Best Vacuums For Pet Hair

Pets bring joy and companionship to millions of households worldwide, but they also come with a furry challenge: pet hair. Keeping a clean home free of pet hair requires the right tools, and a vacuum cleaner specifically designed for pet hair can make a significant difference. In this guide, we will explore the best vacuums for pet hair available on the market today, examining their features, performance, and what sets them apart. Whether you have dogs, cats, or other furry companions, finding the right vacuum can help maintain a clean and hair-free environment.

Table of Contents

Top Picks

Bestseller No. 1

BISSELL 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering, Powerful Pet Hair Pick Up, Specialized Pet Tools, Large Capacity Dirt Tank, Easy Empty, Green

EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
SWIVEL STEERING FOR MAXIMUM MANEUVERABILITY. Makes cleaning around furniture and other obstacles easy. Filter replacement every 6 months
TRIPLE ACTION BRUSH ROLL. Loosens, lifts and removes embedded pet hair.
MULTI-SURFACE CLEANING WITH SCATTER-FREE TECHNOLOGY. Stop the scatter when tackling dry pet messes on hard surfaces.
EDGE-TO-EDGE CLEANING. Tackle pet hair, dirt, and debris along edges and in corners.

SaleBestseller No. 2

Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet Upright Vacuum with PowerFins HairPro & Odor Neutralizer Technology, Charcoal, 2.9 L Dust Cup

POWERFINS HAIRPRO: Actively grips & captures stubborn long hair, short hair, and pet hair, on carpets & floors.
SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: For powerful pet hair pickup with no hair wrap.
ODOR NEUTRALIZER TECHNOLOGY: Guards against bad odors inside your vacuum for a fresher-smelling home. (vs. Shark ZU102 without Odor Neutralizer Technology.)
ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL TECHNOLOGY: Works with a HEPA filter to trap 99.99% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner, keeping them out of the air you breathe. (Based on ASTM F1977 of particles 0.3 microns and larger.)
3XL CAPACITY: For long cleaning sessions with fewer interruptions to empty the dust cup.

SaleBestseller No. 3

Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Pet Turbo, Black

Lightweight & Portable This 10 lbs Eureka PowerSpeed upright vacuum cleaner is easy to use and delivers a powerful deep clean.960.0 watts
Powerful Multi-surface Vacuum With 5 height adjustment settings this versatile vacuum can easily adapt between hard floor and deep carpet
Extra-large Dust Cup With an easy empty 2.6L dust cup this bagless vacuum requires less frequent emptying for uninterrupted cleaning
Great for Pet Owners Includes a pet turbo tool crevice tool dusting brush and upholstery tool that can all be stored on board for easy access and above floor cleaning
Zero Maintenance Cost washable filters and bagless design make the PowerSpeed easy to maintain

Why Choose a Vacuum for Pet Hair?

Pet hair can be particularly challenging to remove from carpets, rugs, upholstery, and other surfaces. Ordinary vacuums may struggle with pet hair due to their design or lack of specialized features. Vacuums designed for pet hair typically offer:

Strong Suction Power: Essential for lifting embedded pet hair from carpets and upholstery.
Specialized Attachments: Tools like pet hair brushes, turbo brushes, and upholstery tools are designed to effectively capture and remove pet hair.
Advanced Filtration: Helps capture allergens and pet dander, improving indoor air quality.
Large Capacity and Easy Maintenance: Often feature larger dust bins or bags and easy-to-clean filters to handle the volume of pet hair.

Types of Vacuums for Pet Hair

There are several types of vacuums suitable for pet hair, each with its own strengths and considerations:

1. Upright Vacuums

Overview: Upright vacuums are popular for their powerful suction and ease of use. They are ideal for large carpeted areas and come with various attachments for versatility.
Pros: Strong suction power, large capacity, effective on carpets.
Cons: Can be heavy and bulky, may not maneuver easily in tight spaces.

2. Canister Vacuums

Overview: Canister vacuums have a separate canister and hose, offering flexibility and maneuverability. They are suitable for both carpets and hard floors.
Pros: Versatile, effective on multiple surfaces, usually quieter than uprights.
Cons: Can be cumbersome to store and maneuver around furniture.

3. Stick Vacuums

Overview: Stick vacuums are lightweight and maneuverable, making them suitable for quick clean-ups and tight spaces. They are often cordless for added convenience.
Pros: Lightweight, easy to maneuver, compact storage, some models are cordless.
Cons: Smaller dust bin capacity, less powerful suction compared to uprights or canisters.

4. Handheld Vacuums

Overview: Handheld vacuums are compact and portable, ideal for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and car interiors. They are often cordless for maximum flexibility.
Pros: Portable, easy to use for spot cleaning, versatile attachments.
Cons: Limited battery life (for cordless models), smaller capacity.

