The Best Vacuum Cleaners For Pet Hair
If there's one drawback to having pets, it's the shedding. From short-haired housecats to long-coat outdoor dogs, the fur flies everywhere. That's why we think every pet owner needs a high-quality vacuum designed specifically for pet hair. It can help you clear up the extra fuzz on your floors and furniture and even relieve your pet-related allergies.
What to Look For
If you have pets that shed, you may have noticed that their fur can easily clump up and clog the average vacuum. That’s why we recommend choosing vacuums based on suction strength, brush quality, and overall ease of use. For example, the ultra-maneuverable Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet has a sturdy triple-action brush roller and a powerful motor to loosen up and lift away pet hair from any surface. On the other hand, if there’s pet hair on your stairs, furniture, and floors, the multi-functional Kenmore Pet PowerMate has your needs covered. And because we know every pet owner has different needs, we have more great vacuums for you below.
Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Vacuum
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet vacuum is full of pet hair-erasing features. A powerful motor provides excellent suction that combats build-up and clogs. Meanwhile, the triple-action brush loosens, lifts, and removes debris from deep carpets and cracks. The body swivels and has end-to-end coverage, so you never need to worry about missing a spot. And if you need to remove fur from furniture or other hard-to-reach areas, you can use the included TurboEraser pet tool.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to move around
- Long power cord minimizes how often you need to move from one plug to another
- Bagless design is easy to empty and clean
- Affordable, especially considering quality and power
Cons:
- Doesn’t automatically adjust to carpet or floor height
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
Breathe easier
Pet hair and dust are often kicked up and spread around as you vacuum, leading to poor air quality. That’s where the Shark Navigator Lift-Away upright vacuum is unique. It features an anti-allergen seal that works with the high-quality HEPA filter to remove and trap up to 99.99 percent of dust, pet hair, and other allergy-irritating debris. When you also consider the removable canister, a long hose, and easy steering, this vacuum is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Lift-Away canister allows you to effortlessly clean stairs, drapes, and furniture
- Comfortable and easy to move
- Doesn’t kick dirt and hair into the air
- Filter is washable and reusable
Cons:
- Heavier than many vacuums
Kenmore Pet PowerMate Vacuum
Versatile design
Canister vacuums can help you get to every nook and cranny of your home for top to bottom cleaning. The Kenmore Pet PowerMate is the perfect example. It uses two powerful motors and high-end brushes and tools for maximum suction and pet hair removal power. We also love how easy it is to lift it and move around. You can effortlessly reach your stairs, blinds, furniture, high shelves, and other hard-to-reach places that most vacuums can’t get to.
Pros:
- Adjust speed and suction right from the handle
- Lightweight enough for almost anyone to carry
- Assembly and use are easy to figure out
- Cord has auto-wrap feature for added convenience
Cons:
- Harder to move on thick carpet
Fabuletta Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Charge and go
If you’re on the hunt for a convenient cordless vacuum cleaner, you may want to check out this one from Fabuletta. The handle section holds a strong motor that gives all of the included attachments enough suction to remove every bit of pet hair and dust. Speaking of attachments, we think you’ll appreciate the variety this stick vac offers. We especially love the self-standing standard vacuum section for floors. Plus, the crevice tools and the option to use the wide head without the stick for stairs and furniture are quite convenient.
Pros:
- Cordless design makes cleaning faster
- Strong suction, especially for a stick-style vacuum
- Attachments are easy to switch
- Runs quietly, so you don’t scare pets or kids
Cons:
- Battery needs frequent charging
Black+Decker AdvancedClean Pet Hand Vacuum
Lightweight and affordable
For cleaning small areas, you can’t go wrong with the Black+Decker AdvancedClean Pet hand vacuum. It includes both a broad head and crevice tool to help you quickly remove large messes or get into cracks and corners. Rubber pieces on the brush pull up pet hair better than the usual bristles, and they prevent tangling or clogs by breaking up clumps. Best of all, you can recharge the battery and clean the filter and dust bowl, ensuring a fresh start with every use.
Pros:
- Easiest way to remove hair from couch cushions and dog beds
- Easy to clean the rubber brush head
- Perfect for cleaning out your car or other small spaces
- Compact for convenient storage
Cons:
- Dust bin doesn’t hold much, so it needs frequent cleaning
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose a cordless or corded vacuum?
Although cordless and corded vacuums have more similarities than differences, there are some notable things to consider. Most corded vacuums have stronger suction than their cordless competitors. However, cordless vacuums make it much easier to move between levels of a home, and you don’t need to worry about tripping over wires or running out of room to move.
How often should I vacuum my home?
Choosing when to vacuum depends on how many pets you have, how much they shed, and how you react to their fur. For example, if you have multiple long-haired cats in a small apartment and tend to get sneezy, you may want to vacuum their favorite hang-outs daily and the whole apartment once or twice a week. On the other hand, one small dog and a large home with no allergies may only need a deep-clean once or twice a month.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.