TOP RECOMMENDED VACUUM CLEANER FOR PET HAIR

ALLISANDRO-Extra-Softness-Microplush-Dog-Blanket

Dyson Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Ball Animal 2

  • A monster 270 AW machine.
  • 35 feet of cable.
  • Turbine tool for the most stubborn pet hair.
  • HEPA filter to capture allergens and bacteria.
  • Includes a combination tool to reach high areas.
  • Complete with a stair tool.

If your sofa is looking more like a furry creature from another planet than a piece of furniture — then you need the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair.
Here’s the truth.
Your prized pooch showers you with love, affection, and adoration. Unfortunately that same pooch can also release a deluge of fur on your carpets, bedding, and floors.
At best, it looks unsightly — at worst, it can set off a whole range of coughs, sniffles, sneezes, and skin irritations.
Thankfully, there’s a seriously strong sucking solution.
The best pet vacuu cleaners allow you to finish the fight against fur forever.

 

Top Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair Comparison Table

 

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Product

Details

Dyson-Upright-Vacuum-Cleaner-Ball-Animal-2

Dyson Upright Vacuum Cleaner Ball Animal 2

Check price at Amazon

Weight: 17.35 pounds

Power: 270 air watts

Shark-Rotator-Powered-Lift-Away-TruePet

Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet

Check price at Amazon

Weight: 16.7 pounds

Power: 270 air watts

Eureka-NEU180B-Lightweight-Upright-Pet-Hair-Vacuum-Cleaner

Eureka NEU180B Lightweight Upright Pet Hair Vacuum Cleaner

Check price at Amazon

Weight: 10 pounds

Power: 1200 watts

Miele-Classic-C1-Cat-Dog-Canister-Vacuum-Cleaner

Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Check price at Amazon

Weight: 20 pounds

Power: 1200 watts

/Hoover-T-Series-WindTunnel-Pet-Rewind-Bagless-Upright-Vacuum

Hoover T-Series WindTunnel Pet Rewind Bagless Upright Vacuum

Check price at Amazon

Weight: 16.5 pounds

Power: 12 amps

BISSELL-Cleanview-Swivel-Pet-Upright-Bagless-Vacuum-Cleaner

BISSELL Cleanview Swivel Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner

Check price at Amazon

Weight: 17.8 pounds

Power: 8 amps

The Pet Hair Problem

You’re relaxing in your armchair, admiring the sunbeams streaming in through the window. 

And then something catches your eye.

Small, floaty fur catches the sunlight—like tiny, glistening angel wings—although the reality isn’t quite so charming.

These airborne hairs will eventually nestle on your carpet, hardwood floors, kitchen surfaces, and furniture. And you’re not immune either, they’ll either land on your skin or be sucked up your nose when you take a breath.

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Whether you’re a cat connoisseur or doggie devotee―you know what I’m talking about.

Admittedly, you can take preventative measures.

At the extreme, you can opt for a hairless pet, such as the Sphinx cat or Chinese Crested Dog. Or choosing a low-shedding hypoallergenic small or large pooch can vastly reduce the problem.

However, you’ve got to face facts—all your furry friends drop hair.

It’s simply part of replenishing their coats. And, while they will shed continually throughout the year, spring and fall are the notoriously niggly seasons for both felines and canines.

The biggest concern is for those pet parents that suffer from annoying animal allergies. Boffins at the University of Colorado explain that around 20 percent of people worldwide have reactions to dog and cat fur.

This can lead to symptoms of:

  • Rhinitis.
  • Sneezing.
  • Congestion.
  • Hives.
  • Dermatitis.
  • Eczema.
  • Rash.
  • Hypotension.
  • Wheezing.
  • Chest pain.

So, if you don’t know the reason behind your strange bodily reactions—the chances are it’s the innocent-looking Princess Tinniwinkle or Bruno sitting quietly in the corner.

Why You Need the Best Pet Hair Vacuum

In theory, it’s simple.

