There’s nothing like having pets about the place to keep you company. Ask any pet owner, and they’ll tell you the same – pets are what turns a house into a home. That is until they start shedding all over the place and make more mess than you can handle. Here is the quickest and easiest way to find out best vacuums for pet hair to remove unwanted pet fur around the home.
Ideally, something that’s capable of dealing with even the most stubborn cat and dog fur, both on bare floors and furnishings alike. Unfortunately, not all vacuums picking up pet hair with the same level of efficiency or consistency. Particularly where affordable portable vacuums are concerned, you don’t always get the power you need to keep things clean and sanitary.
Which begs the question – what is the best vacuum cleaner on the market right now for pet fur? If you’re planning to take aim at short and long hair on floors, on couches and elsewhere, what’s the best-rated device you can pick up at an affordable price?
Best Vacuums For Pet Hair – Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Shark Navigator Zero-M ZU62 Upright Vacuum
“This upright vacuum is unbeatable when it comes to removing pet hair.” - Best Upright: Eureka NEU562A Upright Vacuum
“This model is all-around great pick for whole house cleaning.” - Best for Cat Hair: Bissell Cleanview 2252 Upright Vacuum
“Affordable handheld vacuum sucks and removes pet hair and dirt” - Best Stick: Dyson V11 Animal Cordless Vacuum
“This splurge-worthy vacuum offers powerful suction for 30 minutes.” - Best for Dog Hair: Hoover UH74210PC Upright Vacuum
“Reviewers claim that this vacuum is powerful enough, especially for pet owners.” - Best Splurge: Black & Decker HCUA525JP Cordless Vacuum
“Powerful vacuum, innovative, pet-friendly” - Best Handheld: Bissell 33A1 Handheld Vacuum
“Tiny, lightweight and perfectly practical, easy to use” - Best Vacuum for Cat Litter: Black and Decker HHVI315JO42 Handheld Vacuum
“Powerful and versatile cleaner, pet-friendly, extended run time” - Bes Canister: Miele Classic C1 Canister Vacuum
“User friendly, ultra-premium, performance and versatility” - Best Robot: iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum
“Consistent cleaning, Three-stage cleaning system, powerful performance”
Best Vacuums For Pet Hair
Shopping for the best-rated vacuums for pet hair on Amazon means having the opportunity to consult genuine customer reviews and recommendations beforehand
In the following listings, we’ll be taking a look at a handful of bagged and bagless cleaners from several known brands, which have earned unrivalled reputations for dealing with pet-related mess. Whatever your preferences and priorities, you’re bound to find something suitable and best vacuums for pet hair in the following 10 top-sellers:
1) Shark Navigator Zero-M ZU62
Shark Navigator Zero-M ZU62
Widely considered to be the best vacuum cleaner for pets within its price bracket, with innovative self-cleaning hair remover technology for consistently superior performance.
The Shark Navigator Zero-M has been designed from top to bottom with pet-friendly households in mind. Delivering all the cleaning power and performance needed to tackle every corner of the home, it also features a convenient self-cleaning hair removal function and a superb in-built filtration system.
Features and Benefits
Right off the bat, the Shark Navigator Zero-M has been designed to deliver the kind of powerful suction needed to effectively remove embedded pet hair and debris from all types of surfaces. Lightweight, manoeuvrable and easy to use, the Shark Navigator Zero-M also features a 3XL dust cup to ensure fewer trips to the bin.
One of the standout features of the Shark Navigator Zero-M is its superb self-cleaning function, which prevents pet hair from wrapping around the roller and affecting its performance. The Shark Navigator Zero-M also boasts an advanced anti-allergen filtration system with a premium quality HEP filter, removing pet hair, dust particles and allergens from the air emitted.
Supplied complete with a handful of accessories for tackling all types of surfaces, the Shark Navigator Zero-M also benefits from a 12-foot extension cord for added convenience. All of which comes backed by an extensive warranty from the manufacturer, along with a ‘no questions asked money-back guarantee for total peace of mind.
Pros
- Excellent cleaning performance
- Fantastic filtration efficiency
- Supplied with multiple accessories
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Superb self-cleaning system
- Extra-long power cord
- Outstanding overall value for money
Cons
- Not as convenient as a cordless
2) Eureka NEU562A
Eureka NEU562A
The best vacuum for pets produced to date by this renowned manufacturer, the Eureka NEU562A is also one of the most powerful cleaners in its class for use on carpets, furniture and hardwood floors alike.
