The Importance of Investing in a Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair

You might be wondering, why exactly should you invest in the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair out there? 

Well, the answer is easy: We all love our furry friends very much. But that’s precisely what they are: Furry! Curly-haired, short-haired, long-haired, and everything in between (almost) all dogs and cats shed hair all over the house. Carpets, beds, couches – even the car isn’t safe from those tiny pesky hairs. 

Even pets that don’t shed regularly (looking at the poodles now), let’s be honest, will still be able to cause a mess in even the nicest houses in town. If it’s not fur or hair they’re shedding, they will still drag grass, dust, and dirt into your home! Of course, some people don’t mind the mess, but most will be scratching their heads, thinking of ways to get rid of it all.  

This is why investing in the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair (and dirt) is one of the best things you can do for yourself as a pet owner. A vacuum cleaner for pet hair will be made to suit your exact needs by allowing them to more easily remove hair and fur from any surface, getting your house and home back in shape in no time! 

Our Top Pet Hair Vacuum Picks

When buying a vacuum cleaner for a household with pets, it is all about your unique needs. For example, if you have a 100 lbs dog that sheds a lot, you may need a much stronger hoover than if you only have a small cat. 

I’ve lived with Bernese Mountain Dogs, cats, and now a shed-free poodle, so I’ve seen all the ways you may need a vacuum cleaner. So with those experiences in mind and looking through some of the best vacuum cleaners out there, we have decided that our best vacuum cleaner for pet hair this year is the Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum cleaner.

In my experience, the best vacuum cleaner is one you actually want to use. Suppose it’s too complicated, heavy, or stored far away, the hair will stay on the floor. This easy-to-use, lightweight option will eliminate the issues of dragging heavy vacuum cleaners around – all the while being much stronger than your regular cordless vacuum cleaner! 

It is, of course, quite expensive, so it may not be the best option for you right here and now, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of other options out there! Our favorite vacuum cleaners for pet hair were: 

• BISSELL Cleanview Vacuum Cleaner – (Best budget-friendly)
• Hoover MAXLife Pro Pet Vacuum Cleaner – (Best for the large house)
• BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser TURBO Lightweight – (Best upright vacuum cleaner)
• iRobot Roomba Vacuum Cleaner – (Best robot hoover)
• Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Vacuum cleaner  – (Best for vacuuming stairs)
• Kenmore 81214 Canister Vacuum cleaner – (Best for strong suction power)

But, what is the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair and you? Take a read below!

I Love Veterinary’s Shopping Guide to Pet Hair Vacuum Cleaners:

When you decide to buy a vacuum cleaner for pet hair, there are a few things you need to consider before heading into a store or onto the worldwide internet. Luckily, we’ve made a guide to help you get the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair.

Budget

When deciding on getting a vacuum cleaner for pet hair, it is essential to determine what your budget is going to be. 

But, the price can be higher depending on everything from quality, size of the motor, suction ability, and even the brand that makes the vacuum cleaner, and any extra features, abilities, etc., that can also add to the cost. 

The best vacuum cleaner for pet hairs for you doesn’t necessarily have to be the most expensive one, though! So you should decide what your budget will be and look through our buying guide for that range! 

Type of Machine 

There are plenty of different types of vacuum cleaners out there. First, you need to decide what type is the best for you. Based on your needs, of course, and other factors like time, strength, and how easy the vacuum cleaner needs to be maneuvered. The most common ones are. 

• Upright vacuum cleaners: The upright vacuum cleaners are often easy to use and store, with large vacuum heads that make them useful for large areas. Unfortunately, they’re often quite loud and can be very heavy. 

• Canister vacuum cleaners: The benefit of these is that they’re often a bit quieter compared to other models, lighter in weight, and have retractable cords along with excellent suction power. The disadvantage is that they can be challenging to store and have a bulky design you need to “drag” behind you.

• Robotic vacuums: The significant benefit of these is that you don’t have to do the vacuum cleaning. The robot will take care of it all; you just need to empty it now and then – and perhaps save it if it gets stuck somewhere. The disadvantage is, of course, that the suction power is often less, and it can’t hold as much dirt (or hair). Meaning, if you have a dog that sheds A LOT, you may have to empty it frequently.  

