work to maintain. Phone Forbo and ask them about Marmoleum in the setting you have in mind. They will know how the product will perform and which others they would recommend.

We've got the same problem from a different angle (senior dogs that are becoming forgetful, or maybe just not aware enough about needs in time). We've eliminated the potential of the "solid" engineered flooring (such as the solid bamboo/resin material) since the seams can't be sealed reliably.

We're now looking at the "no-glue" vinyl goods, such as Tarkett's FiberFloor which we can "drop in" over the existing parquet and reasonably easily replace should wear or staining be an issue.

We have 100 animals (farm animals, pets, and rescues) and I have to say that stained concrete is the way to go. However, if that is not an option, we found that 2nd best is ceramic tile, especially in a "stone look" style that hides fur and dirt. The vinyls and hospital sheet floors are good ideas, but can be scratched and gouged with hard usage.

Thanks to all for great ideas which I will look at (research) individually. Will post additional questions or comments.

pat I use to run a humane society shelter and all three of my current dogs (plus my FIL's little hurricane rescue) are indoor/outdoor dogs.

I quickly came to the conclusion that carpet and dogs DO NOT MIX. My dogs are large -- 96, 86, and 65 lbs each. I replaced carpet with porcelain tile with heat mats underneath. BEST decision I EVER made. It ROCKS.

If you would like pics, just email me.