Best Air Purifier for Dog Hair Buyer’s Guide, Comparison and Reviews

Even if your furry friend is a hypoallergenic breed, all dogs produce allergens to some degree. So, if your allergies have been kicking in due to your dog recently, and you’re looking for a way to help reduce them, an air purifier for dog hair could be the solution. It improves air quality by removing pet hair, dust, dander, and more from your home — helping with allergy symptoms.

OUR TOP PICK

LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies 

The LEVOIT air purifier (Core 300) is a compact machine that can still cover over 1000 square feet — don’t be deceived by its small size. It comes with a 3-in-1 filtration system that can remove particles as small as 0.3 microns.

• Compact size.
• Touchpad control.
• Can clean air in 12 minutes

Product Rating: 4.8/5

The Best Air Purifier for Dog Hair Buying Guide

Whether you have a hypoallergenic large dog with curly hair or a small ball of fluff — all dogs shed, just some a lot more than others. Hence, all of us dog owners are never too far away from the vacuum.

However, if you have dog allergies, it’s more than a simple case of being house-proud. Keeping air quality at its best can lower the chances of a flare-up. This is where an air purifier for dog hair could come in handy.

What To Consider When Buying an Air Purifier for Dog Hair?

If you’re considering an air purifier for dog hair, before you take the plunge, there are a few things that you need to think about.

Type of Filtration

Air purifiers can have a number of different filters (known as stages), and the number can vary from one system to another. Here is a quick roundup of some you’ll come across and what they do:

• Carbon filters — neutralize odors, VOCs, and gasses. So, if your furry friend loves getting wet and comes in with that wet dog smell, this may be something you’ll need to consider.
• HEPA filters — are the best option for pets as they’re built to trap a huge percentage of tiny particles, including dog dander. 
• Ionizer — works well with a HEPA filter air purifier. It uses negatively charged particles that stick together to form larger ones that can be filtered more effectively.

Coverage Capability

This will depend on the size of the area that you want to cover. Remember, you’ll want to situate the air purifier/s in the room/s where your pup spends most of their time. So, you will have to do a little math and work out the square footage of the area/s. 

Once you know that, you can check out the units suitable for your size. Air purifiers range from 100 to over 1000 square feet in capacity. 

Maintenance Is Key 

With any piece of equipment, to keep it working, you’ll need to maintain it. This means cleaning/replacing filters when needed, so that the performance of the machine isn’t affected.

Some air purifiers come with washable filters, which keep your costs down, but require effort to clean. In contrast, you’ll also come across disposable filters. These will have the convenience factor, yet you’ll need to find out how much replacement filters cost and think about how often they need to be changed. 

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)

Keep your eyes peeled for the Clean Air Delivery Rate. It’s measured in CFM (cubic feet per meter) and gives you an idea of how fast it can process clean air. So, for example, an air purifier with a CADR of 100 CFM will be able to produce 100 cubic feet of clean air per minute.

A low rating doesn’t necessarily mean the unit is less efficient, it just means it will work better in a smaller space, like your bedroom. In that, a CADR of 40 to 60 would be ideal, but something with a CADR of 200 CFM could be considered overkill. 

Pup Owner Priorities!

Most importantly, you’ll want to consider your priorities and what you’re after as a pup owner. Ask yourself

• Do you want something portable to move from room to room? Or perhaps you have something more permanent in mind? For example, wall mounted or you’ve found a suitable spot to place it. 
• How do you wish to operate it — via remote control, smartphone applications via wifi, or are you happy with old-school mode, press a switch and go?

The Best Air Purifier for Dog Hair Reviews

The Levoit Core 300 can cover a really big space — up to 1095 square feet — so if you’re looking for something for a larger room, this may be a good option. With a 3-in-1 filtration system and a CADR of 145 CFM, you can easily enjoy fresh air in up to 12 minutes, and it can cover the whole space in as little as an hour.

The unit is freestanding, so you can place it on the floor or on top of a cabinet, whatever you prefer. It’s not huge either, so doesn’t take over your space or upset your room decor.

You can also choose alternative filters depending on what you are filtering, meaning that as well as removing pet hair and allergens, it could also be used to filter toxins and VOCs as well as smoke.

Levoit suggests the filter lifespan should be 6 to 8 months, depending on use. And, when the time comes to replace the filter, its cartridge design makes switching from old to new a simple affair.

Pros

• Covers a large area.
• Timer function — up to 8 hours. 
• Quick set-up and user-friendly.

Cons

• Gives off a slight glow even when on ‘night’ setting.

If you’re a doggy owner who’s into the latest technology, the Rabbit MinusA2 Ultra could appeal. With a modern look, it can either be mounted on the wall or freestanding. And, with wireless capabilities, you can check and manage your air quality via the Rabbit Air application on your smartphone or tablet. 

This air purifier for dog hair has six stages of filtration — a pre-filter that catches the larger particles — aka hair, a mid filter for smaller pollen and dander-sized particles, and the third stage features the HEPA filter.

Stage four of the system allows you to customize it with a pet allergy filter — further combating pet hair in your home. Other types are also available — germ defense, toxin absorber, and odor removal.

The final stages include a charcoal filter to reduce smells in your space. And, a negative ion generator that draws down dust, etc., from the air to floors and surfaces.

Filters need to be replaced every 12 months, with the pre-filter being washed every month.

Pros

• Covers up to 700 square feet.
• Allows customizable air purification.
• CADR 180 to 200 CFM.

Cons

• High price tag.

With a small footprint and tall-tower design, the Germ Guardian is ideal for tucking away in spots where space is limited. 

This high-performance air purifier will circulate the air once every hour in a room that’s 743 square feet. And, if you have a smaller room at 153 square feet, you can expect it to circulate the air around five times. 