Surfaces of the Area You Will Use it on 

Take a good look around your house. If it is full of carpets, you might need a vacuum cleaner with a strong suction ability. On the other hand, if your home consists more of wooden floors and tiles, a vacuum cleaner with a lower suction strength might be enough for you! 

Bagless vs. Non-Bagless 

When considering whether you need a bagless or non-bagless vacuum cleaner, you need only consider how you will dispose of the dirt, hair, and anything else you might hoover up. 

The benefits of bagged vacuum cleaners are that they’re often considered more hygienic, you won’t have to clean or replace a dirty filter, and the dirt is kept in a closed bag. The disadvantage is, of course, that you need to buy bags, and as the bag gets full, the performance of the vacuum cleaner drops. 

The advantages of a bagless vacuum cleaner are that they’re often less expensive to operate and maintain, and it is easy to know when to empty them – as you can see it through the clean chamber. 

It is also more eco-friendly, as you don’t need to buy bags. The disadvantage is that some allergy-sufferers may dislike the exposure to dust when the chamber needs emptying!

Washable Filter vs. Non-Washable Filter

Filters placed in vacuum cleaners can help remove particles like dust and mold spores from the air but become less effective as they become clogged. Just remember to check the filter before washing it. If it does not explicitly say “washable” or “permanent,” the answer is no; you can’t wash it!

Washable filters are often made of thick fibers that you can clean without breaking by running them under water. But, even washable filters can become damaged during the rinse, meaning eventually it will need to be replaced. However, it is the more eco-friendly option as you don’t have to buy as many filters. 

Non-washable filters need to be replaced frequently but are often the better choice if you’re suffering from an allergy to dust, as you won’t have to come into contact with the debris that will inevitably clog up the filter.

Machine’s Weight vs. Portability 

Vacuum cleaners can be heavy. Sometimes even too heavy to handle for some people! Therefore you should always check the weight of the machine before buying it. If you have a lot of staircases, you must be able to carry them up and down yourself without getting hurt. 

Lighter machines sometimes tend to have a lower suction ability, but it will be well worth getting a lighter one if it means you will actually be able to hoover comfortably!

Available Storage Space

How big is your cupboard? The answer to this question will vary a lot from person to person. Some people have plenty of space to store a giant vacuum cleaner; some people need to keep it out in the open at all times. Keep this in mind when you choose a vacuum cleaner. 

Personally, I live in a 300 square feet studio apartment with two small cupboards; my vacuum cleaner needs to fit in the hallway at all times as there’s no storage space for it – and I don’t want it standing on top of my bed. So storage space is essential to consider! 

Human Allergies

Are you suffering from a dust allergy? Me too! It’s actually one of the most common undiagnosed types of allergies in humans, and even if you don’t suffer from it, it might be worth considering when getting a vacuum cleaner. 

If your nose starts running as soon as the dust levels become too high, it might be very worth getting a strong vacuum cleaner that will ensure you get all those annoying dust bunnies out of your house as fast as possible, and we all know that pet hair can gather a lot of dust! 

You, or someone you know, may also suffer from an allergy to pet hair. Then it’s even more important to get as much as possible off all surfaces – to the vacuum cleaner! 

Which Type of Carpets You Have 

We talked about this earlier with the whole wooden floor vs. carpet debate. But, you may also have different types of carpets! If you have big woolen carpets, the fibers will create the best nooks and crannies for the dust to settle in. If you have carpets with long fibers, a powerful vacuum cleaner is the way to go. 

HEPA Filters 

(In case you – like this Scandinavian – didn’t know, HEPA filters are high-efficiency particulate air filters. They are meant to capture small particles that may otherwise not be sucked in by your vacuum cleaner to provide cleaner air). So, do you need a HEPA filter? 

A true HEPA filter should remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 micrometers in diameter. For reference, the average human hair is about 100 micrometers. So it means a HEPA filter will indeed catch most pathogens that float around in the air. 

Whether this is essential and will make the air feel cleaner is probably more down to personal preference. 

Rotating Brush 

No, this isn’t something for your hair or toilet. The rotating brush is placed in the vacuum cleaner’s head and will help “sweep” hair into the vacuum cleaner. A rotating brush is very effective, especially if you have pet hair all over, as it will make even less strong vacuum cleaners able to “drag” even the most stubborn pet hair in! 