5. Robot Vacuums

Overview: Robot vacuums autonomously clean floors, navigating around obstacles and returning to their charging stations when needed. Many models are equipped with features for pet hair.
Pros: Hands-free operation, scheduled cleaning, good for maintenance between regular vacuuming.
Cons: May not have the suction power of upright or canister vacuums, can be expensive.

Key Features to Consider

When choosing a vacuum for pet hair, consider the following features to ensure it meets your needs:

Suction Power: Critical for lifting and removing embedded pet hair from carpets and upholstery.
Brush Roll: Look for a vacuum with a motorized brush roll or specialized pet hair brush to agitate and lift pet hair effectively.
Filtration System: HEPA filters or other advanced filtration systems are beneficial for capturing allergens and pet dander.
Attachments: Tools like crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and turbo brushes are essential for cleaning pet hair from different surfaces.
Capacity: A larger dust bin or bag reduces the frequency of emptying and maintenance.
Maneuverability: Consider the weight, size, and maneuverability of the vacuum, especially if you have multiple levels or tight spaces.
Noise Level: Particularly important if your pets are sensitive to noise.

Why are vacuums for pet hair different from regular vacuums?

Pet hair vacuums are designed specifically to handle the unique challenges of pet hair. They typically feature:

Enhanced Suction Power: Stronger suction to effectively lift and remove pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces.
Specialized Attachments: Tools like motorized brushes, upholstery tools, and crevice tools designed to capture pet hair from different surfaces.
Advanced Filtration Systems: Often equipped with HEPA filters or other advanced filtration to trap allergens and pet dander, improving indoor air quality.

What features should I look for in a vacuum cleaner for pet hair?

Key features to consider when choosing a vacuum for pet hair include:

Suction Power: Essential for effectively lifting and removing pet hair from various surfaces.
Brush Roll: A motorized brush roll or specialized pet hair brush helps agitate and loosen pet hair for easier removal.
Filtration System: HEPA filters or similar are beneficial for capturing fine particles, allergens, and pet dander.
Attachments: Tools like upholstery tools, turbo brushes, and crevice tools are essential for cleaning different surfaces and hard-to-reach areas.

What type of vacuum is best for pet hair?

The best type of vacuum for pet hair depends on your specific needs and preferences:

Upright Vacuums: Ideal for deep cleaning carpets due to their strong suction power and large capacity. They often come with various attachments for added versatility.
Canister Vacuums: Offer flexibility and maneuverability with a separate canister and hose. They are suitable for both carpets and hard floors.
Stick Vacuums: Lightweight and convenient for quick clean-ups. Some models are cordless, offering flexibility and ease of use.
Handheld Vacuums: Portable and ideal for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and car interiors. They are compact and easy to store.
Robot Vacuums: Autonomous cleaners that can navigate and clean floors automatically. They are convenient for daily maintenance cleaning.

How do I maintain a vacuum cleaner for pet hair?

Proper maintenance is essential to ensure your vacuum performs optimally:

Empty the Dust Bin or Replace Bags Regularly: Especially important for vacuums with larger dust bins that can quickly fill up with pet hair.
Clean or Replace Filters: Follow manufacturer guidelines to clean or replace filters regularly to maintain suction and filtration efficiency.
Check and Clean Brush Rolls and Attachments: Remove tangled hair and debris from brush rolls and clean attachments to prevent clogs and maintain performance.
Inspect and Clean Vacuum Hoses and Seals: Check for blockages and clean vacuum hoses and seals to ensure proper airflow and suction.
Store Properly: Store your vacuum in a clean, dry area to prevent dust and debris from accumulating inside.

What should I consider if my pet has allergies?

If your pet has allergies, consider the following when choosing a vacuum:

Advanced Filtration: Opt for vacuums with HEPA filters or allergen-sealing systems to capture fine particles and allergens.
Regular Cleaning Schedule: Vacuum frequently to minimize allergens, pet dander, and dust in your home.
Pet-Friendly Cleaning Products: Use pet-safe cleaning products to reduce allergens and maintain a clean environment for your pet.

What should I look for in terms of noise level when choosing a vacuum for pet hair?

Consider vacuums with features designed to minimize noise:

Noise Level: Look for vacuums that advertise quieter operation if noise is a concern, especially if your pets are sensitive to loud sounds.
Sound Insulation: Some vacuums are designed with sound insulation or noise-reducing materials to reduce operating noise levels.
User Reviews: Check user reviews and specifications for information on noise levels to find a vacuum that suits your preferences.

How do I know if a vacuum cleaner for pet hair is suitable for my specific type of flooring?

Different vacuums perform differently on various types of flooring:

Floor Compatibility: Check product specifications to ensure the vacuum is suitable for your specific flooring type, whether it’s carpets, hardwood floors, tiles, or a combination.
Adjustable Settings: Look for vacuums with adjustable settings or height settings that can be customized for different floor types to ensure optimal cleaning performance.
User Feedback: Review user feedback and reviews to see how well the vacuum performs on different types of flooring in real-world applications.

