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Best vacuum for short hair dogs


12 Best Vacuums For Dog Hair [2023 Reviews]

Cleaning up after your four-legged friend is part of the gig for dog owners.

You must dry spilled water from the kitchen floor, scoop up the crumbs surrounding her food dish and collect the toys she scatters around the house.

And yet we do this without complaining too much, because it is a small price to pay for the unconditional love our pups provide.

But there is one cleaning chore that even the most dedicated dog owner among us despise: Vacuuming up the pet hair your dog leaves in her wake. If her hair isn’t tumbleweeding across your living room, it’s sticking to your couch like it was glued in place.

It’s a problem as frustrating as it is familiar, and you’ve probably spent more than one weekend trying to bushwhack your way through a mountain of dog hair only to give up when your vacuum isn’t up to the task.

That’s a problem, and we’re here to help you solve it.

Check out the table below for some quick recommendations. Or, you can read on to learn about the kinds of things you’ll want to look for in a vacuum for pet hair and to read our in-depth analysis of the very best vacuums for pet hair that will make those piles of floor fur vanish.

Features to Look for in a Vacuum for Pet Hair

Most economy vacuums are rarely capable of dealing with large quantities of pet hair – instead, owners of furry, four-legged friends need high-quality vacuums that can help deal with your puppy hair problem. Some vacuum models are designed specifically to pick up canine hair!

There’s nothing fundamentally different about a vacuum that works well for picking up dog hair – it really comes down to the quality of the vacuum cleaner and the features it offers.

In fact, most vacuum cleaners that excel at dealing with the archeological layer of dog hair covering your kitchen floor will also be pretty good at handling your day-to-day cleaning needs.

Some of the features that you want in a dog-hair destroying vacuum cleaner include:

It’s true that finding a vacuum that meets all of these qualifications can get pricey, but it’ll be well worth it when you won’t have to spend hours picking dog hair off of your clothes when doing laundry!

12 Best Vacuums For Dog Hair: Packed With Power

Below, we’ve compiled different vacuum cleaners that are specifically made for pet owners.

They are all high-powered vacuums that feature some type of allergen filtration and a variety of different attachments. All have received rave reviews, even if a few of them have minor problems.

Consider your home and your needs (including the relative amount of pet hair your dog sheds – some dogs are worse shedders than others are) and select the model that best suits your life!

1. Bissell CleanView Dog Vacuum

Great Mix of Power & Price

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Bissell CleanView Dog Vacuum

Ultra-affordable, light-weight pet vacuum

High-powered dog vacuum cleaner with a triple action brush roll, edge cleaning, and attachments specifically designed for pet hairs, all in an upright that’s less than 18 lbs.

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About: The Bissell CleanView Dog Vacuum is a light-weight, high-powered upright vacuum for pet hair that is available at an affordable price point that any owner can afford.

Yet despite this consumer-friendly price tag, the Bissell CleanView upright vacuum is packed with powerful features, like a triple-action brush roll for capturing even deeply-embedded fur, a washable filter, a detachable stick wand, and edge-to-edge cleaning so you don’t miss a hair.

Features:

PROS

Great pick for short-haired dogs, with owners making great use of the pet-specific attachments.

CONS

This vacuum’s low price point means it has to sacrifice some nice extra features, like a cord rewind.

2. Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean

Best Design Specifically for Pets

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Dyson Ball Animal 2

High-end vacuum uniquely designed for homes with pets

Engineered specifically for pet hair, this vacuum boasts strongest suction of any vacuum and captures particles as small as allergens and bacteria.

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About: The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is a high-end upright vacuum cleaner from the Dyson line, uniquely engineered for homes with pets.

The Dyson Ball Animal 2 boasts the highest suction power of any other vacuum for pet hair, and has been scientifically-proven to capture particles as small as allergens and bacteria (a big plus for owners with allergies).

It features a host of extra attachments and add-ons for sucking up pet hair between crevices and corners. The self-adjusted head seals suction on any surface, allowing the vacuum cleaner to suck up fur and get deep into even high pile carpet fibers.

Features:

PROS

Designed with pets in mind, this upright vacuum cleaner is especially effective at removing pet hair. It offers unparalleled suction, and the included attachments also elicited plenty of praise.

CONS

A few owners complained that the Dyson Ball Animal 2 is surprisingly heavy, which makes it challenging to move around. But powerful vacuums generally tend to be heavier than average.

3. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo

Ideal for Medium-Hair Dogs

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Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo

Mid-priced pet vacuum with tangle-free features

This more advanced Bissell vacuum offers a tangle-free brush roll, several great pet hair attachments, and an allergen seal system.

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About: The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo is a slightly more expensive alternative to the Bissell CleanView, with some extra features that owners may consider well worth the price bump.

This upright vacuum for pet hair features a tangle-free brush roll as well as a hands-free emptying system so that your hands no longer have to get covered in dirt and fur.