Attachments 

A vacuum cleaner is no longer just a vacuum cleaner for the floors. Many also come with attachments that make them very useful for the floor and the couch, bed, and all the little tight corners of your house. 

If you’re planning on using your vacuum cleaner for more than just the floor, looking into what attachments it comes with will definitely be well worth your time to ensure you get the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair! 

Unpacking the Best Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Hair

Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum cleaner

Best Overall

Amazon’s Choice in Stick Vacuums & Electric Brooms by Dyson

In my house growing up, there was one thing my mother insisted on at all times: There needed to be a Dyson in the house! Whether you share my mother’s passion for Dyson hoovers or are just looking around, this cordless vacuum cleaner is definitely worth checking out! 

The vacuum cleaner has twice the suction of any other cordless vacuum – otherwise, a common complaint with cordless vacuum cleaners. But, this is engineered for whole-home cleaning! It can run up to 60 minutes on a charge (note: This may vary based on power mode, floor types, and attachments in use) and can be used on any kind of floor. 

The vacuum cleaner comes with four Dyson tools, including a mini motorized tool for removing pet hair from furniture, a stubborn dirt brush, a crevice tool, and a combination tool. In addition, an advanced whole-machine filter traps small particles, including dust and allergens, to help keep the air in your house as clean as possible. 

The lightweight vacuum cleaner weighs only 4.4 pounds, making it easy to use all over the house – or anywhere else you may need it. We all know how much a pet is shed in our cars as well! It comes with a wand storage clip for easy storage and a docking stage for recharging. The purple color gives it an extra sleek look. 

The handheld cordless Dyson vacuum cleaner is significantly more expensive compared to other models on our list. But, if you’re looking for an easy-to-use, lightweight model with reliable suction power, this is the best vacuum cleaner for you. It even comes with some cool features:

• High torque cleaner head.
• Stiff nylon bristles that drive dirt into the vacuum. 
• LED screen that displays cleaning modes, blockages, and filters maintenance reminders. 

Pros 

• Free 2 year warranty. 
• Automatically adapts suction and power to different floor types – without needing to change heads. 

Cons

• Expensive. 
• Changing the lithium batteries inside can be pretty tricky.

BISSELL Cleanview Vacuum Cleaner

Best Budget-Friendly

Amazon’s Choice in Upright Vacuum Cleaners by Bissell

Here we have an upright, bagless vacuum cleaner with a 27 feet power cord that can hold up to 1 liter of dirt! It has a strong motor and will work on multiple surfaces, like hard floors and carpets. It can even handle pet beds and upholstery – as well as bare floors!  

The vacuum cleaner includes specialized pet tools like a pet hair corner and an extension wand tool that allows you easy access to the corners where hair may hide. Unfortunately, it does not have a HEPA filter, but it does come with a multi-level filtration system to reduce allergens. 

The vacuum cleaner is easy to keep clean by wiping it down regularly. The filter isn’t washable, but replacement filters are available.  

This vacuum cleaner weighs 16lbs, but the swivel steering makes it easy to clean around furniture and any other obstacle. With the upright design, it is easy to store in most cupboards. But, with the nice color options of teal or purple, it can also be kept in the hallway. 

This vacuum cleaner is excellent value for money if you’re looking for a simple vacuum that gets the job done. Some other features:

• Automatic cord rewind. 
• Triple-action brush roll.
• Scatter-free technology.

Pros

• Rotating brush that maximizes hair pickup. 
• Swivel for easy steering. 

Cons 

• Corded power source. 
• 16lbs can be too heavy for some people to handle. 

MAXLife Pro Pet Vacuum Cleaner

Best for the large house 

Amazon’s choice for Upright Vacuum Cleaners by MAXLife 

Here’s an upright multipurpose vacuum cleaner made especially to tackle stubborn pet hair in hard to reach areas. The 30 feet long cord means it can run throughout the house without needing to change powerplugs all the time. It is even bagless, making it easy to maintain! 

This vacuum cleaner has enough suction power that it will work on almost any surface, from hard floors to carpets, and even on the furniture and with the extra large dirt cup that can hold up to 1.5 liters of dirt, even the biggest houses can be cleaned without needing to empty it. Beside the vacuum it also comes with a pet, upholstery tool, crevice tool and a dusting brush. 

