The 10 Best Shark Vacuum for Pet Hair
Table of Contents
While Shark is an ideal choice for many types of floors and situations, it’s nearly impossible to beat it at cleaning pet hair.
Still, choosing one among as many Shark vacuums can be overwhelming. For this reason, we reviewed the best ones and included a detailed guide that can help you pick.
| Product Name | Wattage | Weight | Cord Length/Run Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shark TruePet NV752 | 1150 | 16.7 lbs | 30 ft |
| Shark Navigator Zero-M Anti-Hair Wrap Technology ZU561 | 800 | 18.4 lbs | 30 ft |
| Shark Navigator Pet Plus (NV251) Upright Vacuum | 1150 | 16 lbs | 25 ft |
| Shark Navigator Zero-M Self-Cleaning Brushroll Pet Pro (ZU62) | 1150 | 16 lbs | 25 ft |
| Shark Rocket HV300 | 500 | 12.45 lbs | 27 ft |
| Shark NV501 | 1200 | 15.5 lbs | 25 ft |
| Shark Apex DuoClean | 1350 | 24.9 lbs | 30 ft |
| Shark IonFlex DuoClean Cordless Vacuum | Unknown | 3.8 lbs | 80 min |
| Shark IQ R101 Robot Vacuum | Unknown | 5.7 lbs | Unknown |
| Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Hand Vacuum (HV292) | 400 | 3.7 lbs | 15 ft |
Highest Rated Shark Vacuums for Pet Hair
Shark TruePet NV752
This is Shark’s original Lift-Away vacuum that’s also one of the most popular models from the brand. It’s an upright, corded vacuum that features a reliable filtration system and a large dust bin.
Its dust cup capacity is at around 1.5 quarts, allowing you to vacuum for a more extended period before having to empty it. This makes the vacuum ideal for large areas and households with more than one pet.
It’s a see-through cup so that you can see when it’s time to empty it. Also, the canister detaches, converting the vacuum to a more portable version. This makes it easy to clean pet hair off your furniture since the brush roll continues to spin.
The Shark NV752 features a HEPA filter and Anti Allergen Complete Seal Technology that work together to keep all the hair, dander, and allergens inside the canister.
Pros
- Fingertip controls
- For hard floor and carpet
- 30′ cord length
Cons
- The hose is a bit too stiff
Find more info on the Shark TruePet NV752 here.
Shark Navigator Zero-M Anti-Hair Wrap Technology ZU561
Shark ZU561 is a part of the Shark Navigator series. It delivers strong suction, but it also cleans itself, which is especially important for pet vacuums.
Its Zero M self-cleaning brush roll spins without stopping while also working to remove the hair that could potentially get stuck.
This is an upright vacuum that’s equally as efficient on hard floors as it is on carpets. However, it’s also important to note that you can detach its canister and use it as a portable vacuum for above-floor surfaces.
It features a 30′ power cable and a flexible hose for some added reach. Another thing worth mentioning is swivel steering since it’s what makes the vacuum a bit easier to maneuver with.
It’s also suitable for allergy-prone people thanks to its HEPA filtration and Anti Allergen Complete Seal Technology.
Pros
- Large, see-through canister
- Lift-Away function
- For multiple surfaces
Cons
- No on-board storage for its accessories
Shark Navigator Pet Plus (NV251) Upright Vacuum
NV251 looks much like most Shark’s Navigator uprights when you first look at it. However, it’s not the same as others since it’s lighter and has a wider cleaner head than most Navigator models.
This is one of the best choices for embedded debris, dander, cat hair, dust, and dirt. It’s equally as suitable for plush carpets and area rugs as it is for bare floors and hardwood.
It weighs only 16 pounds, which is quite lightweight for an upright of its size. To make things easier, Shark included swivel steering so that you can move the vacuum with ease.
The NV251 has a large dust cup that’s see-through and easy to empty. It also features HEPA filtration and Anti Allergen Complete Seal Technology to make sure that all the dirt is kept inside.
Pros
- 12′ flexible hose
- Swivel steering
- 25′ power cord
Cons
- The hose breaks easily
Shark Navigator Zero-M Self-Cleaning Brushroll Pet Pro (ZU62)
Shark ZU62 is another outstanding vacuum from its Navigator series. It’s a large upright that’s suitable for big households and people who have more than just one pet.
Its dust cup capacity is 2.8 quarts, which is enough to cover larger areas without having to empty it as frequently. On top of that, the vacuum features the Zero-M self-cleaning brush roll that spins continuously while also cleaning itself.
