The Best Shark Vacuums For Pet Hair That Tackle Furry Messes With Ease
If you share your home with furry friends, a Shark vacuum is a solid option to handle all the hair they leave behind. The best Shark vacuums for pet hair come equipped with features like HEPA filters, no-tangle brushrolls, and extra-large dustbins. Combined with powerful suction, these vacuums are designed to manage large amounts of pet hair effectively. For most homes with pets, we recommend the Shark AZ3002 Stratos Upright, thanks to its strong suction and versatile design.
If you’re looking for a vacuum that balances both performance and value, Shark is an excellent choice. According to Jennifer Rodriguez, chief hygiene officer at Pro Housekeepers, “Shark vacuums often include innovative features such as self-cleaning brush rolls, anti-allergen complete seal technology, and easy-to-empty dustbins.” Donna Dougherty, founder and CEO of Go Green Cleaning Experts, adds that Shark vacuums also offer powerful suction and features like swivel steering, making them even more user-friendly. She adds, “The brand’s commitment to adapting to consumer needs, providing durability, and offering user-friendly designs at an affordable price has contributed to their widespread appeal.”
Below, we rounded up some of the best Shark vacuums for pet hair, including models we’ve personally tested in multi-pet homes.
- Best Shark Vacuum For Pet Hair Overall: Shark AZ3002 Stratos Upright Vacuum
- Best Upgrade Shark Vacuum For Pet Hair: Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum
- Best Cordless Shark Vacuum For Pet Hair: Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum
- Best Shark Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair: Shark AI Robot Vacuum With XL HEPA Self-Empty Base
- Best Handheld Shark Vacuum For Pet Hair: Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus Vacuum
Best Shark Vacuum For Pet Hair Overall
A Powerful Upright That Can Handle Any Amount Of Pet Hair
- ULTRA-POWERFUL SUCTION: Ultra-powerful suction and best hair pickup of any Shark vacuum.
- DUOCLEAN POWERFINS HAIRPRO: A two brushroll system digs deep into carpets, directly engages hard floors, and picks up di…
- GUARDS AGAINST BAD ODORS: Odor Neutralizer Technology guards against bad odors inside your vacuum to help freshen your h…
Type: Upright | Dimensions: 11.02 x 12.2 x 46.46 inches | Weight: 16.71 pounds | Dust bin capacity: 1.48 quarts | Tangle-free brushroll: Yes
Pros:
- Highly effective on both carpets and hard floors
- Able to clean under low-profile furniture
- A large dustbin holds more hair
Cons:
- It may be too heavy for some people
When we tested the best vacuum cleaners, the Shark Stratos Upright stood out as the top option for pet hair removal. It offers impressive suction that effectively lifts pet hair from various surfaces, and it’s equipped with thoughtful features for homes with pets. The vacuum’s dual-brushroll system prevents hair tangles, and its large dust bin minimizes the need for frequent emptying during cleaning sessions. Additionally, the Stratos comes with a HEPA filter and Shark’s Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, which together trap 99.9% of allergens, including pet dander and dust.
This model also provides excellent versatility throughout your home. The Powered Lift-Away design allows you to detach the canister while keeping the floorhead operational, enabling you to clean under low furniture easily. Included accessories include a non-motorized upholstery tool and a crevice tool, making pet hair removal from furniture and hard-to-reach areas more efficient.
Best Upgrade Shark Vacuum For Pet Hair
A High-Tech Option For Cleaning Larger Homes
- BEST OVERALL CLEANING OF ANY VACUUM*: Most powerful suction** and most advanced cleaning technology of any vacuum .****B…
- DUOCLEAN DETECT: Two-brushroll system with four Intelli-Sense sensors automatically senses and reacts to hidden dirt, de…
- DIRT DETECT: Intelli-Sense sensor detects hidden dirt, debris, and pet hair embedded deep inside carpets, and devours it…
Type: Upright | Dimensions: 12.01 x 15.12 x 46.18 inches | Weight: 17.57 pounds | Dust bin capacity: 2.02 quarts | Tangle-free brushroll: Yes
Pros:
- Extra-large dustbin that’s easy to empty
- Automatically adjusts to flooring type
- Powered Lift-Away to clean under furniture
Cons:
- It may be too heavy for some
- Not everyone will like the high-end features
If you want maximum power combined with high-tech features, the Shark PowerDetect Upright stands out as the brand’s latest and most powerful model, acing our performance tests across a wide range of vacuums. It’s incredibly strong suction easily tackles pet hair and debris, while the dual-brushroll system seamlessly transitions between carpeting and hard floors. Equipped with integrated sensors, the vacuum intelligently adjusts its settings based on the type of flooring and level of dirt, providing a consistently thorough clean.
