The 30 Best Vacuums for Pet Hair in 2021
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What’s your way of cleaning after your furry friend? The process can be quite annoying and challenging unless you have the best vacuum for pet hair.
Pet vacuums are made to pick up hair from different surfaces using powerful suction and various specialized tools. Stick around as we review the best models and go through some of the most critical buying factors.
Top Rated Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Hair
Dyson Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Ball Animal 2
Dyson has always been one of the best names in the industry. Ball Animal 2 upright vacuum for pet hair features powerful suction and durable but lightweight construction.
It’s a .55 gallon pet vacuum cleaner that you can use on a wide variety of carpet and bare floors even those that your pet doesn’t visit. Its self-adjusting cleaning head works hand in hand with a powerful motor to pick up even the most persistent pet hair from tile, wood, vinyl, and carpet.
Ball Animal 2 comes with a few tools, including a stair tool, a tangle-free, self-cleaning turbine tool, and a combination tool. Plus, both its wand and hose release so that you can remove hair from any above-floor surface.
Also, Ball Animal 2 is a bagless vacuum cleaner with a large dust bin that’s designed to allow hygienic emptying. In other words, you don’t have to touch any of the dirt, just push the button to release it.
Pros
- Turbine tool
- Easy to work with
- Picks up both cat and dog hair
Cons
- It’s a bit loud
BISSELL Cleanview Swivel 2252 Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum
Bissell has always been there for both pet owners and their pets. The company donates up to $10 to its pet foundation for every product once it’s activated.
The Cleanview Swivel 2252 upright vacuum is one of its most powerful vacuum cleaners. It’s equipped with a triple action brush roll, working with scatter-free technology. This allows you to pick up dirt, kibble, and kitty litter, as well.
It features swivel steering for easier maneuverability across different carpets and bare floor surfaces. This upright vacuum is simple to move around furniture and other similar obstacles where pet hair usually hides.
It comes with specialized pet tools like a regular pet tool and a pet hair corner tool. Also, it features a 1.0-liter dust bin that’s see-through and easy to empty.
Keep in mind that this is a corded vacuum cleaner, featuring a 27 ft. power cord.
Pros
- Washable filter, replacement included
- Among the best for above-floor cleaning
- 6 ft. hose length
Cons
- Its belt requires frequent replacement
BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser
Pet Hair Eraser is one of the best choices when it comes to handhelds. Again, Bissell donates $5 for each Pet Eraser purchase, so you get to help other pets while you’re at it.
This little vacuum cleaner is efficient in removing embedded dirt and persistent pet hair from floors and above-floor surfaces. It delivers excellent cleaning power with its lithium-ion battery and motorized brush that removes the most persistent hair.
The 14V lithium-ion battery lasts for some 30 minutes, depending on whether you use a motorized tool or not. A few other accessories are also included, like the upholstery tool and crevice attachment. Still, its motorized brush tool is the best choice for cat hair and dog hair on carpet and bare floors.
It’s equipped with a 0.7-liter dirt cup that’s easy to empty without actually touching the collected hair and dirt. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser pet vacuum cleaner also features triple filtration that’s among the best options for allergy-prone people.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- See-through, easy-to-empty dirt cup
- For pet hair, dirt, dander, and kibble
Cons
- It takes a long time to charge
Shark Navigator Zero-M Pet Pro (ZU62)
The Zero-M Pet Pro is one of the Shark’s best and most popular vacuums for removing pet hair. It’s a part of its Navigator series that’s packed with some of the best vacuums for carpet and bare floors.
This is a corded, bagless vacuum for pet hair with a dust bin measuring some 2.8 quarts. Thanks to as much capacity, the vacuum cleaner is best for extended cleaning sessions on any carpet and hard floor.
It’s an upright vacuum cleaner, featuring a self-cleaning brush roll that allows continuous cleaning. Its suction picks up stubborn pet hair, dirt, dust, sand, kitty litter, and all kinds of different debris.
Another thing worth mentioning is its maneuverability. This upright vacuum cleaner weighs only 16 pounds and features swivel steering for some added control and ease of use.
It comes with a HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology, capturing and trapping even the tiniest hair, pollen, and allergens.
Specifications
- Dust Bin Capacity: 2.8 qt
- Weight: 16 lbs
- Filtration: HEPA & Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Crevice and upholstery tools included
- Expendable hose (12 ft. of total reach)
Cons
- The accessories don’t lock in place
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 1650A
This Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is quite a bit different from the one we mentioned above. This is an upright and bagless vacuum for pet hair, weighing some 18 pounds.
With 8.5Amps and a cleaning path of 12.3 inches, the vacuum cleaner is best for different areas and types of dirt. It comes with a tangle-free, self-cleaning brush roll and specialized pet tools such as the Turbo Eraser tool, quick-release wand, LED crevice tool, and a 2-in-1 brush.
You can turn the brush on and off, depending on the type of floor you’re cleaning. This makes it among the best for hardwood floors and scatter-free cleaning.
The vacuum cleaner features swivel steering and edge-to-edge cleaning technology, picking up pet hair from the most remote areas. It also comes with a 30 ft. power cable and five height adjustment settings.