Are cordless vacuums effective for cleaning pet hair?

Cordless vacuums offer convenience and flexibility:

Portability: Cordless vacuums are lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for quick clean-ups and reaching tight spaces.
Battery Life: Consider the battery life and runtime of cordless vacuums, especially if you have a larger home or multiple pets requiring frequent cleaning sessions.
Suction Power: Ensure the cordless vacuum has sufficient suction power to effectively lift and remove pet hair from carpets and upholstery.

How can I ensure my vacuum effectively removes pet odors along with pet hair?

Choose vacuums with features designed to tackle pet odors:

Filtration Systems: Opt for vacuums with advanced filtration systems that can capture not only pet hair but also pet dander and odors.
Activated Charcoal Filters: Some vacuums are equipped with activated charcoal filters designed to absorb and neutralize pet odors.
Pet-Safe Deodorizers: Consider using pet-safe deodorizers or carpet fresheners in conjunction with vacuuming to help eliminate lingering pet odors.

Best Vacuums for Pet Hair

1. Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum

Overview: Known for its powerful suction and ball technology for easy maneuverability, the Dyson Ball Animal 2 is designed specifically for homes with pets.
Features: Radial Root Cyclone technology, self-adjusting cleaner head, tangle-free turbine tool, HEPA filtration.
Pros: Exceptional suction power, effective on all floor types, large capacity, hygienic bin emptying.
Cons: Higher price point, can be heavy.

2. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E

Overview: A versatile upright vacuum with a lift-away canister for portable cleaning, suitable for both carpets and hard floors.
Features: Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology + HEPA filter, brush roll shutoff, pet power brush.
Pros: Powerful suction, lightweight lift-away canister, affordable price, effective pet hair tools.
Cons: Canister may be cumbersome, shorter hose length.

3. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 1650A Upright Vacuum

Overview: Specifically designed to tackle pet hair, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser features a tangle-free brush roll and specialized pet tools.
Features: Tangle-Free Brush Roll, Smart Seal Allergen System, pet hair tools including pet turbo eraser tool and LED-lit crevice tool.
Pros: Effective on pet hair, good suction power, Smart Seal System traps allergens, reasonably priced.
Cons: May require more frequent maintenance, can be heavy.

4. Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Overview: A high-end canister vacuum known for its powerful suction and durability, ideal for homes with pets.
Features: Electrobrush with five-level height adjustment, AirClean Sealed System, Active AirClean filter, odor-absorbing charcoal filter.
Pros: Exceptional suction power, excellent filtration system, quiet operation, durable construction.
Cons: Higher price point, canister design may not be for everyone.

5. Dyson V11 Animal Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Overview: A cordless stick vacuum offering powerful suction and versatility for cleaning throughout the home.
Features: Dyson Digital Motor V11, Dynamic Load Sensor, LCD screen, three cleaning modes, combination tool and mini motorized tool for pet hair.
Pros: Cordless convenience, powerful suction, versatile cleaning modes, lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Cons: Limited battery life (up to 60 minutes), smaller dust bin capacity.

6. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum

Overview: A compact and portable handheld vacuum specifically designed for quick clean-ups of pet hair on upholstery, stairs, and car interiors.
Features: Motorized brush tool, dual-action filtration system, easy-to-empty dirt bin, specialized rubber nozzle.
Pros: Lightweight and portable, good suction power, affordable price, specialized tools for pet hair.
Cons: Limited reach due to corded design, smaller capacity.

7. iRobot Roomba i7+ Robot Vacuum

Overview: A premium robot vacuum with advanced features including self-emptying bin and smart mapping for efficient cleaning.
Features: Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, Imprint Smart Mapping, dual rubber brushes, high-efficiency filter.
Pros: Hands-free operation, self-emptying bin, powerful suction, smart navigation and mapping.
Cons: High initial cost, ongoing maintenance costs for bags and filters.

Conclusion

Choosing the best vacuum for pet hair depends on various factors such as your home layout, floor types, pet shedding level, and personal preferences. The vacuums listed in this guide are among the top-rated models known for their effectiveness in tackling pet hair. Whether you opt for an upright vacuum like the Dyson Ball Animal 2 for its powerful suction, a versatile option like the Shark Navigator Lift-Away for its affordability and maneuverability, or a high-end canister vacuum like the Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog for its exceptional filtration and durability, there’s a vacuum to suit every pet owner’s needs.

By considering the features, pros, and cons of each vacuum, you can make an informed decision to ensure your home remains clean, fresh, and free of pet hair. Investing in a quality vacuum designed for pet hair can make a significant difference in maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment for both you and your beloved pets.