Top 10 Best Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Hair

LAST UPDATED: July 5th, 2021

We all love our pets to bits. They are our most loving companion and are fun to be around. For most of us, they are not just our pets, but family.

One thing that worries every pet owner — be it a cat or a dog, is the sheer amount of hair they shed throughout the house. Not matter wherever you go, pet hair is everywhere!

But there is a solution to this obvious predicament. With the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair, you no longer need to worry about those hairs sticking everywhere and giving you allergies.

10 Best Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Hair

To help you find the right cleaner, we looked at the worthiest models available and handpicked top ten among them. These reviews should give you a feel of what to expect from these vacuums.

Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute

The first among the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair is the Cyclone V10. Its striking visual effect makes it look almost like a blaster pistol from a fantasy Sc-Fi game.

Weighing at a 5.88 pounds, the V10 Absolute is fully fitted with a tube and a Direct Drive head. At full charge, it spins at an incredible 125,000rpm.

It holds a lot more energy for its size because of the seven Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum (NCA) cell technology. Although this is more expensive than the basic Lithium-Ion cell, it has a better lifespan. It takes almost 3.5 hours to charge fully.

When you charge the V10, three blue LED lights pulse along to indicate how much it has charged. And when they all go out, you’re good to go. This LED also lights up when the charge depletes.

As for power, it has three stages of suction. The first stage gives you a run time of almost over an hour; the mid-stage provides extra suction, and the max position drives the unit to its full potential with extraordinary suction power. But unfortunately, the run time gets reduced to only 8 minutes.

When you have a great suction with a vacuum cleaner, the noise level comes into question. The first two suction stages are comparatively a lot quieter than the last one. On the highest setting, the noise becomes really noticeable.

The Dyson Cyclone V10 has a core HEPA filter in the center of the bin which captures 99.97% of allergens. This fully washable filter can be used for a long time too. There is also a warning indicator that lets you know it is time to wash the filter.

This model from Dyson comes with a great many tools, including three floorheads with motorized brush bars, three detail tools, a wall-mounted charging dock, and an extension tube.

Bissell 33A1 Pet Hair Eraser

Looking for a lightweight vacuum to clean all the pet hair in your house? Then this mighty Pet Hair Eraser might be the best option for you. It adjusts to different types of surfaces instantly. So, it doesn’t matter if the pet dander is scattered around the house; it will suck them all

The Bissell 33A1 is a powerful tool to clean up any mess in the house. It is super convenient too. The name itself suggests that it is indeed a pet hair specialist.

This unit comes with two attachments for cleaning purposes: a rubber nozzle and a hard nozzle. The rubber nozzle is red in color that helps in removing all pet hair and dander. It works a wondrous job in picking up the hair from carpets and stairs.

The hard nozzle, on the other hand, is meant to remove debris and dirt on hard floors. Both of these are flexible and can be used interchangeably, giving you a wide range of applications.

Moreover, this Pet Hair Eraser comes with a HEPA filter system and a screen. Both of these can be regularly washed with water for cleaning. They need to be cleaned regularly to prevent any clogging, which might, in turn, reduce the efficiency of the vacuum.

The 33A1 has a transparent dirt bin to easily monitor the dirt as it fills up the filter. A release lever separates the motor and the container making it easy to empty.

Despite its small stature, it is powerful enough to create a strong cleaning suction. But its mobility is reduced by the 16 feet long power cord, which is still good for cleaning small rooms. A Velcro strap helps you to store the cord after cleaning.

Bissell 33A1 has been made with keeping one thing in mind: pet hair removal. This includes removing any hair from carpets, stairs, furniture, and upholstery. So, in order to have the best lightweight vacuum cleaner for pet hair in your home, there is no better choice.

Related Guide: Vacuum Cleaner for Home

Shark Rotator NV501 Upright Vacuum

Having a glossy white body and red accents, the Shark Rotator is a fine-looking vacuum. Built solidly with strong components, this unit looks a bit bulky. Then again, all upright vacuums look like this.

Rotator NV501 is quite easy to maneuver, although it weighs 15.5 pounds. It has a main tool with swivel steering that makes it easy to move around the obstacles. You can easily switch between upright and canister vacuum to carry it around the house while cleaning.

The flexible crevice tool can be added to the wand for vacuuming corners. This wand is also a multipurpose tool that cleans both hard surfaces and upholstery.

As for the most important part, there are two washable and reusable filters. In the middle, there is a main foam filter that you need to clean at least once every three months. Shark also recommends washing the HEPA filter once every 12 months.

You have a myriad of options with this unit for cleaning purposes. The motorized brush in the main floor nozzle can be turned off to get smaller debris pieces. Another extra hard floor brush can be attached to the extension. But this one doesn’t have any motorized brush.