The true HEPA filter will capture up to 99.97 percent of germs, dander, pet hair, or anything you don’t fancy flying around your room. And, you can expect CADR ratings (CFM) of 99 for smoke, 118 for dust, and 125 for pollen. 

It also includes UV-C light technology, which means allergens are trapped with no way of getting out — fab news if you have allergies. What’s more, if you’re after another line of defense, UV-C helps to reduce airborne viruses such as the flu. 

There is no clear timescale as to when filters need to be replaced, only that you should do so when they turn from white to gray/black.

Pros

• Doesn’t take up much floor space.
• Zero-ozone certified. 
• Includes charcoal filter (washable) for reducing odors.

Cons

• Can be quite noisy.

If you’re after an air filter that comes with the option to operate with a remote — as well as provide you with live air-quality feedback, the Hathaspace may be the one for you. 

It features a built-in sensor that automatically adjusts the purification level, meaning you don’t have to change it manually to keep air quality at a consistent level.

The five-stage filter system — including an ionizer — comes with a cold catalyst filter, a carbon filter for absorbing smells, and a HEPA pre-filter and H11 HEPA main filter to target any pollen, dust, or dander lying around the place. 

A standalone design, it’s easy enough to move it from room to room if you want to — access to the mains supply is required though. This air purifier also comes with a touchscreen display, so it’s nice and straightforward to use and has multiple fan speeds to keep your room dog hair-free.

It’s advised that filters are changed every 4 months to keep it working at optimal levels.

Pros

• Includes remote control.
• Timer function. 
• CADR rating of 95 CFM

Cons

• For some, power light may be too bright for bedrooms.

The Hamilton Beach air purifier for dog hair is perfect for allergy sufferers who are on a budget. And, while lower in price than others we’ve looked at, it still doesn’t skimp on features — in that, it still comes with a HEPA filter and offers three stages of filtration. 

The pre-filter traps the larger particles, like dog hair, and its dual carbon filters help neutralize lingering smells — keeping your home smelling fresh as a daisy, not like a doggy.

Furthermore, the HEPA filter will take care of the tiny stuff — capturing 99 percent of the allergen-inducing dander, pollen, and dust that may be circulating in your space. 

Plus, as it’s permanent, you don’t have to worry over additional maintenance costs — to clean it, you just need to run the vacuum over it — simple. 

It comes with three speed settings — low for nighttime operation, medium for faster purification, and high when you need to take super-quick action.

Pros

• Compact, light, and easy to move around.
• Horizontal or vertical positioning. 
• Ideal for small/medium spaces — 140 square feet.

Cons

• Mid and top speed — noticeable operation noise.

With sleep mode, 25-decibel-low-noise-operation, a light that can be dimmed at night, and a compact build, it’s a worthy consideration for purifying the air quality in your bedroom — even when you’re snoozing. 

Capable of purifying the air in spaces of 129 square feet, and a CADR rating of 40 CFM, it has a three-stage HEPA filtration system. The pre-filter catches the big stuff and preserves the life of the HEPA, the H13 HEPA filter will draw in 99.97 percent of dander, pollen, dust, and other minute allergy irritants. And, the charcoal filter will ensure your room doesn’t smell like your dog’s bed. 

Levoit suggests replacing the filters every six to 8 months, depending on usage. However, it does feature a filter replacement function, so the unit will let you know when it’s time for a new one.

Pros

• Includes a night light.
• Filter replacement indicator.
• Only weighs 6 pounds.

Cons

• Remote control would be an improvement.

Conclusion

Finding a good air purifier for dog hair can be a game-changer for owners with allergies. 

But there are a few key points that you need to consider before making your choice — the size of the area you’re covering, the stages of filtration, noise level and how often filters need to be replaced.

If you love all things tech, the Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra (SPA-780N) would be a great option, while if you’re looking for one that’s ideal for bedrooms, the LEVOIT (LV-H132) could be worth a look. However, for us, our top spot went to the LEVOIT Air Purifier for its big-space capacity in a compact size, and its user-friendliness. 

Whichever one you choose to go for — an air purifier for dog hair will help you reduce dander, dust and any other tiny particles in your home. And, as lower levels of these doggy-induced irritants mean lower chances of allergies flaring — it can only be a good thing.

Air Purifier for Dog Hair FAQs

Do Air Purifiers Help With Dog Hair?

Absolutely — and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences agrees. Air purifiers can significantly decrease the amount of dander and pet hair in your home. This means your air quality is significantly better, and the risk of allergic reactions is also reduced. 

Does an Air Purifier Get Rid of Smells?

If it includes a carbon or charcoal filter, yes. 

How Do I Get Rid of Dog Hair in My Home?

Naturally, with an air purifier. However, there are other ways you can help, for example:

• Brush your dog (preferably outside) — you’ll collect the loose hairs and dander rather than allowing them to fall out in your home. 
• Become a clean freak — vacuum, dust, and wipe down floors and other surfaces — including soft furnishings — frequently.
• Restrict your dog’s access to certain rooms — rather than allowing your dog to roam freely around your home, keep one or two rooms doggy-free, it will curb the spread of dander and dog hair. 

How Do You Get Rid of Dog Smell?

If you’re after a natural odor absorber, baking soda is a good shout. You can easily cover carpets, furniture, and rugs in this, let it sit overnight, then give it a good vacuum in the morning. You can also use an air purifier with a charcoal/carbon filter to kill any odor that you may have dotted around your home. 

How Long Does It Take for an Air Purifier To Remove Smell? 

Depending on your air purifier’s fan setting, typically after a few hours, the whiff should have significantly decreased.