We are about to have a wood floor installed in our family room which abuts our large eat-in kitchen mainly?

I would suggest a different floor colour, or have the kitchen flooring restained to match the new floor. Bamboo is getting rave reviews. Personally I do not know anything about it, but talk in detail with the people you know who have it. You might want to consider laminate, or tiles, but tiles can be cold on the feet in winter if you have that. Laminate is inexpensive enough that it can be replaced in a few years if needed. Tiles (ceramic or Porcelain) can be extremely durable with animals. You can replace your flooring with wood, but the problem is the colour. If you can bring home samples (most flooring stores allow this) to hold up against your kitchen floor you will be able to get a better idea of what will look great and be what you need while living with animals in training. Be sure to have a very indepth conversation with the professionals at the flooring store..they can suggest ideas for durability/scratch resistance flooring.