The 7 Best Vacuums For Pet Hair, According to Cleaning Experts

Having a furry pet as a companion has many invaluable benefits, but it also comes with a lot of shedding that is notoriously tough to clean. To find the best vacuums for pet hair, we relied on our firsthand experience as pet owners along with conversations with cleaning experts to find which vacuums are up to the task. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is our favorite overall pick due to its whole-machine filtration, rotating brush, and powerful suction, all of which make it ideal for long hair and high-pile carpets. For a more affordable option, we also enjoy the efficiency of the Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away, which is highly endorsed by several pet parents on our staff.

There are certain features that pet-specific vacuums have that make them more effective than standard models at picking up pet hair. According to Shari Cedar, CEO and co-owner of commercial cleaning company AK Building Services, these units should feature the following: powerful suction, tangle-free brushes, and HEPA filtration systems that trap pet dander. From robot vacuums for daily maintenance to handheld options ideal for spot cleaning, here are the seven best vacuums for pet hair that meet our experts’ top criteria. If cordless is more your style, our roundup of the best cordless vacuums for pet hair features optimal portability.

• Best Vacuum For Pet Hair Overall: Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra
• Best Value Vacuum For Pet Hair: Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away
• Best Cordless Stick Vacuum For Pet Hair: Dyson V15 Detect
• Best Handheld Vacuum For Pet Hair: Black+Decker Dustbuster Furbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet
• Best Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair: iRobot Roomba j7+
• Best Canister Vacuum For Pet Hair: Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog PowerLine
• Best Vacuum For Pet Hair On Hardwood Floors: Kenmore Pet-Friendly Pop-N-Go Bagged Canister Vacuum

Best Vacuum For Pet Hair Overall

Strong Enough For Deep Carpets

Style: Upright | Weight: 17.3 pounds | Corded: Yes | Dustbin capacity: 0.5 gallons | HEPA filter: Yes | Pet-specific attachments: Groom tool, tangle-free turbine tool | Warranty: 5 years

What you’ll love:

• Extremely strong suction power
• Whole-machine HEPA filtration
• Brush rolls self-clean during use
• Backed by lifetime Dyson support

Keep in mind:

• It can be tiring to use, as it’s heavy
• It may be too strong for thin, low-pile rugs

If you’re looking to target pet hair deep in high-pile carpets or large areas that need to be deep cleaned, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is a powerful model that can handle the most stubborn messes. Its brush roll isn’t just designed to avoid tangles; it’s also self-cleaning, meaning it clears tightly wound hair from the bar as the vacuum runs. 

The model also has whole-machine HEPA filtration to capture pet dander and other allergens, as well as five useful accessories. Our favorite is the groom tool, which allows you to brush and vacuum loose hair directly off your dog. (If your pup gets spooked by the vacuum, though, skip it—you don’t want to stress them out.) The only downside of the Animal Ball 3 is that it’s relatively bulky and heavy, weighing in at over 17 pounds; while it’s not overly difficult to maneuver, your arms might feel a little sore after a long vacuuming session.

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Best Value Vacuum For Pet Hair

A Powerful Corded Option At An Affordable Price

Style: Upright | Weight: 12.5 pounds | Corded: Yes | Dustbin capacity: 0.3 gallons | HEPA filter: Yes | Pet-specific attachments: Upholstery tool, crevice tool | Warranty: 5 years (limited)

What you’ll love:

• Strong suction power at an affordable price
• Swivel steering and lift-away construction help with under-furniture and stair cleaning
• The brush roll shut-off feature is more conducive for hardwood floor cleaning

Keep in mind:

• Quite loud at 80 decibels
• Only two specialized attachments

For less than $200, this Shark model is impressively mighty. Unsurprisingly, it’s popular among Dream Reside editors and cleaning pros alike: “It’s powerful enough to suck up all the crumbs under the dining room table as well as my dog’s endless fur,” says deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala, who’s been using the model as her main vacuum since 2022. This model also works well beyond carpets and rugs, thanks to its brush roll shut-off feature—a setting Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, recommends for pet owners with hardwood floors. 

Upright vacuums are popular for their high suction power and large dust bins, and the Lift-Away NV352 is no exception. In standard upright form, the head stays flat on the floor while the body swivels, and despite its larger size, it’s easy to push and maneuver under furniture. It also converts into a portable model if you’re looking to clean the stairs, for example; the body and bin lift off the base so you can move about freely. (Note the cord is 25 feet long.) Adding to its versatility, the vacuum comes with two attachments, a crevice tool and an upholstery tool, as well as a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum.