Quite simply, the Eureka NEU562A is the most powerful and versatile bag less vacuum the company has produced to date. Designed to do the business on tiles, hardwood floors, carpets, couches and everywhere else, the Eureka NEU562A combines unrivaled cleaning performance with total practicality and impressive lightweight properties.
Features and Benefits
The Eureka NEU562A has clearly been designed by a team that knows and understands the priorities of pet owners. Fitted with easy-glide wheels for quick and convenient transitions between different floor coverings, the Eureka NEU562A also features a fantastic Pet Turbo Brush for the instant elimination of embedded pet hair.
Lightweight and maneuverable in the extreme, the Eureka NEU562A makes it surprisingly simple to get into every corner of the home for a powerful and consistent clean. There’s an oversized at dust cup to save time while deep cleaning, a powerful multi-stage cyclone system for unbeatable performance and a removable/washable filter for a guaranteed breath of fresh air.
For total versatility, the Eureka NEU562A comes complete with a series of tools mounted conveniently on the vacuum itself, which is surprisingly compact given its cleaning power. All in all, an excellent upright for pet-friendly households, up for grabs at a significantly lower price than many comparable models.
Read Full Review: Eureka NEU562A Review
Pros
- Impressively compact and lightweight
- Comprehensively versatile
- Ships with multiple on-board accessories
- Removable and washable filter
- Superb Pet Turbo Brush
- Oversized dust collection chamber
- Very good value for money
Cons
- None
3) Bissell Cleanview 2252
Bissell Cleanview 2252
Anyone on the lookout for the best vacuum for cat hair and dog hair that won’t break the bank will be in their element with the Bissell Cleanview 2252. Compact, powerful and versatile enough to clean the entire home in no time.
The Bissell Cleanview 2252 isn’t just about giving the entire home a comprehensive clean from top to bottom. It’s also about the feel-good factor, as a portion of the proceeds from every sale is donated to the BISSELL foundation for homeless pets.
Despite being up for grabs at such an affordable price, the Bissell Cleanview 2252 delivers the kind of cleaning power and performance that goes beyond plenty of cleaners on sale for twice this amount.
Features and Benefits
The triple-action brush roll is what immediately sets the Bissell Cleanview 2252 apart from the competition. Exquisitely designed with pet-friendly households in mind, this unique motorized brush loosens, lifts, and eliminates even the most stubborn pet hair from challenging surfaces around the home. It’s also been designed to significantly reduce scatter, so there’s no need to go over the same patch several times to get the job done.
The oversized head has also been designed to deliver the ultimate in edge-to-edge cleaning, while the multi-level filtration system effectively removes dust particles and allergens from the air. There’s also a removable and washable filter, helping keep things clean and fresh with every use.
As an added bonus, the kit comes complete with a selection of add-ons and specialty tools for reaching even the most awkward corners and crevices. All from a beautifully designed vacuum cleaner that’s easy to use and currently on sale at its lowest price to date.
Read Full Review: Bissell Cleanview 2252 Review
Pros
- Powerful cyclonic cleaning
- Unique triple-action brush roll
- Includes additional accessories
- Solid power and performance
- Additional accessories included
- Excellent filtration efficiency
- Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
- Not the quietest vacuum cleaner
4) Dyson V11 Animal
Dyson V11 Animal
Widely considered to be the best cat hair vacuum and dog hair vacuum by a considerable margin, the Dyson V11 Animal combines the cleaning power of a corded upright with all the convenience of a cordless.
To be frank, it’s difficult to understand what the big deal is with the Dyson V11 Animal until you’ve tried it out for yourself. In terms of versatility, convenience, and raw cleaning power, there’s simply nothing else on the market that comes close.
It may be one of the most expensive cordless stick vacuum cleaners available for pet-friendly households, but the way this thing gets to work on even the most stubborn dirt and debris is simply extraordinary. From top to bottom, the Dyson V11 Animal is an ultra-premium pet-friendly vacuum for discerning households, where only the very best will do.
Features and Benefits
By a significant margin, the Dyson V11 Animal delivers the most powerful cleaning performance of any Dyson to date. For added convenience and to maximize battery life, its Dynamic Load Sensor (DLS) system automatically changes the motor speed between carpets and hard floors for consistently superior results.
Choose from a total of three cleaning modes to suit all requirements – Eco mode, auto mode, and boost mode. The latest seven-cell lithium-ion battery technology results in an unrivaled 60 minutes’ maximum cleaning time, which is enough to tackle every corner of even the biggest home on a single charge. When things get tough, simply hit the ‘boost’ button for a burst of incredible cleaning power.