Pros
- Suction Channel Technology
- Built-in Febreze Pet Odor Eliminator Filter
- Multi-Surface Cleaning
Cons
- Hair tends to get stuck in the dirt container
Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet (NV752)
Shark Rotator line is among the most popular ones, featuring some of the best vacuums for pet hair. One such vacuum is the Powered Lift-Away NV752 upright vacuum cleaner.
It comes with a 30 ft. long cord, making it easier to clean larger areas. On top of that, this pet hair vacuum is bagless, featuring a see-through .5-quarts canister.
It’s one of the brand’s original Lift-Away vacuum cleaners, allowing you to detach the canister and use it as a portable vacuum for pet hair. This allows you to clean hair from hard-to-reach areas and above-floor surfaces like the stairs.
It’s equipped with a mini motorized brush that spins at all times, picking up even the most embedded dirt and pet hair. Also, the vacuum cleaner features HEPA filtration and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, which is among the best choices for allergy-prone people.
Powered Lift-Away True Pet vacuum cleaner is also quite suitable for people with back pain since it features fingertips controls.
Specifications
- Filtration: HEPA & Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology
- Weight: 16.7 lbs
- Cord Length: 30 ft
Pros
- For carpets and hardwood floors
- The canister detaches
- Comes with a motorized pet tool
Cons
- Its cleaner head is a bit narrow for large surfaces
NEQUARE Pet Hair Eraser
If you’re looking for a compact and easy-to-use cordless stick vacuum for pet hair, you might want to check the NEQUARE vacuum cleaner. It features a 200W brushless motor, providing plenty of suction power in two modes.
It’s in standard mode when you first turn it on, but there’s a MAX button at the top for when you need a bit more power. It’s best for thorough spot-cleaning of more embedded dirt and hair.
The vacuum cleaner works with all kinds of floors, from different carpet types and hardwood floors to above-floor surfaces like curtains, furniture, walls, and ceilings.
Since it’s a cordless stick vacuum cleaner, it weighs only 6.5 pounds and is quite slim and easy to store away. It comes with a crevice attachment, hard bristle roller, 2-in-1 dusting brush, LED power brush, mini power brush, and a charging base.
This pet hair vacuum converts into a handheld for pet hair and above-floor surfaces.
Specifications
- Battery Life: 30 min
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
- Filtration: Washable Sponge
Pros
- Washable sponge filter
- MAX mode for embedded dirt
- 30 minutes of battery life
Cons
- Reduced battery life in MAX mode
BISSELL EV675 Robot Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair
Bissell is one of your best options if you’re looking for a robot vacuum for pet hair. This robot vacuum cleaner is equipped with a Triple-Action Cleaning System, schedule cleaning, automatic sensors, and long battery life.
The robot vacuum combines a rotating brush roll, dual-edge brushes, and powerful suction to remove pet hair. It can also pick up different debris, dirt, kibble, and kitty litter.
Thanks to its constructions and rotating brushes, this robot vacuum cleaner removes hair hiding near edges and corners. It allows you to schedule cleanings so that it can work while you’re away or busy with something else.
Its low profile design allows it to go under furniture and other hard-to-reach areas where hair tends to hide. Plus, it features automatic sensors that help it keep away from stairs and other dangerous areas.
Pros
- Automatic recharging
- Up to 100 minutes of battery life
- Scheduled cleaning
Cons
- No memory for floor mapping
Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max Performance UH72625
Hoover is another big name worth your attention. Its WindTunnel 3 UH72625 upright vacuum cleaner is one of the best vacuums for pet hair thanks to its many features and unique technologies.
The vacuum cleaner might appear a bit bulky, especially considering that it weighs 18 pounds, but it’s quite easy to maneuver with.
It’s equipped with Hoover’s WindTunnel 3 technology, including three channels of suction for efficient airflow. Plus, it has an extra-wide nozzle and a large dirt cup so that you can remove hair from larger areas.
Thanks to its HEPA filter, the vacuum cleaner is best for allergy-prone people. It also has a built-in odor-absorbing filter, helping eliminate the pet odor.
It comes with a motorized brush roll that you can turn off when cleaning hardwood and other hard floors. You also get a pivoting dusting tool, a pet turbo tool, and a crevice tool.
Pros
- 13 powerful cyclones
- 15 ft. of extended reach
- Seven height adjustments
Cons
- It’s heavy
Dirt Devil Razor Pet Bagless UD70355B
This Dirt Devil vacuum is one of the best choices if you need a vacuum for pet hair that’s easy to maneuver around different obstacles. It gets to all the hair hiding in nooks and crannies thanks to its swivel steering, height adjustment, and on-board tools.
The vacuum cleaner provides 180° of movement so that you can remove hair tangled around table legs and other similar obstacles. This is also helpful if you often struggle with hair tucked under furniture and in corners.
It comes with the Endura filter that you can easily remove and wash when needed. Plus, its 1.5-liter canister is typically enough for large areas and people with big dogs.