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Best Cordless Stick Vacuum For Pet Hair

Light-Up Technology Helps With Cleaning Hardwood Floors

Style: Stick | Weight: 6.8 pounds | Corded: No | Dustbin capacity: 0.2 gallons | HEPA filter: Yes | Pet-specific attachments: Anti-tangle hair-screw tool, detangling cleaner head, crevice tool | Warranty: 2 years

What you’ll love:

• Lightweight, cord-free convenience
• Easily converts into a handheld vacuum
• Light-up technology illuminates dark corners and hardwood floors
• Comes with lifetime Dyson customer support

Keep in mind:

• Not ideal for extra-large homes or high-pile carpet

We’ve tested a lot of vacuums over the years, and the Dyson V15 Detect remains our favorite for all kinds of dirt and debris, pet hair included. To start, it has all the features that cleaning pros consider non-negotiable: impressive suction power, an anti-tangle brush roll, and a HEPA filter to capture 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. It’s also as you’d expect of a cordless vacuum—lightweight and easy to maneuver, plus it converts to a handheld model if you want even more portability.

Senior strategy editor Katie Simpson has been using V15 for the past eight months to pick up after her English cream golden retriever. “I love the V15’s light-up technology, which makes it super easy to see hair accumulation on our hardwood floors, and the hair-screw design helps pick up embarrassingly large clumps of fur without clogging,” she says. She also appreciates the carpet attachment and crevice tool, the latter of which is ideal for getting under furniture.

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Best Handheld Vacuum For Pet Hair

The Right Size For Spot Cleaning And Upholstery

Style: Handheld | Weight: 2.6 pounds | Corded: No | Dustbin capacity: 0.2 gallons | HEPA filter: No | Pet-specific attachments: Anti-tangle motorized pet brush, extendable crevice tool | Warranty: 2 years (limited)

What you’ll love:

• Lightweight and portable
• Perfect for small messes and spot cleaning
• Can clean in hard-to-reach areas and under furniture
• Anti-tangle brush with rubble bristles effectively picks up pet hair

Keep in mind:

• Not as effective on high-pile carpets or larger surface areas
• No HEPA filtration

Handheld vacuums are great for cleaning up smaller messes (think out-of-sight mounds of pet hair you missed while sweeping your floors), and this model from Black + Decker is the most effective of its kind. Thanks to its included attachments, including a motorized pet brush, “the Furbuster AdvancedClean+ really picks up pet hair,” says Sala, who’s owned the model for about eight months. “I use it without the pet brush for non-pet hair messes, and the extendable crevice tool works well in a pinch on the stairs, under the table, and so on.” 

Though Sala notes that she has to use “Powerboost” mode every time she vacuums to suck up all the hair and dirt she’s targeting, increasing the suction power is as easy as pressing a button. She also appreciates the washable filter (though note that it isn’t a HEPA filter). While Sala notes that “the dirt and snarl of hair don’t always release easily from the waste canister,” these gripes are relatively small and common with handheld models.

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Best Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair

An Autonomous Model That Excels At Avoiding Obstacles

Style: Robot | Weight: 7.5 pounds | Corded: No | Dustbin capacity: 0.1 gallons | HEPA filter: Yes | Pet-specific accessories: Obstacle avoidance, anti-tangle brush rolls | Warranty: 1 year (limited)

What you’ll love:

• Hands-off routine cleaning
• Impressive obstacle avoidance backed by Pet Owner Official Promise
• Ability to target hard-to-reach areas under furniture
• Self-emptying base can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dirt and debris

Keep in mind:

• Not as powerful as traditional vacuums, despite the investment

Looking for a hands-off cleaning experience? “Robot vacuums can be effective for maintaining pet hair control, especially in smaller homes with hard floors and low-pile carpets,” says Mock. Just make sure, she adds, that the model has self-cleaning brush rolls to help prevent hair tangles. One option that fits the bill: iRobot Roomba j7+, which is the best robot vacuum for pet hair that we’ve tested. (It also comes recommended by Cedar.)

Equipped with two multi-surface, anti-tangle brush rolls, this is one smart, efficient vacuum. To start, it excels at obstacle avoidance, navigating around toys, shoes, and (most importantly) pet waste, all while learning your floor plan. The company backs this feature with the aptly named P.O.O.P. (Pet Owner Official Promise), meaning if it fails to work for whatever reason, you’ll get another robot for free. You can also direct the Roomba to clean a specific room via the app or voice commands. One more perk: As a self-emptying model, you don’t have to worry about frequently cleaning out the dustbin. Instead, after every use, the vacuum deposits debris into its base, which can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dirt.