You have pet hair on your rugs, curtains, and chairs—so just whip out your vacuum cleaner and suck away the fur.

In reality, it’s an exercise in futility.

Animal hair sticks to material like superglue—especially if you have a short, dense fabric, such as acrylic (Dralon) or velvet. You can push, pull, and rub your suction cleaner over the hair as much as you want—at best, you might move the fur around a little.

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The issue is, the majority of standard vacuum cleaners aren’t designed for the ultimate challenge of doggie detritus and feline fuzz. 

Hence, manufacturers have addressed this problem by designing suction cleaners specifically for dealing with problem pet hair. And, the bonus is—because they can make mincemeat of limpet-like animal fur—they make easy work of your ‘standard’ non-cleaning household needs.

The Pet Vacuum—Why They’re Different and What to Keep in Mind

A genuine pet vacuum is more than just a standard cleaner with a paw print decal on the front. These super-suckers possess features that make them one step above your normal household machine.

Here’s what to look out for:

Performance and Power

You know those useful hand-held rechargeable vacuum cleaners? The ones that are excellent for sucking up things like breadcrumbs and stuff?

Often, companies will market them as kitchen cleaners, handy car upholstery machines, or pet hair removers.

I don’t want to sound dictatorial, but—AVOID them!

Yeah, they may be ok for pulling up those dried coffee granules that didn’t make their way into your mug—but for animal fur, they’re pointless. The issue is they’re so weak—you’d probably achieve better results trying to suck up the pet hair with a straw (please don’t try that).

Power and performance in your suction cleaner are essential—it needs the umph to take away those allergy-causing fuzzies.

However, things are never simple.

Comparing and choosing models can be tough—with manufacturers often using different metrics to describe their machine’s pulling power.

Typically, they’ll boast high watts, horsepower, or amps. Don’t get me wrong, these values are crucial. Higher numbers often mean better suction—but not always.

Think of it like this.

A JCB PS760 excavator will turn out around 1000 lb/ft (pounds per foot) of torque—a Ferrari 448 GTB sports car produces around 560 lb/ft. 

However, in a race, the Ferrari would easily win.

You see, it’s about what the machine does with the power, not just how much it has.

If the company behind the vacuum cleaner is sufficiently transparent, it should give information on the AW (air watts) or CFM (cubic feet per minute).

The AW is perhaps the ultimate metric. In simple terms, it demonstrates how much power the vacuum actually delivers for pulling up hair through the nozzle—the higher the better.

CFM explains how much gas (air, when talking about suction cleaners) the unit takes into the machine every minute.

If your machine has a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, a high number for AW and/or CFM are essential, since it requires additional strength to pull the air into the machine through the tiny holes.

While there’s no definitive value to look out for, a performance upright unit should deliver 100 AW and a canister 220 AW (since it needs to pull the fur through the full length of the hose).

Canister or Upright

The decision between these two common forms of pet hair cleaners is a personal preference.

Canisters are the familiar machines with a body on wheels, that follow you around your home as you pull the hose. Generally, they provide more maneuverability and versatility, with the long ‘trunk’ being able to reach under beds and sofas and extend up to curtains.

The downside is they are liable to bump and damage your furniture and baseboards. And, if you’ve ever tried to store one in a cupboard, you know it’s like trying to cage a rather angry snake.

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Uprights are more compact and easier to store. Ideally, look for one which also incorporates a hose, to give you the flexibility of a canister.

HEPA Air Filter

If you suffer severe reactions to your pet’s fur, it may be worth considering a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.

In addition to removing hair, the filter removes other allergens—such as dander and mites—that would otherwise pass through the machine and re-emerge back into your home.

Additional Tools and Accessories

Extra equipment can increase the versatility and efficacy of your fur-busting cleaner. Some are optional extras (at a cost) while a few manufacturers may include a few additional tools with your machine.

