Taking care of your pet isn’t easy. I love my cat and dog, but let’s just say it can be quite a challenge dealing with all their pet hair! This is especially true if you have younger children or family members with allergies, in which case cleaning up pet hair becomes a very important task indeed.
But choosing the right vacuum cleaner isn’t exactly a walk in the park. With all the different vacuum models out there it can be difficult to decide which one to buy based on your budget.
In this post, you will find some of the best pet hair vacuums that are also very affordable. Whether you’re a lover of the upright vacuum cleaner design or prefer a handheld vacuum, this guide will show you where to find that powerful suction to help make your home pet hair free!
No Time To Read? Here’s My Top Recommendation
Aptly named, I love this Shark Navigator vacuum for how easily it navigates around difficult corners to remove pet hair. Its vacuum design is sleek, stylish and performs just as effectively as it looks. With its swivel steering, no suction loss and ultra deep clean carpet cleaning, coupled with thousands of positive reviews from happy consumers, this vac is my top pick for its performance and price.
Best Pet Vacuum Cleaner To Remove Pet Hair: Comparison Table
| Vacuums | Check Price: | My Notes: | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
DYSON DC65 Animal Complete Upright | Check Latest Price Here | ||
Petsafe Drinkwell 360 Multi-Pet Water Fountain, Stainless Steel | Check Latest Price Here | ||
HOOVER Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum BH50010 | Check Latest Price Here | ||
BISSELL CleanView Upright with OnePass, 9595A (Same as 9595) | Check Latest Price Here | ||
Hoover React Professional Vacuum Cleaner | Check Latest Price Here | ||
BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Upright Bagless | Check Latest Price Here | ||
BISSELL PowerEdge Pet Hard Floor Corded Vacuum, 81L2A | Check Latest Price Here | ||
Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II Vacuum | Check Latest Price Here | ||
Bissell 2133 Bolt Pet Vacuum | Check Latest Price Here | ||
Bissell Pet Stain Eraser Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner | Check Latest Price Here | ||
Black & Decker HHVJ325BMP07 Smartec 10.8V Hand Vacuum | Check Latest Price Here | ||
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum Corded 33A1 | Check Latest Price Here | ||
Eureka Easy Clean Handheld Pet Vacuum | Check Latest Price Here | ||
Black & Decker CHV1410L 16 Volt Cordless Hand Vacuum | Check Latest Price Here | ||
Kenmore 81614 600 Series Bagged Canister | Check Latest Price Here | ||
Miele Classic C1 Cat and Dog Canister Vacuum | Check Latest Price Here | ||
| Black & Decker CHV1410L Cordless Hand Vac | Check Latest Price Here | ||
ORECK Venture PetPower Bagged Canister | |||
Bissell Hard Floor Multi-Cyclonic Bagless Canister | Check Latest Price Here | ||
Electrolux EL4335A Ultra Flex Canister Vacuum | Check Latest Price Here |
Best Upright Vacuum For Pet Hair (2023)
1. DYSON DC65 Animal Complete Upright
This is a powerful pet hair vacuum cleaner with a very strong suction, that really needs no introduction. I am personally a huge fan of Dyson vacuums and was very extremely to see if the DC65 would live up to my expectations. Loaded with a reconfigured brush bar and the Radial Root Cyclone technology, it helps remove cat hair easily. This vacuum offers a superior performance on both hard floor, bare floors and rugs as well. Definitely on my top list as the best hoover for pet hair. The vacuum head has 245 air watts of suction and is easy to maneuver.
If you love Dyson, read my review on Dyson animal VCs here.
Why I like this:
- It features a Radial Root Cyclone Technology & its famous patented Dyson technology. Same as dyson ball animal.
- Strongest suction ever
- Removes pet hair well
- Allergy friendly
- Washable HEPA filter
- Comes with a tangle-free turbine tool that’s especially useful with pet hair
- Reconfigured brush bar for really powerful deep clean carpet cleaning
- A multi-angle brush that makes it easy to use in crammed corners
- Perfect for many
Keep In Mind:
- I would have also preferred a soft dusting brush
Read my Dyson V6 vs V8 comparison
2. SHARK Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright (NV356E) Vacuum
Want to know how to remove dog hair from car? This Shark Navigator vacuum cleaner helps to give a total clean effect on the surface it is used and gets rid of unwanted pet hair, dirt and debris with just one swipe. It is powered with no loss suction and sealed suction technology and its swivel steering helps easy cleaning.
The main disadvantage of upright vacuum cleaners is their inability to reach corners and tight spaces. However, with this pet hair vacuum, you don’t have to worry about this problem. It is a 2-in-1 vacuum cleaner – upright for big surfaces and handheld for hard-to-reach areas. Easy to maneuver.