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Best Canister Vacuum For Pet Hair

Powerful, With A Large Dustbin And An Odor-Reducing Filter

Style: Canister, bagged | Weight: 20.1 pounds | Corded: Yes | Dustbin capacity: 1.5 gallons | HEPA filter: No (uses active charcoal, HEPA upgrade available) | Pet-specific attachments: Mini Turbobrush, Electrobrush, upholstery and crevice tools | Warranty: 1 year (limited)

What you’ll love:

• Suction is powerful enough to clean fur with one or two passes
• Separate brush heads for carpet and hardwood floors
• Active Air Clean Filter reduces pet odors
• The canister is more lightweight than typical models

Keep in mind:

• 18-foot power cord could be longer
• HEPA filter upgrade is bought separately

If you have multiple pets and even powerful upright vacuums have trouble thoroughly cleaning pet hair and messes in your home, consider a canister model. Renowned German appliance brand Miele makes some of the most powerful ones for pet hair, like its 1200-watt Classic C1 Cat & Dog PowerLine unit. While it matches the Shark Navigator Lift-Away in terms of suction power, the C1’s biggest perk is its 1.5-gallon bin capacity (the former, for reference, holds 0.3 gallons). In addition to being able to hold more debris, the vacuum comes with six settings and two floor heads (one of which is an anti-tangle brush roll), so you can customize how it cleans depending on whether the surface is hardwood, an area rug or drapes. It also has upholstery and crevice attachments, adding to its versatility.

Unlike standard canister models, where the part you drag around with you as you clean tends to be cumbersome and heavy, this one is purposefully lightweight, making it easy to maneuver across large spaces, tight spaces, and stairs. (That said, a common qualm is how short the power cable is at 18 feet, so keep this in mind.) While this vacuum doesn’t use HEPA filtration, it uses an activated charcoal–based filter called Active AirClean, which is quite effective at reducing pet odors; users with cat allergies also report their symptoms being reduced after using this model. There is a HEPA filter upgrade available separately, which we recommend for people with allergies.

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Best Vacuum For Pet Hair On Hardwood Floors

A Multipurpose Machine With Powerful Suction

Style: Canister, bagged | Weight: 22.6 pounds | Corded: Yes | Dustbin capacity: Not listed | HEPA filter: Yes | Pet-specific attachments: Motorized pet brush, crevice tool, bare floor brush | Warranty: 1 year

What you’ll love:

• Powerful, consistent suction on hardwood
• Hands-free, Pop-N-Go bare floor attachment
• Accessories are stored inside the vacuum

Keep in mind:

• It’s heavier than similar canister vacuums

If you have hardwood floors in your home, you need a vacuum that eats up dust and hair without blowing it all over the place (or scratching your floors). Queue the Kenmore Pet-Friendly Pop-N-Go Bagged Canister Vacuum, a mighty vacuum with powerful suction and effective attachments that target stubborn pet hair. According to Kenmore, this vacuum uses a “completely sealed air path” that traps 99.97% of dust and debris inside the machine. In other words, it’s unlikely you’ll find stranglers floating in the air while you vacuum. It comes with a bare floor brush that’s specifically designed for hardwood floors, as well as a motorized Pet PowerMate attachment for those hair strands that just won’t budge.

While it’s heavier than the Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog PowerLine, it’s still fairly easy to maneuver from room to room—and switch from hardwood to carpeted floors if needed. It’s fitted with a long hose and extra-wide brush head that covers more surface area on a single pass, so you don’t waste time vacuuming back and forth. All of the accessories are also stored inside the body of the vacuum, so you can easily change attachments by popping them from the storage container to the hose. By extension, it makes storage a breeze—no more losing attachments to the inner depths of your storage closet.

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How We Chose The Best Vacuums For Pet Hair

To determine the most effective pet hair vacuums, we considered top-rated models from reputable brands, some of which we’ve rigorously tested, while others came recommended by trusted experts.

• We identified popular models from brands like Dyson, Shark, Miele, and iRobot.
• We considered each vacuum’s suction power, filtration system, brush roll, accessories, and dustbin capacity.
• We considered a variety of vacuum types, naming the best of each kind, including upright, handheld, cordless, and robotic options.
• We consulted three cleaning experts to determine our top selection criteria when it comes to the best vacuums for pet hair.
• We sifted through pages of product reviews from pet owners to get a sense of how these vacuums performed in various use cases in the real world.