This one comes with a strong motor that sports enough suction power for pet hair, dander, dust, and dirt on your floors and carpets. It comes with a 12′ extendable hose for some added reach as well.
The ZU62 weighs only 16 pounds and is easy to maneuver with regardless of the floor surface. Plus, it features a HEPA filter combined with Anti Allergen Complete Seal Technology that traps even the tiniest allergens and particles.
Pros
- 25′ power cable + 12′ hose
- Ideal for dog and cat hair
- Suitable for allergy-prone people
Cons
- Hard to maneuver on carpet
Shark Rocket HV300
The HV300 vacuum is a part of Shark’s Rocket series that’s equally as popular but a bit more modern. This is a stick vacuum with strong suction and a long power cable.
Although most sticks are cordless, this one comes with a 27′ power cable. This does limit your reach a bit, but it gives you an unlimited run time. On top of that, it converts into a handheld so that you can pick up hair from your furniture and above-floor surfaces.
It has a brush roll that spins a bit slower than what you can see on other Shark models. As such, it’s among the best for hardwood and other delicate floors.
Its cyclonic action provides strong suction to pick up pet hair, embedded dirt, dust, dander, and all the other particles commonly found in homes.
Pros
- Cyclonic action technology
- Lightweight (12 pounds)
- Converts into a handheld
Cons
- Top-heavy
Shark NV501
The Shark NV501 is one of the most popular vacuums from Shark. It’s an easy-to-use upright that’s among the best for all floor surfaces from carpets to hard floors and everything in between.
This is a bagless vacuum with a 1.3-quarts dust cup. The cup is transparent and easy to empty, which is quite important for allergy-prone pet owners. The vacuum also features the brand’s well-known Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology.
Plus, NV501 features a HEPA filter that traps even the tiniest allergens and particles. It ensures that none of the vacuumed dust and pet hair goes back into your breathing space.
Another thing worth noting is that this one comes with specialized pet tools and Ergo cleaning accessories. It’s equipped with swivel steering that allows easier maneuverability regardless of the floor surface.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Lift-Away function
- 25′ power cord
Cons
- The tools attach by friction
Shark Apex DuoClean
Shark Apex is one of the best choices for hard floor surfaces and area rugs. It’s an upright with a smaller-than-usual dust cup measuring 1.5-quarts.
This is one of the best Shark vacuum cleaners as it sports several of its technologies and unique features. It features DuoClean, Zero-M, and Lift-Away technologies to allow maximum efficiency and ease of use.
The DuoClean technology spins the brush roll to deliver a more polished look. The Zero-M technology cleans the brush from all the hairs that could tangle and make a mess.
Since this is a Lift-Away vacuum, you can detach its canister for easier portability and maneuverability. This allows you to pick up hair and dander that’s on stairs, your furniture, and other above-floor areas.
It comes with a 30′ cable and a cleaning path that measures some 11 inches.
Pros
- HEPA + Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology
- Nozzle and handle LEDs
- Self-cleaning brush
Cons
- Somewhat large and bulky
If you require more details on the Shark Apex DuoClean, check out our full review.
Shark IonFlex DuoClean Cordless Vacuum
If you’re interested in a cordless vacuum, you should check out the Shark Ionflex DuoClean. It’s a cordless stick made to deliver floor-to-ceiling versatility and powerful suction.
It features the brand’s MultiFlex technology that makes it easier to clean under furniture and other hard-to-reach areas. When folded, the stick is also easier to store away.
DuoClean technology is something that most Shark vacuums feature. It combines the bristle brush with a soft roller to clean and polish any bare floor. It’s gentle as well, so you don’t have to worry that it would scratch hardwood.
Since it’s battery-powered, it provides some 80 minutes with its two batteries it comes with. It requires only one battery to work, so you can always have one fully charged and ready.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 13.4 x 10.4 x 45.9 in
- Weight: 3.8 lbs
- Run Time: 80 min
Pros
- Converts into a handheld
- Lightweight (3.8 pounds)
- Crevice tool and dusting brush included
Cons
- Small 0.3 quarts dust cup
Shark IQ R1001 Robot Vacuum
IQ R101 is Shark’s robot vacuum that’s ideal for maintaining your floors with between two deep-cleaning sessions with your full-size vacuum.
The best thing about this vacuum cleaner is that it can pick up everything from pet hair to kibble and kitty litter. It’s meant to clean both small and large particles, keeping your carpets and bare floors clean at all times.
It features a self-cleaning brush roll that picks up the persistent hairs, cleaning itself, so none of those hairs tangle around it.