Like the Bissell CleanView, this vacuum cleaner featured edge-to-edge cleaning, but this vacuum cleaner also boasts an LED Crevice Tool so you can see into the dark corners you’re sucking, a Pet Turbo Eraser Tool, as well as a 2-in-1 Pet Dusting Brush.

Best of all, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo includes a Smart Seal Allergen System, designed to trap dust and allergens to keep your dog’s dander from affecting your allergies. It even has the option to add Febreeze filters to help combat pet odor.

Features:

PROS

Owners love that the brush roll can be turned on or off, and many confirm that it can suck up longer pet hair without getting tangled.

CONS

With all these extra features, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo is a bit heavier, but not so much that many owners found it a huge issue.

4. Shark Rotator Professional

Best 2-in-1 vacuum

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Shark Rotator Professional

Powerful vacuum with detachable wand

Unique vacuum that features detachable pod for accessing hard-to-reach spaces.

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About: The Shark Rotator Professional is a combination upright/canister vacuum unit that makes it easy to vacuum large areas as well as small, hard-to-reach places that are likely to get matted with pet hair.

This vacuum cleaner comes with a dedicated pet multi-tool and a variety of other attachments to suit different types of surfaces.

Features:

PROS

Appears to be very effective at cleaning pet hair, as well as typical household dirt. The removable canister section was very popular among those who tried the vacuum, and it made vacuuming stairs and hard-to-reach areas easy.

CONS

A few pet owners reported that this wasn’t the easiest vacuum to push across high pile carpet, but most didn’t seem to find this an issue.

5. Shark Rocket DuoClean

Most Lightweight Vacuum

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Shark Rocket DuoClean HV382

Ultra light-weight stick vacuum

Super lightweight wand-style vacuum that includes a pet multi-tool designed to make hair removal a snap. Features LED lights on floor nozzle and built-in hand vac to for quick clean ups.

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About: The Shark Rocket DuoClean is a light-weight wand-style vacuum that is convenient to use and still packs enough power to make pet-hair removal easy.

Best suited for homes of modest size, this is a great option for owners who need a high-quality vacuum, but don’t want to break the bank.

The built-in hand held option allows this vacuum cleaner to do double-duty as a quick pick-up tool in addition to full home clean-ups.

Features:

PROS

The Shark Rocket seems to work well for most pet owners living in relatively small homes. Several reported that it was very effective at removing pet hair, and most owners who tried it praised its light weight (the unit weighs only 4.6 pounds).

CONS

A few owners found that the machine became clogged relatively easily, but this may be a result of using it for larger areas than it is intended for.

6. Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum With Pet Attachments

Best Canister Vacuum

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Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum

Powerful canister-style vacuum

Light-weight canister vacuum featuring HEPA filter, disposable dust bags, and several attachments to access nooks and crannies.

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About: The Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum with Pet Attachments is a great choice for pet owners who prefer canister-style vacuums rather than uprights. Like most small vacuums, this 9-pound-vacuum cleaner is best-suited for apartment dwellers, and its superior allergen filtration makes it an especially good choice for dog owners.

Features:

PROS

The HEPA filter and odor-fighting dust bags make the Mighty Mite a great choice for dog owners. Most users report that the combination of the unit’s dog-hair-removal attachments and high-powered suction work well for removing dog hair.

CONS

Like most other canister vacuums, the Mighty Mite is best suited for smaller homes, without large quantities of carpet.

7. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum

Best Handheld

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Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum

Perfect for quick fur pick-ups

Handheld dog fur vacuum for getting hair off furniture, drapes, blankets, rugs and other small areas before guests arrive.

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About: The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum is a great choice for those with only minor hair-removal needs.

While it is obviously not suitable for vacuuming entire rooms, the Bissell dog vacuum for pet hair is a wonderful handheld vacuum tool for vacuuming the pet hair off furniture, drapes, blankets, rugs and other small areas.

Features:

PROS

The small, lightweight design makes this handheld vacuum ideal for small tasks; instead of dragging out your upright or canister vacuum, you can just grab this hand-held unit and start collecting the pet hair.

CONS

A few users had charging issues with defective handhelds, but Bissell has proven to make good on their warranty policy.

8. Shark Navigator Professional

Best for allergies

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Shark Navigator Professional

Affordable vacuum that eliminates allergens

Lift-away vacuum that includes anti-allergen tech that traps 99.9% of dust and allergens.

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About: The Shark Navigator Professional is a lift-away vacuum that provides excellent performance at a very reasonable price point. You can use it as a conventional upright vacuum cleaner, or remove the cannister and hose sections to reach out-of-the-way places.

Features:

PROS

Most people who tried the Shark Navigator Professional were happy with the way it performed, including several pet owners, who explained that it was very effective for cleaning dog hair. The removable cannister section also drew lots of praise, as it makes vacuuming under or behind furniture a snap.

