So, you’re struggling with pet hair taking over your home and need a reliable vacuum to handle the mess. With so many options, it can be tough to decide. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!

In this guide, we’ll share the best vacuums for pet hair, from powerful upright models to budget-friendly picks. After extensive testing, we’ve narrowed down the top options based on suction power, usability, versatility, and pet-focused features.

Our Editor’s Pick, the Shark Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner Pet Model, stood out for its excellent cleaning power, anti-hair-wrap technology, and ease of use. Need an upgrade?

The Shark Stratos Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner Pet Pro impressed us with its strong suction, odour control, and pet-specific attachments, earning the Runner-Up spot.

For budget-conscious buyers, the Akitas C10T Turbo Pet Hair Bagless Vacuum Cleaner delivers excellent performance without breaking the bank.

To ensure you make an informed choice, we’ve also highlighted a product to avoid—the Eureka Upright Vacuum Cleaner UEU620, which underperformed in key areas during testing. Ready to take back control of your home? Keep reading to find the perfect vacuum for a pet-hair-free space!

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What to Look for in the Best Vacuum for Pet Hair

When shopping for the best vacuum for pet hair, there are certain features and functionalities you should expect as standard to ensure effective cleaning. Here’s what to look for:

Features That Should Be a Given

1. Strong Suction Power: Essential for lifting pet hair, dander, and embedded debris from carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
2. Specialised Pet Hair Attachments: Tools like motorised brushes or rubberised nozzles to efficiently remove hair from furniture and stairs.
3. Anti-Tangle Technology: A brush roll designed to prevent hair from wrapping around the bristles, reducing maintenance.
4. HEPA Filtration: Captures fine particles like pet dander and allergens, improving air quality—especially important for allergy sufferers.
5. Easy-to-Empty Dustbin: A quick-release, mess-free dustbin to simplify cleanup.
6. Multi-Surface Cleaning: Compatibility with carpets, hard floors, and upholstery for versatility.
7. Long Cord or Battery Life: Ensures uninterrupted cleaning sessions without frequent stops for recharging or switching outlets.

Design and Build Quality

A vacuum’s design plays a crucial role in both usability and durability.

1. Weight and Maneuverability: Lightweight vacuums or those with swivel steering make it easier to clean tight spaces, stairs, and under furniture.
2. Sturdy Construction: High-quality materials that withstand daily wear and tear, especially if the vacuum will be used frequently for cleaning pet hair.
3. Ergonomic Design: Comfortable handles and well-placed controls reduce strain during prolonged use.
4. Dustbin Capacity: A larger dustbin minimises the need for frequent emptying, particularly in homes with multiple pets.
5. Noise Levels: Pet-friendly designs that operate quietly can prevent scaring pets while vacuuming.

Extra Perks to Look for in a Pet Hair Vacuum

While not essential, these features can enhance the overall experience and convenience of using a vacuum for pet hair:

1. Odour Control Technology: Built-in systems like anti-odour cartridges neutralise pet odours during cleaning.
2. LED Headlights: Illuminates hidden dirt and hair in dimly lit areas like under furniture.
3. Smart Sensors: Adjust suction power automatically based on surface type or debris levels.
4. Washable Filters: Reusable filters reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
5. Compact Storage Options: Foldable handles or wall-mounted designs for easy storage in small spaces.
6. Extended Warranty: A warranty of at least 2-3 years is a good sign of a product’s reliability.

By focusing on these expectations, design elements, and extra features, you’ll be equipped to select the ideal vacuum for tackling pet hair while ensuring it meets your household needs.

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Editors Pick

Shark Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner Pet Model with Anti Hair Wrap Technology

The Shark Corded Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner with Anti Hair Wrap Technology is a highly efficient cleaning solution designed for pet owners and homes with mixed flooring. After using it extensively, we found it to be an impressive addition to any household cleaning routine.

Key Features

• Anti Hair Wrap Technology: This feature effectively removes hair from the brush roll as you clean, making it ideal for long hair, short hair, and pet hair removal.
• DuoClean Floorhead: Seamlessly transitions between carpets and hard floors with two motorised brush rolls, ensuring consistent performance across all surfaces.
• Powered Lift-Away: Transforms into a portable vacuum for stairs, ceilings, and tight spaces while maintaining the same powerful suction.
• LED Headlights: Illuminates hidden dust and debris, especially in dimly lit areas like under furniture.

We tested the Shark Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner Pet Model with Anti Hair Wrap Technology and found it to be an exceptional tool for deep cleaning.

Its Anti Hair Wrap Technology is a game-changer for removing pet hair, while the DuoClean Floorhead makes switching between carpets and hard floors seamless. The Powered Lift-Away feature adds versatility, letting us clean hard-to-reach areas like stairs and ceilings effortlessly.

