If you're like us, you love your pets as much as (if not more than) you love your friends and family. No amount of shedding and no amount of pet fur covering that sofa you bought for a thousand dollars is going to change that.
But wouldn't it be so nice to see all of those faded, dried out strands of dog or cat hair just... disappear?
Luckily for us animal lovers, the market is packed with vacuum cleaners designed to improve the life of a pet owner. Every vacuum on this list was made specifically to eliminate pet hair from your home.
“So... which one is for me?”, you ask. After all, there are small vacuums, big vacuums, ones which are suited for large houses, and ones suited for cozy apartments. It's important to do your research to keep your cleaning routine from becoming more back-breaking than it needs to be.
Fortunately, all of that research has already been taken care of. Read on to discover the best vacuum for pet hair so you can get cleaning in no time.
Best Vacuum for Pet Hair: The Buying Guide
We know what you're thinking: “How different can vacuum cleaners really be from one another?”
Well, think of it like this. Everybody knows the Dyson Ball Animal 2 is a beast of a vacuum cleaner. The reviews for it are glowing. So, you buy one. You drag the big box into your living room... in your third-floor apartment... and you realize that the box alone is taking up the entire walkable floor space.
You just spent several hundred dollars on a machine that you're going to use on a couple square feet of carpet! Shouldn't you have gotten a vacuum for pet hair made to be operated by hand?
Okay. That's an easy one. You probably wouldn't have made that mistake. But you might not be aware that some upright vacuum cleaners have canisters which detach, making them super thin and allowing for greater reach under furniture. Or that one vacuum cleaner comes with a motorized cleaning wand, perfect for tackling furniture specifically.
Our point remains: not all vacuum cleaners for pet hair are created equal, and if you pick the wrong one, you’re going to get stuck pulling hair from every corner and crack that your vacuum can’t reach. If you cover your bases by reading this list, you can save yourself tons of hassle and frustration.
Best Vacuum for Pet Hair - Key Features
Before we get to the list, let's go through some of the things to consider when buying a good vacuum for pet hair.
Shark Pet Vacuum Models
1. Shark AZ2002 Vertex
Shark DuoClean vacuums, with their amazing self-cleaning brush roll, have for some time been seen as the best for vacuums for pet hair. There is some stiff competition when comparing pet hair vacuums, but many Shark models come up tops.
Taking one of the best and making it better, is not an easy challenge. I think the guys at Shark have accomplished this when they set about designing the new Shark AZ2002 as an upgrade to the, already impressive, AZ1002.
The Shark AZ2002 is an equally powerful machine and shares much of the great features that we all loved on the previous model. This means powered lift away technology, allowing for the most powerful upright vacuum to be used as a handy canister vacuum. Pet lovers have come to greatly appreciate the powered pet hair brush roll. It is one of the best at removing hair and lint from furniture and other places where a large vacuum can’t go. The Shark AZ2002 is larger than the AZ1002. This brings with it some advantages, like a larger 12” cleaning path and a larger 1-quart dust cup.
Where the Shark AZ2002 really shines, especially as one best vacuums for pet hair, is in the superb engineering of the newly designed PowerFin brush roll. It is far more effective at deep cleaning carpets and removing every spec of dirt and pet hair from bare floors. The Shark engineers have taken one of their best vacuum for pet hair (AZ1002) and made it even better, with a wider cleaning path and the amazing PowerFin brush roll. I think the competition is probably envious of this new development. I’m certainly impressed.
2. Shark HZ2002 Vertex Stick Vacuum
While the Shark Vertex HZ2002 isn’t the most powerful corded stick vacuum, it more than makes up for it with its DuoClean Powerfins head. This head doesn’t just make the vacuum more effective, it’s also the least hair wrap-prone head on the market. Add in low weight and a flexible design, and you have a vacuum that can clean almost anywhere.