Why I like this:
- Never loses suction
- Ultra deep clean carpet cleaning
- Great for picking up pet hair
- HEPA filter
- Lightweight yet the canister is larger than average for convenience
- Anti-allergen technology
- Swivel steering for easy control
- Comes with a premium animal power brush, dusting brush, crevice nozzle
- Easily convert into a lightweight handheld vacuum cleaner
Keep In Mind:
- The hose can be a little flimsy so you have to pay attention when using it.
- Shuts off when the dustbin is nearly full and you have to wait for it to cool down
- Its small weight can mean it won’t have enough gripping power on certain floor surfaces
3. HOOVER T-Series WindTunnel Rewind Bagless Upright Vacuum, UH70210
This Hoover vacuum cleaner is great for managing unruly pet hair. This pet friendly vacuum comes with a folding handle for storage and a 5-position carpet height adjustment for thorough cleaning. It has an-to clean air-powered pet hand tool so that there is no suction loss. The wind tunnel technology channels dirt in the dirt cup after trapping it.
As your pet’s hair has the tendency to embed itself deeply in your carpets and upholstery, you need a matching opponent on your side to win the cleaning war. This vacuum cleaner is the perfect ally, as it uses the cleaning power of 3 separate suction channels to lift and remove every last speck of dirt.
Why I like this:
- Perfect for small spaces with its fold-down handle
- Features a system check indicator to let you know when to check or clean the filter
- 5 position rug height adjustment
- Easy to clean air-powered hand tool
- HEPA filtration
- Good on both hardwood floor and rugs
- No loss of suction!
- Effective at removing pet hair
- Features Hoover’s famous WindTunnel technology
Keep In Mind:
- Personally, I find the wand length a little short but it’s not a deal breaker for me. You can try to use wands from your old vacs but not all will be compatible.
- Tends to heat up a bit. If it happens, just turn it off and give it a little break. If you have a small apartment, this won’t be a problem as you won’t be using it for too long at one go.
- Need to clean its filters in between uses
4. HOOVER Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum BH50010
Are you wondering how to remove pet hair from furniture? This Hoover Linx stick vacuum cleaner which comes with series Windtunnel technology along with a convenient cordless. It can easily reach under furniture items and pick up large items so pet hair in your house gets removed. Personally, I do like stick vacuums for their convenience. I hate dragging cords around.
Why I like this:
- Fade-free power with its interchangeable 18-volt lithium ion battery
- Its edge cleaning bristles are really good for getting dirt stuck in edges
- Auto height adjustment
- Boasts a powerful 12-amp motor
- One-touch brush roll activation
- Low profile base so it’s easy to get under furniture
- Wide mouth opening for picking up larger items
- 2-year warranty
Keep In Mind:
- The 2 small hard plastic wheels on the side can be a little flimsy
- Some people have mentioned that the handle is not covered under the 2-year warranty, as they were told by Hoover’s customer service.
5. BISSELL CleanView Upright with OnePass, 9595A (Same as 9595)
Top Bissell Vacuum For pet hair
This is a lightweight pet hair vacuum cleaner which comes with the OnePass Technology. It has an innovative brush design and a powerful suction which is really effective for getting rid of those pesky pet hair. Its dirt tank is really easy to empty and a washable foam filter offers easy maintenance.
Why I like this:
- Lightweight yet not compromising on powerful suction
- Long lasting and powerful suction courtesy of its Cyclonic System
- Dirt tank is designed for easy emptying
- Comes with Pet Turbo Brush pet Tools for easy use on furniture, upholstery, stairs and more
Keep In Mind:
- Some people have experienced dirt and hair getting stuck in the canister.
- 2 year limited warranty
6. Hoover React Professional Vacuum Cleaner
What sets this Hoover vacuum cleaner apart from the rest is the effortless transition from one floor type to another. It uses specially designed sensors to detect the type of surface and adjusts the roll speed of brushes accordingly.
Why I like this:
- Superb performance on any carpet type, without the loss of suction power
- Excellent filtration system
- 30 feet long power cord
Keep In Mind:
- Can be a bit hard to maneuver due to its size and weight
- Average on hardwood floors
7. BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Upright Bagless
If you have pets dragging sand, leaves and small creatures into the house, you need this Pet hair vacuum cleaner eraser. It transitions into a portable canister for maximum cleaning efficiency and comes with a revolutionary tangle-free brush roll. The dust cup is really quick and easy to empty.