Handy extras to watch out for include:

  • Light: typically LEDs, to show hidden fur in dark areas, such as underneath furniture.
  • Disinfector: to—well—disinfect.
  • Telescopic nozzle: useful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, such as the top of cupboards and curtains.
  • Grooming attachment: allowing you to vacuum your pet to remove any loose and straggly hair (don’t try it on hamsters—you may never see them again).

 

The Six Best Pet Vacuum Cleaners

Down to the allergy-busting business!

Here are my picks of the ultimate pet hair vacuum cleaners currently on the market. I’ve chosen these impressive machines based on industry expert opinion, my own insights, and customer feedback.

1. Dyson Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Ball Animal 2

Weight: 17.35 pounds
Power: 270 air watts

In my opinion, the best vacuum for pet allergies—period.

This unit comes from Dyson, a company with a serious pedigree in pet hair elimination. A few years ago, the company kicked off with the impressive Cinetic Big Ball Animal, followed it with the awesome Animal 1, and has now surpassed both machines with this latest incarnation—the Animal 2.

With a HEPA filter system, I suggest it’s ideal for those pet parents who are not only allergic to canine and feline hair but also their dander.

best-vacuum-for-pet-hair-Dyson-Upright-Vacuum-Cleaner-Ball-Animal

According to the manufacturer (and why should they lie?), this cleaner has the strongest suction out of all its competitors.

The self-adjusting head seals around your floors and carpets, ensuring it pulls up everything it passes over. Furthermore, using the novel ‘ball’ system, it’s perhaps one of the most maneuverable vacuums on the market—despite being an upright. Thus, it allows even those with restricted movement to easily handle this machine.

And, even if your pet sheds like it’s an Olympic sport, you will not be constantly emptying the bagless bin every few minutes. Its 0.55-gallon capacity should allow you to de-fur your entire house—and still have room for more.

Finally, as an extra precaution against intolerances—relieving the storage bin of its furry contents will not mean touching any allergy-inducing hair. Simply remove the container, invert and press a button—and it’s empty.

Why We Love It

  • A monster 270 AW machine.
  • 35 feet of cable.
  • Turbine tool for the most stubborn pet hair.
  • HEPA filter to capture allergens and bacteria.
  • Includes a combination tool to reach high areas.
  • Complete with a stair tool.

Keep in Mind

  • Although it has a long power cable—the lack of an automatic retractor means manual winding.

2. Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet

Weight: 16.7 pounds
Power: 270 air watts

If you can’t decide between a canister or an upright, this may be the solution.

Should you wish, you can disconnect the canister—increasing your freedom of movement and enabling you to push the lengthy wand underneath furniture.

And for those pet parents with fur intolerances, I think you’ll appreciate the HEPA filter and anti-allergen complete seal, to ensure all hair and dander remain within the unit.

If that’s not sufficient, this vacuum cleaner incorporates a six-foot hose—hopefully, meaning no area is left untouched in your home.

vacuum-for-pet-hair-Shark-Rotator-Powered-Lift-Away-TruePet

Whether your floors are carpeted, laminated, or tiled—I propose this machine will suit them all. Not only does it have modes for these different surfaces, but it also has a fingertip switch mechanism on the handle for the correcting setting selection. You don’t have to fiddle around with your canister.

And for the most stubborn fur, this unit includes a motorized pet power brush tool accessory. This delivers concentrated suction on any hair that otherwise would refuse to move.

Why We Love It

  • 0.375-gallon capacity.
  • LED lights to illuminate the darkest nooks and crannies.
  • Dynamic swivel steering, allowing you to easily navigate furniture.
  • Choose between upright and canister mode.
  • Extendable wand to clean curtains, pelmets, and blinds.

Keep in Mind

  • Requires Lithium-ion batteries to power the LED lights.