CONS

A few owners noted that this vacuum cleaner tends to blow out hot air, which is not ideal. It also appears to be best-suited for light-use or small apartments, as heavy use may lead to broken components.

9. Black + Decker Powerseries Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner for Pets

Best Cordless Stick Vacuum for Pet Hair

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Black + Decker Powerseries Cordless Stick Vacuum for Pets

Cordless stick vacuum designed for pet hair

Light-weight, stick-style cordless vacuum that’s perfect for picking up dog hair anywhere in your home

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About: The Black+Decker Cordless Stick Vacuum for Pets is an ideal choice for those looking for a cordless stick vacuum that’s lightweight but still powerful enough to suck up all that pet hair and dust floating around your home.

Designed specifically as a vacuum for pet hair, it’s sure to keep your pup’s fur off your flooring.

Features:

PROS

While lightweight and easy to maneuver, this cordless stick vacuum generates great suction for its size. Most users report that it vacuums dog hair, cat litter and most other debris without trouble.

CONS

Some note that the dustbin on this vacuum can easily be knocked off accidentally (although only a few folks complain of this – most users don’t seem to have an issue)

While you’re at it, we also recommend selecting a short-fibered rug that’s suitable for pet ownership. Long-haired rugs will simply make your job that much harder! For pet-filled household, definitely opt for short fiber.

10. eufy Boost IQ RoboVac

Best robo-vacuum for pet homes

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eufy Boost IQ RoboVac

Best robo-vacuum

This slim-design robot vacuum cleaner removes pet hair and dirt without you lifting a finger.

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About: The eufy Boost IQ RoboVac is an automated vacuum cleaner that will help collect pet hair (as well as dirt, dust and debris) without you having to lift a finger!

And unlike some other robotic vacuum cleaners, which lack the sucking power to deal with pet hair, the eufy RoboVac comes with BoostIQ, which automatically increases sucking power when necessary.

Features:

PROS

Several dog and cat owners who tried this robot vacuum cleaner were pleased with the unit’s ability to pick up dog and cat hair with ease. Additionally, because the robot vacuum cleans on a regular, recurring basis, it helps prevent pet hair from building up in your carpet fibers. Plus – you don’t have to vacuum anymore!

CONS

While most owners reported that it handled pet hair well, a few people reported that the unit had difficulty navigating their home. However, this is a common issue among most robot vacuum cleaners. These vacuum cleaners work best with open layouts.

11. Miele Complete C3

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Miele Complete C3

Powerful canister-style vacuum

Plenty of power and suction to easily eliminate dog hair, plus the Active Air Clean filters helps reduce pet odors.

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About: The Miele Complete C3 is a cannister-style vacuum cleaner that is provides plenty of suction power and makes it easy to eliminate the dog hair coating your carpets and upholstery.

Features:

PROS

The Miele Complete C3 is clearly one of the best vacuums available for pet owners. Most people who tried it found that it worked exceptionally well and made quick work of cat and dog hair. A few owners also reported that their Miele Complete C3 has worked perfectly for years.

CONS

The biggest downside to the Meile Complete C3 is undoubtedly its high price point, but most owners found that it was worth the money they spent, given the way it handled dog hair.

12. Dyson DC41 Animal Vacuum

Best Splurge Vacuum

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Dyson DC41 Animal Vacuum

One of the best-rated pet hair vacuums

Features a powerful cleaner head that auto-adjusts to surfaces to maximize suction power. Collects microscopic particles (as small as 0.5 microns in size).

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About: The Dyson DC41 Animal Vacuum is one of the best-rated vacuums for cleaning up dog hair. It performs incredibly, but like most other Dyson vacuums, the DC41 is a premium product with a premium price tag.

Features:

PROS

Dyson vacuum cleaners are famous for their unique design and powerful suction, which works very well for removing pet hair. Additionally, this vacuum collects microscopic particles (as small as 0.5 microns in size), which will help reduce the amount of pet dander floating around your home.

CONS

With an extremely high price tag, the Dyson DC41 Animal Upright is one of the most expensive vacuum cleaners on the market. This makes it an unrealistic option for budget-minded puppy parents.

Dog Vacuum Cleaner FAQs

Are pet vacuums worth the price?

Generally, yes. Pet owners need high powered vacuums and additional filters to suck up large volumes of pet hair and pet dander, and this kind of sucking power will always come with a higher price tag.

What special features to pet vacuums offer?

Pet vacuums often include allergen filters to suck up your dog’s dander as well as his pet hair, and also usually offer a variety of attachments that allow you to grab pet hair from hard-to-reach spots like between couch cushions and on top of stairs.

More Tips for Dealing with Pet Hair!

Now that you’ve picked out a great vacuum for dealing with your pet’s hair, be sure to check out this video to learn a few more tips for keeping your home free of fur!

Besides what’s mentioned here, consider opting for dog-friendly furniture that’s easy to clean and maintain, and make sure to groom your dog regularly to keep all that fur outside rather than inside.