Since it’s a robot, it’s highly programmable, allowing you to schedule cleaning sessions and target specific rooms. It connects to Shark Clean App, or you can use Alexa.
It cleans methodically, covering row by row until it goes to the next room. Its smart mapping allows you to choose which areas it should avoid and which it should focus on.
Specifications
- Capacity: up to 30 days
- Weight: 5.7 lbs
- Dimensions: 12.8 x 12.6 x 3.5 in
Pros
- Total home mapping
- Programmable via App or Alexa
- Dual-edge and corner brushes
Cons
- It tends to get lost
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Hand Vacuum (HV292)
Shark Rocket HV292 is a handheld vacuum that weighs only 3.7 pounds. It comes with a TruePet mini motorized brush, a crevice tool, a dusting brush, and an extender reach stretch hose.
It’s a corded vacuum featuring a 15′ power cable that should be enough for most households. Still, it’s not the longest we’ve seen in Shark vacuums, and some people consider it short.
The mini motorized brush tool allows you to remove pet hairs from your furniture and stairs. This vacuum for pet hair is ideal for spot-cleaning and maintenance regardless of the type of floors you have.
It has washable filters and a rather large dust cup, given that it’s a handheld. It doesn’t require much maintenance apart from rinsing the filters once in a while.
Pros
- Easy-to-empty dust cup
- Motorized brush included
- Lightweight
Cons
- Its tools reduce the suction power
What to Look for in a Shark Vacuum for Pet Hair?
Removing pet hair from certain areas is quite challenging, especially if you have more than one pet. Still, choosing the best vacuum for pet hair can be tricky if you’ve never had to buy one before. Take a look at our guide below to figure out which of these Shark vacuums would work the best for you.
Filtration
Filtration is one of the most important things to consider when looking for the best pet hair vacuum. HEPA is by far the best solution, especially if you’re allergy-prone and sensitive to hairs.
HEPA filters are designed to filter the air that’s moving through the vacuum. By doing so, the filter traps even the smallest particles and allergens, expelling clean air.
However, HEPA needs to be replaced after a while. It’s an extra expense that you can avoid by opting for washable filters instead. It’s the second-best option, but it’s not the best if you’re prone to allergies.
Suction Power
Pet hair and dander isn’t as simple to remove, especially if you have plush carpets. It usually ends up embedded in carpets and upholstery, and you can only remove them with strong suction.
Shark vacuums are pretty powerful, and nearly every model can pick up pet hair. However, some are more powerful than others, also featuring certain motorized pet tools.
Strong suction is critical as it’s what’s meant to pick up the dirt and hairs. Older vacuums used to be less powerful than the newer models we come across today.
Accessories
The most important tools you want to have are motorized pet tools. Luckily, Shark vacuums typically come with at least one motorized tool that helps pick up hairs from different areas.
A few other tools you want are a crevice tool and a dusting brush. The two are the most efficient when it comes to removing pet hair from all the nooks and crannies where it usually gets stuck.
Flooring Suitability
Make sure that the vacuum of your choice can clean the type of floors you have. Some vacuum cleaners are better for hardwood, while others are meant for carpets.
If you have combined flooring, you should look for a vacuum cleaner that’s equally efficient regardless of the surface.
Warranty
Every Shark vacuum comes with a reliable warranty from the manufacturer. The company covers damage caused by faulty materials and manufacturing, but that’s about it.
This is a vital factor that you should look into when looking for the best Shark vacuum for pet hair. Make sure that the vacuum cleaner of your choice has at least a year-long warranty.
Cord / Cordless
Choosing between cordless and corded depends on your needs and preferences. Cordless vacuums are battery-operated and have limited run time. Still, they have an unlimited reach and are a bit better for above-floor cleaning.
On the other hand, corded vacuums have unlimited run time and are the best for large homes with more than one pet.
Bagged / Bagless
This is another choice you have to make based on what you want from your vacuum cleaner. Bagless vacuums are more cost-efficient and eco-friendly since you don’t have to buy additional bags.
On the other hand, they’re not the best for allergy-prone people. If you’re sensitive to hairs and dander, you might do better with a bagged vacuum cleaner.
Price Point
Shark may not be the cheapest brand on the market, but it’s far from expensive. All Shark vacuum cleaner models are quite affordable and have a good price-to-quality ratio.
As always, you should consider your budget before time so that you can narrow your list of options and have better chances of finding the best Shark vacuum for pet hair.
Maneuverability
Shark is well-known for its uprights, but this is the type of vacuum that’s notoriously tricky to maneuver with. For this reason, Shark included swivel steering with most of its uprights so that they’re easier to work with.