Furthermore, you can also use the crevice tool and dusting brush for cleaning corners and tight spaces. Cleaning those might sometimes be difficult with a floor nozzle only.

There are some other nice perks in the Shark Rotator vacuum. Its LED light makes it easier to target debris and also becomes useful during low light conditions. Although the cord is 30 feet long, it doesn’t have any rewind feature for an automatic wrap.

Dyson Ball Animal 2

If you don’t clean, pet hair will eventually take over your home. That is why every pet parent needs a great pet hair remover. And there are very few vacuums which are as good as the Dyson Ball Animal 2 for removing pet hair.

This unit is a high-end machine with sleek purple and a gray exterior. Looking at it, you’ll get a futuristic vibe which Dyson is known for. Apart from the looks, there is no denying that Animal 2 is a powerhouse when it comes to picking up dirt and dander.

Its tangle-free turbine has a counter-rotating brush dislodges the pet hair from upholstery without getting the hair wrapped around the brush. Besides, the base of the vacuum is structured in a way that takes minimal effort while maneuvering.

The combination tool it comes with also serves as both duster, crevice tool, and small stair tool. Its smaller turbine head can get underneath low furniture by clipping onto the extendable recessed hose.

Since its size is of a standard upright vacuum, it might take some space in your closet. But the built-in storage makes keeping the accessories much easier. This unit has an impressive 10 meters long cord but isn’t retractable.

As for filtering, it comes with a washable lifetime filter. The bin can be emptied easily by pressing the red button. Dyson recommends people to clean the filter regularly.

Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum

With all those attractive vacuums in the market today, choosing the one that best suits your needs can be tricky. When you have pets, it is quite impossible to have a clean house unless you have one of the best lightweight vacuum cleaners for pet hair.

The Shark WV201 is one of such models to pick if you’re looking for something unique as well as powerful. It is powerful in addition to being stylish. The first thing you’ll notice is its compact and sleek design that looks a lot like a thick rod. And the elegant look will fit nicely with the décor of your home too.

At an amazing weight of only 1.4 pounds, you will have absolutely no trouble using it in different parts of your house, including narrow and hard-to-reach areas. Its narrow design coupled with the fact that it is also super lightweight makes sure you don’t miss any tight spots in your home.

One of the best things about this WANDVAC is that it is both fun and easy to use. You don’t need to get it out of your closet untangle the charger and then vacuum. Rather, just grab it from the charging dock and you’re good to go.

Emptying the vacuum cleaner has never been so easy. Its spring-loaded dust canister pops open and shoots the debris out with just one press of a button. But it is important to note that the dust cup is quite small. So, you might need frequent emptying.

While most cordless vacuums need 4 hours of charging, this Shark WANDVAC only needs 2.5 hours. Although the runtime is not so extraordinary but considering it gives 2 times the suction than most other vacuums, it is quite satisfactory.

The vacuum comes with a crevice tool and a multi-surface pet cleaning tool. Its filter can be detached for cleaning under running water.

All in all, this awesome handheld vacuum cleaner is a great thing to have if you have cats or dogs that love leaving strands of fur all over the place.

Dyson V11 Animal

For a home vacuum that is head and shoulder above all other, the V11 Animal from Dyson gets the winning prize. This model has a similar look to its predecessor, the Dyson V10. It feels like the company has finally nailed the cordless stick vacuum.

This Animal has a suction power to rival traditional plug-in upright vacuums. It can easily lift the rugs off the floor, so pet hair certainly doesn’t stand a chance. And why won’t it? The V11 relies on a two-tier radial cyclone system, which generates a force of almost 79,000 grams!

Besides, the unit’s battery delivers 20% more suction power than the V10 and has a 60-minutes working span on a single charge. This is more than enough for most people. More so, its advanced floor sensor technology automatically adjusts the suction to accommodate floor types. But this drains a bit more charge than usual.

The Dyson V11 has a cordless stick body with trigger power controls, a versatile Torque drive cleaning head, and a dustbin. Designed for all floor types, especially carpets, its powerful brush spins up to 60 times per second! But smaller attachments can be used to turn it into a handheld vacuum.

As for the dustbin, it could be a little larger. But the emptying process is similar to the V10 model. This is intended to make sure that the dust doesn’t get stuck in the dustbin. Compared to its predecessor, the emptying process of this unit is a bit more polished and easy.

Shark APEX AZ1002

If you are looking for one of the best rated vacuum cleaners for pet hair with incredible power and tons of amazing features, then the APEX AZ1002 is the easiest of options. It is more potent than any other canister vacuum we have come across because of its outstanding 90 CFM airflow.

The most wholesome feature that this Shark unit comes with is its powered Lift-Away system. It transforms the cleaner from upright to a lightweight handheld vacuum. This Lift-Away mode reduces the vacuum weight so that you can reach the tricky areas in your home with ease.