3. Eureka NEU180B Lightweight Upright Pet Hair Vacuum Cleaner

Weight: 10 pounds
Power: 1200 watts

For me, this modern-looking upright cleaner would be ideal for seniors or those lacking the strength to wield a monster machine—it only weighs 10 pounds

However, despite being a lightweight model, it should still address your pet hair issues.

Five different height modes mean this cleaner is suitable for hardwood floors, carpets, vinyl, rugs, and tiles. Furthermore, it’s packed with accessories, including an extra-long crevice tool, upholstery brush, and dust attachment. All of which you can store on the machine—not hidden away in your ‘mystery’ drawer.

best-vacuum-for-pet-hair-Eureka-NEU180B-Lightweight-Upright-Pet-Hair-Vacuum-Cleaner

For added allergy prevention, this vacuum includes a filter—although it doesn’t meet HEPA specifications. However, the bonus is, you will not need to buy replacements once it’s clogged. Instead, just remove and wash it under a faucet to clean.

And, for those hard-to-reach spaces, the hose extends to four times its original length.

Why We Love It

  • 0.68-gallon dust cup.
  • Wide, 12.6-inch cleaning head to speed up fur removal.
  • Simple flip-open lid to empty dust cup.
  • 25 feet of power cable.
  • USA-based company.
  • Washable and removable filters.

Keep in Mind

  • Although most vacuums are noisy, this model is unnaturally loud.

4. Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Weight: 20 pounds
Power: 1200 watts

You treat your pets like miniature kings and queens. If you want to give the same luxury treatment to their shedded hair, this is perhaps the most regal of all the fur baby vacuums.

It hails from Miele, the German company renowned for its seriously high-end domestic appliances. But, naturally, that comes with a price tag to match.

This canister cleaner has an eye-watering 1.18-gallon capacity, meaning you’ll probably only have to empty the bag once every decade or so (ok, maybe a little more). Six different speeds mean you can apply the most powerful setting for the most stubborn of hairs—and then bring it down for more delicate surfaces. If you don’t, you might end up with a bald rug.

Miele-Classic-C1-Cat-Dog-Canister-Vacuum-Cleaner

Five different operating heights and an active airclean filter should ensure that all the allergy-inducing nasties are sucked up.

Additional equipment includes a dusting brush, crevice nozzle, mini-turbo brush, and upholstery tool.

Why We Love It

  • The manufacturer states it’s tested for 20 years’ worth of use.
  • Suitable for all floor types.
  • 18 feet of power cable with rewind.
  • Crush-proof hose.
  • Swivel action.
  • Charcoal filter to remove pet odors.
  • Captures 99 percent of lung-damaging particles.

Keep in Mind

  • A premium product at a premium price.
  • Not a bagless machine.

5. Hoover T-Series WindTunnel Pet Rewind Bagless Upright Vacuum

Weight: 16.5 pounds
Power: 12 amps

With a wide 13.5-inch cleaning head, I suggest this upright vacuum would be ideal for those pet parents who have significant ground to cover, but are short on time.

Using Hoover’s proprietary WindTunnel technology, it delivers powerful suction and makes light work of surface hair and pulls out any embedded dander. Furthermore, this cleaner incorporates a HEPA filter that should remove 99.7 percent of allergens (down to a size of three microns).

And, should your vacuuming style be a little avant-garde and dramatic, you may welcome the no-scuff bumpers—meaning your Louis XIV (or IKEA) table legs will not show signs of damage.

Hoover-T-Series-WindTunnel-Pet-Rewind-Bagless-Upright-Vacuum

If you’re one of those more ‘relaxed’ users who often forgets that the filter doesn’t clean itself—I put forward that you may delight in the system check indicator, providing a visual signal that it’s time to cleanse the HEPA unit.

Why We Love It

  • Available in a choice of green or silver color options.
  • Five height adjustments for different floor surfaces.
  • Lightweight.
  • Rewindable 25-foot power cord.
  • Eight feet of stretch hose.
  • Includes a turbo tool for the most stubborn pet hair, dusting brush, and crevice tool.