Lightweight, portable, and comprehensively versatile, the Dyson V11 Animal is an all-in-one cleaning solution for every home, car, RV, garage, and elsewhere. It may be a comparatively expensive cleaner, but the Dyson V11 Animal nonetheless represents the ultimate in long-term value for money.
Read Full Review: Dyson V11 Animal Review
Pros
- Dyson’s most powerful cordless to date
- Unrivalled cleaning power on all surfaces
- Exceptionally lightweight and convenient
- Superior filtration efficiency
- Up to 60 minutes of powerful cleaning
- Automatic motor speed adjustments
- Backed by an extensive warranty
Cons
- One of the more expensive cordless cleaners
5) Hoover UH74210PC
Hoover UH74210PC
Arguably the best vacuum for dog hair from Hoover, which combines superior performance with a lightweight and convenient design. It features a new Advanced Action Brush Roll for getting to grips with embedded dirt and pet hair.
Designed inside and out for homes with pets of all shapes and sizes, the Hoover UH74210PC is a product of decades of research and development. Advanced multi-cyclonic technology combines with Hoover’s latest Advanced Action Brush Roll to make light work of even the most difficult cleaning jobs, while practically eliminating problematic ‘hair wrap’ from the equation.
Features and Benefits
Hoover has invested more than 100 years of extensive research and innovation into its 2021 product catalog. The Hoover UH74210PC being no exception to the rule, which comes complete with the company’s ‘Approved for Paws and Claws’ guarantee.
The latest multi-cyclonic motor system provides consistently superior performance with no loss of suction, while the Advanced Action Brush Roll pulls deeply embedded pet hair out of all types of surfaces.
The 13-foot retractable cord and quick-release cleaning wand are great for reaching the more awkward corners and crevices, while the high-intensity LED headlight does a great job illuminating darker spaces for a consistent clean.
Supplied with all the tools and accessories needed to clean the entire home from top to bottom, the Hoover UH74210PC is also perfect for households with allergy sufferers. The sealed allergen system has been proven to capture and contain as much as 99% of dust and allergens, making for a breath of fresh air with every use.
Read Full Review: Hoover UH74210PC Review
Pros
- Excellent dust and allergen reduction
- Impressive cleaning power and performance
- Very lightweight and convenient
- Bright LED light to the front
- Advanced Action Brush Roll
- Convenient quick release wand
- Very low purchase price
Cons
- None
6) Black & Decker HCUA525JP
Black & Decker HCUA525JP
The Black & Decker HCUA525JP ranks among the best dustbusters for cat hair and dog hair in the cordless category, with its convenient and versatile two-in-one design.
The Black & Decker HCUA525JP is a mid-range vacuum for pet-friendly households that performs like a premium cordless. Combining superior cleaning power with impressive battery life and a motor that automatically adjusts to suit all types of soft and hard floor coverings, the Black & Decker HCUA525JP also benefits from anti-tangle rubber bristles to eliminate even the most problematic pet hair.
Features and Benefits
One of the most powerful cordless vacuums from Black & Decker to date, this innovative two-in-one makes light work of even the most complex cleaning jobs. Despite delivering all the cleaning power needed to tackle problematic pet hair, the Black & Decker HCUA525JP is nonetheless capable of running for up to 60 minutes from a single charge.
For improved versatility and convenience, the canister can be removed at the touch of a button for reaching higher corners and awkward crevices around the home. The three-in-one accessory tool enables the Black & Decker HCUA525JP to deal with all types of surfaces, while the active dust compactor reduces the space required in the dirt collection chamber for fewer trips to the bin.
Last but not least, this exceptionally innovative vacuum cleaner features expertly designed anti-tangle rubber bristles that lift hair from carpets and hard surfaces with ease. Up for grabs at its lowest price to date, the Black & Decker HCUA525JP is by far one of the best pet-friendly cordless cleaners you can pick up right now for this kind of money.
Pros
- Superior fade-free suction
- Fantastic two-in-one design
- Up to 1 hour battery life
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Excellent filtration efficiency
- Large dust collection chamber
- Anti-tangle rubber bristles
- Very impressive value for money
Cons
- Takes a while to charge
7) Bissell 33A1
Bissell 33A1
Also known as the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, the Bissell 33A1 was designed out to be the best dog hair vacuum within the sub $35 price bracket. Tiny, lightweight and perfectly practical, delivers enough cleaning to deal with problematic pet hair.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is a purpose-built handheld vacuum, designed exclusively with pet-friendly households in mind. Rather than giving your entire home a comprehensive clean from top to bottom, this thing keeps pet hair and mess at bay between deeper cleaning jobs. If you’ve been on the lookout for a simple yet effective hand vacuum for the occasional spruce-up, this could be it.