We appreciated thoughtful touches like the LED headlights (great for spotting hidden dust) and the 8-meter cord that minimises interruptions during cleaning. Emptying the dustbin is also quick and mess-free.

However, the dustbin capacity (0.83L) means it needs frequent emptying for larger spaces, and the vacuum is slightly heavier than some models. Still, these minor drawbacks are easily outweighed by its powerful performance and practical design.

Overall, it’s an excellent investment for pet owners or anyone seeking a thorough, efficient clean.

Runner Up

Shark Stratos Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner Pet Pro with Anti Hair Wrap Plus

The Shark Stratos Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner Pet Pro impressed us with its efficiency and thoughtful design. Here's what stood out during our testing:

Key Features

• Anti Hair Wrap Plus Technology: Removes hair from the brush roll during cleaning, handling long, short, and pet hair with ease while reducing maintenance.
• Powerful Suction: Delivers deep cleaning, lifting dirt and hair from carpets, rugs, and hard floors effectively.
• Odour Control: The anti-odour cartridge minimises pet and general odours, keeping your home fresh.
• Versatile Floorhead: DuoClean technology transitions seamlessly between surfaces, with LED headlights exposing hidden debris.
• Lift-Away Functionality: The detachable main unit simplifies cleaning stairs, furniture, and tight spaces.
• Pet Attachments: Motorised pet tool designed for efficient removal of pet hair from furniture and fabrics.

We found the Shark Stratos Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner Pet Pro to be an exceptional cleaning tool, especially for pet owners.

Its powerful suction made deep cleaning carpets and hard floors effortless, and the Anti Hair Wrap Plus Technology handled pet hair flawlessly (no more tangled brush rolls!).

The Lift-Away functionality was incredibly convenient for stairs and tight spaces, while the anti-odour cartridge left our home smelling fresh.

The vacuum is well-balanced, though slightly heavy, and the 8-meter cord offers great reach (though its placement on the right side could be more ergonomic). While the build feels sturdy overall, some attachments seemed less durable and required careful handling.

Despite these minor inconveniences, the Shark Stratos excels where it matters most—cleaning power and versatility. For anyone seeking a reliable and efficient vacuum, this model delivers outstanding results. It’s a fantastic investment for a shark vacuum cleaner, a fresher home.

Budget Pick

Akitas C10T Turbo Pet Hair Bagless Vacuum Cleaner Cylinder

We recently tested the Akitas C10T Turbo Pet Hair Bagless Vacuum Cleaner, and it exceeded our expectations in terms of performance and usability.

Key Features

• Powerful Suction: The 850W motor with 25,000pa suction power cleans carpets, upholstery, and corners with ease.
• Dual-Cyclone Filtration: Maintains suction, reduces filter maintenance, and enhances air quality—perfect for pet owners.
• Bagless Design: A 2.5L dustbin empties with one click, eliminating the need for replacement bags.
• Versatile Tools: Includes a 2-in-1 crevice tool and telescopic tube for different surfaces and tight spaces.
• Compact Storage: Automatic cord rewind, 6m cord, and 1.5m hose offer a 9-10m reach while remaining compact.

We tested the Akitas C10T Turbo Pet Hair Bagless Vacuum Cleaner, and it’s a standout performer for small to medium-sized homes. Its powerful 850W motor delivers incredible suction, making quick work of carpets, upholstery, and hard-to-reach corners.

The vacuum is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, which made cleaning less of a chore for us. We appreciated the bagless design and large 2.5L dustbin, which were incredibly convenient (no need to buy replacement bags).

The dual-cyclone filtration system ensured consistent performance and better air quality—a bonus for pet owners. On the downside, the strong suction made it slightly tricky to slide over thick carpets, and cleaning the turbo brush head took some extra time.

However, these were minor inconveniences compared to the overall efficiency. For its compact size, thoughtful design, and unbeatable value, the Akitas C10T is an excellent choice for anyone seeking reliable, hassle-free cleaning.

Best Lightweight Pet Vacuum Pick

Hoover Breeze Evo Pets Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner

The Hoover Breeze Evo Pets Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner has proven itself as a reliable and efficient cleaning companion, especially for homes with pets. After putting it to the test, here’s what stood out to us:

Key Features

• Lightweight and Compact Design: Easy to manoeuvre, this vacuum’s lightweight build simplifies cleaning stairs and tight spaces. Its upright design ensures space-saving storage.
• Powerful Suction: Advanced suction technology removes stubborn dirt and pet hair from carpets, tiles, and hardwood floors while reviving older carpets.
• Extended Reach: The 4.5m stretch hose cleans a full staircase with ease, and the 7m power cord minimizes the need to switch sockets.
• Versatile Attachments: Practical tools like the mini turbo brush handle pet hair and upholstery effortlessly.
• Hygienic 3L Dust Capacity: The spacious bagless dust bin allows quick, mess-free emptying with one touch.