To aid in the removal of pet hair, the AZ1002 comes with Zero M technology, which basically means Zero Maintenance. The Zero M has redesigned the brush tool adding protrusions on the nozzle. These remove the pet hair that wraps itself around the brush, so you don’t have to waste time cutting all those trapped hairs.

Shark’s innovative DuoClean technology combines standard brush roller with a soft one that picks up everything. No matter the surface, it is able to pick up anything from large particles to fine dust and fur, leaving the surface spotless.

It has two rows of LED lights to help you with great visibility in dark areas and under furniture. The noise reduction tech also works wonderfully, making it one of the quietest of vacuums. No more pet running off at the sound of your vacuuming.

The AZ1002 is great for those with allergies and asthma, as it comes with a completely sealed HEPA filter. It also includes a 12-inch crevice tool, a deep cleaning motorized pet tool, and a pet multi-tool.

Shark Rocket HV292

Handheld vacuums are a great way of cleaning home and RV. Everyone looks for a lightweight cleaner that offers efficient cleaning on all surfaces. The Shark Rocket HV292 is one of such cleaners that does all your cleaning job.

One key element of a good vacuum is good suction. The HV292 has a suction power that never wavers until the cup is filled. With a decent power, it has the ability to remain at its best level all the time. So, no more worries about the loss of suction power when the charge gets depleted a bit.

The unit comes with a motorized brush that loosens the dander and hair as you move it over a spot. This increases the efficiency of suction. But in case you are not a pet owner, you can still brush it on high traffic areas in your home.

It has a washable and reusable filter that is very easy to deal with. Having a reusable filter is quite convenient since you don’t have to visit the store often for new ones periodically.

Attachments that you get with the Rocket HV292 include a dusting brush for finishing touches to a cleaning session, a crevice tool to deal with upholstery, and a flexible hose to reach the right places.

The Shark Rocket is a battery-free unit powered by a 15-foot power cord. This cord can easily be wrapped around the vacuum in case you’re worried about the storage.

In addition, its sleek and elegant design is perfect for cleaning stairs and reaching tough spots easily. The grip is also comfortable and neat.

Kenmore Elite 81714

Animals are great to have as pets, but their hair makes a mess out of the house. Pet hair is not easy to deal with. To get over this problem, all pet owners must invest in a decent pet-friendly vacuum.

For a bagged canister vacuum, the Elite 81714 is a decent choice for many. Its compact design with silver and gray color looks nothing out of the ordinary. But its powerful suction ability makes up for it. The rubber guard on the sides protect it from bumps and accidentally hitting objects.

The 81714 has a double-wall design with a powerful 2-motor system, which increases the efficiency of the suction power. Its motorized Pet PowerMate tool lifts dust, dander, and stubborn hair from baseboards, carpeting, and furniture without any issue.

Furthermore, it has a three-layered filtration system consisting of a HEPA dust bag as a primary filter. It captures the dust, pet dander, debris, and other allergens. A chamber filter catches anything that might have been missed by the dust bag.

And finally, the exhaust HEPA filter filtrates the exiting air from anything that remained, especially allergens.

A neat feature of this unit is the LED performance indicator to let you know when the bag is getting full and needs changing. Its automatic cord rewind system easily retracts the 26 inches long cord.

The noise can be considered as the downside of this vacuum, which is a bit loud. But this is because of its insane suction power that picks even the most stubborn pet hair. The unit is a bit heavy, too, with almost 30 pounds.

It’s amazing Ultra Plush Nozzle automatically responds to carpet conditions giving you effective cleaning. And the Swiveling power nozzle delivers you with incredible maneuverability.

Kenmore Elite 81714 comes with three attachments, namely a Pet PowerMate, a dusting brush, and a floor brush. All of them can be stored in the onboard storage area so that you can reach them whenever you need them. A crevice tool, which is the fourth attachment, is attached under the hose handle.

Tineco Pure ONE S12

As the “smartest” vacuum for pet hair on our list, the Pure ONE S12 combines all of the standard elements of a cordless vacuum along with many unique smart features.

Firstly, its digital display close to the handle shows all the relative information for vacuuming including battery, dirt quantity, timer, etc. You can also control it by syncing with an app on your phone.

One of its smart secret weapons is the iLoop sensor that allows the vacuum to adjust its suction power automatically depending on the amount of dirt on the surface. This sensor can detect dust and dander as small as 15 micrometers.

Powered by a 450-watt digital motor, the S12 weighs a total of 4.6 pounds with the battery on board. This is pretty lightweight for a handheld vacuum.

The Tineco S12 comes with tons of tools, accessories, and attachments. Some of them are a direct-drive multi-tasker power brush with LED lights, an extension pole, a crevice tool, a soft brush, a mini motorized floor head, an extendable crevice tool, and a dusting brush.