The package includes its original Spin4Pro Multi Floor brush roll, TurboClaw turbo tool, crevice tool, and a 2-in-1 dusting tool. On top of that, it also comes with an anti-hair wrap dirt cup and an odor-trapping filter.
Pros
- 15 ft. of extended reach (removable extension wand)
- Plenty of pet tools included
- Swivel steering
Cons
- Top-heavy
JASHEN Vacuum Cleaner
This Jashen vacuum cleaner might be your best option if you’re looking for a quiet but powerful cleaner. It’s versatile and equipped with plenty of handy features that make cleaning hair easier.
This one converts into a hand vacuum cleaner, allowing you to clean hair from different areas like car interior, stairs, and other above-floor surfaces like ceilings.
Its three stages of filtration that separate air, expelling non-allergic air. On top of that, it features a HEPA filter, helping to maintain suction at an impressive level.
The vacuum cleaner also has LED lights that are especially useful when spot-cleaning. There’s a battery indicator, showing you when it’s time to recharge the vacuum. Its battery lasts 30 minutes, taking up to 4 hours to recharge.
It has two suction modes, allowing you to choose depending on how dirty your floors are.
Pros
- A crevice nozzle and replacement brush included
- LED front lights
- Two suction modes
Cons
- Battery life might not be enough for everyone
Bissell 20431 Powerglide Lift Off Pet Plus
Bissell 20431 Powerglide Lift-Off is a versatile and easy-to-use vacuum for pet hair. The company donates $10 with each Powerglide purchase upon activation.
This upright vacuum cleaner has a dirt cup capacity of 0.75 liters and a smart seal allergen system that helps trap hair, pollen, and other allergens. It efficiently picks up and catches things like pet hair, pet dander, dust, dirt, kibble, and kitty litter. It also features the Febrile pet odor eliminator, which helps freshen up your rooms, eliminating pet odors.
Keep in mind that this is a 2-in-1 vacuum for pet hair, featuring lift-off technology. This allows you to use it as a portable, removing hair from above-floor surfaces, stairs, and furniture.
It comes with several specialized tools like the pet hair eraser tool and a tangle-free, self-cleaning pet turbo eraser.
Pros
- 2-in-1, works as a portable
- 30 ft. cord
- Powerful suction
Cons
- Its filter requires frequent maintenance
Shark Rocket DuoClean HV382
The DuoClean HV382 is among the slimmest and lightest best vacuums in the Shark’s Rocket collection. It weighs some 9 pounds, so it’s easy to use and equally as easy to store away.
It features a dual brush roll combined with Triple Particle cleaning, which helps get rid of the smallest particles and allergens. However, its suction is powerful enough to remove pet hair and large pieces, as well.
The vacuum cleaner is efficient in removing pet hair from both carpets and hard floors. It has fingertip controls, allowing you to quickly and easily switch from hard floors to carpet cleaning.
On top of that, it comes equipped with dual cup capacity, meaning that you won’t have to empty it as often. Keep in mind that although it’s a stick, DuoClean HV382 vacuum cleaner is corded, featuring a 30 ft. cord.
Pros
- Pet Multi-Tool included
- Lightweight and compact
- For small and large particles
Cons
- Messy cord storage
Dyson V11 Animal Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Dyson V11 is one of the best pet vacuums. It provides powerful suction, combined with convenient features and long battery life.
Its High Torque cleaner head automatically adapts to different heights, which makes it easy to transition from carpet to hard floors and the other way around.
The vacuum is equipped with Dyson Digital V11 motor, delivering up to 40% more suction than the Dyson V8. Another thing that stands out is its long battery life. The V11 provides an hour of fade-free suction power, although that depends on the power mode and attachments you use.
You can choose between Eco, Auto, and Boost modes, depending on how dirty your carpet is. It features mini motorized, crevice and combination tools, as well as a stubborn dirt brush and a wand storage clip.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 49.6 x 9.8 x 10.3 in
- Weight: 6.68 lbs
- Spinning Speed: 125.000rpm
Pros
- Point-and-shoot hygienic dirt ejector
- Captures up to 99.97% of allergens
- Transforms into a handheld
Cons
- The dust canister is quite small
Shark Rotator Professional NV501 Lift Away
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use upright, the NV501 might be one of your best options. It features a dust bin of 1.3 quarts and a HEPA filter, which helps trap even the tiniest particles.
Combined with its HEPA filter is the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology, which helps ensure that none of the collected hair goes back on your carpet and other floorings. This is especially useful for everyone prone to allergies.
Another thing worth mentioning is that this is a Lift-Away vacuum. In other words, you can detach its canister for when you need a portable vacuum to clean above-floor surfaces. It’s a handy feature for when you need to get rid of that pet hair that’s on your furniture.
It comes equipped with Rotator Technology and swivel steering, which allows you to clean around furniture and obstacles on any bare floor.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Brush roll on/off switch
- Premium Pet Tools included
Cons
- LED lights are too bright
Shark Navigator Deluxe NV42
This Shark Navigator vacuum for pet hair is champagne-colored and large enough to provide continuous cleaning in big houses. It features a 2.6-quart dust cup and a 25′ power cord, allowing you to clean your entire house with minimal interruption.
