If you share your home with furry friends, you know the immense joy they bring. But let’s be honest, they also bring a fair share of shedding, dander, and general pet-related mess. Keeping your home clean with pets can feel like a never-ending battle, especially when it comes to finding a vacuum that can truly handle the challenge. That’s where the best vacuum cleaner with pets comes in – a dedicated tool designed to tackle even the most stubborn pet hair and dander.
Picking the right vacuum isn’t just about suction power; it’s about features like specialized brush rolls, advanced filtration, and user-friendly designs that make pet clean-up less of a chore. We’ve dug deep to find five top contenders that stand out for their ability to keep your home pristine, even with the most enthusiastic shedder around. Let’s dive into our top picks that will make a real difference in your cleaning routine!
Our Top Picks for the Best Vacuum Cleaners with Pets
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright Vacuum Cleaner
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional is a fantastic choice for pet owners who need versatility. What makes this model truly shine is its ingenious Lift-Away functionality, allowing you to detach the canister with a press of a button. This means you can easily clean stairs, upholstery, and those tricky above-floor areas where pet hair loves to hide, without lugging the entire upright unit. Combined with powerful suction and anti-allergen features, it’s a real game-changer for keeping a pet-friendly home spotless.
Key Features:
– LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for easy above-floor cleaning.
– ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL: Traps 99.9% of dust and allergens with a HEPA filter.
– BRUSHROLL SHUTOFF: Seamlessly switch between deep carpets and gentle bare floor cleaning.
– PERFECT FOR PET OWNERS: Specifically designed to pick up pet hair and dander from various surfaces.
– SWIVEL STEERING: Effortless maneuverability around furniture and tight spaces.
– EXTRA-LARGE-CAPACITY DUST CUP: 0.87L capacity for longer cleaning sessions.
– CREVICE TOOL & DUSTING BRUSH: Included for versatile cleaning.
Pros:
– Highly versatile with lift-away mode for all areas.
– Excellent for allergy sufferers due to HEPA filter and complete seal.
– Effective on both carpets and hard floors.
– Large dust cup reduces emptying frequency.
– Easy to maneuver with swivel steering.
Cons:
– Can be a bit bulky in upright mode compared to stick vacuums.
– Corded operation limits reach without replugging.
User Impressions:
Users frequently praise the Shark Navigator Lift-Away for its robust suction and incredible versatility. Many pet owners report being amazed at how much fur and dander it picks up, especially on carpets and furniture. The lift-away feature is a consistent highlight, making stair and car cleaning much simpler. It’s often described as a reliable workhorse for busy homes with pets.
Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum is a solid performer designed with pet families in mind, and every purchase supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation! This model is a go-to for its exceptional maneuverability, thanks to its swivel steering, which makes navigating around furniture a breeze. Its Triple Action Brush Roll is engineered to loosen, lift, and remove embedded pet hair from your carpets and hard floors, ensuring no fur is left behind. Plus, the Scatter-Free Technology keeps dry pet messes contained rather than spreading them around.
Key Features:
– EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS: Supports BISSELL Pet Foundation.
– SWIVEL STEERING: Maximizes maneuverability around obstacles.
– TRIPLE ACTION BRUSH ROLL: Loosens, lifts, and removes embedded pet hair.
– MULTI-SURFACE CLEANING WITH SCATTER-FREE TECHNOLOGY: Prevents scattering of dry pet messes on hard floors.
– EDGE-TO-EDGE CLEANING: Effectively cleans along baseboards and in corners.
– Bagless design with Multi-Cyclonic Cleaning System.
Pros:
– Supports a good cause with every purchase.
– Excellent at picking up embedded pet hair.
– Great maneuverability for easy cleaning.
– Effective on multiple surfaces, preventing scattering.
– Cleans thoroughly along edges and in corners.
Cons:
– No specific mention of HEPA filtration.
– May be loud during operation.
User Impressions:
Customers love the Bissell CleanView Swivel for its powerful suction and pet hair tackling abilities. The swivel steering receives high marks for making cleaning less of a chore, especially in cluttered areas. Many appreciate its performance on both carpets and hard floors, with the Triple Action Brush Roll getting special mention for truly digging out pet fur.
Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach Vacuum Cleaner
Another fantastic option from Bissell, the CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach vacuum takes the convenience factor up a notch. Not only does it boast powerful pet hair pickup with Scatter-Free Technology and a TRIPLE ACTION Brush Roll, but it also features an integrated Quick Release Extension Wand. This means the wand is always ready, making it super easy to transition from floor cleaning to above-floor tasks without fumbling for attachments. Plus, its lightweight design combined with swivel steering makes powerful cleaning feel effortless.
Key Features:
– EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS: Supports BISSELL Pet Foundation.
– POWERFUL AND SEAMLESS PET HAIR PICKUP: Utilizes Scatter-Free Technology and TRIPLE ACTION Brush Roll.
– QUICK RELEASE EXTENSION WAND: Always-on wand for instant above-floor cleaning.
– SWIVEL STEERING & LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Provides powerful cleaning without heavy lifting and superb maneuverability.
Pros:
– Direct support for pet welfare with purchase.
– Excellent for quick and easy pet hair removal.
– Integrated wand simplifies above-floor cleaning.
– Lightweight and easy to steer.
– Strong suction for a thorough clean.
Cons:
– Dust cup capacity might be smaller than some competitors.
– Lacks a full Anti-Allergen Seal system.
User Impressions:
Reviewers frequently highlight the seamless experience of this Bissell vacuum, particularly praising the Quick Release Extension Wand for making high-reach and furniture cleaning incredibly convenient. Pet owners appreciate its power and effectiveness on pet hair, often noting how lightweight it feels despite its strong performance. The easy maneuverability is also a big hit.
Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet Upright Vacuum with PowerFins
The Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet is engineered to be a true powerhouse against pet hair, and it addresses common pet owner woes with innovative features. Its standout PowerFins HairPro brush roll actively grips and captures all types of hair – long, short, and pet hair – on both carpets and floors, without the annoying hair wrap thanks to its self-cleaning design. But the real game-changer? Odor Neutralizer Technology guards against bad smells inside the vacuum, ensuring a fresher-smelling home. This model is truly one of the best vacuum cleaner with pets if you’re dealing with persistent pet odors and hair.
Key Features:
– POWERFINS HAIRPRO: Actively grips & captures stubborn hair on all surfaces.
– SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: Powerful pet hair pickup with no hair wrap.
– ODOR NEUTRALIZER TECHNOLOGY: Guards against bad odors inside the vacuum.
– ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL TECHNOLOGY: Traps 99.99% of dust and allergens with a HEPA filter.
– 3XL CAPACITY: Extra-large dust cup for long cleaning sessions.
– EXTENDABLE HOSE: Up to 12 feet of reach for above-floor cleaning.
– SWIVEL STEERING: Easy maneuverability in tight spaces.
– CLEANS CARPETS AND HARD FLOORS: Effectively removes embedded hair and debris.
– 5-year limited warranty.
Pros:
– Exceptional at preventing hair wrap, a common pet owner complaint.
– Odor Neutralizer Technology is a unique and highly beneficial feature for pet homes.
– Superior allergen capture with HEPA filter and complete seal.
– Huge dust cup minimizes interruptions.
– Versatile with extendable hose and multi-surface cleaning.
Cons:
– Might be heavier than some other uprights.
– The Odor Neutralizer Cartridge needs occasional replacement.
User Impressions:
Customers rave about the Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet, especially its self-cleaning brush roll which eliminates hair tangles, a massive relief for pet parents. The Odor Neutralizer Technology is consistently highlighted as a favorite feature, making a noticeable difference in air freshness. Its powerful suction and ability to handle copious amounts of pet hair on various floor types are also frequently praised.
Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Pets
For pet owners seeking robust cleaning power without the heft, the Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum is a fantastic contender. Weighing in at just 10 pounds, it defies its lightweight design by delivering heavyweight cleaning performance. Its 960-watt motor ensures strong, consistent suction across all floor types, from delicate hardwood to thick carpeting. What’s more, it comes equipped with pet-ready attachments, including a Pet Turbo Brush, all conveniently stored onboard, making it a ready-to-go solution for pet messes everywhere.
Key Features:
– LIGHTWEIGHT YET POWERFUL: Only 10 pounds with strong cleaning performance.
– STRONG SUCTION ACROSS SURFACES: Consistent 960-watt motor power for multiple floor types.
– EXTRA-LARGE DUST CUP: 2.6-liter capacity for fewer empties.