Keep in Mind

  • No fingertip height control—you need to get down on your knees to turn a dial on the head.

6. BISSELL Cleanview Swivel Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner

Weight: 17.8 pounds
Power: 8 amps

If you’re chasing a second vacuum purely for your fur babies—or just want a powerful machine that will not upset your bank manager—I believe this could be for you.

Despite being highly budget-friendly, this upright suction cleaner should pull up any glue-like hair with its triple action brush system. Furthermore, its edge-to-edge cleaning head means that the sneakiest of pet fur will not be able to take refuge around your baseboards. 

And, if you have numerous hard surfaces to vacuum—such as tiles or hardwood floors—you may appreciate the bespoke scatter-free technology.

BISSELL-Cleanview-Swivel-Pet-Upright-Bagless-Vacuum-Cleaner

This prevents air currents from blowing the feather-like hair into the air—which would otherwise avoid your cleaning efforts.

Finally, this affordable machine comes complete with a pet corner tool and brush.

Why We Love It

  • Ideal for pet parents with a conscience—Bissell donates $10 to a pet foundation with every purchase.
  • Swivel steering for simple maneuverability.
  • 13.5-inch cleaning width.
  • Easy-empty dirt bin.
  • Six-foot hose.
  • Includes a washable filter (not HEPA).

Keep in Mind

  • Small dirt-bin capacity of 0.26 gallons.
  • No extender wand for hard-to-reach areas.
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Best Vacuum for Pet Hair FAQs

What Is the Best Vacuum Cleaner for Animals?

The ideal vacuum cleaner for pets will adjust to different floor surfaces, include a HEPA filter to remove allergens, and include an upholstery tool for the most stubborn of fuzzy fur.

Are Pet Vacuums Worth Buying?

Yes indeed! These specialized cleaners have features specifically for the easy removal of pet hair and preventing allergens.

The best examples include an air filter, rotating carpet head, intense power settings, and specialized accessories to remove tenacious hair.

How Powerful Should a Vacuum Cleaner Be?

For successfully removing pet hair, look for a machine capable of at least 100 air watts.

Is Dyson the Best Vacuum for Pet Hair?

Yes. In my opinion. The Dyson Animal 2 is the best pet vacuum cleaner available—with 270 air watts of power, a HEPA filter, and a turbine tool.

Can You Vacuum Dog Hair?

Yes. Although, to remove all allergy-causing fur and dander, you need to purchase a specialized pet hair vacuum.

Furthermore, a dog groomer with vacuum comes with attachments that suck loose hair while you brush, clip, and de-shed your dog.

How Do You Get Dog Hair off Furniture?

An effective—although labor-intensive—way of removing pet hair is to put on some slightly dampened rubber gloves and rub over the offending fur.

However, a simpler method is to get hold of a pet hair vacuum, which takes the time and effort out of animal fur removal.

Do All Dogs Shed Hair?

Yes. All dogs drop their hair—most frequently in spring and fall.

However, many breeds are extremely low-shedding, making them highly hypoallergenic and ideal for those people with fur intolerances.

What-is-the-best-vacuum-cleaner-for-animals

Sucking It All Up

Dropped pet hair is a small price to pay for all the immense love, fun and joy that you receive from your fur babies.

But it’s still darn annoying!

It’s not just unsightly—it can cause sneezes, sniffles, and throat tickles—and that’s not great for you or your family.

However, using a pet hair-specific cleaner can virtually eliminate both the allergens and the mess—and make a better environment for your furry friend too!

When choosing your suction machine, think about how much power you actually need. If you have carpets, you’ll typically require more ‘suck’ than those with hardwood floors. Additionally, your home may necessitate tools and extensions to reach under furniture, and—if you’re highly fur-sensitive—you might appreciate the reassurance of an allergen-trapping HEPA filter.

So, get yourself the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair—and say goodbye to your hirsute home.