Another thing that affects maneuverability is the weight. Make sure that the cleaner of your choice is lightweight and easy to carry from one room to another.
Design
The design has very little to do with how your vacuum cleaner cleans pet hair and dander. Most Shark vacuums are ergonomically-designed so that you don’t struggle to move them around.
Look for a design that’s simple to use at all times regardless of the floor surface. It should be lightweight and easy to operate with, especially if you’re opting for a bagless design.
Upright / Canister
As you noticed, most of the vacuums we reviewed are upright. It’s because Shark is probably the best brand to go for when it comes to uprights.
This type of cleaner is far better for pet hair than any other. These don’t pull any hair around as canisters do, so they’re more suitable for households with pets.
Read more: The Battle of Canisters and Uprights
Storage
If you’re often struggling with storage space, you should consider an upright or a stick cleaner. These stand tall and are typically easy to store away.
Make sure that it doesn’t take up much space and that it can stand on its own. Some sticks are top-heavy, so you’ll have to consider a wall mount.
Portability
Portability is always important, but even more so if you have a two-floor house with stairs. Moving a heavy cleaner through a large house is rather tricky, so make sure that the model of your choice is lightweight.
It shouldn’t be too bulky either since its size can make maneuverability a challenge.
Noise
It’s well-known that pets don’t like vacuum cleaners. For this reason, you should look for a vacuum for pet hair that’s quiet and won’t scare your furry friend.
Luckily, most Shark vacuum cleaners aren’t as noisy as other models on the market. However, some accessories like a crevice tool might produce more noise than usual.
Why Choose a Shark Vacuum
At this point, you probably have an idea of why Shark vacuums are popular. The company has been around for ages, has plenty of customers, and great customer service rating.
Some of its technologies help the vacuum cleaners stand out, especially when it comes to cleaning pet hair, dander, kibble, and kitty litter.
DuoClean Technology
Vacuums with DuoClean technology have a cleaning head with a spiral brush bar and a soft roller. The combination of these two brushes allows the vacuum to pick up both fine hairs and larger kibble pieces.
The technology does wonders on both bare floors as well as carpets. The two brushes work together to pick up all the dust while the soft roller polishes your bare floors.
APEX Technology
Apex technology brings a few things to the table. These vacuums feature Noise Reduction and Active-Glide wheels for some added convenience.
The body of Apex uprights is usually rectangular with a clear dust bin on the front. In most cases, it’s combined with DuoClean, although DuoClean doesn’t always include Apex as well.
IONFlex Technology
IONFlex vacuums are battery-powered and cordless with a flexible stick body. They’re easy to use and ideal to clean under furniture and other hard-to-reach areas.
These are among the most high-end cordless vacuums on the market, and definitely among the most popular Shark models. The pivoting joint makes them ideal for pet owners since it allows them to clean pet hair underneath furniture.
The Company
Shark is a part of a larger company called SharkNinja. It’s been around since 1998 and has since then moved from Montreal, Canada to Needham, Massachusetts.
Since day one, the company produced a large number of different household appliances and products to help busy people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
Can I vacuum pet hair on furniture with Shark vacuums?
A: A handheld would probably be the best for pet hair on furniture. If this is something that you often struggle with, make sure to consider the best Shark vacuum for pet hair that’s portable and easy to use.
If you’re not interested in a handheld, you can always go for one of the Lift-Away uprights that are equally as suitable for above-floor cleaning.
Q:
What may be an issue with pet hair vacuuming?
A: The biggest issue with cleaning pet hair is that the hairs can get tangled. If your vacuum has a rotating brush, the hairs can get stuck and prevent the brush from moving altogether. To avoid this, you should look for a vacuum that has a self-cleaning brush.
Keep in mind that hair can clog your vacuum parts even if it passes the brush roll. The only way to prevent this from happening is opting for a vacuum with strong suction.
Conclusion
At this point, you probably already found the best Shark vacuum for pet hair that would suit you the best. These are the best that the company has to offer when it comes to cleaning pet hair.
Looking for a vacuum for pet hair can be a bit tricky, especially if you’ve never bought one before. This is where Shark comes into play with its unique technologies, features, and suction power.
Finding the best Shark vacuum for pet hair shouldn’t be as tricky once you go over our buyer’s guide and consider each of the vacuum cleaners on our list. Pet hairs are persistent, but they’re usually no match for Shark.
Sources and Resources
- About Shark
– https://www.sharkclean.com/about-us/
- Tips for Vacuuming Pet Hair
– https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/tips-vacuuming-pet-hair