What makes the DuoClean Powerfins head so effective? It uses two rollers. The front roller’s soft bristles sweep fine particles out of carpet and buffs the surface of hard floors. The rear roller’s rubber fins pick up dust from the first roller, along with larger debris. The result is a vacuum head that picks up everything from fine dirt to cereal. This design also manages to nearly eliminate hair wrap. While other self-cleaning heads may be covered in tangles after picking up pet hair, you may find just one or two strands of hair on the rollers of this Shark head.
The Vertex doesn’t have a HEPA filter, which isn’t a surprise for a stick vacuum. However, if you have pet allergies, you should look elsewhere.
The 680 watt motor is more powerful than any battery-powered stick vacuum on the market, but only middle-of-the-road compared to other corded vacuums. However, that small motor helps keep the Vertex’s weight down to just below three pounds. By removing and attaching different sections, the HZ2002 can be used as a stick, wand or handheld vacuum. The DuoClean head can attach directly to the motor body in handheld mode, which is great for cleaning carpeted stairs.
3. Shark Navigator ZU561 Vacuum Cleaner
If pet hair problems are really getting you down, you're going to love the lightweight, versatile, and all-around great Shark Navigator upright vacuum cleaner.
We love this vacuum because of how easy it is to use. Have you ever tried to awkwardly lift an upright vacuum cleaner up each individual stair? With the Shark Navigator, covering every surface doesn't have to be so hard. Switch to Lift-Away mode in seconds and glide the light vacuum tube across walls and corners for a thorough clean.
We were especially amazed to find that the canister component of the vacuum cleaner detaches from the base in Lift-Away mode. Instead of having to lug an unwieldy upright vacuum everywhere, you can instead carry the easily transportable, box-like canister with you around the house. Has a vacuum cleaner ever been this comfortable and convenient?
When you're ready to tackle the floors again, simply attach the canister back onto the base and you're good to go. In upright mode, the process remains simple; with its fluid swivel steering technology, the Shark Navigator readily responds to a flick of the wrist, sparing you from the monotonous back-and-forth motion that vacuuming once was.
This model brings an unbeatable combination to the table: it has a Zero-M cleaner head designed to prevent pet hair from getting stuck inside the device, and it has powerful and consistent suction. You'll make pet hair disappear in no time. And with its Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology + HEPA filter, you can be sure pet dander won't get left behind—in the air or on the carpet. It's hard to find anything bad to say about this beauty. For a truly versatile and effective lightweight (13.4 lbs) vacuum for pet hair, go with the Shark Navigator.
3. SharkNinja TruePet NV752 Vacuum Cleaner
Think of this as an upscale version of the Shark Navigator. It boasts many of the same features as the above-mentioned vacuum cleaner. But, if you're really looking to be tough on pet hair covering your sofas—or if you're working with predominantly hard floors—you might want to shell out a few extra bucks for this baby. The Shark Rotator weighs about two pounds more than the Navigator, but crammed into those two pounds are plenty of bells and whistles.
Perhaps the biggest draw is the TruePet motorized brush. When you switch to Lift-Away mode, you hold in your hand a powerful tool—the cleaning wand actually has its own motor! This added power helps rid couches and curtains of pet hair. Feel the power flowing in your hand.
Powered Lift-Away means that the canister can be removed while in upright mode, making the Rotator able to fit under more furniture than other, bulkier models. No more moving chairs and tables around!
Other perks of this model include LED lights on the front of the vacuum when in upright mode and fingertip controls when switching between different floor surfaces. Not to mention, the Hard Floor Hero accessory is specially made to pick up debris of all sizes from your hard surfaces. If you have a lot of hard surfaces or pet hair everywhere, consider the Shark Rotator.
4. Shark APEX AZ1002 Vacuum Cleaner
For an incredibly deep clean of your carpets and thorough polish for your bare floors, the Shark APEX Upright is the right vacuum for pet hair cleaning.
What makes this model so effective is the fact that it has two cleaner heads (hence the name DuoClean). One brush roll is poised at the very front, ensuring that the vacuum picks up anything and everything. The other is located just behind the first and adds an extra level of polish and clean to any surface.