Several features make this vacuum particularly appealing for pet owners. For starters, it has the largest dust bin of any vacuum on our list, reducing the need for frequent emptying. The brushrolls feature a no-tangle design, ensuring hair doesn’t wrap around and impede cleaning. Additionally, the PowerDetect includes a HEPA filter and a fully sealed filtration system to trap allergens effectively. However, keep in mind that it’s quite heavy, which can make carrying it up and down stairs more challenging.
Best Cordless Shark Vacuum For Pet Hair
A Versatile Cordless Pick That Works On All Floors
- THE BEST DEBRIS CLEANING* OF ANY CORDLESS VACUUM: Shark’s most advanced cordless powered by our best cordless suction.ǂ …
- DESIGNED TO CAPTURE MORE* DIRT, DUST, & DEBRIS: Shark’s redesigned DuoClean Detect nozzle features 2X brushrolls for ALL…
- 4X INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGIES THAT DETECT & REACT TO YOUR HOME: While vacuuming, PowerDetect will detect hidden dirt, edge…
Type: Cordless stick | Dimensions: 10.25 x 15.5 x 45.64 inches | Weight: 7.96 pounds | Dust bin capacity: 0.74 quarts | Tangle-free brushroll: Yes
Pros:
- Dual brushroll works well on hard floors and carpeting
- Wand bends to clean under furniture
- Available with or without self-emptying base
Cons:
- No powered mini tool for furniture
- Somewhat top-heavy
For those who prefer a cordless vacuum, the Shark PowerDetect Cordless offers impressive versatility and advanced features similar to upright models from the brand. This cordless unit uses smart sensors to adjust suction power based on flooring type and debris level, ensuring optimal battery efficiency without sacrificing cleaning effectiveness. It can run for up to 70 minutes on its lowest settings, making it ideal for extended cleaning sessions.
The vacuum’s dual-brushroll system performs exceptionally well at picking up hair and debris on both hard floors and carpets. It also features a convenient bending wand that allows you to easily reach under low-profile furniture, and it comes with helpful attachments, including a crevice-duster tool and a pet multi-tool for more precise cleaning tasks. Additionally, the PowerDetect Cordless is available with a self-emptying base that holds up to 45 days of debris, minimizing the need for daily maintenance.
Best Shark Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair
An AI-Powered Robot For Daily Hair Pickup
- INCREDIBLE SUCTION: Powerful Shark suction picks up dirt and debris on all floor types—tackling even the toughest of mes…
- NO SPOTS MISSED: With Matrix Clean Navigation, the vacuum cleans in a precise matrix grid taking multiple passes over di…
- IT EMPTIES ITSELF: The bagless, self-emptying base holds up to 60 days of dirt and debris while its true HEPA filtration…
Type: Robot | Dimensions: 13.08 x 8.43 x 13.9 inches | Weight: 15.2 pounds | Dust bin capacity: Up to 60 days | Tangle-free brushroll: Yes
Pros:
- No-tangle brushroll for reduced maintenance
- Self-emptying base includes a HEPA filter
- AI-powered obstacle avoidance
Cons:
- The dust bin may need more frequent emptying due to pet hair
The best robot vacuums are particularly helpful for keeping pet hair under control, as they provide consistent, light cleaning on a daily basis. The Shark AI Robot Vacuum stands out as a strong choice for pet-friendly homes, offering features like a no-tangle brushroll that effectively handles hair without getting clogged. It also has a self-emptying base, a HEPA filter to trap allergens, and advanced obstacle avoidance to steer clear of pet toys and other objects scattered around.
This model boasts up to 120 minutes of runtime, and when its internal dust bin fills up with debris, it automatically empties into its base, which can hold up to 60 days of waste. Keep in mind that pet hair tends to occupy more space, so you may need to empty the base more often. The Shark AI Robot cleans in a grid pattern, covering your floors with multiple passes for thorough cleaning. Additionally, the Shark app allows you to manage the vacuum’s settings, map your home, create schedules, and make cleaning adjustments as needed.