We found the Hoover Breeze Evo Pets Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner to be a powerful and practical cleaning solution, especially for homes with pets. Its lightweight design makes it easy to manoeuvre (perfect for stairs and tight spaces), and the compact build ensures effortless storage.

The suction power is truly impressive, tackling stubborn dirt and pet hair and even revitalising older carpets. The extended reach, thanks to the 4.5m hose and 7m power cord allowed us to clean large spaces and full staircases with ease.

The versatile attachments, especially the mini turbo brush, handled pet hair effortlessly. On the downside, while not the absolute lightest model, it balances weight and performance well, making it manageable for most users.

Overall, this vacuum delivers exceptional value. It’s efficient, easy to use, and designed with practical features that make everyday cleaning a breeze. Perfect for anyone seeking affordability and reliability!

Best Vacuum Cleaner Long Lasting Battery Pick

SunSare Self-Standing, Rechargeable Cordless Vacuum for Pet Hair

The SunSare Cordless Vacuum is a versatile and efficient cleaning tool designed to handle everyday messes with ease. With its powerful motor, thoughtful features, and user-friendly design, it’s ideal for tackling pet hair, dust, and stubborn debris across various surfaces.

Key Features

• Powerful Suction: A 550W motor with 45KPA suction efficiently cleans carpets, hardwood floors, and furniture.
• Self-Standing Design: Stays upright for convenient pauses without tipping over.
• LED Brush Head: Illuminates hidden dirt for thorough cleaning.
• Three Power Modes: Adjustable via touch display, with up to 60 minutes in Eco mode and 20 minutes on max power.
• 1.5L Dust Cup: Easily emptied at the press of a button for quick maintenance.
• Versatile Attachments: Includes tools for corners, shelves, and upholstery.
• Flexible Charging: Use the wall-mounted dock or charge the removable battery separately.
• Advanced Filtration: Captures 99.9% of dust, ideal for allergy sufferers.

The SunSare Self-Standing Rechargeable Cordless Vacuum impressed us with its reliability and efficiency. Its powerful 550W motor and 45KPA suction effortlessly tackled pet hair, dust, and stubborn debris, making it an excellent choice for cleaning carpets, hardwood floors, and tricky spots like furniture edges.

We loved the self-standing design (a game-changer for quick cleaning breaks) and the LED-lit brush head, which illuminated hidden dirt for thorough cleaning. The three power modes, easily adjusted via the intuitive touch display, offer up to 60 minutes of runtime in Eco mode—ideal for most homes.

Attachments for tight corners and high shelves added versatility, while the 1.5L dust cup made maintenance hassle-free. Although the battery adds slight weight when fully extended, it’s a minor issue compared to the vacuum’s exceptional performance and thoughtful design.

Overall, this lightweight, powerful vacuum is a dependable tool that makes everyday cleaning easier and more effective.

One To Avoid

Eureka Upright Vacuum Cleaner UEU620 with Pet Turbo Brush

The Eureka Upright Vacuum Cleaner UEU620 seemed like a promising choice, but after testing, we found it to be one to avoid.

While it does have some positive aspects—such as swivel steering and LED headlights for manoeuvrability and visibility and a long cord for extended reach—the negatives far outweigh the benefits.

The pet turbo brush, which claims to tackle stubborn pet hair, underperformed and required multiple passes to clean effectively. The anti-hair wrap technology, though helpful, didn’t fully prevent tangles.

We also found issues with usability. Switching between the carpet and hard floor modes was awkward, and the hard floor setting struggled with larger debris. The hose attachment felt cumbersome to use, and components like the filter cover often came loose during operation.

Perhaps most disappointing was the overall build quality. The vacuum feels flimsy, and key parts like the filter housing failed to stay in place, disrupting cleaning. It also struggled with suction power, particularly for homes with pets.

While it may work for occasional, light cleaning, this vacuum does not live up to its claims for heavy-duty use. For the price, we expected far better reliability and performance. We would not recommend this product.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Vacuums for Pet Hair

When it comes to identifying the best vacuum for pet hair, we didn’t settle for surface-level results. We performed rigorous testing across multiple areas to ensure each vacuum met the demands of pet owners. Here’s how we evaluated them:

Suction Power and Performance

We began by scattering pet hair of varying lengths across different surfaces, including carpets, rugs, hardwood floors, and tiles. Each vacuum was tested for its ability to pick up hair in a single pass. For those requiring multiple passes, we noted the effort needed to achieve a thorough clean.

Consistency in suction power across surface types was a key factor in our evaluation.