With each glide across your floor, you are getting two times the picking-up power of other vacuums, which usually have only one cleaner head. Use this vacuum on carpets to suck up the debris deep in the fibers or use it on bare floors to achieve a nice new sheen. Yes. It really does make your bare floors shine!
This model was specially made for those that want to tackle their pet hair laden floors. The DuoClean technology works on all floor types. Both carpets and bare floors, so you don't have to switch modes. Combine this vacuum's incredible power with Zero-M technology, and your canister will be full of all the nasty stuff in no time. No more pet hair getting wound up in the rollers.
Add the Powered Lift-Away, noise reduction and Active Glide technologies for unbelievably smooth maneuverability, and you have an absolute monster of a machine. For picking up the maximum amount of pet hair from your floors, the Shark APEX Upright Vacuum cleaner with DuoClean is one of the best vacuums for pet hair from Shark.
5. Shark Rocket HV343AMZ Stick Vacuum
Say you want the benefits of a Shark pet vacuum but don't want a big ol' thing taking up space in your closet. Or maybe the place you live has so many tight spaces that you don't even want to bother with a proper upright.
The Shark Rocket stick vacuum lets you cut right to the chase. Not only does the ultra-slim design allow you to plug in and get vacuuming anywhere right away, but it can also detach and become a hand-vacuum in seconds. It's perfect for those who want to give their living space frequent once-overs to keep pet hair from accumulating.
With its incredibly handy anti tangle technology, which sends pet hair that has wrapped onto the inner mechanism straight to the canister where it belongs, the Shark Rocket will make short work of stray pet hair.
At the end of a breezy cleaning session, empty out the canister and stash the Shark stick vacuum away for next time. The canister is a bit smaller than the ones you'd find on regular upright vacuum cleaners. Don't let the ultra-light design fool you, though: you're still getting Shark's hugely powerful suction and fluid maneuverability. Heck, at less than 10 lbs, the Rocket just made your job that much easier! This small but powerful stick vacuum will ensure that your apartment looks just like it (the vacuum) does: sleek and without a single superfluous detail.
6. SharkNinja Rocket HV382 Stick Vacuum
For all the lightweight convenience of the Shark Rocket, some of us are still cursed with the peskiest of pet hair, yet we still need something compact and easy to use.
Well, Shark has thought of everything, because here is where the SharkNinja Rocket DuoClean Ultra-Light Stick Vacuum comes in. You've got Shark's most powerful machine—the suction force that Shark is known for plus the indomitable DuoClean system, which bulldozes through piles of pet hair like nothing—in its most compact package.
If you've got a Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, or Chartreux cat, chances are you need something heavy-duty. These breeds of dogs and cats shed the most, so you're gonna need to bring out the big guns. DuoClean is the only way to go.
For bigger homes, you may want to consider another model with this technology, like the APEX. But, if you've got a smaller space or a space that needs to be cleaned less frequently like a timeshare or a vacation home, you may find the SharkNinja Rocket DuoClean more suited to your needs.
Dyson Pet Vacuum Models
1. Dyson Ball Animal 2 Vacuum Cleaner
A real heavy-duty creature, the Dyson Upright Ball Animal 2 makes the sturdy claim of having the strongest suction power of any vacuum cleaner, though it has a price point to match. So it's no surprise that this vacuum has become the pet owners favorite tool to obliterate pet hair from their home!
If you want someone (or their sinuses) to never know that an animal was present, you should probably go with this one. Packed with an array of accessories to help you reach any nook or cranny, this pet hair special Dyson model has everything you need for a real deep clean.
This vacuum means business. Even deep pile carpets cannot hide pet hair and debris that this machine will not pick up. On the other hand, the vacuum is also suited for delicate flooring. Dyson's Ball Animal 2 has three separate vacuum modes for a variety of situations—and that's just in the upright mode. Keep all accessories on hand and you'll be able to tackle dirt, mud, and everything in between. This vacuum for pet hair truly has everything you need. One of the best vacuums from Dyson.