Moreover, the combination of these tools means that you can basically clean anywhere you want to. The long pole and crevice nozzle help you clean up high to clear cobwebs. And on the floor, the motorized brush is greatly maneuverable to go around and under any furniture.

As for the filter, it has two stages. The pre-motor mesh filter traps most of the dust and debris, and the post-motor HEPA captures 99.99% of the particles and allergens in the exhaust air.

Like most cordless vacuums, the S12 has a trigger switch along with one to lock it. So, for those with less dexterity in their hands, this comes really handy.

The unit comes with two 2500mAh batteries that have enough power to clean a large house. After three to four hours of charging, it can last as long as 50 minutes on low power on each battery. So, it is easily one of the best-rated vacuum cleaners for pet hair.

What to Look for Before Buying?

In order to know what’s the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair, this buying guide would come in great handy. There are a few factors that need to be considered carefully to ensure choosing a product you’ll be happy with.

Floor Types

The first thing you need to consider before going out to buy your vacuum cleaner is what type of flooring does your home has and how much area does it need to clean. Not all vacuums are able to clean every type of floor.

When you have pets and carpet flooring, you need to buy a vac that specializes in cleaning carpets. There are others who work on multiple surfaces. So, if your flooring has multiple types, it is important to get a vacuum that can properly clean all of them.

Size and Weight

It is vital to consider the size and weight of the unit you want to buy. These give you an idea of how easily you’ll be able to clean the house. Besides, different sizes offer you different benefits regarding capacity, suction power, etc. which we will discuss later.

Type of Vacuum

You must know what type of vacuum you are comfortable with. There are corded vacuums as well as cordless ones, then there are bagged and bagless ones too. Another important distinction is the canister structure. Vacuums that are not canisters are called upright.

Corded and Corded

Corded cleaners offer power and consistency while cordless offers you with excellent portability. Since cordless vacuums are powered by battery so you must look out for ones with a powerful battery with longer run time if you should opt for them.

Bagged

These vacuum cleaners require you to dispose of the bags filled with dust and hair into the garbage. Usually, bagged cleaners take up a lot of space, but they are more hygienic as they prevent you from having to touch the debris yourself.

Bagless

A bagless vacuum is smaller in size. But sometimes they require you to touch that debris yourself to empty the dust can. However, modern cleaners are handy as you just need to release a latch and let the debris fall on the trash can by itself. They save you from spending a lot of money.

Upright and Canister

Upright vacuums are best for cleaning carpets and have great suction power. But they are heavy and not very useful for cleaning tough spots. Canister vacuums, on the other hand, are highly flexible and able to clean high and tough spots. But sometimes they tend to be more expensive.

Power and Performance

The suction power of the vacuum is another significant feature to look for. As you will be looking for a vacuum that is able to clean your house from all those pet hair, high suction power is a must.

The performance of a low suction power will be poorer as they will only clear out the dust but will be unable to pull out any pet hair from carpets.

Keep an eye on the values such as CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) or AW (Air Watts). As obvious as it sounds, the greater their value, the better the suction power of the vacuum.

Filtration

The filtration system makes sure the air that comes out of your vacuum is cleaner than when it went in. This system prevents dust and allergens from becoming worse and is sent to the collection area.

Although there are various types of filtration systems and filters, the HEPA filter is more known to people. Most of the vacuums that made to our list have HEPA filters in them.

There are some models which use multiple stage filtration system. Each filter reduces the number of particles at each level.

Capacity and Storage

If you have a pet that sheds too much, then a small capacity vacuum will just make more hassle for you. Smaller capacity vacuums need frequent emptying of their dust can, which will be tiring.

Handheld models have a smaller capacity and can usually hold only a few ounces of debris. On the other hand, canister or upright vacuums can store multiple liters of dust and pet hair.

Noise Level

Traditional vacuum cleaners make a lot of noise. Nobody wants to ruin the peace inside the house while vacuuming. Besides, there are pets that have a fear of loud noises. The best pet vacuums run quietly while giving you the optimum service.

Maintenance Level

Maintenance for vacuum cleaner means how often you have to throw the dust bag away or clean the dust can. It also includes cleaning the filter from time to time. You don’t want to spend a considerable amount of time just cleaning your vacuum cleaner. Better look for ones that require minimal maintenance.

Attachments

Accessories that come in addition to the main vacuuming unit are the attachments. It is important and sometimes necessary to have some attachments. These accessories make buying the whole package worthwhile and give you great value for money.

The most common attachments are crevice and upholstery tools. They come in handy for clearing tight spots and high areas. Other tools include extension wands, anti-tangle tools, grooming kits, extra dust bags, and filters, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

By now, you’ve probably chosen one of the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair we have mentioned in this article.

But in case you want to choose something other than these, we hope this guide has provided valuable tips for making an informed decision.