The vacuum provides plenty of suction power, making it easy to clean both small and large particles. The suction is strong enough to remove pet hair, kibble, and kitty litter as well as dust, dirt, sand, and other such debris.
Being that it’s a bagless upright, it appears quite bulky and heavy. However, it weighs only 14 pounds, which isn’t a lot for such a large vacuum.
Another thing worth noting is that this Shark Navigator comes with several Premium Pet Hair cleaning tools such as pet hair power brush, 2.24” crevice attachment, and a smaller brush and crevice attachment.
Pros
- Lightweight
- For bare floors and carpets
- Large dirt canister
Cons
- No storage for the accessories
Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum Cleaner
This list can’t go on without a Miele vacuum for pet hair. Miele Complete C3 Cat& Dog canister vacuum is among the best choices for cat hair and dog hair.
It features an electro brush with five height adjustment settings, allowing you to transition between carpets and hard floors easily. Plus, because it’s a canister, the vacuum can hold quite a lot of dirt before you’d have to empty the bag.
Miele Complete C3 comes with a parquet twister, rotating for 180°, and providing gentle cleaning. It also features an Active Air Clean filter with active charcoal which absorbs and neutralizes pet odors.
Thanks to its Deluxe Comfort grip handle and six suction control settings, the vacuum is easy to use for all kinds of messes your pets leave behind. Its Mini Turbo Brush combined with strong suction helps to remove pet hair, while you also get an upholstery tool, crevice nozzle, and a dusting tool.
Specifications
- Operating Radius: 36 ft
- Weight: 19.4 lbs
- FilterBag Volume: 4.5 l
Pros
- +/- footswitch
- 36′ operating radius
- Six speed settings
Cons
- The attachments tend to detach quite often
Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Upright Vacuum
Dyson Ball technology is another quite popular option when it comes to pet vacuum cleaners. The brand’s Cinetic Big Ball vacuum is a good choice if you’re looking for efficiency, ease of use, and reliable filtration.
What sets this one apart from others is the fact that it doesn’t have any filters as we know them. It does have a HEPA filter, but that one requires no maintenance. It also features Dyson Cinetic science, trapping microscopic dirt and preventing it from going back into your breathing space.
The Ball technology allows you to move the vacuum with ease, getting under and behind your furniture and other hard-to-reach places. It has a self-adjusting cleaner head, transitioning from carpets to a bare floor and vice versa.
Another feature worth mentioning is the instant wand release. This helps you reach above-floor surfaces.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 43.3 x 13.4 x 17.2 in
- Weight: 19.18 lbs
- Filtration: Whole-Machine HEPA
Pros
- For different floors and above-floor surfaces
- Supreme filtration (allergy-friendly)
- Bagless
Cons
- It weighs almost 20 pounds
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light HV292
If you’re looking for a pet vacuum to use for spot-cleaning and versatile deep cleaning, you might want to check this one. It comes with a few pet tools and an easy-to-empty dust cup that helps provide continuous cleaning.
Since it’s a handheld, the HV292 weighs less than four pounds and is quite easy to use. It’s corded, which does limit your reach a bit, but it allows for continuous cleaning.
It comes with a True Pet motorized brush and enough suction to remove pet hair efficiently. It’s among the best pet vacs if you let your pets in your bed or sofa, allowing you to keep the items clean at all times. It also comes with a crevice attachment, stretch hose, and a dusting tool.
This is a bagless vacuum for pet hair with a canister that empties with a single touch of a button.
Specifications
- Cord Length: 15 ft
- Weight: 3.7 lbs
- Filtration: Foam & Felt Filter
Pros
- Continuous suction
- Washable filters
- 15′ power cord
Cons
- No cord storage
Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away NV755
Powered Lift-Away NV755 is another one of the best pet vacuum models from Shark’s Rotator series. It’s an upright that’s easy to use thanks to its suction and many useful features such as fingertip controls and canister caddy.
Its 3-in-1 design allows you to use it as a canister, upright, and a portable vacuum. As we said, it comes with a caddy, making it easier to use the vacuum as a canister in case you have back pain, or you find the upright too heavy.
This one is meant for all types of floors as well as above-floor surfaces.
It features swivel steering, which helps you maneuver the big thing around your house. Also, you’ll receive duster crevice, TruePet Mini motorized brush, dusting brush, pet upholstery bag, LED Dust-Away tool, and accessory bag.
Specifications
- Warranty: 5-year limited
- Weight: 16.4 lbs
- Filtration: HEPA & Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology
Pros
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology + a HEPA filter
- Three height adjustment settings
- Enhanced ease of use
Cons
- A bit loud
Hoover Power Drive UH74210PC
This one might be one of your best choices if you’re looking for the best Hoover for pet hair. It has impressive suction power that does a great job of removing pet hair with ease.
The vacuum features swivel steering, which helps you move it around since it is a bit bulky. It weighs some 16 pounds, which is an average weight for an upright, although it might be a bit heavy for some.
Nonetheless, the swivel steering helps you maneuver the vacuum around furniture and different obstacles, making the entire cleaning process much easier.
