The Best Vacuum for Pet Hair

Pest Strategies

Whether you have a cat or dog, pet hair can trigger allergies. Pest Strategies researched the best vacuums on Amazon that are specifically designed for pet hair. You’ll find our top recommendations below.

1 Best smart vacuum
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GNPDMRP

iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum

What We Like: Cleaning your home and collecting pet hair is a time-consuming process even if you live in an apartment and own a single cat. Designed to save you effort and time, this self-operating vacuum goes around your home to pick up dirt, dust, debris, and hair while you’re working, cooking, or otherwise busy. Its multi-surface rubber brushes resist tangling from hair clumps while staying in constant contact with carpets and hard floors.

2 Best hand vacuum
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CB6RBSP

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum

What We Like: Picking up pet hair doesn’t require a bulky vacuum cleaner. This three-pound handheld vacuum effortlessly sucks up cat or dog hair using a three-level filtration system. The manufacturer also supports homeless pets by donating some of its profits from every purchase to a pet foundation.

3 Longest cord
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TWCKN7D

Hoover Upright Vacuum Cleaner

What We Like: For homeowners with multiple carpet or rugs of differing heights, this vacuum offers four adjustable height levels. Its filter is also designed to absorb various pet odors, so even long-forgotten pet hair and other messes won’t stink up your closet when the vacuum is stored away.

4 Best stick vacuum
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T5WSLZL

Greenote Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

What We Like: Those who appreciate the lightweight nature of a hand vacuum but want additional performance will find this stick vacuum cleaner a suitable option. The easy-empty dustbin minimizes the potential for spills, and the adjustable metal tube allows you to reach different areas. Additionally, the vacuum’s battery lasts 18 minutes on the high-power mode and 35 minutes on the low-power mode.

5 Best carpet cleaner
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VSJ9D1H

Bissell Carpet Cleaner

What We Like: This cleaning machine is more powerful than standard vacuums yet lighter than other carpet cleaners. It’s useful for people who own multiple pets that shed or are prone to accidents. Additionally, with its express clean mode, you can clean and dry dirty carpet spots in as little as 30 minutes.

Buying Guide

Since vacuums vary in terms of size, suction, and other factors, not every model will meet your needs. Consider the following factors to find the best vacuum for your pet’s hair.

Type: Here are the primary types of vacuums that can tackle pet hair:

- - Deep Cleaner: Also known as carpet cleaners, these vacuums use warm water and carpet shampoo or chemical solutions to remove debris and stains from carpet. They’re heavy and specialized, so they’re not intended for everyday use.
  - Handheld: These small, lightweight vacuums are portable and can be used with one hand. They usually use a lithium-ion battery for power, which makes them quieter and less powerful than the other types of vacuums.
  - Upright: When most people picture a vacuum, they think of an upright vacuum. These traditional vacuum cleaners can pick up pet hair, dirt, and more on a variety of surfaces. They’re typically corded, heavy, and more difficult to maneuver than handheld or stick vacuums.
  - Stick: A hybrid between an upright and handheld vacuum, stick vacuums are lightweight, skinny, and maneuverable. Many stick vacuums have a battery-powered, cordless design.

Suction: More suction power generally means better performance and greater cleaning ability. A powerful motor is recommended if you have a lot of thick carpet in your home or your pets shed a lot.

Dust Chamber: Every vacuum has a chamber where the sucked up dust and debris is collected. This chamber is smaller on handheld and stick vacuums, making them more portable. It’s larger in carpet cleaners and upright vacuums, which allows you to vacuum for longer before pausing to empty it.

Accessories: Most vacuums come with attachments or other accessories, making them more useful. Common accessories include solutions to clean stains, crevice tools to tackle hard-to-reach places, and filters to keep allergens and other particles out of the air.

FAQs

How do I extend the life of my vacuum?

Performing regular maintenance will extend its life. Common maintenance tasks include:

Emptying the dust chamber
Washing or replacing the filter
Unclogging the bristles

What is a HEPA vacuum filter?

A High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter removes 99.97% of particulate matter that’s bigger than .03 micrometers. This prevents pet hair allergens and other particles from floating in the air, making the filter particularly useful for those with allergies.

How often should I vacuum pet hair?

This depends on how many pets you have, how much hair they shed, and how clean you prefer your home to be. Most people vacuum on a weekly basis, but a quick vacuum every other day may be better for those who are sensitive to allergens.

Pest Strategies provides reviews of select products that are top-selling on Amazon and/or popular in consumer searches. Our team evaluates the products based on industry research, consumer reviews, pricing data, and other objective criteria. Unless otherwise noted, these product reviews are intended to help inform buying decisions for non-professionals. Because pest control products can be dangerous to your family if mishandled, we always recommend consulting with an exterminator, even if just to ask for advice on how to apply pest control products yourself.