Features and Benefits
Measuring in at around 10 inches in length, the Bissell 33A1 takes compactness and convenience to the next level. But what’s particularly impressive is how despite its compact size, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser delivers the kind of suction and cleaning performance you’d associate with a much larger vacuum.
Designed with quick and easy everyday clean-ups in mind, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser boasts a 16-foot power cord and a couple of convenient cleaning nozzles included in the kit as standard. Its multi-level filtration system helps remove allergens and dust particles from the air, while the unique nozzle design effectively pulls embedded hair and fur out of deep-pile carpets and rugs.
Lightweight to hold, easy to use, and hygienic to empty, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is a back-to-basics pet vacuum that delivers far more than you’d expect for this kind of money. It also ships with a one-year limited warranty for total peace of mind, with a portion of the proceeds from every sale going straight to the Bissell Pet Foundation for homeless pets.
Pros
- Exceptionally lightweight and convenient
- Large dust collection chamber
- Impressive filtration efficiency
- Effective on embedded pet hair
- Great for occasional spruce-ups
- Outstanding value for money
Cons
- Lacks the convenience of a cordless
8) Black and Decker HHVI315JO42
Black and Decker HHVI315JO42
A modern take on the classic dustbuster design, resulting in a powerful and versatile cleaner for pet-friendly households. One that also happens to be rated among buyers worldwide as perhaps the best vacuum for cat litter.
The Black and Decker HHVI315JO42 does a great job of demonstrating how you don’t need to spend a fortune to take home a powerful cordless cleaner you can count on. With its huge dust collection chamber, extended run time and removable filter, this compact yet versatile cleaner have all types of everyday tasks written all over it.
Features and Benefits
Designed with an elongated wide mouth to effectively scoop up larger particles and debris, the Black and Decker HHVI315JO42 puts a modern twist on the classic dustbuster. The entire hand vac is dominated by an enormous oversized dust collection chamber for maximum convenience, while the inclusive crevice tool is great for reaching more difficult corners around the home.
The cyclonic suction system guarantees superior cleaning power and performance with no fade, coupled with an extended runtime courtesy of the latest lithium-ion battery. As an added bonus, the Black and Decker HHVI315JO42 isn’t nearly as noisy as many comparable cleaners in its category – ideal for households with pets that are easily spooked.
Lightweight, easy to use, and backed by an extensive manufacturer’s warranty, the Black and Decker HHVI315JO42 delivers all you’d expect from a premium handheld at an entry-level price.
Read Full Review: Black+Decker HHVI315JO42 Review
Pros
- Outstanding power and performance
- Superb battery life
- Compact and lightweight
- Includes additional tools
- Washable bowl and filter
- Huge dust collection chamber
- Comprehensive satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Doesn’t charge particularly quickly
9) Miele Classic C1
Miele Classic C1
An ultra-premium canister vacuum, designed exclusively for discerning households where quality and performance are non-negotiable. The Miele Classic C1 has a stellar reputation for outperforming the vast majority of comparable cleaners.
The Miele Classic C1 is a powerful yet quiet canister vacuum cleaner, which features interchangeable heads for tackling hard and soft floor coverings. Boasting no fewer than six different suction power settings, the Miele Classic C1 is unrivaled in its performance and versatility.
Such is the confidence of the manufacturer that Miele’s vacuum cleaners are the only devices of their kind on the market to come complete with an extraordinary seven-year warranty for total peace of mind.
Features and Benefits
This extraordinary home cleaning machine features the latest Miele-Made Vortex Motor, which delivers the kind of cleaning power that needs to be experienced to be believed. The Miele Classic C1 features a rotary dial with six adjustable power settings, while the interchangeable brush heads ensure a flawless clean on all types of floor coverings.
The way the Miele Classic C1 drives even the most problematic pet hair out of challenging surfaces is simply extraordinary. What’s more, the iconic Miele AirClean System (consisting of a genuine Miele Filter Bag, motor protection filter, and AirClean exhaust filter) takes filtration efficiency to an entirely higher level.
Miele has been designing and engineering superior-quality appliances in Germany for more than a century – today’s product line-up continuing to set the highest possible standard for the industry as a whole. As a result, every Miele Classic C1 ships complete with a remarkable seven-year warranty – more than any other manufacturer on the market currently offers.
Pros
- Unrivalled power and performance
- Six adjustable speed settings
- Exceptional quality inside and out
- Outstanding performance on pet hair
- Seven-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Very good long term value for money
Cons
- An expensive canister vacuum
10) iRobot Roomba 675
iRobot Roomba 675
Designed to simplify home cleaning for the busy household, the iRobot Roomba 675 effectively automates one of the most time-consuming domestic duties.
