14 Best Vacuums for Dog and Cat Hair
Is your pet’s fur attached to everything, everywhere? These must-have vacuums will eradicate this hairy problem in your home.
Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Not all vacuums are created equal
When it comes to cleaning up after your pet, not just any vacuum will do. Instead, you need to look for one that’s designed to handle the special challenges that come with having a roommate covered in fur. “The primary design considerations for pet hair include preventing pet hair from wrapping on the brush roll, preventing pet hair from clogging the system, efficient separation of pet hair for ease of emptying, and filter designs that reduce or eliminate pet smells,” says Kevin Pohlman, Vice President of Engineering at Hoover. Thankfully, there are a ton of options out there that fit the bill. These are the best vacuums on the market to get rid of the pet hair that’s taking over your home.
Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean Upright Vacuum
Dyson’s Animal Ball 2 has counter-rotating brush heads that help remove pet hair from everything—from your couch to your shag carpeting. The particularly great thing about this vacuum: There’s no brush bar for all that hair to get stuck around. Vacuums Guide calls this Dyson model “an amazing work of art” and reports that it works great on all types of flooring, including carpets, hardwood, tile, and vinyl. While you’re on a cleaning kick, make sure to check out this definitive guide on how often you should clean everything.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Upright Vacuum
The Pet Hair Eraser Upright Vacuum from Bissell has a tangle-free brush roll for cleaning pet hair and can transition seamlessly between an upright vacuum and a detachable portable canister vacuum, so you can this one wherever you need to clean. The vacuum also has a “cyclonic pet hair spooling system” that keeps debris together and makes it easy to empty the vacuum when the time comes. The Best Cordless Vacuum Guide notes that the tangle-free brush roll can also be useful if people with long hair live in your household.
Shark Apex DuoClean Zero-M
With a brush system that both deep cleans carpets and gives hardwoods a polished look, the Shark Apex DuoClean Zero-M is hard to beat. One amazing feature: The “Zero-M” technology removes hair wrap from the brush roll as it happens, so you don’t have to dig inside for it later. TechGearLab even named it the “best upright vacuum you can buy,” thanks to its fantastic cleaning performance as well as its ability to pick up pet hair. Don’t miss these pet products vets never buy—and neither should you.
Black+Decker Powerseries Pro Cordless Lithium 2-in-1 Pet Vacuum
The Black+Decker Powerseries Pro Cordless Lithium 2in1 Pet Stick Vacuum was built specifically with pet hair in mind. It has anti-tangle rubber bristles for lifting hair that’s stuck deep in carpets, and it also comes with a pet-crevice and pet-brush attachment. Vacuum Cleaner Advisor adds that this two-in-one vacuum is easy to assemble, lightweight, and works well on hardwood floors.
Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro All in One Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
Not only can this Bissell model vacuum up your pet’s messes—it can also wash your carpets and hardwood floors. The vacuum has a tangle-free brush roll, pet hair strainer, and a specially engineered multi-surface pet formula for scrubbing. Dirty water and debris are also separated within the vacuum for easy cleaning. Plus, you can feel extra good about this purchase: $10 of the sale of each vacuum goes to the Bissell Pet Foundation to help animals in need. If you’re thinking of adopting a new pup, don’t miss these 13 things shelter dogs wish you knew.
Hoover Fusion Pet V2 Cordless Stick Vacuum
Not all floors require the same type of cleaning. That’s where Hoover’s Fusion Pet V2 Cordless Stick Vacuum comes in. It has a built-in dashboard that allows you to select the cleaning mode you’d like, ensuring you get the perfect clean for different kinds of flooring. The cordless vacuum also has a rapid charge and comes with a pet-upholstery tool for tackling your pet’s messes. Find out whether or not these robotic vacuums are really worth the money.
Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum
Cord-free and lightweight, Dyson’s Cyclone V10 is easy to tote around your home. It has three different suction modes, so you can choose the one best suited to handle whatever type of mess you’re encountering. This vacuum also transforms into a handheld when you need it to, so you can clean all the pet hair our of your vehicle with it as well.
Miele Dynamic U1 Maverick Vacuum
The Miele Dynamic U1 Maverick is Good Housekeeping‘s top lab pick for vacuums to use on pet hair. The magazine notes that the vacuum is not only good for pet hair but also a win for those who might suffer from asthma or allergies since it has a self-sealing bag that keeps debris out of the air. The vacuum also has high suction power and a swivel neck for maximum maneuverability. Whether or not you suffer from pet-related breathing issues, make sure you know these other ways your pet could be making you sick.
Hoover PowerDrive Pet Upright Vacuum
Featuring an advanced-action brush tool, this upright from Hoover is engineered to handle embedded dirt and hair without creating hair wrap. It also comes with other multi-purpose tools that help get pet hair in hard-to-reach places, as well as a quick-release cleaning wand to transition between carpet cleaning to above-floor cleaning without interrupting the suction.