Have you tried any of the models discussed above? We’d love to hear about your experiences. Or perhaps you know of an effective, yet under-the-radar vacuum for dog hair that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!

Best Vacuums For Pet Hair 2023

No matter how much you love your cat or dog, pet hair can be a hassle to clean: it clings tightly to surfaces, sticks to clothes and can exacerbate allergy symptoms. After seven days of testing 10 vacuums on various surfaces and analyzing factors like portability, functionality and suction power, I found that the Dyson v15 Detect is the absolute best vacuum overall for cleaning pet hair.

After hours of rigorously testing 10 vacuums, I found the Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away Upright . .. [+] Vacuum, iRobot Roomba j7+ and Kenmore Pet Friendly POP-N-GO Bagged Canister Vacuum to be the best vacuums for pet hair.

Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers

Pet owners know that cleaning pet hair must be done frequently, and the convenience and portability of the v15 Detect makes it easy to vacuum every single day. The cordless vacuum has supremely strong suction, an anti-tangle brush and a laser light that lets you spot and detect even the most dug-in, camouflaged hairs. If you’re looking for an affordable vacuum that’s specifically designed to clean pet hair from hard-to-reach spaces, the Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is a great buy for its efficiency, strong suction power and incredible value. (You can read our in-depth reviews of the Dyson V15 Detect and Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum for more details, too).

Although any good canister, stick or robot vacuum can pick up pet hair, having a dedicated machine designed for the task can make the process of cleaning your home much more efficient and streamlined. Vacuums for pet hair differ from standard vacuums in a variety of ways—some have a HEPA filter that’s ideal for dealing with pet hair and dander, while some have specially-designed bristles that are resistant to tangling. Either way, the best vacuums for pet hair should effectively suck up hair from hardwood floors, carpet and furniture without getting tangled or clogged in the process.

Read on for details about the best vacuums for pet hair, according to my testing process.

My Expertise

As a full-time product reviewer in the home, kitchen and parenting space, I’m always looking for products that help readers run a more efficient, comfortable and clean home. Over the past five years, I’ve tested hundreds of home and cooking tools including air fryers and robot vacuums for Forbes Vetted, and many more for publications including Food Network, Food & Wine and Taste of Home. With a three-year-old German Shepherd mix and a sixteen-month-old toddler I’m no stranger to messes, and no matter how often I clean, it seems like my home is always covered in dog hair. I thoroughly tested each product on this list over the course of seven days in my two story, 2,500 square foot home.

In addition to my professional and personal experience, I also consulted a few animal experts for this piece. I spoke with Gail Miller Bisher, Director of Communications at the Westminster Kennel Club. Bisher is the Fox Sports Dog Show analyst for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show telecast and host of the video series, “The Road to Westminster.” He has lifelong experience in the world of dog sports as a handler, trainer and judge. I also spoke with Michael Silva-Nash, executive vice president of Molly Maid of Greater Little Rock, an international cleaning company that provides housekeeping services to busy families. I consulted Dr. Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian with The Vets, an Austin-based at-home pet care service. She also hosts the Youtube, Instagram and Facebook series “Animal Kid Dom”, which helps teach children about different species of animals and how to care for them. Lastly, I spoke with certified dog trainer Julie Burgess of Senior Tail Waggers, a pet-focused content website run by veterinarian experts. In addition to being a certified dog trainer, Julie has also been a veterinary technician for over 20 years.

How I Tested The Best Vacuums For Pet Hair

With an active dog who loves to run, play, shake her coat and jump all over my house, I know how important it is to have an efficient, strong and portable vacuum to keep surfaces clean and fur-free. In order to test the best vacuums for pet hair for use in all areas of the home, I selected 10 of the leading models—including stick, canister, handheld and robot vacuums. I put them to the test vacuuming both natural dog hair and artificial hair. My dog is a mix of German Shepherd and Hound, so her hair is straight, coarse and tan-colored. The artificial rayon fibers I tested the vacuums with mimic the texture and appearance of dogs with softer pet hair like Poodles or Bichons. To start the testing process, I first assessed the comfort and portability of each vacuum. I took weight, dimensions and cord length into mind. I carried each vacuum up and down my staircase twice to evaluate the weight and the comfort of the vacuum’s grip. Next, I considered the height of the vacuum and the length of the extendable arm. I’m 5 feet 10 inches tall, so an extendable arm means I don’t have to hunch over as much when vacuuming under furniture or in hard-to-reach places like the frustratingly-tight space between the refrigerator and cabinets where my dog’s hair always piles up.

In addition to assessing the comfort and portability of each vacuum, I also put them to the test ... [+] vacuuming both natural dog hair and artificial rayon fibers.

