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Dog hair on the floors, furniture, and stuck in every corner. It builds up fast, and not every vacuum can handle the mess pets leave behind.
After researching and using different models in my own home, I’ve narrowed down the best vacuum for dog owners to four picks that are actually worth it: powerful, easy to use, and built with pets in mind.
Table of Contents
Best Vacuums For Dog Owners
Whether you’re dealing with heavy shedding or just want something that makes cleanup easier, these are the top vacuums that deliver real results.
1. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe
If you want a powerful, full-size vacuum that can handle daily dog hair, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe is a solid choice. This is the model I’ve used for a few years now, and it’s done a great job tackling Golden Retriever hair on both carpet and hard floors. The lift-away feature is especially useful for stairs and furniture.
Why It's Great:
Strong suction, a lift-away canister for above-floor cleaning, and a HEPA filter system make it a top choice for pet owners.
- Multi-surface suction for carpets and bare floors
- Detachable pod for stairs, furniture, and tight spaces
- HEPA filter with anti-allergen seal
- Swivel steering for easy navigation
- Includes upholstery and crevice tools
- Bulky for small homes or tight storage areas
- No LED headlights
2. Dyson Ball Animal 3
If you have a larger home and deal with a lot of pet hair, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 is built to handle it. With strong suction, a brush roll that detangles itself, and advanced filtration, it’s a solid option for dog owners who need deeper cleaning without constant maintenance.
Find it on Amazon below, or also available on Chewy.
Why It's Great:
This upright vacuum combines powerful suction, automatic hair detangling, and advanced filtration; perfect for pet owners who want a deeper, more efficient clean.
- Powerful Radial Root Cyclone suction
- De-tangling brush bar clears pet hair as you go
- Ball technology allows precise, smooth maneuvering
- 3 cleaning modes for different surfaces
- Whole-machine filtration traps allergens
- Designed for larger homes with pets
- Includes stair tool and combination tool
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
- Heavier than cordless models
- Higher price point
3. Shark Pet Cordless Vacuum (Pet Essential)
Need a cordless vacuum that’s easy to grab and powerful enough for daily pet messes? The Shark Pet Cordless (Pet Essential version) stands out with strong suction, LED headlights, and a low-profile design perfect for cleaning under furniture.
Why It's Great:
Cordless convenience meets strong suction and pet-focused features like a detachable hand vac and LED headlights to spot hidden hair.
- HyperVelocity suction tackles tough pet messes
- Up to 40 minutes of runtime
- Converts to a hand vacuum with pet tools
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver under furniture
- LED headlights help spot hidden debris
- XL dust cup with easy emptying
- Battery life may shorten on max power
- Doesn’t stand upright without docking hand vac
- Hair gets trapped in wheels
4. Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet
If you’re looking for an affordable upright vacuum that handles pet hair well, the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet is a great pick. It’s lightweight, easy to steer, and comes with pet tools that make it easier to clean hair from stairs and upholstery without breaking the bank.
Why It's Great:
Budget-friendly yet powerful, this vacuum combines strong pet hair pickup with swivel steering and edge-to-edge cleaning.
- Triple Action Brush Roll lifts pet hair efficiently
- Scatter-Free Technology helps contain messes
- Built-in extension wand for quick above-floor cleaning
- Lightweight with swivel steering
- Includes pet tools for furniture and stairs
- Not ideal for thick carpets
- Dustbin is on the smaller side
Vacuum Comparison Table
Here’s a quick comparison of the top vacuums for dog hair to help you choose the right one for your home.
| Vacuum Model | Type | Best For | Price Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe | Upright | Best Overall For Pet Hair | $$ | Lift-Away Pod, Anti-Allergen Seal, great for carpets and hard floors. |
| Dyson Ball Animal 3 | Upright | Best for Large Homes & Heavy Shedding | $$$ | De-tangling brush bar, strong suction, whole-machine HEPA filtration. |
| Shark Pet Cordless (Pet Essential) | Cordless Stick | Best Cordless | $$ | Lightweight, LED headlights, Pet Power Brush, easy to maneuver. |
| Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet | Upright | Best Budget | $ | Triple Action Brush Roll, swivel steering, edge-to-edge cleaning. |
No matter which vacuum you choose, technique matters. This article from PetMD offers smart tips for targeting hidden pet hair around the home and keeping your vacuum properly maintained.