Of course, a big vacuum needs a big canister. With about half a gallon of canister space, the Ball Animal 2 will be slow to fill up. Possibly our favorite part of the experience with this vacuum cleaner was its method of disposal: press down on a red button and the bottom of the canister opens up, allowing the dirt and debris to fall directly into a trash can without having to touch any of it. This should please the clean freaks out there! If you are looking for the best pet vacuum, look no further.
2. Dyson V10 Animal Stick Vacuum
This one gets major points in our book just for being a joy to use. You won't believe how light and strong this thing is! At just 5.86 lbs, the Dyson Cyclone still has the power to match other vacuums. You will wonder how it's even possible that such a light vacuum is doing so much work. It must be pointed out, too, that this is the first cordless stick vacuum on this list, and the feeling of freedom is exhilarating.
You can use it as an upright vacuum and comfortably pick up all the pet hair and bits covering the floor, or you can detach the long arm and use it as a hand vacuum. When you're done, you can neatly hang it on a wall mount that charges the battery. The small and sleek design helps you maintain a minimalist home (if that's your thing) without skimping on power.
Though the combination of power and versatility has us amazed, the battery could last a little bit longer. But, if you're in the market for a cordless vacuum for pet hair, you probably know the score already. The ability to quickly and easily vacuum a car (or any space without an available outlet) far outweighs any inconvenience that battery time might have. If this situation applies to you, you may have just found your new best friend.
Other Pet Vacuum Models
1. BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser 24613 Turbo Plus Vacuum Cleaner
The name says it all. Say goodbye to floors and furniture covered in pet hair with the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus. This thing was made to pick up pet hair.
One of the things that sets this vacuum apart from the rest is the inclusion of a Febreze filter. Have you ever hated vacuuming because of the dusty smell that the chore tends to leave behind? Well, for the first time, you can have the added satisfaction of giving the room a pleasant scent while vacuuming. As if the complete absence of pet hair wasn't satisfying enough!
Febreze filters aside, this pet hair vacuum cleaner is yet another great contender for your shopping cart. You've got the SmartSeal allergen system to lock in those annoying dust particles, lightweight and easy maneuverability, a cleaner head which keeps pet hair from getting wrapped around it, and several cleaning modes and accessories for getting to all kinds of surfaces.
While it may lack the shape-shifting capabilities of some of our other recommendations, the lower price point and high performance still make this a smart purchase.
There's also another reason to buy Bissell. When you purchase this product, Bissell donates $10 to their very own non-profit organization which works to reduce the number of homeless pets in shelters. Not only are you helping yourself, but you are also helping a furry friend find a new home.
2. New Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum
There's something to be said for canister vacuums. Sure, you have to drag the body around with you everywhere, but for those that cannot put strain on their wrists, a canister vacuum like this one makes the process much less painful.
It was surprising to learn just how maneuverable and convenient the Complete C3 was. The sturdy wheels make moving this vacuum from spot to spot a breeze. In a big, wide-open room with an area rug, this model is definitely the easiest to work with. The array of vacuum heads also ensures that you will be able to tackle many different kinds of surfaces.
Canister vacuums are also much quieter on the whole. Pet hair never stops—you're going to need to pull your vacuum out quite often. That's a lot of nasty sound pollution every day. Try this one out if you don't relish the thought of having to hear noise all the time or if your pet has a nervous disposition.
Unlike most of the items on this list, the New Miele Complete C3 is a vacuum for pet hair that works with bags. If you're looking for a machine that will last you a really long time, consider the kind of vacuum where all of the debris, from the finest to the chunkiest, is collected neatly in a disposable container. Maintenance of the vacuum cleaner becomes easier, and there's less of a chance that particles will build up over time.
Finally, a retractable cord! A closet's best friend. If any of these qualities speak to you, the New Miele Complete C3 is awaiting your purchase. One of the best vacuums from Miele for pet owners
3. Hoover MAXLife Pro Pet UH74220PC Vacuum Cleaner
A recognizable name, a tried-and-true brand. Chances are, you grew up with a Hoover in your closet. It’s not just your parents' brand anymore; It’s grown and changed with the times, and Hoover knows you need mighty defense against accumulating pet hair. That's where the Hoover MaxLife Pro Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum comes in.
