If you own a dog or have a friend with a dog, you’ll know that although they’re a whole lot of fun, they drop hair on quite literally every surface in the entire house. Whether it’s the top of your kitchen cupboards, dining chairs or the sofa, their hair finds its way all over the house.
It might seem like a lost cause trying to keep your living spaces, basement, and bedrooms clear of pet hair, however, with a reliable pet vacuum cleaner, you’ll find the process a piece of cake. The vacuums designed for pet hair have stronger suction, advanced HEPA filters and a whole suite of other features that make getting at those nasty hidden strands of pet hair a lot easier.
For our list of the best pet hair vacuums for 2019 take a look below. We’ll go over the best vacuum designs, brands and a whole lot more.
Which Vacuum Form Factor is Best For You?
Before you delve into finding the best pet hair vacuum, you’ll first want to consider the type of vacuum cleaner design that’s best for you. You don’t want to select a handheld model for vacuuming the entire house – even if it is the best handheld vacuum to choose from. It just simply won’t be effective at cleaning the entire area with ease.
Take a look over the top three vacuum cleaner form factors below. These will help make your choice a little easier and when it’s time to choose the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair you’ll be able to decide a little easier.
Upright Vacuums
If your biggest concern is the floor, then an upright vacuum is going to be the most optimal for you. We all know dogs leave the most hair on the floor because that’s where they are all day, so an upright that boasts powerful suction is your best bet. However, it’s important to note that an upright vacuum won’t be able to clean furniture very effectively at all considering it’s designed for the floor. You might want to focus on buying a handled vacuum as well, to work in conjunction with the upright or stick vacuum.
Handheld Vacuums
The handheld vacuum class is the most dynamic option if you’re looking for something that fits just about everywhere and is easiest to carry around the house. The suction power on these vacuums is a little lower than what you’ll find elsewhere, however, they’re fantastic if you need to vacuum dog hair out of the car, the sofa or anywhere else.
The majority of these models are cordless vacuums and that means you’re not going to have to plug and unplug as you move around the house. However, you will need to keep an eye on the charge level in the battery as suction power will reduce over time if your charge is low.
Although these vacuums won’t be your best option for the floor, if you do have a canister vacuum already, they’ll be the ultimate companion. Focus on vacuuming the floor with your main vacuum and switch to the lighter, smaller handheld for places like cabinets.
Canister Vacuums
The canister vacuum form factors are where things get really efficient. These vacuums are generally the most powerful on the market and that means they’ll be the best to pick up all of your pet’s hair without any issues. Their designs are also fantastic if you need a versatile vacuum that can effortlessly clean the floor, furniture as well as the walls and other hard-to-reach parts of the home.
Something to remember is that if you have a large floor or a large home, you’ll be lugging the canister vacuum around with you. You’ll need to continue to plug and unplug the vacuum depending on which room you’re in, as you won’t find a battery-powered option for these types of vacuums.
For pet owners with heavy shedders, there’s really only one type of vacuum to consider and that’s the canister model. Great suction power, plenty of crevice tools and large dust cups make them some of the best pet hair vacuums on the market.
Our Picks for the Best Upright Vacuum
If you’ve determined that an upright is the best form factor for you, then you’ve likely got a whole lot of floor space to clean. To choose the best upright vacuum cleaner for pet hair you’ll want to make sure you select a model that is tall enough for you so that you won’t be slouching, but also a model that is best for your floor surface. Sometimes carpeting requires specialized vacuums, whereas tiling or hardwood floors might need another.
BISSELL CleanView Complete Pet Rewind
If you’re looking for a pet hair vacuum that’s not going to break the bank, the Bissell CleanView Complete Pet Rewind is going to be by far your best bet. You might find that the only potential downside to the vacuum is its minor reliance on a brush roll rather than intense a suction-only feature. However, depending on the surface, it will be quite difficult to notice a difference.