How To Choose The Right Vacuum For Pet Hair
Not all vacuums are made to handle stubborn pet hair. Here’s what to consider when choosing one:
1. Floor Type
If you have mostly carpet, look for a vacuum with a strong brush roll. For hardwood or tile, choose one with a brush roll that can be turned off to prevent scratches.
2. Corded vs. Cordless
Cordless models offer convenience and portability. Corded vacuums usually provide stronger suction and unlimited run time.
3. Bagged vs. Bagless
Bagless vacuums save money and let you see what’s picked up. Bagged models tend to be cleaner when emptying; it’s all about preference.
4. Dustbin Size
A larger dustbin is helpful if you have a big home or multiple pets. It saves you from frequent emptying.
5. Noise Level
Some dogs are frightened by noisy vacuums. If that’s your situation, look for a quieter model, especially if you vacuum while your dog is home.
6. Tools and Attachments
Look for tools like crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and pet-specific attachments. These are especially useful for cleaning stairs, furniture, and pet beds.
7. HEPA Filter
Ideal for allergy sufferers, a HEPA filter traps dander, dust, and allergens. Some are washable, others need replacing.
8. Suction Power
Look for vacuums with strong suction, measured in Air Watts (AW) or CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). The higher the number, the better it will be at removing embedded pet hair.
9. Vacuum Type
Different types of vacuums offer different benefits depending on your home and cleaning needs.
- Upright: Good for larger areas and deep cleaning.
- Canister: Easier to maneuver around furniture.
- Stick: Lightweight, great for quick jobs.
- Handheld: Handy for furniture and cars.
- Robot: Great for daily upkeep, but won’t replace deep cleaning.
Looking for a hands-free option? Check out my review of the best robot vacuums for dog hair.
FAQs
Got questions about vacuums for pet hair? Here are a few common ones to help you out:
1. What’s The Best Vacuum For Removing Dog Hair From Carpet?
Look for a vacuum with strong suction and a motorized brush roll. These features help lift stubborn pet hair from deep in the carpet fibers.
2. Do I Need A HEPA Filter In My Vacuum If I Have Pets?
Yes, a HEPA filter helps trap pet dander, dust, and allergens, which is especially helpful if you or someone in your home has allergies.
3. Is A Cordless Vacuum Powerful Enough For Pet Hair?
Many newer cordless vacuums are powerful enough for daily cleaning, especially on hard floors and low-pile carpets. For heavy shedding or deep carpet cleaning, a corded model may be more effective.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best vacuum for dog owners comes down to finding one that handles pet hair without clogging or losing suction.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Upright vacuums offer strong suction for deep cleaning.
- Cordless models add flexibility for quick cleanups.
- Look for features like tangle-free brush rolls and HEPA filters.
- Consider your home size, flooring, and shedding levels.
A vacuum that’s made for pets can make daily cleaning a lot less stressful. Pick the one that fits your needs, and enjoy a cleaner home without the fur.
Have you tried any of these vacuums? Share your experience in the comments, I’d love to hear what’s worked for you.
Hi, I’m Jenny, the owner and content creator of First Time Dog Mom. As the proud owner of Ellie, my senior Golden Retriever, I share the insights and tips I’ve learned through my own experiences as a dog mom. With a lifelong love of animals, I hope to be a helpful resource for others navigating the joys and challenges of pet parenthood.
Thanks for this great information! Having 2 cats and a dog, we definitely have no shortage of pet hair around. I will use this guide for our next vacuum purchase. We currently use a handheld Dyson v7, since we mostly have hardwood floors, but the downside is the battery does not last very long. We will need a vacuum that can do hardwood but then is good for carpeted stairs, which have been pretty difficult to get clean. I like that the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional is lightweight. Thanks again!
Hi Andrew,
I am glad you enjoyed this article. I am sure you have a lot of pet hair to deal with! Like yourself, I mostly have hardwood floors with a few area rugs. I am more than happy with my Shark vacuum, and it is very lightweight for me to be able to do my stairs. It is also a fairly quiet vacuum which is important for pets.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
Jenny.
I agree with your number one choice. It’s extremely easy to use and it isn’t heavy at all. More importantly, it sucks up dog hair deep in carpet fibres, so users won’t struggle. I’ve owned many other vacuums in the past, but the Shark has been hands down the best one for dog hairs.
Hi Nate,
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience. I am glad you are having success with your Shark vacuum. I am more than happy with mine. I really thought that my old vacuum cleaner was good (it was a Hoover), but my Shark is so much better!
Thanks for your comment.
Jenny.