Laura Denby

The weight of the vacuum is vital in considering portability, but the machine’s cord is by far the most important convenience factor. If a vacuum was corded, I considered how long the cord was and how easily it recoiled for storage. If a vacuum was cordless, I considered how long it took to charge and how many minutes of run time were possible between each charge. In addition to comfort and portability, I also considered how easy the machine was to use, how easy the bin or bag was to empty and how loud each machine was while running.

Additionally, I wanted to see how well each vacuum worked on different surfaces. To do this, I ran each vacuum over my hardwood floor, shag carpet, low-pile carpet and upholstered furniture, listening for stops or sputters, and checking to make sure the vacuum was strong enough to suck up dirt from the cracks in my original hardwood floors. My dog’s hair is constantly spread throughout my entire house, so there was no shortage of natural dog hair for me to vacuum up. However, I also used rayon fibers to mimic the texture of soft dog hair and scattered that throughout the different surfaces of my home, too.

Lastly, I tested out the special features of each vacuum. For the standard stick or canister vacuums, I tested each included attachment and recorded its performance. For the robot vacuums, I tested each vacuum along with the accompanying app to determine how easy or complicated they are to use. In comparison to standard vacuums, pet hair vacuums should have an anti-tangle brush head, long bristles or convenient attachments for dealing with hair, so I made sure to test all of those features as well. For the vacuums that included special features—like the Dyson v15’s laser detect brush head—I tested each to determine how they impacted the machine’s overall performance.

Amazon

Dyson V15 Cordless Stick Vacuum, Multicolor

Style: Stick | Bin size: 0.2 gallons | Battery life: 60 minutes | Weight: 6. 8 pounds | HEPA filter: Yes | Attachments included: Laser cleaner head, hair screw tool, combination tool, stubborn dirt brush, docking station, digital motorbar, crevice tool, mini soft dusting brush, wand clip, charger 

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Out of all the pet hair vacuums that I tested, the Dyson v15 Detect strikes an unbeatable balance between power, convenience, portability and strength. It’s lightweight and easy to use, and the suction remained strong on every surface I tested it on. This is a cordless stick vacuum from the U.K.-based manufacturer that offers specific features like an anti-tangle brush head and laser brush head that makes cleaning hair easier. The laser brush head illuminates even microscopic dirt and debris, so you easily see what you’re sucking up. I found this to be particularly helpful when cleaning the pet hair in my home—my dog’s hair is a light tan, and my hardwood floors are light brown. That means a lot of hair blends into the floor, so I often skip right over the hair when vacuuming in the day and don’t see it until I turn the lights on later at night.

In contrast, the laser brush head illuminated all the hair I didn’t know I was missing. Though some vacuums I tested—like the Bissell ICON Pet Turbo Edge—had a convenient light on the suction head, this is the only vacuum that projects a laser light at a specific angle to illuminate microscopic particles. Additionally, the hair screw tool worked perfectly on all surfaces for both natural and artificial hair. During my testing, a lot of the vacuums struggled to pick up the longer, artificial pet hair (it got stuck in the bristles of most other vacuums), the cone-shaped screw tool effortlessly sucked it up. Nothing got stuck in the brush head and the attachment was easy to click on and off with one hand.

The Dyson v15 Detect's laser brush head illuminates even microscopic dirt and debris, so you easily ... [+] see what you’re sucking up.

Laura Denby

This vacuum proved to have some of the strongest suction power of all the models that I tested. In fact, I could tell how strong it is by its ability to pick up even the tiniest of particles. For example, there has been some glitter stuck in between my floorboards from my daughter’s Halloween costume that I haven’t been able to suck up with my normal vacuum. The Dyson v15 Detect immediately sucked up the tiny bits of glitter with ease. The digital motorbar brush head has an anti-tangle comb that helps clear hair. While other products that I tested couldn’t handle the amount of hair I was sucking up, this one had no issue with both the natural hair and the artificial hair. When vacuuming the hardwood floor, I could see the pet hair that was stuck in cracks or crevices was sucked up easily. The same goes for low-pile carpet and upholstered furniture. I often find that my dog’s hair gets dug into the fibers in the carpet and the stitching on my couch, so it’s not always easy to get out. The Dyson v15 sucked out even the most dug-in natural and artificial dog hair using both the standard brush head, the crevice tool and the upholstery attachment.

The cordless functionality makes it magnificently portable, and at less than seven pounds, this is the most convenient vacuum I tested. After charging it initially for four hours, the battery lasted for up to 60 minutes. The long run time, cordless functionality and lightweight body mean this is a vacuum I wouldn’t mind using daily. I was able to vacuum the entire downstairs of my house—about seven rooms and two long hallways—twice before I ran out of battery life. The bin holds 0.2 gallons (which is the same as the similar Dyson v10 Animal model) and is easy to empty and clean. I love how this vacuum can easily be converted to a handheld machine just by unplugging the arm and plugging the attachments directly into the head. That means I can dust my crown moldings and vacuum my upholstered couch with the ease and convenience of a handheld vacuum. This model comes with a two year limited warranty that includes repairs and replacements. Dyson stated that if a model is used the way it’s intended and still breaks down within the two year period, the brand will collect the machine (free of charge) and either repair it or replace it entirely. Parts—like batteries—are also covered under the two year warranty.