The best floor types for the Bissell CleanView are certainly going to be tiles, linoleum, timber, and other flat surfaces. Carpeting may not be friendly with Bissell’s upright pet hair vacuum unless you’ve attached the brush. That said, it’s still certainly the better option when budgets are concerned. It may lack some top-of-the-line features of a flagship vacuum cleaner, though, for pet hair alone, it will get the job done.
What We Liked The Most:
- Its budget-friendly price tag.
- The simplicity of controls and design.
- Easily attachable extras for furniture and other places around the home.
- The rapidly retractable cord.
- The brush’s ability to scrape carpets clean.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Its lower-end suction power.
- It can fall over.
Shark Rocket TruePet Corded Ultra-Light Upright
We all know Shark for their incredibly powerful vacuums, so of course, the Shark Rocket TruePet Corded Ultra-Light Upright lands in our top three upright vacuums for pet hair. You’ll quickly notice that the Shark upright vacuum is one of the easiest vacuums to move around the home because it can swivel and bend allowing you to get into hard-to-reach places that pet hair might be hiding in. This makes it easier to leave the crevice tool for another time.
Another great perk to the Shark Rocket TruePet Corded Ultra-Light Upright vacuum is that it’s perfectly adaptable to a number of different floor types including hard floors. Whether you need additional suction power for carpeting or a vacuum you can rely on for deep cleaning, the Shark will have you covered.
One great added benefit is that the vacuum has a great LED light strip that illuminates from a low level on the floor. This directly lights pet hair and gives you a visual on any places you’ve missed on the floor.
What We Liked The Most:
- The vacuum’s lightweight design.
- Its simple swivel and bendable abilities.
- Its great suction power.
- Larger-than-usual dust cup.
- Low angled LED lights.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Balancing the vacuum is an issue.
- It may be unsuitable for bigger rooms.
Our Top Recommendation
Hoover REACT Professional Pet Plus
If you’re looking for the best of the best in upright vacuum cleaners for pet hair, then you’ll want to lean toward a Hoover. For pet owners, the Hoover REACT Professional Pet Plus is quite literally the best on the market as far as pet hair vacuums are concerned.
Those with family members who need allergens taken care of along with all signs of pet hair stripped from hardwood floors, sofas and more, then the REACT is your best bet. As you vacuum the house, you’ll notice that the Hoover REACT adapts to the floor type which means no more switching vacuum heads or moving to the hand vacuum for certain tasks, the Hoover does all the switching for you, similarly to a robotic vacuum.
If the price tag isn’t part of the equation when buying a new upright vacuum to take care of pet odors and pet hair, then this is the vacuum cleaner you should choose.
What We Liked The Most:
- The near-commercial-grade suction power.
- Hoover’s air filter for allergies.
- Roomba-like floor sensing and adaptability.
- Compatibility with smartphones.
- Its ability to swivel and fit under small spaces.
What We Didn’t Like:
- The price could be a bit much for some.
Our Picks for the Best Canister Vacuum
For our readers looking for the best canister vacuum for pet hair, we based our reviews on usability, suction power, and overall versatility. You’ll notice that canister vacuums tick just about every box as far as pet hair is concerned. They can reach just about anywhere in the home, they’re not too heavy and they’re extremely powerful and come with a range of different heads to use.
Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum with Pet Attachments
The best part about the Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum is that it combines all of the best parts of a canister vacuum with a super long cable. You’ll be able to vacuum bare floors, pet hair and more from up to twenty feet away without needing to unplug the vacuum. The extra attachments included also give you the ability to move forward with deep cleaning fabrics, furniture and more.
The HEPA filtration system in the Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum also means that you’re not going to see any dust that you suck up whilst vacuuming your pet hair. A fantastic plus for those with allergies or hay fever. Another major perk of the well rounded Eureka system is that it’s dust cup and inner bags are also odor-eliminating ensuring smell from puppies or dogs isn’t transferred from the floor into the air.
What We Liked The Most:
- The high-quality HEPA filter.
- The versatility provided by the extension cable.