The smart looking vacuum cleaner also comes with a Hepa media filtration system that captures and contains 99% of dust and allergens. It’s even got an odor minimizing filter, to prevent any of it from re-entering the air of your home. 

It is easy to control and maneuver with its swivel system and with the enhanced MAXlife system it is made to deliver long lasting suction, without needing regular filter maintenance. It weighs 17 pounds and the upright design is easy to store. It comes in a smart looking red and black design. 

It is definitely worth the money if you have a large house where you want to be able to hoover all the way throughout the house without stopping too many times. Some of the best features of this vacuum cleaner is: 

• The XL dirt cup. 
• The automatic floor height adjustment system. 
• MaxLife enhanced suction system. 

Pros

• Powerful cleaning on all types of floors. 
• Comes with multipurpose pet tools. 
• 11 amp motor. 

Cons 

• Slightly heavy, perhaps making it difficult to maneuver for some people.
• Changing the Hepa filter can be difficult. 
• The cord needs to be wound up by hand – no automatic retractable cord. 

BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser TURBO Lightweight 

Best Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Amazon’s Choice in Upright Vacuum Cleaners by Bissell

Another upright vacuum cleaner that will help keep your house pet hair-free! The vacuum cleaner has a long cord that can automatically be rolled up and comes with hands-free bagless emptying. 

The powerful edge-to-edge suction has a power rating of 7 amps and works on low to high pile carpets, rugs, and hard surfaces, and can hold up to 0.75 liters of yuck! In addition, the vacuum cleaner comes with specialized tools like the LED crevice tool, a pet dusting brush and gives you extended reach with a quick-release wand. 

This vacuum cleaner comes with an intelligent seal filter, and you even have the option of adding a Febreze pet odor eliminator filter as well! It can, however, only be used with non-washable filters. 

A great bonus of this vacuum is the lightweight design, meaning it only weighs 14.2lbs and the clever swivel steering makes it easy to move around. The upright design makes it easy to store, and it looks nice with a green and purple design.

The Bissell lightweight vacuum cleaner is slightly more expensive than the other Bissel model we reviewed earlier. Still, it is well worth the money if you usually struggle with the prominent upright vacuum cleaner. It features:

• Tangle-free brush roll. 
• Smartseal allergen system that traps fine dust and allergens.  
• Lightweight.

Pros

• Fingertip suction control. 
• LED headlights. 

Cons 

• The roller is challenging to detach.
• In the more expensive price range. 

iRobot Roomba Vacuum Cleaner

Best Robot Hoover

This clever helper is a wifi controlled robot vacuum cleaner for the people who hate vacuum cleaning or just want it to be a little easier! It is (obviously perhaps) cordless and has adaptive navigation and sensors that allow the Roomba to navigate all over the house without getting stuck. 

Multi-surface brushes grab everything off the floor, and the Roomba can adapt its height to clean both carpets and hard floors effectively. It will even sense if there are areas where your house is dirtier, where it will then come back more often and clean more thoroughly! 

This robot vacuum cleaner comes with standard suction power, but it can run for up to 90 minutes on one charge and will go to its charging station automatically when running out of power. So the only thing you need to do is to empty the dirt chamber now and then! 

Some people have experienced issues with the robot not reaching all parts of their house due to things being in the way, so remember to make sure your robot vacuum cleaner can actually reach the parts you want to be cleaned. 

It will need to be stored in a place it can quickly get in and out from, but luckily it is not very big (13.4 inches in diameter), and the black color gives it a sleek look. 

Generally, the iRobot Roomba is good value for the money, but a robot vacuum cleaner does, of course, have its limitations users need to be aware of. The Roomba 694 comes with some cool features, though: 

• Loosens lift and sucks in dirt and hair. 
• Automatically recharges. 
• The iRobot Home app allows you to control the cleaning. 

Pros

• Easy vacuuming!
• Automatic recharge. 

Cons

• It can’t reach every place and may get stuck or suck something wrong up. 
• Not as strong suction power as a “regular” vacuum cleaner. 

Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Vacuum cleaner 

Best For Vacuuming Stairs

Amazon’s Choice in Upright Vacuum Cleaners by Shark

Here’s another upright vacuum cleaner that can also be turned into a detachable pod for easy cleaning of difficult-to-reach places like stairs and furniture. It has a 30 feet cord and excellent suction power. 

It is bagless but can quickly be emptied. This vacuum cleaner can be used on all types of surfaces and is especially useful for deep cleaning carpets.

The vacuum cleaner comes with an upholstery tool and two lengths of crevice tools for versatile cleaning. It has a filter that can be washed but needs regular changing to ensure high suction power. It also comes with anti-allergen complete seal technology with a HEPA filter that captures and traps 99.9% of dust and allergens to keep it out of the air. 

The vacuum cleaner is relatively light, weighing in at 14 lbs, and the swivel steering makes it easy to maneuver around tight corners. However, some users have complained about the power cord sticking out at the machine’s base, which sometimes gets in the way. 

It is easy to store, but be aware that it may fall if unsupported. This vacuum cleaner comes in a lovely lavender color.  

This vacuum cleaner is cheaper than some of the others we looked at, meaning it is generally considered good value for the money. It also comes with some features, including: 

• Lift-away detachable pod. 
• Brush roll that can be turned on/off as needed. 
• HEPA filter for cleaner air. 

Pros

• Easy to use. 
• Lightweight. 

Cons

• The cord can get in the way. 
• Small intake head. 

Kenmore 81214 Canister Vacuum cleaner 

Best for Strong Suction Power

Here’s a very different kind of vacuum cleaner, a canister vacuum with a two-motor system that allows for powerful suction and enhanced airflow. This canister vacuum is bagged and with a 24-feet retractable cord that is stored inside the hoover. With four height adjustments options, it can be used efficiently on any surface. 

It comes with a dusting brush, crevice tool, and a bare floor tool for convenient cleaning – all stored ON the vacuum. It also has a nine-foot attachment reach so that you can reach the far corners as well. 

An enhanced HEPA filter will also trap unwanted dander, dust, and debris to reduce allergy-inducing pollutants in a room. The bags need to be changed regularly to maintain suction power, along with the filters present in the hoover. 

This canister vacuum is slightly heavier at 20 lbs than some of the others on our list. Still, personally, I feel like it doesn’t matter so much when it’s a canister – as it is generally much easier to maneuver. It comes in a fun, bright orange color, but if you don’t want to look at it all day, it can also easily be stored. 

This is a midrange-priced canister vacuum, but it should serve you for many years and is generally considered well worth the money. It has some features: 

• The quick transition makes cleaning easier and faster. 
• 9.3 feet of extended reach. 

Pros

• Potent suction. 
• Easy to maneuver. 

Cons

• When pulling on the hose, the vacuum cleaner may fall on its side. 
• No rotating brush to sweet the pet hair up.

FAQs in Relation to Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Hair

Which types of vacuum cleaners have the best suction power? 

Air watts (AW) are the most common type of measurement for suction power. It refers to the number of watts a machine uses to carry a unit of air through the vacuum head. But the number alone doesn’t say everything about suction powers. 

Most canister vacuum cleaners have a higher AW as they need to pull the air through the hose, whereas an upright vacuum cleaner is closer to the head. Therefore, meaningless AW is required to get the dust-up. 

But, air watts are nonetheless still a good place to start when looking for a strong vacuum cleaner, and the answer is (most often) that canister vacuum cleaners are the ones with the best suction power! 

Which is better: Bagged or bagless vacuum cleaners? 

Bagged or bagless is probably more of a temperament question. If you don’t mind a bit of dust flowing around you outside when you empty the bagless vacuum cleaner, this will definitely be the more eco-friendly choice, and you don’t have to worry about forgetting to buy new bags!

Is an expensive vacuum for pet hair worth it? 

Vacuum cleaners designed especially for pet hair often have a much higher suction power compared to their regular hoover-cousin! This is because pet hairs have an incredible ability to get stuck in every place possible, and only strong suction power will get them out. That’s often what makes them worth the extra money!

Recapping Our Favorite Pet Hair Vacuum Cleaner

The Dyson V11 was our favorite pet hair vacuum cleaner this year as it is easy to use for everybody and will suck up almost anything – helping keep your household happy and pet hair-free! At least until the next time your dog walks through the room, but until then…