It comes with Advanced Action Brush Roll that’s engineered to pick up persistent and embedded dirt and pet hair. For further efficiency, you’ll receive Multi-Purpose Pet attachment to clean all kinds of surfaces.
Pros
- 30 ft. power cord
- On/Off option for motorized tools
- Seven automatic height adjustment settings
Cons
- A bit cumbersome
Electrolux EL4335B Corded Ultra Flex Canister
If you’re not a fan of old-school canister vacuums, you might want to check this one. It’s the brand’s modern take on powerful and convenient canister vacuums we all used to have back in the day.
It weighs 11 pounds and glides across different surfaces. Also, its wheels won’t damage your hardwood and other bare floor types.
The vacuum has on/off brush roll and three height adjustment settings, allowing you to transition between floors with ease. It also features adjustable suction for when you need more or less power, depending on what you’re cleaning.
Unlike many canisters, this one is bagless, featuring 1.4-quarts dirt cup. It features a 21 ft. long cord and 30 ft. of total reach, allowing you to deep clean without having to change sockets as much.
Pros
- HEPA filter
- Fingertip controls
- Crevice attachment, dusting brush, and upholstery nozzle included
Cons
- Not the most hygienic emptying system
EyeVac Pet -Touchless Stationary Vacuum for Pet Hair
EyeVac Pet is the only vacuum for pet hair of this kind that we reviewed on this list. It’s a stationary vacuum, so you can’t really use it as you would a more traditional model.
This is a touchless vacuum that you install near a kitty litter box or food bowls. It’s meant for all areas that require regular sweeping.
You just sweep scattered kibble, litter, dust, and hair up to the vacuum, and its infrared sensors will automatically activate the suction. It turns on once you’re near enough, sucking up whatever you’ve brought.
It features dual filtration and cyclonic vacuum action, so it cleans both your floors and the air around it. Its canister measures some 6.5 quarts, so you won’t have to empty it as often.
Pros
- Dust bin light indicator
- Automatic sensors
- Easy to install
Cons
- Not for carpets
Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Canister Vacuum
Here’s another unique canister, but this time from Dyson. It’s quite similar to the Cinetic Big Ball uprights we mentioned above but slightly bit easier to use.
Because it’s a canister, this one easier to maneuver with. You’re meant to pull it, working with the rotating wand and hose across your floors and hard-to-reach places.
The canister has a capacity of .42 gallons, so you won’t have to empty it as often. It doesn’t have any dirty filters for you to wash since, like other vacuums from this line, it operates with Dyson Cinetic science.
It has a hygienic dirt ejector, making it easy to empty the canister without touching any of the dirty contents. Also, this one features a carbon-fiber turbine tool with stiff nylon bristles.
Pros
- 35 ft. of total reach
- No filter maintenance
- Self-righting
Cons
- Not the best for carpets
Hoover Linx SH20030
If you’re looking for something sturdy and durable, you should give this one a chance. It’s powerful enough for pet hair and meant to get the job done quickly.
This one features the brand’s well-known cyclonic technology, ensuring continuous suction at all times. On top of that, it has a 20 ft. long cord, making it easier for you to clean without changing sockets as often.
One of its best features is the recline handle, allowing you to reach under furniture without having to move any of it around. The fact that it’s as slim also helps you to clean hard-to-reach areas.
It has a washable filter and edge-cleaning bristles, removing pet hair stuck against walls and corners. It’s among the best for multi-floor cleaning, being equally efficient on hard floors as well as carpets.
Pros
- Low profile base
- On/off brush roll
- Weighs only 8 pounds
Cons
- Small dust bin capacity
Eureka Mighty Mite Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Mighty Mite is one of the best canister vacuums – best for quick cleanups and deep cleaning as well. It’s bagged, but easy to use and compact enough to store away neatly.
It weighs less than 9 pounds, which is especially convenient if you have a large house or you’re using the vacuum quite frequently. It comes with a powerful 10-amp motor, providing continuous suction.
The interesting thing is that this one works as a blower as well. It has a blower port, allowing you to blow the leaves and whatever debris from your yard or garage.
Its on-board accessories include a dusting brush, crevice attachment, upholstery nozzle, and extension wands. It’s highly functional for all types of cleaning since you can use it on low-pile carpets as well as hard floors. It’s equally as efficient for above-floor cleaning.
Pros
- Eliminates pet odors
- 20 ft. of power cable
- Weighs only 9 pounds
Cons
- Not for fluffy carpets
Hikeren 12000
Hikeren might not be the first brand that comes into mind, but this pet hair vacuum is among the best for removing pet hair. It’s a cordless vacuum for pet hair with 120W high-power motor and two modes.
It’s equipped with swivel steering, allowing you to rotate it for 180°. Its folding handle makes it that much easier to use under furniture and different obstacles. The vacuum also has LED lights, making it among the best for cleaning in low-light conditions.
This is a cord-free vacuum cleaner, featuring a 2500mAh rechargeable battery. It offers approximately 40 minutes of run time on low power and 30 minutes on high power, taking 3 to 4 hours to recharge. It has a battery indicator, showing the remaining capacity.
