A client recently contacted CarpetFix Calgary after their dog chewed a hole in their area rug.
At first glance, this might look like the type of pet damage that could simply be patched. Unfortunately, after looking at the rug and the damaged area, I had to tell the client that I couldn’t provide a repair I would be comfortable standing behind.
Why Couldn’t This Area Rug Be Repaired?
With many carpet repairs, the damaged section can be removed and replaced with a matching donor piece.
The problem with an area rug is finding that matching material.
In this case, there was no extra piece of the original rug available. Unlike wall-to-wall carpet, where we can sometimes take donor carpet from a closet or another hidden location, cutting material from another part of an area rug would simply create a new damaged area.
Finding a separate piece of carpet that matches the rug’s exact colour, texture, pile, construction and pattern would also be extremely difficult.
Without matching material, I couldn’t make a repair that would meet the standard I expect from my work.
Can Dog-Chewed Carpet Usually Be Repaired?
Often, yes.
Pet-damaged wall-to-wall carpet is something we repair regularly. Depending on the location and type of damage, donor carpet may sometimes be taken from a closet or another inconspicuous area.
Area rugs are different. Because the entire rug is visible and self-contained, there may be nowhere to obtain matching material.
That doesn’t necessarily mean every damaged area rug is impossible to repair. Each situation has to be evaluated individually.
Sometimes the Right Answer Is “Don’t Repair It”
At CarpetFix, the goal isn’t to repair something at any cost.
If I don’t believe a repair will produce a reasonable result, I’ll tell you.
I’d rather be upfront about the limitations than charge a customer for a repair that I wouldn’t be comfortable putting my name on.
Don’t replace it, if we can fix it — but if we can’t fix it properly, we’ll tell you.
Have Carpet Damage From a Dog or Other Pet?
If your dog has chewed, scratched or damaged your carpet, send me a few clear photos before assuming the entire carpet needs to be replaced.
Many types of pet damage can be repaired, especially when suitable matching carpet is available.
CarpetFix provides professional carpet repair services in Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere and Okotoks.