Why I like this:
- Emptying the dustbin is an easy task, as the debris is compressed into a solid mass
- It has a hook on the back of the stem to snap the power cord in, lowering the risk of damages caused by running over it
- There are built-in headlights to see what hides beneath the furniture
- HEPA filtration
Keep In Mind:
- You may have some trouble detaching the canister
- There should be more power to the headlights
8. BISSELL PowerEdge Pet Hard Floor Corded Vacuum, 81L2A
This Bissell PowerEdge vacuum cleaner is great for pet hair. It helps capture debris and dirt which can only be collected with a typical dustpan and broom. It boasts a V shape technology which directs the larger debris right into the suction path’s center while the end of the V removes debris on baseboards and along edges.
Why I like this:
- Designed in a unique V shape so that larger dust/dirt gets directed to the middle while the end of the V gets the finer, smaller particles
- Dirt canister is quite easy to empty and clean
- Comes with a convenient swivel head
- Low pile area rugs can be cleaned easily too
- Great suction for animal hair without needing any extra attachments
Keep In Mind:
- The cord isn’t as long as I would have liked
- Some people actually don’t like the V shape design
Best Handheld Vacuums For Pet Hair (2023)
1. Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II Vacuum
This Shark Cordless Pet Vacuum is a great vacuum cleaner if you have kids who can assist with house cleaning because it has powerful suction and is quite comfortable to use due to the rubberized hand grip. This vacuum is great because it was developed with a dusting brush, crevice tool and a twister cyclonic technology.
Why I like this:
- Versatile
- Powerful
- Comes with different attachments
- Widely known as the most powerful 18-volt handheld!
- Motorized brush roll and animal hair brush
- The filter is easy to detach and wash
- Deluxe charging stand
Keep In Mind:
- The battery life can be improved. If you’re using it for small areas though, this won’t be much of a concern.
2. Bissell 2133 Bolt Pet Vacuum
This cordless vacuum is ideal for pet owners and has a clean turn filtration system that completely cleans it up when emptying dirt and debris. The battery power light feature and the long-lasting suction which can last up to 25 minutes can save time and energy. That’s because you will be able to monitor the amount of charge used and what’s left, as well as estimate how long you are able to use the vacuum before recharging.
Why I like this:
- Lightweight
- Quick recharging time
- Small in size, portable and manageable even by kids
- Comes pre-charged and can be used immediately after purchase
- Great suction strength
Keep In Mind:
- The position of the cup eject button right next to the power button makes it easier to hit the wrong button, which might scatter the debris collected
3. Bissell Pet Stain Eraser Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner Vacuum
This Bissell Pet Stain Eraser vacuum is an effective cordless carpet cleaner that is ready to use. It includes a trial of professional spot & stain + Oxy formula that permanently removes stains and spots from the carpet and other household items. This saves you the time, money and the need to get a cleaning solution.
Why I like this:
- Lightweight
- Cleans well and also works on car stains
- It has a handy charge indicator
- It’s easy to use and works well with Bissell’s proprietary cleaning solution
- Disassembles and reassembles easily for cleaning and maintenance
- It has a Lithium Ion battery that charges quickly
Keep In Mind:
- Although it’s designed specifically for Bissell’s solution, you are able to use other solutions. But you will have to guess how much to use.
- The cleaning solution does not last very long
- The collection tanks holding the cleaning solution are small
4. Black & Decker HHVJ325BMP07 Smartec 10.8V Hand Vacuum with Scent and Base
This vacuum is convenient for pet lovers that keep pets who frequently crouch on sofas, leaving pet hair on the cushions. Made up of anti-tangle rubber bristles, you are able to quickly remove pet hair and other trapped dust deep in carpets and furniture.
With a scented pre-filter, you will be able to maintain a clean and fresh environment that is free of pet hair. Additionally, this vacuum is a great choice if you also have people who are allergic to pet hair.
Why I like this:
- Lightweight
- Great suction strength
- Recharges quite quickly
Keep In Mind:
- A little more costly but worth the price
5. Bissell Animal Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum 33A1
This Bissell Pet Hair Eraser vacuum delivers great power and comes with a flexible rubber contour nozzle that gets rid of pet hair and dirt from stairs and upholstery effectively. A hard nozzle helps clean dry mess easily. One can change the nozzle as per the needs. It is quite lightweight and mobile.
How to Clean
Use the easy-grip handle to hold the vacuum and accumulate all types of dirt and debris using the hard or rubber contour nozzle. It offers finger-tip access on/off switch.
Why I like this:
- Great for many surfaces: Stairs, upholstery etc.