The only thing better than a powerful and versatile vacuum cleaner is a vacuum cleaner that does the work for you. A fantastic if unrealistic concept until recently, when the iRobot Roomba made its first appearance.
Several generations down the line, the iRobot Roomba 675 improves on the cleaning power, performance and consistency of its predecessors, making it the ideal choice for pet-friendly households.
Features and Benefits
From top to bottom, the iRobot Roomba 675 represents the ultimate in robot vacuum cleaning technology. Along with improved suction for consistent cleaning, the new three-stage system has been designed to loosen, lift and eradicate dust and hair from all types of floor coverings.
The iRobot Roomba 675 automatically adjusts to suit its environment, working harder on more difficult areas of the home while breezing over others. Improved battery technology enables the iRobot Roomba 675 to run for up to 90 minutes from a single charge, after which it automatically returns to its docking station for a refill.
For total convenience, the iRobot Roomba 675 can be controlled and interacted with via almost any connected device, including Alexa and Google Assistant. This is literally a vacuum cleaner you can tell what to do with verbal commands and watch it get to work, wherever you happen to be at the time.
Pros
- Up to 90 minutes’ cleaning per charge
- Improved battery charging times
- Can be controlled and monitored remotely
- Automatically adjusts as required
- Excellent for pet-friendly households
- Three-stage cleaning system
- Surprisingly powerful performance
Cons
- More expensive than a manual vacuum
If you would like to get reviews of other popular vacuum cleaners, kindly visit our Guide page.
How to Choose a Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair
The key to domestic bliss with pets about the place lies in making things as easy as possible for yourself on a day-to-day basis. The simpler it is to keep your home clean and hygienic, the more time you’ll have to spend enjoying your pets’ company.
As touched upon right at the start, this is where the importance of a powerful and reliable pet-friendly vacuum cleaner comes into the equation. Most vacuums do a decent job dealing with everyday dirt and debris, but not all cleaners have what it takes to tackle
problematic pet hair.
Hence, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing a vacuum cleaner for pet hair. Irrespective of how much or how little you intend to spend, it’s advisable to prioritize the following to avoid disappointment:
Adequate Suction Power
All the innovative features and functionalities and the world are of little to no use, in the absence of adequate suction power. This will determine the extent to which the vacuum is capable of pulling dust, dirt and debris out of all surfaces and materials around the home. If the technical specifications don’t mean much to you, you’ll find the information you need in customer reviews and recommendations.
Powered Roller Brush
This is technically an optional extra, though can be extremely convenient, nonetheless. A powered roller brush in conjunction with powerful suction ensures that even the toughest pet hair and embedded dirt is removed from your floors and your upholstery with ease. Rather than relying on suction alone, a powered roller brush physically loosens and pulls pet mess up and out of your floor coverings.
Cordless VS Corded
Though there are exceptions to the rule, corded cleaners are typically more powerful than their cordless cousins. That said, all corded cleaners across the board lack the superior convenience and portability of a cordless device.
There’s no right or wrong choice – it’s simply a case of establishing your preferences and priorities. If you do go for a cordless cleaner, be sure to check its battery life and general cleaning performance, before placing your order.
Filtration Efficiency
Allergies or otherwise, it’s important to select a pet hair vacuum cleaner that has a decent filtration efficiency. This concerns the extent to which the device is capable of removing dust particles and allergens from the air it emits. Essential for allergy sufferers, but also important for keeping things fresh and hygienic around the home in general.
Tools and Accessories
Last but not least, some vacuum cleaners are designed to get into every possible corner and crevice of the home with ease. By contrast, others rely on additional tools and accessories to get the job done. In the case of the latter, it’s worth checking whether or not the tools and accessories you need are included in the kit as standard. If not, you might want to set your sights on something a little more versatile.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Are pet vacuums worth it?
Pet owners know the difficulty of dealing with tufts of stubborn fur. Pet vacuums have greater suction power for getting out all the hair, dirt, and dander pets trail in. The suction power is indicated through the “air watts” of a vacuum. Additionally, the fur does not damage the vacuum by getting stuck in it.
2) Which cordless vacuum is best for pet hair?
Dyson V11 Animal is one of the best vacuums for cleaning pet hair. It is convenient to use thanks to its cordless style while still being highly powerful, like an upright vacuum. It is extremely pet-friendly with its high-end filtration system. This ensures that all allergens are eliminated whenever you clean.
Hannah J Parrish says
I’m thinking that Miele sounds like it is worth the investment, according to most people that have them.