One small inconvenience I encountered while vacuuming is that you have to hold the trigger down throughout the entire process. In most vacuums you simply flip a switch on or off, but with this model you have to keep your finger on the trigger button for the entire time it’s in use. This put a strain on my hand and wrist after a long period of continuous vacuuming, but I didn’t notice any issues when vacuuming small spaces or one or two rooms.

Amazon

Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum

Style: Upright | Bin size: 0. 25 gallons | Battery life: Corded | Weight: 12.5 pounds | HEPA filter: Yes | Attachments included: Upholstery tool, crevice tool

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While many of the vacuums I tested come with a high price tag, the Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is surprisingly affordable. This is a corded upright vacuum that comes equipped with two attachments, and it’s specifically designed to vacuum pet hair from carpet, wood floors and furniture. Throughout my testing it proved to be efficient, functional and strong, which makes it an incredible value for the price. In fact, it was the strongest and most efficient vacuum of all the affordable models that I tested.

This vacuum has a unique design that makes it perfect for cleaning up pet hair. The body and bin of the vacuum conveniently lifts away from the base. It acts as a detachable pod that transforms the larger vacuum into a more portable option, taking the cord and accessory arm with it. This feature makes it more lightweight and easy to maneuver than other corded vacuums I tested. Once detached, you can carry around the smaller pod to access the hard-to-reach places that pet hair tends to accumulate the most. I found this to be particularly useful when vacuuming my stairs—my dog’s hair always accumulates in the corners of the stairs and around the spindles of my banister, and being able to lift the vacuum and tote it with me while the base stays in place was very convenient. This design feature adds a layer of portability that you don’t often find in a corded vacuum. When the body of the vacuum is clicked into the base, it swivels from side to side so you can easily vacuum underneath furniture without the body getting in the way. The head of the vacuum stays flat on the floor while the body moves side to side. It’s lightweight, and the entire thing is easy to carry and push back and forth. I found the vacuum to have strong suction on all surfaces, and it efficiently picked up both types of hair without any of it getting tangled in the brush head.

Eddie, my German Shepherd and Hound mix stands with the Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright ... [+] Vacuum that's specifically designed to vacuum pet hair from carpet, wood floors and furniture.

Laura Denby

This vacuum has a large bin size which means you don’t have to empty it as frequently. Both the crevice tool and the upholstery tool worked perfectly well on all surfaces, and I found the upholstery tool to be particularly good at cleaning out the pet hair that was stuck into the stitching on my couch. Although I loved how efficiently each attachment worked, I felt that the attachment arm could’ve been longer. It’s an accordian-style, extendable arm that measures anywhere from 20 to 42 inches. Given my height, I found myself hunching over a lot while using the accessory arm, which eventually put a strain on my back.

Shark offers a five year limited warranty for this vacuum, which means that the product and any parts can be repaired or replaced for up to five years after the original purchase date. However, the machine must be purchased through an authorized retailer—like Amazon or Target—in order to qualify for the warranty.

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Wayfair

Kenmore BC4026 Pet Friendly Pop-N-Go Bagged Canister Vacuum

Style: Canister | Bin size: 0.25 gallons | Battery life: Corded | Weight: 22.6 pounds | HEPA Filter: Yes | Attachments included: Dusting brush, pet PowerMate attachment, long crevice tool, bare floor brush

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For a particularly efficient and streamlined vacuum, look to the Kenmore Pet Friendly Pop-N-Go Bagged Canister Vacuum. Though this is a corded model, all of the attachments can be stored within the body of the vacuum and the cord easily retracts for simple storage. It has a special mode and designated attachment that helps keep wood floors clean and shiny. This vacuum has wide, sturdy wheels that make it easy to tote around, and the extendable arm means you can reach under furniture and deep into corners without hunching over. In fact, the vacuum itself has four height options for a more comfortable experience.

The Kenmore BC4026 Pet Friendly Pop-N-Go Bagged Canister Vacuum has vacuum has a manual adjust ... [+] option to increase and decrease suction as needed, a particularly useful feature when you want to increase suction to specifically target that one spot when needed.

Laura Denby

I found that I didn’t have to make as many passes over my carpet with this vacuum because its standard brush head is larger than most (it measures almost 15 inches wide, compared to the Shark Navigator Lift-Away’s 11 inches and the Dyson v15 Detect’s 9. 75 inches). The suction is strong, and the vacuum performed well on all surfaces. In fact, the vacuum has a manual adjust option to increase and decrease suction as needed. This was particularly useful when tackling specific spots of my home—like the piece of carpet right in front of the back door where my dog normally lays. It’s always covered in dog hair, and I was able to increase suction to specifically target that one spot when needed.