It works as a hand vacuum as well and has a rather small dust canister.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to work with
- Crevice nozzle and cleaning brush included
- Folds all the way to the floor
Cons
- For hard floors only
Dyson V6 Animal
To this day, V6 is among the best vacuums from Dyson. It’s a stick vacuum for pet hair, so it’s slim, lightweight, and compact. It’s easy to use and store away even if you usually struggle with storage space.
This one has outstanding cleaning power since it delivers 150% more brush bar power than any other Dyson vacuum. On top of that, it’s cordless and hassle-free, allowing you to reach all the tight spaces of your home without thinking of power sockets.
It does have a battery, however, which gives you about 20 minutes of runtime. Though this doesn’t seem like much, Dyson V6 has an instant trigger release, using battery power only when cleaning.
It features the Direct-Drive vacuum head that picks up even the most persistent dirt. Also, this best vacuum for pet hair comes with a mini motorized attachment.
Pros
- Works as a handheld
- Lightweight
- For floor-to-ceiling cleaning
Cons
- Small dust cup
ZesGood Portable Handheld Vacuum
If you’re looking for a powerful but quiet handheld vacuum, you might want to check this one. It’s a portable handheld with a built-in 120W cyclonic powerful motor. It delivers more than 6KPA of suction at a noise level that’s below 75db.
It’s cordless, featuring three 2200mAh batteries. It takes only around two to three hours to recharge, and you get approximately 20 minutes of runtime. Plus, its LCD screed shows the remaining battery life.
It has an easy-to-empty dust cup and a washable HEPA filter that you can use over and over again. This best handheld also comes with a crevice tool and short and long brush nozzles. It’s meant for tight spaces of your home as well as your car if you let your pets ride with you.
Pros
- For wet and dry cleaning
- Weighs only 1.5 pounds
- The battery is rechargeable up to 1500 times
Cons
- Some accessories might reduce its suction power
Bissell Bolt Pet Lithium Ion 1954
This Bissell stick vacuum is among the best vacuums for removing pet hair. It’s meant for tight spaces and easy cleaning on hard floors and carpets.
This is a cordless model, featuring a 14.4V lithium-ion battery. The battery lasts around 25 minutes, which should be enough for most household needs.
Its 2-way folding handle allows ease of use and storage. It makes it easier to reach different tight spaces behind and under your furniture.
This best vacuum for pet hair features a cyclonic cleaning system and dual-edge cleaning for additional suction on the sides. This allows you to clean close to walls and corners, picking up pet hair and pet dander.
It comes with a crevice tool and dusting brush, as well as a pet hair nozzle, advanced pet hair brush roll, and sweep&scoop tool.
Pros
- Works as a handheld vacuum
- For all types of floors
- CleanTurn Filtration (easy maintenance)
Cons
- Expensive replacement filters
Buying Guide
As you can see, there is plenty of vacuums in the market that’s focused on picking up pet hair.
In our in-depth guide, you’ll find all the necessary information on what the best pet hair vacuum is. We’ll discuss all the important factors that you should consider before purchasing to ensure that you’re opting for the best pet hair vacuum.
Overall Performance
The overall performance of a vacuum cleaner is possibly the most important thing to consider. You want to think about its performance on carpets as well as hard floors. Does the vacuum pick up cat hair as well as dog hair? Can it pick up tiny balls of pet fur and large pieces like kibble or kitty litter?
These are just a few questions you should ask yourself when choosing among the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair. Check below to see what else you should consider.
Suction
This is one of the features you should check first. Still, figuring out suction power is a bit tricky unless the manufacturer lists it with a standard unit such as air watts. Sadly, not all of them do this.
The best vacuum cleaners we reviewed above all have enough suction power to tackle hair, dust, dirt, kitty litter, and other similar messes your pets leave behind. If you have combined floors, you might want to consider going for the best vacuum with adjustable suction power.
Vacuum Capacity
Smaller and lighter pet vacuums typically have smaller dust bin capacity as well. They’re somewhat easier to maneuver with, but you’ll probably have to empty them quite frequently.
You should look for a bit more capacity, especially if you have more than one pet. Go for a larger pet hair vacuum that has enough capacity for you to clean all the pet fur left behind without too much hassle.
As we said, handheld and stick vacuums almost always have less capacity than canister and upright vacuums.
Brand Choice
Most of the best vacuum brands like Bissell, Dyson, Hoover, Miele, and Shark have introduced the best vacuums for pet hair.
These pet vacuums feature powerful suction, more precise and reliable filtration systems, and versatile attachments to tackle pet dander, hair, and other messes fur friends leave behind.
Value
People often mix value with price, although the two are fairly different. Expensive vacuums usually work great, but some affordable models tend to work just as fine.
Paying twice as much won’t give you twice as good performance, so you should consider more affordable vacuums for pet hair as better value.
Accessories
As you’ve probably noticed, the best vacuum cleaners come with different tools and accessories. Some are more critical for easy cleaning of pet hair in different areas.
For this reason, look for a pet vacuum that comes with a specialized pet tool for all the embedded fur. Make sure that the best vacuum for pet hair of your choice also includes a crevice attachment, turbine tool, dusting brush, maybe a motorized cleaning head, and an upholstery tool.