- Routinely powerful suction at all times.
- Expandable wand.
- The inclusion of great crevice tools.
What We Didn’t Like:
- There was nowhere to store the attachments
- The vacuums hose seemed a little weak.
Bissell Hard Floor Expert
If you’re pairing hardwood floors with a dog or other animal who seems to be addicted to shedding pet hair, the Bissell Hard Floor Expert vacuum is going to offer the ultimate all-in-one solution for you. The Bissell offers fantastic suction power and is certainly going to pick up pet hair even if it’s in clumps or tangles on the floor.
Since the Bissell is a canister model, you’ll be happy to know that you can use it just about anywhere in the house, and not just as a stick vacuum for the floor. The powerful suction also ensures it’s great for cleaning more than just pet hair and you’ll be able to get on top of a whole range of other messes around the house.
Another perk of this vacuum is its portability and compactness. You’ll be able to roll up the hose and simply store it away in a small space like a wardrobe, cupboard beneath the stairs or just about anywhere else.
What We Liked The Most:
- Great suction power from such a compact vacuum.
- Its size allowed for easy maneuverability.
- Designed perfectly for cleaning hardwood floors.
- Can be easily picked up to vacuum those hard-to-reach places.
- The dust cup can be emptied in an instant.
What We Didn’t Like:
- May struggle on carpets.
- The wand and hose are a little short.
Our Top Recommendation
Dyson DC39 Animal Canister Vacuum Cleaner
As you’d expect, a Dyson vacuum came out on top for our canister vacuum cleaners for pet hair and that’s down to the fact that its truly capable of just about anything. The vacuum can pick up so much pet hair whilst also being able to ensure a tangle-free dust cup when it comes time to empty it.
The HEPA filter in the Dyson also blocks any harmful allergens, dust, and small powders from being blasted across the room which makes it fantastic for carpeting too. Suction also remains top notch regardless of how full the dust cup is so you can continue cleaning up pet hair from the entire house before it’s time to empty the Dyson vacuum.
To make things even easier, the cables roll up and the vacuum is modular and features the famous Dyson ball design, making it easier to clean and store than anything else we’ve reviewed.
What We Liked The Most:
- The unrivalled suction power that is sustained at all times.
- The lightweight design is easy to move around.
- Dyson’s focus on pet hair.
- One-step dust cup emptying process.
What We Didn’t Like:
- The overall price is more than most other options.
Our Picks for the Best Handheld Vacuum
If convince reigns supreme in your home, then a handheld pet vacuum is going to be by far the most enticing option for you. There are a few things to watch out for however and these include battery power, battery life and how powerful sustained suction is. Many handheld vacuums lose the majority of their suction power as the bag becomes full or if the battery drops just a few percents. Let’s take a look below at our top handheld vacuums for pet hair that will keep the car, sofa and the bed clean.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum
One of the best parts of the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum is that it sacrifices very little when compared to many other handheld vacuums. There is no need to be concerned about battery life as the vacuum is corded. That allows suction power to remain surprisingly strong throughout use and the dust cup is large for the vacuum’s size.
The Bissell’s front nozzle is also great as it’s extra wide but also has small indentations to fit a whole range of different heads. Whether you’re looking to scrape pet hair out of the car or another tough fabric, you’ll find the perfect crevice tool.
What We Liked The Most:
- The vacuum is incredibly affordable.
- A range of nozzles makes it suitable for all surfaces.
- It’s light enough to hold for long periods of time.
- The powerful suction makes cleaning pet hair a breeze.
- The design is tiny and easy to store.
What We Didn’t Like:
- The operating noise was quite loud.
- The cable means you’re limited to a power outlet.
Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II
Moving on to the cordless models now, the Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II is going to be one of your best options. It’s affordable, extremely powerful and running from an 18V battery means you’re going to have great suction power that lasts a long while. The Shark handheld vacuum also has plenty of nozzles, a brush roller, the famous shark rotator swivel technology, and other attachments to use to make getting pet hair out of difficult places a lot easier.