Most importantly, I loved that this vacuum has a designated mode for vacuuming bare floors. I found the specific hardwood mode to be incredibly efficient for picking up both natural and artificial dog hair. The attachment is cushioned yet flat, so it stays flush against the ground and easily cleans up hairs. The cushioning on the attachment head helps prevent any scratching and gave my floors a buffed, shiny look. In addition to the strong motor head, all of the attachments worked exceptionally well, too. The specially designed pet hair attachment is a smaller, motorized brush roll, which is designed to resist tangling and clogging. When testing, I noticed that the artificial dog hair got a bit tangled in the standard brush head, but when I switched to the pet hair attachment, it sucked it up with no issue whatsoever. It helped get dog hair out of my upholstered furniture, and the dusting brush helped me get tricky dust and dog hair out of the crevices in my crown molding.

Unlike many bagged vacuums, the brand claims it’s allergen sealed, which means the air path is completely sealed so it won’t erupt in a puff of dust when you need to change the bag. “​​An anti-allergen seal is helpful for those with allergies to pets because it can remove the dander that can make allergy sufferers miserable,” say Burgess. All dust and debris stay inside the vacuum and the HEPA filtration system keeps the air allergen-free. Although it comes with a bag, additional bags can be purchased online as well.

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iRobot Roomba j7+

Style: Robot |  Bin Size: 1. 8 gallons |  Battery life: 86 minutes |  Weight: 7.5 pounds |  HEPA Filter: No |  Attachments included: None

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If you have a dog or cat who sheds, you know that cleaning up pet hair can seem never ending. That’s why I love a robot vacuum—it’s the perfect hands-off way to perform daily maintenance of pet hair. The Roomba j7+ was by far the most intelligent and efficient of the robot vacuums I tested. It has the ability to make a map of your home, so you can direct it to vacuum certain rooms on command. I tested this functionality thoroughly—once I charged the product and downloaded the corresponding app, the robot worked its way through the downstairs of my home, getting to know the space and developing a map. From there, I could create specific cleaning projects—like “clean the dining room” and “clean the playroom”—and execute them from my phone. The vacuum effectively found the rooms I told it to clean, and proceeded to vacuum easily and efficiently. I tested this on carpet and hardwood, and it sucked up both natural and artificial dog hair without any issue. I didn’t notice any tangling in the brush head, and it had the battery life to clean the entire downstairs of my home without needing to charge or empty the bin. “The vacuums my clients seem to like the most are robotic vacuums, especially if they have multiple pets, because the vacuum keeps up with the fur every day,” said Dr. Savageau.

The iRobot Roomba j7+ has the ability to spot and avoid obstacles which is particularly useful in ... [+] homes with dog toys or bed.

Laura Denby

Unlike some other robot vacuums, this model also has the ability to spot and avoid obstacles like a cord, pile of pet waste or child’s toy. I found this to be particularly useful in my home, because it meant I didn’t have to pick up my dog’s toys or bed. The vacuum spotted each obstacle and vacuumed around it with no problem. Additionally, it’s able to self-empty the contents of the bin after each cleaning cycle. Once it returns to its charging port, the vacuum automatically empties pet hair into an enclosed bag that should be switched out every 60 days. This is a fantastic feature for anyone looking for a hands-off way to clean their home every day. It’s perfect for busy households that could use some extra attention.

Keep in mind that because this is a robot vacuum, it doesn’t come with any attachments and it can’t climb up stairs or vacuum on top of furniture. The suction also isn’t as strong as some of the other vacuums I tested, so this vacuum is better for daily maintenance rather than deep cleaning.

Other Products I Tested

Eufy RoboVac 8s: This is a fantastic robot vacuum that proved to have strong suction and efficient functionality. However, it couldn’t match the suction power of the Roomba j7+, doesn’t self-empty and it struggled a bit more when navigating through my home. It also does not spit and avoid specific obstacles which means the floors have to be completely bare if you want a deep clean. Overall, it performed well in my tests, and at a more affordable price tag than the Roomba j7+, it could be a great buy for someone looking for a basic robot vacuum to perform daily maintenance.

Shark Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum: This is an efficient machine that's lightweight and convenient to use. Overall, the suction isn't as strong as some of the other models (specifically the Dyson and the Shark Navigator Lift-Away) and the cord means it's not as portable as some of the others. It’s a basic stick vacuum that can help clean up after pets, but overall it lacked the strength and functionality of other models.

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum: This is perfect for vacuuming pet hair out of different types of furniture, and it worked better on my furniture than any other model. However, it can't compete with the other vacuums I tested when it comes to tackling wood floors or carpeting, which means it lacks the versatility of other models.

Bissell ICON Pet Turbo Edge: I like how lightweight, convenient and portable this product is, but I noticed that the suction isn’t as strong as the other stick vacuums I tested it against. It has convenient and functional attachments that are easy to use. However, the suction just wasn’t as powerful as the Dyson v15 Detect.

Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright: This is an incredibly strong vacuum, and was by far the most powerful of all I tested. However, I felt that this product was a bit too large, heavy and cumbersome compared to the competitors. I was exhausted after vacuuming just one room, which meant this vacuum isn’t as portable or convenient as the others.

Dyson Animal V10: This is a fantastic product that worked very similarly to the overall winner, the Dyson v15 Detect. However, it lacked some of the special features—like laser detect and a digital screen—and noticeably wasn’t as strong. If you’re looking for a Dyson model that’s more affordable than the Dyson v15 Detect, this is a great choice.

How To Pick A Vacuum For Pet Hair

If you have an animal that sheds—like a dog or a cat—pet hair can often feel ubiquitous and never ending, but it doesn’t have to. The right tools can make cleaning up simple and easy. “When you stay on top of it, all your pet’s hair and debris can easily be managed with the right cleaning equipment,” says Michael Silva-Nash, executive vice president of Molly Maid of Greater Little Rock, an international cleaning company that provides housekeeping services to busy families. “For pet hair, opt for a vacuum with a furniture attachment since this is where the pet hair collects most often. If you are dealing with a lot of pet hair, it’s important to look for a model with heavy-duty brushes designed to pick up hair and dander from carpets,

furniture and hard-to-reach spots,” he adds. Dr. Nicole Savageau, veterinarian with The Vets, an in-home pet care service based in Austin, agreed that a combination of vacuuming and brushing will help zap hair.

With the expansive range of vacuums available on the market and the constant evolution of technology, buying the best vacuum for pet hair can seem like a tough decision. After a week of rigorous testing and speaking with experts I boiled the shopping criteria down to four main aspects: style, suction power, portability and attachments. All four factors are crucial in ensuring you have a vacuum that’s up to the task of tackling stubborn pet hair.

Style

Just like regular vacuums, pet hair vacuums come in a variety of styles. Depending on your personal preference and the areas of your home you’d like to clean, you can opt for a handheld, stick, bagged canister or robot vacuum. If you’re looking for a hands-off way to achieve daily household maintenance, a robot vacuum will be your best bet. If you have a dog or cat who loves lounging on the couch, a handheld pet hair vacuum would work nicely. If you’re looking for a portable machine you can take up and down the stairs, look for a cordless stick vacuum. “The style of vacuum you choose really depends on the type of flooring you have and the areas you’re trying to reach. An upright does best on carpets, a handheld does great on furniture and canister vacuums are best for tile and wood floors,” says Silva-Nash. Before selecting a vacuum, determine how you plan to use it and how often. That will help you narrow down the options and select the right style for your home.

Suction Power

First and foremost, the vacuum should be strong enough to suck up all kinds of pet hair—long, short, curly or straight. Pet hair is notorious for embedding into upholstered furniture and carpeting, so it’s important to find a vacuum that’s strong enough to suck hair up on the first pass. “​​Vacuums that are best for picking up pet hair have powerful suction, an upholstery attachment and a crevice tool,” says Burgess. “It’s very easy for dirt and hair to wind up between couch cushions making it more challenging to keep your space tidy. Powerful suction can remove embedded dirt and dander from carpets and furniture, which can help keep your home cleaner,” Burgess adds.

Portability

Pet owners know that tackling pet hair is a daily battle, so your vacuum should be convenient and easy to use. Before selecting a model, consider where and when you plan to use it. If you live in a multi-story home with sets of stairs, you’ll want to select a vacuum that’s easy to carry. If you plan to vacuum on top of furniture, under beds or high up on curtains, you’ll also want a vacuum that’s lightweight with an extendable arm that can access hard-to-reach places. One particularly important factor to consider is whether or not the vacuum has a cord that plugs into the wall or if it has cordless operation with a rechargeable battery. Cordless vacuums offer unbeatable portability, because you can charge the vacuum while not in use, then carry it around your house with you without it being tethered to a wall.

Attachments

No matter what style of vacuum you choose, consider what types of attachments are included in your purchase. Some vacuums come with a furniture attachment with long bristles meant for getting hair out of upholstery. Others come with a narrow crevice tool that can get dog hair out of cracks in molding or out from underneath furniture. “There are several different coat types among dog breeds,” said Gail Miller Bisher, Director of Communications at the Westminster Kennel Club. “There are dog breeds with double-coated fur, a soft undercoat close to the skin, and a coarse outer coat. The double-coated breed’s fur is found in “dust bunnies” or small balls around the house and long strands on the furniture. It is easy to vacuum up but seems to be non-stop,” she added. “With short-haired breeds, you may not see the balls of fur on the kitchen floor, but when you vacuum the sofa, you’ll notice that the fur gets embedded in the fabric and takes a bit more effort to clean,” said Bisher. That means, efficient and functional attachments are particularly helpful for vacuuming up pet hair out of different types of surfaces.

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