Best Handheld Shark Vacuum For Pet Hair
A Lightweight Option For Cleaning Hair Off Furniture
- Two ultra-powerful cyclonic air streams for incredible suction and long-lasting filter and motor life.
- Detachable self-cleaning Pet Power Brush eliminates hair wrap from the floor, upholstery, and the brushroll.
- Features an XL dust cup to tackle big jobs.
Type: Handheld | Dimensions: 20.82 x 3.82 x 4.35 inches | Weight: 2.8 pounds | Dust bin capacity: 0.45 quarts | Tangle-free brushroll: Yes
Pros:
- Powered pet hair tool with self-cleaning brushroll
- Large dust cup for a handheld model
- Lightweight design
Cons:
- Fairly short runtime
For smaller vacuuming tasks like cleaning pet hair off furniture or car upholstery, the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus is a compact and effective handheld option. Its cordless design makes it easy to use anywhere, and it’s equipped with a strong motorized pet brush that efficiently lifts and removes even the most stubborn hair without getting tangled. The vacuum also includes a crevice tool for tight spaces and a dusting brush for delicate surfaces. Additionally, its generously sized dust cup helps handle large amounts of pet hair. However, bear in mind that its runtime is relatively short, so it’s best suited for quick cleaning jobs rather than whole-home use.
How We Chose The Best Shark Vacuums For Pet Hair
To choose the best Shark vacuum for pet hair, we consulted with two cleaning experts for their input regarding must-have features, as well as what makes Shark vacuums unique. We also took our firsthand testing experiences with Shark vacuums into account when selecting models to feature.
- We looked at the most popular Shark vacuums on the market and narrowed the field based on elements like pet tools, attachments, power, dust bin capacity, and value.
- We prioritized vacuums that have a few key features for pet hair, including HEPA filtration, non-tangle brushrolls, and large dust bins.
- We took our team’s firsthand experiences with Shark vacuums into account. Rabideau, the author of this article, has personally tested most of the models on this list.
- Only vacuums with an average rating of four or more stars made the final list.
What To Look For In The Best Shark Vacuums For Pet Hair
Here are a few key factors to consider when shopping for a Shark vacuum for pet hair.
Suction Power
Shark vacuums have a reputation for strong suction power, but some models have better suction than others. In general, corded Shark vacuums will be able to suck up more pet hair and debris than their cordless counterparts, and they also generally perform better on carpeting. If suction power is a big concern for you, the brand’s newest model, the Shark PowerDetect Upright, has some of the most powerful suction of any vacuum we’ve tested.
The vacuum’s brushroll design and filtration system also contribute to how well it’s able to pull up pet hair, Rodriguez says. Most Shark vacuums have a dual-brushroll design, which includes a classic bristled brushroll alongside a soft, fluffy one. This makes them highly effective on both carpeting and hard flooring, and most models have no-tangle designs that prevent long strands from getting wrapped around the roller.
Attachments
Shark is known for its attachments, and the brand offers plenty of vacuums designed to tackle pet hair. “Choose a vacuum with attachments and tools designed specifically for pet hair removal, such as upholstery brushes and crevice tools,” Rodriguez says.
For instance, the Shark AZ3002 Stratos Upright comes with an upholstery brush that works well at removing pet hair from furniture, and the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus has a powered pet tool that’s ideal for cleaning car upholstery.
Filtration
Pets often track dirt and dust into your home, not to mention that they shed dander themselves. As such, you’ll want to look for a vacuum that has a good filtration system, including a HEPA filter and an Anti-Allergen seal. These features ensure that fine particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander remain trapped inside the vacuum and won’t be expelled back out into your home as you clean.
Added Features
Shark vacuums offer several features worth noting. “Shark vacuums often feature ‘Lift-Away’” technology, allowing the vacuum to transform into a handheld unit for easy cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach places,” Rodriguez says. They also have dust cups that are easy to empty, as well as swivel steering.
Ultimately, it’s best to figure out the features you’ll actually use and choose a vacuum that meets your needs. “Prioritizing these features ensures an effective solution for managing pet hair in the home,” Doherty says.