- Easy grip handle and lightweight design
- 16-foot power cord
- Comes with a specialized rubber nozzle and includes 2 different nozzles
Keep In Mind:
- The exhaust does blow out air quite strongly which sometimes make the dust/dirt fly away. So you’d have to get used to holding it at a certain angle
6. Eureka Easy Clean Handheld Pet Vacuum
This vacuum is the top-rated cleaner for pets and comes with a motor which powers the revolving brush and allows it to pick up any kind of animal hair and debris easily. The second motor is for the strong 5.5 amp suction and its stretch hose cleans everything.
How to Clean
Use the vacuum to pick up any kind of pet hair, dirt, dust and debris and also clean stairs, upholstery and cars easily and quickly. All in all, it is the most popular animal hair remover for furniture. Click here for more details about more than 5 piece micro-attachments set. Can work with all brands.
Why I like this:
- 23-foot reach system and 5.5amp power
- 20-foot cord
- Fingertip controls
- Strong suction
Keep In Mind:
- Not as durable as I would have liked
7. Black & Decker CHV1410L 16 Volt Cordless Dust Buster Hand Vacuum
This vacuum boasts of strong suction, fade-free power and a lithium technology which helps get rid of all kinds of dust including animal hair quite quickly. The dirt is easy to see and empty out due to the translucent bagless dirt bowls.
How to Clean
Just hold and steer over the dirty areas and watch it become clean – literally that easy peasy! Being lightweight, this vacuum is ideal for taking quick pickups around the house. Click here for more details about replacement filters 1, 2
Why I like this:
- Uses up to 50% fewer energy thanks to its Smart Charge Technology
- Cyclonic action and 16-volt MAX lithium ion dustbuster
- Rotating slim nozzle
- Super easy to clean
- Can hold a charge for an impressive 18 months
Keep In Mind:
- Not as durable as I would have liked but the price point is lower
8. Kenmore 81614 600 Series Bagged Canister with Pet PowerMate
Kenmore is a great company to turn to when it comes to vacuums, especially with their HEPA Media Filtration. Use the 2-Motor system to catch all pet hair or particles, but there’s even a motorized hair brush to help. With so many versatile cleaning tools and a brush that can be popped right off, pet hair will no longer be a problem.
Why I like this:
- Very high quality and meant to last for many years
- Efficient design that allows you to use attachments with just a button
- Low profile powerhead that will fit in tight places
Keep In Mind:
- Large back wheels are flimsy
- A little loud and high-pitched
- The power head is so light that when you stand it up, it falls over
9. Miele Classic C1 Pet Hair Canister Vacuum
Even though the Miele Classic vacuum is so small, it’s still powerful with its 6-speed canister and 5.5m cable length. This makes it both versatile and agile, so it can clean all carpeting types and hard floors too.
Use the motorized brush with the height adjustments to extract all pet hair from carpeting without combing through it yourself. Even upholstered furniture is no match for the Miele, even if you have multiple pets to clean up after.
Why I like this:
- It’s practically self-propelled, so it’s very easy to use
- Deep cleaning on carpets
- Wide cleaning with no streaks from the wheels on your carpet
- Easy setup and very lightweight
10. ORECK Venture PetPower Bare Floor Bagged Canister Vacuum
ORECK is amazing in part because their warranty lasts for seven years. So if you are experiencing any problems or just need an annual tune-up, you will be able to get your vacuum fixed quickly. The vacuum bag will keep dirt and debris inside, while the silencing technology includes 5 suction speeds that’ll keep the noise down.
Why I like this:
- Very simple to use, with good, strong suction
- Works great with cleaning your floors, especially pet hair
- Especially great for hardwood flooring
11. Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi-Cyclonic Bagless Canister
The multi-cyclonic technology from Bissell is only one of the reasons why people rely on this brand for all their pet-related cleaning needs. The technology keeps suction going for longer on any flooring without being harsh to hardwood floor.
When you’re finished, just empty the tank from the bottom without getting dust everywhere. Moreover, you are able to store it anywhere thanks to the small size and lightweight design.
Why I like this:
- Quieter than other vacuums
- Picks up even the smallest dust and particles
- The cord has a retraction, so you don’t have to hurt your back bending down
12. Electrolux EL4335A Corded Ultra Flex Canister Vacuum
Use the Electrolux even on plush carpets without worrying about your carpet suffering for it. Adjust the height of the vacuum so anyone can use it easily on any surface, with brush roll clean technology that works with only a press of a button.
Large rear wheels and a low centre of gravity allow you to steer simply, so you won’t knock into any furniture or scuff your flooring. Just adjust the suction depending on what you’re cleaning and get started.
Why I like this:
- Easy to move around and simple to take from one area to the next
- Because there are no bags, you are able to empty it out as often as you need
- Quieter than comparable versions with adjustable cleaning
What is the main difference between a regular vacuum cleaner and a pet one?