You’ll also notice right away that the Shark handheld vacuum is designed optimally for those of us with weaker arms. The shape of the handle, the weight, and the even balance mean you’ll have no trouble continually using the Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II until it runs out of battery.
What We Liked The Most:
- Its fantastic design and weight distribution.
- How lightweight it is.
- The long-lasting 18V battery.
- The powerful suction.
What We Didn’t Like:
- The 30-minute battery life might cut cleaning short.
- The crevice tool is poorly designed.
Our Top Recommendation
Bissell 2133 Bolt Pet
The Bissell 2133 Bolt Pet comes out on top for our best handheld vacuum for a whole bunch of reasons. The superior suction power is great for picking up all of that unwanted pet hair and of course, you’ll be able to rely on the long-lasting battery to get even the bigger jobs done.
Included is a complete range of attachments that make sure you’re able to get between seats in the car and scrub pet hair or pet odors from carpet. The Bissell 2133 Bolt Pet is also small enough to keep with you at all times if you’re traveling, which makes it easy to keep the car clean if you’re on the road with a furry friend who likes to drop their hair all over the seats.
Lastly, the Bissell 2133 Bolt Pet is going to be your best bet for deep cleaning fabrics because of its large dust cup. You’ll be able to keep going and going until the job’s done without needing to stop every few moments to empty the dust bin.
What We Liked The Most:
- Its extreme suction power.
- The long-lasting battery.
- All of the included attachments.
- How easy it is to hold for a long period of time.
What We Didn’t Like:
- It won’t do a great job without its attachments.
- Over time suction power will fall if battery level drops.
How to Choose the Best Pet Hair Vacuum Cleaner
If you’ve decided on another vacuum or want to take a look at a few more options other than the ones we’ve listed above like a Miele or the new Dyson Ball Animal 2, then there are a few things to remember. Outlined below are a few factors we considered when ranking our vacuum cleaners so that you can follow them to find the best vacuum cleaner for you and your pet’s needs.
No one wants to be stuck with a bare floor that’s completely covered in pet hair, so remember our tips the next time you’re shopping for a pet hair vacuum.
The Floor
Of course, you’ll want to consider the floor that you’ll be cleaning. Most vacuums have set suction levels and don’t automatically adapt to other floor types, which means a hardwood floor vacuum is not going to be your friend if you have a carpeted floor. Look for the types of flooring outlined in the vacuums feature list and use this to help you decide.
A Filtration System
Another important factor to remember is how allergy-friendly you’ll need your vacuum cleaner. We know many older models used to just throw the dust back into the house after we’d finished vacuuming it, and that’s certainly not good. Find a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter or some sort of filtration system. This way you’re not breathing in fine dust particles and you’re also not causing someone’s hay fever to act up.
Battery or Corded
This will depend on the size of your home as well as where you expect to use your vacuum the most. If you’re looking for a pet hair vacuum for the car, a cordless vacuum is going to be your best bet. Though if you require added suction and a vacuum for the house, you might want to head the route of a corded version.
Specialized Attachments
We understand that pet hair is one of the most difficult things to remove from the house. It weaves into fabric and hides in the most difficult spaces. To make things easier, you should look for pet hair vacuums that boast a range of attachments. These are things like brush rollers, dusting brushes as well as scrapers. Add these to your vacuum and you’ll see them pull out all of the pet hair from fabrics and more.
Your Budget
Last but certainly not least should be your budget. Don’t go out in search of the most expensive model thinking it will be the best. There are plenty of vacuums that will fit your price tag and get the job done just fine.
Buying a Pet Hair Vacuum
With all of the information and recommendations above you’ll be able to say goodbye to pet hair build up forever. All of the pet hair vacuums we outline above will be perfect for removing pet hair whether it’s in the car, the sofa or on the floor. Remember, always choose a pet hair vacuum that’s the best for your own circumstances and budget rather just choosing the expensive flagship model.