Keep in mind that some accessories are best for various carpet types while others are meant for hard floors.
Cord / Cordless
Choosing between corded and cordless vacuum cleaners usually comes down to your preference and needs. Cordless vacuums are slightly more popular due to their ease of use.
However, even cordless vacuums aren’t always so convenient because their runtime is quite limited. On the other hand, corded vacuums have unlimited runtime but a limited reach, causing you to change power sockets a few times during the cleaning process.
Bag / Bagless
Vacuums for pet hair come as bagless and bagged, and it’s up to you to choose what suits your needs. Bagless vacuums are more eco-friendly and cost-efficient since you won’t have to buy new dirt bags.
Upright vacuums and sticks are usually bagless while canister vacuums feature replaceable dust bags. If you have more than one pet and plenty of pet fur to deal with, you should go for a large dirt bag or canister capacity.
Battery
Battery life is something you’ll have to pay attention to if you’re opting for a battery-powered vacuum for pet hair. Usually, battery-operated vacuum cleaners run for 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the battery itself.
Make sure also to consider the time it takes to recharge and whether it comes with motorized tools.
Warranty
Another thing you want to consider is the warranty. The best vacuum brands like Bissell, Shark, Dyson, and Miele offer reliable deals that last from one to five years.
Check all the fine print, though, because the details can vary, and you want to be sure you’re familiar with all of them.
Filter
Filtration is quite important, more so if you’re prone to allergies. You want the best vacuum that’s efficient in removing pet hair and pet dander trapping it inside so that none of it ends up in your breathing space again.
The HEPA filter is by far the best and most popular choice. It’s a perfect choice for allergy-prone people and parents of young children.
Several vacuums for pet hair come with multi-level filtration and sealed systems that are also quite reliable. Some filters are washable, while others are replaceable. Do consider maintenance and how frequently they require replacement or washing.
Maneuverability
Most of the time, stick and handheld vacuums are easier to maneuver with than upright vacuums. Canisters can also be a bit tricky to use unless they’re lightweight and have a flexible hose.
You should consider vacuum cleaners with swivel steering, especially if you’re going for an upright vacuum cleaner. Weight also plays a significant role in maneuverability.
Note that vacuums for pet hair that have wheels or are self-propelled are typically easy to move across different surfaces.
Maintenance
Even the best vacuum for pet hair usually requires frequent maintenance because fur tends to wrap around and clog different components. For this reason, make sure that its brushes and tools are easy to clean.
Look for the best vacuum for pet hair with a large capacity so that you don’t have to empty it as often. Also, look for filters that are equally as simple to maintain.
Convenience
If you need a convenient vacuum, you should consider a handheld or a stick vacuum. These are the simplest to maneuver with.
However, the best vacuum for pet hair should be easy to use and maintain, as well as come with plenty of useful attachments. It should have a powerful suction and a long cord/sufficient battery life.
Flooring
What floors do you have? If you have both bare floor surfaces and carpets, you might want to consider a vacuum that can work on all types. These usually have suction power settings and adjustable height so they can adapt to different hard floor and carpet surfaces.
Note that some vacuums can only perform on a certain type of flooring. For this reason, it’s vital that you think about this in advance. Also, if you have hard floors, you want the one that allows you to shut off its motorized tools that can often damage a bare floor.
Vacuum Types
You probably know that there are many different types of vacuum cleaners out there. But, do you know what each of them delivers, especially when it comes to pet hair?
Some offer better performance and are more convenient, which is why you should take a closer look at each type, depending on whether you have carpet or hardwood surfaces.
Canister
These are the old-school vacuums, but new models do exist, and they’re quite impressive. Canisters are usually bagged and corded, but some brands like Bissell make them bagless as well. Miele is another popular brand that makes some of the best canisters.
These are especially easy to use if you have carpeted stairs because they have a long reach and are relatively lightweight. It’s definitely a plus if you have cat or dog hair that’s hard to reach from your staircase.
For a comprehensive list, visit our best canister vacuum for pet hair guide.
Upright
These vacuums are often big and possibly heavy but have a large capacity and strong suction. Uprights are great in picking up pet hair that’s on the carpet.
Shark and Hoover are among the best choices if you’re looking for an upright vacuum. These typically have height adjustment settings, allowing you to go from hardwood to carpet.
Related Post: Top Rated Upright Vacuums
Stick
Stick vacuums are perfect if you need a lightweight and easy-to-use machine. These are typically cordless, although corded vacuums do exist.
Most of them, if not all, are bagless and are usually meant for quick cleanups, regardless of the floor surface. Still, they’re the best for bare floor types. Dyson might be the most popular name when it comes to the best cordless stick vacuum models.
Handheld
A handheld vacuum is perfect for spot-cleaning and above-floor surfaces. These are bagless, but you can choose between cordless and corded vacuums.
Some sticks or uprights can work as handhelds, as well. They’re best for carpeted stairs, upholstery, car interiors, and other above-floor surfaces.