– 5-HEIGHT BRUSH ROLL ADJUSTMENT: Precision cleaning for various carpet thicknesses and bare floors.
– PET-READY ATTACHMENTS ONBOARD: Includes Pet Turbo Brush, crevice tool, and dusting brush for complete coverage.
Pros:
– Extremely lightweight and easy to carry.
– Powerful suction handles pet hair effectively.
– Large dust cup for extended cleaning sessions.
– Adjustable brush roll height for multi-surface versatility.
– Convenient onboard storage for pet-specific tools.
Cons:
– No HEPA filtration or anti-allergen seal mentioned.
– Could be noisy given its powerful motor.
User Impressions:
Users are consistently impressed by the Eureka PowerSpeed’s power-to-weight ratio, often remarking on how easily they can maneuver and carry it. Pet owners specifically appreciate the included Pet Turbo Brush for its effectiveness on upholstery and stairs. The large dust cup and adjustable brush roll also receive positive feedback for making cleaning sessions more efficient and thorough.
Conclusion
Finding the best vacuum cleaner with pets means looking for a device that not only tackles fur but also handles dander, allergens, and even odors, making your home a cleaner, fresher, and more comfortable space for everyone. The vacuums we’ve reviewed here represent some of the top choices available, each bringing unique strengths to the table. Whether you prioritize versatility with a lift-away design, superior hair tangle prevention, odor elimination, or simply a powerful yet lightweight solution, there’s a perfect match for your pet-filled home.
When making your final decision, consider your specific needs: Do you have mostly carpets or hard floors? Are allergies a major concern? How many pets do you have, and what type of fur do they shed? By assessing these factors, you can confidently choose a vacuum that will make the chore of pet hair clean-up significantly easier, giving you more time to enjoy those precious moments with your beloved companions in a beautifully clean environment.
FAQ
Q: What features are essential for a pet vacuum?
A: Look for powerful suction, a specialized brush roll (like a tangle-free or multi-action one), good filtration (HEPA is ideal), and convenient attachments for upholstery and tight spaces. Odor neutralization is a great bonus!
Q: Do I need a HEPA filter if I have pets?
A: Yes, absolutely! Pets produce dander, which is a common allergen. A HEPA filter, especially combined with an anti-allergen complete seal system, traps 99.9% or more of these tiny particles, significantly improving your indoor air quality and helping allergy sufferers.
Q: Are bagless vacuums better for pet hair?
A: Bagless vacuums are convenient because you don’t need to buy replacement bags and you can see how much pet hair you’re picking up. However, emptying a bagless canister can release some dust and dander back into the air. Bagged vacuums offer more contained disposal, but bags cost money. It’s largely a matter of personal preference and how sensitive you are to dust during emptying.
Q: How often should I vacuum with pets?
A: For most pet owners, vacuuming 2-3 times a week is a good starting point. If you have multiple shedding pets, or if someone in your household has allergies, you might need to vacuum daily or every other day to keep dander and fur under control.
Q: What’s the difference between an upright and a stick vacuum for pet hair?
A: Upright vacuums (like most reviewed here) typically offer more powerful suction, larger dust capacities, and wider cleaning paths, making them ideal for whole-house, deep cleaning, especially on carpets. Stick vacuums are lighter, more nimble, and often cordless, great for quick clean-ups and hard floors, but usually have less power and smaller bins.
Q: Can pet vacuums help with pet odors?
A: Yes, some advanced pet vacuums, like the Shark ZU102, come with Odor Neutralizer Technology. These systems actively guard against bad odors developing inside the vacuum and can help keep your home smelling fresher by removing the source of the odors.
Q: What kind of brush roll is best for pet hair?
A: Look for brush rolls specifically designed for pet hair, such as “Triple Action Brush Rolls,” “PowerFins,” or “Self-Cleaning Brushrolls.” These are engineered to loosen, lift, and remove embedded pet hair without tangling, making them far more effective than standard brush rolls.
Q: Is suction power important for pet hair?
A: Extremely important! Strong suction is crucial for lifting stubborn pet hair, dander, and embedded dirt from carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Without adequate suction, much of the pet mess will simply be left behind.
Q: How do I maintain a pet vacuum cleaner?
A: Regularly empty the dust cup, clean or replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer (especially HEPA filters), and check the brush roll for any tangled hair or debris and remove it. Cleaning the hose and attachments periodically will also help maintain optimal performance.
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