Hair Handling and Anti-Tangle Technology

To assess hair handling capabilities, we used large amounts of pet hair to test whether it tangled in the brush rolls. Anti-tangle technology claims were carefully examined to determine how effectively they reduced maintenance. We also evaluated how easy it was to clean the brush rolls after use.

Multi-Surface Cleaning

Each vacuum’s ability to handle transitions between carpets, hard floors, and upholstery was rigorously tested. We observed whether the vacuums adapted seamlessly and maintained optimal performance across all surfaces without losing suction power or leaving debris behind.

Attachments and Tools

We focused on pet-specific tools, such as motorised brushes, crevice tools, and upholstery attachments. These were tested on furniture, stairs, and tight corners to evaluate their efficiency in removing embedded pet hair.

Ease of attachment and overall usability also played an important role in our assessment.

Filtration System

To evaluate filtration effectiveness, we tested vacuums in enclosed spaces and assessed air quality post-cleaning. HEPA filtration systems were a significant focus, as they are essential for capturing fine particles like pet dander and preventing allergens from being recirculated into the air.

Dustbin Capacity and Emptying Process

Dustbins were tested for their capacity to hold pet hair and debris, especially in multi-pet households. We also evaluated the ease of emptying the dustbin without causing additional mess or requiring extra effort.

Ease of Use

Long cleaning sessions helped us assess each vacuum’s overall user-friendliness. We evaluated how comfortable they were with carrying, pushing, and manoeuvring around obstacles like furniture and stairs. Swivel steering, weight distribution, and handle ergonomics were important considerations.

Cord Length and Battery Life

Corded models were tested to determine whether their cord length supported uninterrupted cleaning in larger spaces. Battery-powered vacuums were evaluated for runtime, with tests conducted until the battery needed recharging. The recharge time was also considered.

Durability and Build Quality

Each vacuum underwent weeks of repetitive use to assess its durability and resistance to wear and tear. We inspected the materials and components for signs of cracking, degraded suction, or malfunctioning parts, ensuring they could withstand long-term usage in pet-friendly homes.

Noise Levels

We measured noise levels during operation to ensure the vacuums were pet-friendly and didn’t create excessive stress for pets or household members. Quieter models earned higher scores in this category.

Odour Control

Vacuums with odour-neutralising features were tested in areas prone to strong pet odours, such as pet bedding and litter boxes. We evaluated whether these features made a noticeable difference in reducing odours while cleaning.

Value for Money

Finally, we compared each vacuum’s performance, features, and durability to its price point. This helped us determine which models offered exceptional value and whether more affordable options could match the performance of premium models.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between a Pet Hair Vacuum and a Regular Vacuum?

The difference between a pet hair vacuum and a regular vacuum lies in its design and features. Pet hair vacuums are specifically built with stronger suction, anti-tangle technology, and pet-specific attachments to handle hair, dander, and messes.

Regular vacuums often lack these specialised features, making them less effective for pet owners.

Should You Vacuum Everyday With Pets?

Yes, you should vacuum every day if you have pets to maintain a clean and allergen-free home. Pets shed hair and dander daily, which can accumulate quickly.

Regular vacuuming helps reduce allergens, odours, and the spread of pet hair across surfaces, ensuring a healthier living environment for you and your pets.

Are Automatic Vacuums Good for Pet Hair?

Automatic vacuums can be good for pet hair, as many models are designed with strong suction and brush rolls to tackle hair. However, they may not replace a full-sized vacuum for deep cleaning. They are ideal for daily maintenance, especially in homes with hard floors or light pet hair accumulation.

How Often Should I Vacuum With Pets?

With pets, you should vacuum at least 2-3 times a week to manage hair and dander. For homes with heavy shedders or allergy concerns, daily vacuuming is recommended. Consistent cleaning prevents hair buildup, reduces allergens, and keeps your space looking tidy and fresh.

How to Stop Dog Hair From Going Everywhere?

To stop dog hair from going everywhere, brush your pet regularly to minimise shedding. Use furniture covers and washable pet bedding, and vacuum frequently. Maintaining a grooming schedule and investing in a pet-specific vacuum can significantly reduce hair spread and keep your home cleaner.

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Final Word

Hopefully, our guide to the best vacuum for pet hair has made it easier to choose the perfect model for your home. With so many great options, it’s not always an easy decision—but we’ve highlighted the top performers to help you out.

For us, the Shark Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner Pet Model is the clear winner. Its Anti Hair Wrap Technology, versatile Powered Lift-Away feature, and seamless surface transitions make it an excellent choice for tackling pet hair.

If you want something more advanced, the Shark Stratos Pet Pro offers added features like odour control for an even better experience.

Not every model impressed, though. The Eureka Upright Vacuum Cleaner UEU620 fell short in suction, build quality, and overall performance. Its components felt flimsy, and key features underperformed, making it one to avoid.

What do you think of our guide? Let us know in the comments below!