If you're worried about giving due care to different floor types, the Hoover Hoover MaxLife Pro Pet allows you to switch modes. The Advanced Action Brush Roll was made to get at the deeply embedded pet hair and dirt in carpets. This is not such a good idea for hardwood floors, though, where debris tends to scatter with this feature turned on. Luckily, Hoover's got you covered. At the press of a button, you can change to the setting that suits your floor.
Many vacuums tend to lose suction power after an especially rigorous cleaning session. The Multi-Cyclonic technology of this Hoover will keep the vacuum sucking at its strongest no matter what gets inside. Hoover's WindTunnel technology also helps to contain every little piece of dirt and strand of pet hair that gets inside, so that when you glide this vacuum over your floor, all that will be left is your beautiful, spotless carpet. This Hoover is a very capable vacuum cleaner.
This is a normal upright vacuum with a cleaning wand, meaning it will not give you the convenience of some of the other models listed here. That's okay, though. For some, a classic vacuum with cutting-edge power is all that’s needed.
4. Dirt Devil Razor Vacuum Cleaner
The Dirt Devil Razor Pet Bagless is a fantastic vacuum. If you want your vacuum to keep a low profile and maneuver around furniture like any great vacuum should, consider going for this one.
A few of the things that sold us on it were its simple, light design. For those that need an upright model but want to keep it lightweight, this vacuum is the way to go. At 13 lbs, this vacuum cleaner doesn't require a great deal of force to move. Honestly, it's just so nice to handle. The wand snaps into place when reinserting it into the body, letting you know when it's in. Solid, reliable craftsmanship.
Another key aspect of this machine is that it was made to last for a long time. The Endura Filter has three layers to it, meaning it catches more. It also means you have to maintain the vacuum less frequently than other models with less sophisticated filtration systems. Even then, cleaning the filter is no problem whatsoever. Like the cleaning wand, this component snaps on and off definitively. This really is a solid machine. You can be sure you'll be using this vacuum for years to come.
While it is a simple upright without some of the features of other vacuums listed here, it still comes with a 10 ft wand which you can switch to easily. The Turboclaw Pet Tool also ensures that you will be reaching the hard-to-get-to places with a head designed for getting that pet hair gone.
5. iRobot Roomba 980 Robotic Vacuum
Admit it: you've always wanted one. Even though the Roomba faces off against giants in this list, it can still hold its own as a convenient pet hair removal tool.
The pros of this little guy are evident: it handles your floor all on its own. Once it's been programed, you don't even have to think about it. The Roomba takes a logical path meant to cover as much ground as it possibly can, across multiple rooms. It'll go for two hours without a charge—and after that, the Roomba knows to charge itself and continue the program. Sure is a smart cookie!
Speaking of smart, the Roomba knows what kind of surface it's on, so it will adjust how it works when it moves from a carpet to a bare floor or vice versa. It'll even detect high volumes of dirt and give them special attention. Whatever kind of mode it's using, the tangle-free Dual Multi-Surface brushes ensure that pet hair is eradicated. Dander and allergens lingering on the floor won't stand a chance, either.
Look, being an adult means cleaning up. Your home is a reflection of you. But being an adult also means letting yourself have what you want: a cute vacuum which does your work for you. The Roomba is the only thing on this list which lets you have both. With a bit of feng shui rearrangement (you're due for it, anyway), you'll be ready to whip out your phone and program your next cleaning session. Ever go to the gym or do your grocery shopping while vacuuming? No, you haven't. Because you haven't had a Roomba.
There you have it. These 12 models are our picks for the best vacuums for pet hair. All have different capabilities and features which set them apart from each other, so it should be easy to choose one that matches your lifestyle. If you’re ready to truly eradicate the problem of pet hair in your home, you need a vacuum built specifically to get the job done. Choose one from this list, and you’ll find out what it’s like to have a spotless, hairless, and allergen-free home!