Animal waste collections mats comprising a textured layer, an absorbent layer attached to the textured layer, and an impermeable layer attached to the absorbent layer. The textured layer of the waste collection mat can have one or more physical properties that animals find pleasing or acceptable. The absorbent layer acquires and stores moisture from the textured layer. The impermeable layer provides containment for the waste products in the textured and absorbent layers.