Special attachments: Make sure that your pet vacuum has all of the hoses, brushes, nozzles and attachments that will make it easier for you to get into corners, or under couches without having to move too much around. You want to make sure that you are cleaning everywhere, and not just the most convenient spots.
Roombas and The Robot Vacuum
Thanks to technology these days, you do have another option if you simply hate vacuuming. There are so many robot vacuum cleaners like Roomba 690 on the market that will allow you to automate this annoying chore. They also feature a variety of helpful options such as recharging automatically and controlling via a remote. Read my post about the best roombas for dog hair.
How To Choose the Perfect Vacuum for Pet Hair
- Performance Is Key
Obviously, performance is the most important thing. You’d want a vacuum for pet hair that is very effective at picking up pet hair. Ask yourself questions like “Does it suck up sand well? What about out of the carpet? What about heavier kinds of debris or even wads or stacks of pet hair?”
Another point to consider is definitely if the vacuum of your choice is as effective on both carpets and hard floors. It’s no surprise that different vacuums have varying levels of ability.
Some pet hair vacuums work better on hard floors but are useless on carpets. Some vacuums can suck up dirt and pet hair well on carpets but aren’t very good with hard floors. Chances are, you have both hard wood floors and carpets at home so you’d want a powerhouse machine to handle both.
- Is It Value For Money?
Of course, you’ll be looking at saving money. But sometimes, you do get what you pay for. There’s no point buying a cheap vacuum that doesn’t perform or do the job and ends up sitting in a corner. Just like it’s possible to have expensive vacuums that perform just as well as the cheaper vacuums. At the end of the day, you want the best pet hair vacuum that gives you value for your money.
- What Tools Are Included?
Always go for a vacuum that comes with additional tools. Especially when it comes to pet hair, you’ll probably need to have a good tool to pick up pet hairfrom your sofa. An upholstery tool comes in handy here and can help to pick up pet hair without clogging your vacuum.
See my bobi pet article
- Is It Effective With Pet Hair Specifically?
Since you’re shopping for a very specific kind of vacuum, you need to make sure it’s good with pet hair. Sometimes, the normal vacuums won’t do the job as well – they tend to clog easily even if they can somehow pick pet hair up.
Be sure to do your research and find out how well the vacuum cleaner handles pet hair specifically. See if pet hair easily clogs the brush up. Does the bend in the vacuum get clogged up easily too? An effective and powerful vacuum for pet hair will suck up pet hair well and get it into the dust bag without any issues.
- How Big Is The Vacuuming Area?
If you have a bigger house, you’d want a vacuum with much bigger capacity so you don’t end up having to empty it every 10 minutes! If you have a smaller space, then you wouldn’t want a vacuum that’s way too big and a waste of storage space.
Go for a smaller vacuum. Even if it has a smaller canister, that’s perfectly fine since you have a smaller vacuuming area anyway. In these cases, a handheld vacuum or a small canister one will do the job well.
- What Is Your Preference?
As with so many things in life, there are so many different options when it comes to vacuums. This can be quite confusing at times. Do you like handheld, canister or upright vacuums? They all serve different purposes and often, they just come down to personal preference.
Most people would think that upright vacuums are the most powerful. However, in recent years, there have been more and more canisters and hand held vacuums that boast increasingly more effective designs and power.
Generally, bigger homes would be better with upright vacuums. They do take lesser time to cover a larger floor area. Plus if you have back problems, upright vacuums are a lot easier to use as you can stand straight to use them and will not tend to slouch or hunch over. If you want something lighter and easier to store, canister vacuums are the ones to go for. They’re also great for smaller corners, nooks and crannies like staircases or around furniture.
Shark HV322
- Cord or Cordless?
Corded vacuums are known to be more powerful thanks to their more effective motor. They’re great with bigger homes or floor areas. If you like convenience and hate cords, go for a cordless one for its portability. No more dragging cords around, dealing with tangled cords around your furniture and having to plug and unplug. They also tend to be smaller and lighter.
Obviously, the disadvantage of a cordless vacuum is that you always have to remember to charge it so it’s ready to go. Also, certain vacuums require 5 hours of charging just for 30 minutes of vacuuming. Something to consider and think about.
- Bag or Bagless?
Bagless ones are so much more popular these days. Of course, they’re easier to empty and you don’t have to get caught with no replacement bags on a day when you really need them.
In the past, people actually preferred bagged ones. This is because the companies claimed that they were less dusty and would emit air that is cleaner (I’m not sure how much I believe that!). Today, HEPA filters do the job though and you don’t really have to be worried about this point.