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What To Consider In A Vacuum For Pet Hair

There are certain features that make vacuums specifically designed for pet hair more suitable for homes with pets. Jiexi Du, product manager at Narwal, a robot vacuum manufacturer, explains, “Pet hair is notoriously difficult to vacuum; its fine, lightweight nature causes it to float in the air and settle into hard-to-reach corners and surfaces. On carpets, pet hair can become deeply embedded in the fibers, and the natural oils in the hair make it stick to fabrics, making it tough to extract.” To help you choose a unit that is up to the challenge, we delve into some of the most important features to look for.

Vacuum Type

The type of pet hair vacuum you choose should depend on the size and layout of your home and the kinds of floors you have, says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. “If you have a larger home, a corded vacuum is the better choice, as a cordless model may not last long enough on a single charge. For a smaller home, a compact, cordless vacuum may offer the convenience and maneuverability you need,” she says. If you have a predominantly carpeted home, upright vacuums, which tend to be the most powerful, will work best. Meanwhile, handheld units are best for furniture, while canister models are ideal for tile and hardwood floors, Mock adds.

Robot vacuums are particularly helpful with maintenance cleanings if you have a shedding pet. Du notes, though, “[Some] robot vacuums, while convenient, typically struggle more with pet hair compared to stick vacuums. Their smaller motors and compact design sometimes lack the powerful suction needed to effectively capture pet hair.” That’s why, if you do get a robot vacuum, make sure it has pet-specific features like a tangle-free feature and obstacle avoidance.

Suction Power

Powerful suction is important to effectively remove pet hair, Mock says. Again, the type of vacuum you choose ultimately depends on the size and type of floor surface you’re cleaning, but corded upright vacuums (such as the Dyson Ball Animal 3 and the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352) and canister vacuums (see the Miele Classic C1 Powerline) typically have the most power. This is followed by stick vacuums such as the Dyson V15 Detect and handheld models like the Black+Decker Dustbuster Furbuster, making them better for smaller spaces and spot cleaning. Robotic vacuums typically have the lowest suction power, which makes them best for daily maintenance cleaning. Note: While you’ll see references to suction power measurements in watts, air watts, or pascal units, the best way to gauge a vacuum’s suction power is by scanning user reviews.

HEPA Filtration And Bin Capacity

Mock highly recommends choosing vacuums with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter if you have pets. “A HEPA filter is essential for capturing pet dander and allergens, improving indoor air quality—especially for allergy sufferers. Many HEPA-equipped models include additional features that help allergy-proof your home, reducing dust and symptoms of hay fever or allergy-induced asthma,” she says.

Pet owners should also strongly consider a vacuum with a dustbin or bag that can hold a large amount of debris, says Mock. “This will make cleanup more efficient, especially in multi-pet households.”

Special Features

As mentioned, pet hair can be particularly tricky to clean, particularly from carpets, furniture and hard-to-reach areas; Mock recommends choosing a vacuum with heavy-duty, anti-tangle brush rolls for this reason, as well as to prevent clogging while you clean. She adds, “Specialized attachments for furniture, upholstery and tight spaces where pet hair collects are a great addition.” If you’re cleaning pet hair mainly from hardwood floors, Mock advises choosing an option where you can turn off the brush roll to prevent scattering debris, as is the case with the Shark Navigator NV352 Lift-Away. “A vacuum with a soft roller or rubberized brush is best for picking up hair without scratching the floor,” she adds.
When it comes to robot vacuums for pet hair, look for similar attributes. “A tangle-free feature with anti-tangle side brushes is critical. [Because] pet hair is difficult to lift, especially from thick carpets or fibers, strong carpet cleaning capability is the second important factor,” says Du.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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What Is The Best Vacuum For Excessive Pet Hair?

For extra-furry friends who shed more than the average pet, we recommend the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra. Named our best vacuum for pet hair overall, its extremely powerful suction and tangle-free brush roll are incredibly effective at removing pet hair. It also comes with a grooming tool that vacuums loose hair directly from your pet.

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Is Bissell Or Shark Better For Pet Hair?

Both Bissell and Shark hold spots across several of our vacuum guides, but when it comes to removing pet hair, we prefer Shark. Shark vacuums come with large dustbins and are compatible with multiple surfaces, making them a better choice for removing pet hair from any room in your house.

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What Is The Difference Between A Pet Hair Vacuum And A Regular Vacuum?

Pet vacuums tend to have larger dustbins than regular vacuums, and come with pet hair-specific attachments that are more effective at removing fur from floors and furniture than a standard vacuum. According to Shari Cedar Own, CEO and co-owner of a commercial cleaning company, “these [pet] vacuums not only make cleaning more efficient, but also help maintain a healthier home environment by reducing allergens.”