Dealing With Pet Hair: Additional Tips
Regular vacuum is by far the best way to keep pet fur off of your carpet and hard floors and upholstery. However, some pet owners need to vacuum more often than others, depending on how many pets they have and the type of flooring in their house.
Luckily, there are a few other things you can do to ensure your house and clothes are free of pet hair and dander. Picking up pet hair isn’t easy, especially if you have a cat or a dog with short fur. That tiny hair is usually the trickiest to clean from carpet surfaces.
Check below to see what you can do.
Keeping Pet Hair Under Control in Your Household
If your pet is allowed inside, you probably know the struggles of muddy paws and balls of fur everywhere. This is not only frustrating to clean each day, but it’s also unhealthy. Pet dander and hair can trigger plenty of allergies even for pet owners who weren’t allergic before.
For this reason, you should dedicate yourself to keeping your pet clean all the time. This is easier said than those, as most pet owners already know. But, there are a few other things you can do, such as:
- Charge air filters – you need to do this frequently, depending on how many pets you have and how much they shred.
- Wash the bedding – wash your pet’s bedding at least once a week. Buy a bed with washable covers or throw a blanket or a towel over the bed so that you can wash it when needed.
- Choose bare floors over carpets – try not to let your pet in carpeted areas, especially if you have plush carpet surfaces. Bare floors are easier to maintain.
- Get a specialized vacuum – as we mentioned, these vacuums are the most efficient way to battle cat and dog hair as well as dander.
Protect Your Furniture
We all know that pet hair finds its way onto furniture even if you don’t let your pet sleep on your sofas or chairs. Here’s what you can do to protect it:
Playtex gloves – use these gloves to remove cat hair from your furniture with ease. Rub them in a single direction, and you’ll notice a ball of fur forming. This is a highly efficient method that you can use for all hair on different furniture.
- Get a lint brush – these Velcro lint brushes are perfect for removing pet hair from different surfaces.
- Use a dry sponge – if you don’t have rubber gloves, you can try using a dry sponge. It’s not as efficient unless you dampen the sponge a bit. Make sure that a bit of moisture doesn’t damage the surface.
- Throw a blanket over – this is an excellent method if you want to avoid vacuuming and cleaning altogether. Covers, blankets, and towels are perfect for the role, but make sure to wash them weekly. If you have a generally clean pet, you won’t have to wash these as frequently.
- A damp microfiber – damp microfiber cloths are equally as efficient as a wet sponge.
Protect Your Clothing
Hair and dander on clothing are probably the biggest struggles of pet owners. If your pet has light fur, you can’t wear black, and you also can’t wear any light colors if your pet has black fur. So much hair on your clothing can also be quite unhealthy. Try one of these methods:
- Use a hair roller or a lint brush – these are probably the best and most popular when it comes to removing pet hair. You can keep one at home, but make sure to always have one in your car as well.
- Try a duct tape – having some inexpensive duct tape around makes all the difference. You can use a single piece several times before you need another. You can use this method on furniture as well.
- Don’t leave your clothes lying around the house – if your white cat finds your black coat on the floor, she/he is for sure going to have a nap on it. For this reason, make sure that all of your clothes are away from your pet.
- Brush your pet – regular grooming and brushing are critical to ensure that none of that hair ends up on your carpet floors, furniture, or clothes. Having a clean pet fixes half of the problem.
FAQ
Q:
How to get rid of fleas on my pet?
A: One of the best ways to get rid of fleas is by treating your dog with an oral flea treatment. You can also try using a flea comb, dipping it in a mixture of water and dish soap.
Make sure to bathe your dog with a specialized flea shampoo or use a flea spray. It’s also important to use flea preventive every year, especially if your dog if outside frequently.
Q:
What is the best choice if I’m struggling with allergies?
A: The best vacuum cleaners for allergy-prone pet owners are the ones with reliable filtration. A HEPA filter is a good choice, and you can find it in most Shark, Dyson, Bissell, and Miele vacuums. Some vacuums are completely sealed as well, which helps keep all the allergens inside.
Q:
What is the best one for furniture?
A: Plenty of vacuums work great for picking up pet hair from furniture. You should follow the advice listed above to pick the best vacuum for pet hair, especially if a lot of it is on your sofa and chairs.
A stick vacuum that can also work as a handheld is one of the best choices. Lightweight handheld vacuums offer versatility no other model has.
Conclusion
Pet owners often struggle with hair and pet dander on the floor and furniture. While there are many ways in which you can help the situation, nothing comes near to having a reliable, quality vacuum for pet hair.
As you noticed, many major brands offer specialized vacuum cleaners. These can help you remove pet hair from different surfaces, bare floors, carpets, carpeted stairs, car interiors, and other such areas.
Finding the best vacuum for pet hair requires a bit of time and effort. You should consider each of these vacuum cleaners and what each model offers. Does it have an upholstery tool? Does it have a HEPA filter?
Follow our detailed guide, and we’re sure that you’ll find the best vacuum for pet hair among the ones we reviewed.
Sources and Resources
- Recent Understandings of Pet Allergies
– https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4755411/
- Review of bacterial and viral zoonotic infections transmitted by dogs
– https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5319273/
