Cats and dogs liven up any home perfectly. There is a serious downside to having pets in the house, though: the hair! It is absolutely amazing how the stray hair seems to work its way everywhere. From being trodden deep into the carpet to messing up your furniture, there seems no escape from rogue pet hair.
Vacuuming is obviously central to keeping a clean, hygienic home. It’s crucial that you invest in the pet hair vac if you want the advantages of animals without the nasty drawbacks.
HOW IS THE PET VACCUUM DIFFERENT FROM A REGULAR VACUUM?
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Even if you have a first-rate vacuum cleaner that gets most dirt and dust sucked up fuss-free, it’s slightly different with ingrained pet hair.
Most regulation vacuums have a dual-part hose and brush. This is perfect for normal cleaning needs. The brush helps to agitate the debris while the hose sucks it up a treat.
The bad news?
That system doesn’t really cut the ice with pet hair. The nature of the agitating brush actually pile-drives the hair even deeper into the carpet. It worsens the problem rather than solving it.
An additional problem is hair getting wound tight around the brush roll. This is tiring to remove and seriously impairs the performance of your vacuum if left untended.
How do specialist pet hair vacuums differ, then?
The brushes are generally made from silicon rather than the softer hairs more typical in other vacuums.
The design is such that the pet hair will be whizzed straight up into the bag or dirt cup. This means no more hairs tangled around the beater bar.
Aside from these tweaks, vacuums for pet owners tend to boast superior suction along with enhanced filtration. This helps to blitz any stray dander from the air.
Important Things! Time spent at this stage is never time wasted. On the contrary, it could save you from making a very expensive mistake. You don’t wan to end up with an unsuitable vacuum, one that will not be equipped to cope with the hair left behind by your beloved dogs.
WHAT TYPE OF PET DO YOU HAVE?
While this might seem like an obvious suggestion, it does pay to take the type of animal into mind.
Most cats do not shed a huge amount of hair and it should present no significant problem.
With dogs, it can be a different story. Think about what kind of dog you have and how much hair it tends to get rid of.
DOGS THAT SHED LOTS OF HAIR
- Alaskan Husky
- Beagle
- Chihuahua
- German Shepherd
- Labrador
- Rottweiler
- Saint Bernard
DOGS THAT DO NOT SHED LOTS OF HAIR
- Bichon Frise
- Dachshund
- Italian Greyhound
- Maltese
- Scottish Terrier
- Shi Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
THE SIZE OF YOUR HOME
Proper consideration needs to be given to the size and layout of your home.
If you have a large area to clean, you’ll want to prioritize a vacuum that powers through quickly to reduce your cleaning time. You’ll also want a substantial dirt capacity so you are not forced into constantly emptying the unit or replacing the bags. An upright vacuum for pet should be your first choice.
For anyone living in smaller apartments, storage space will be too valuable to accommodate a huge vacuum that will likely be overpowered for your needs in any case. Canisters, sticks and handhelds are all viable solutions. Many handhelds will come with a wall attachment to help further with the storage issue.
Buying an appropriate vacuum for the size of your home is crucial.
THE FLOORING
Vacuums are designed for different needs.
As well as some being particularly well suited to dealing with pet hair, most vacuums excel on one surface over others.
Think about what you have by the way of surfaces in your home.
CARPETS AND AREA RUGS
- Vacuums with a rotating brush work best for carpets or rugs. This can be very damaging on hardwood. If you have an on/off switch for the brush roll, make sure to switch it off if you move onto bare floors
HARDWOOD AND TILED FLOORS
- Easily spoiled, hardwood floors demand a vacuum made for that purpose. While they can be almost impossible to clean with the wrong type of vacuum, look for one designed for this type of flooring and you’ll suck up any pet hair and other debris first time
STAIRS
- Stairs are always a nuisance to clean. Lightweight vacs are hard to beat for this purpose. If you prefer the advantages of a heavier vacuum, look for one that comes with attachments to help you clean the stairs. A simple extension hose prevents you from needing to hump the whole appliance up and down every time
FURNITURE
- Many pet owners like to snuggle up on the couch or chair with their beloved animals. The problem is that the furniture becomes covered with unsightly hair. The answer is to make certain the vacuum cleaner you have in mind has a suitable furniture attachment
ATTACHMENTS WORTH LOOKING OUT FOR
Vacuum cleaners today come with an increasing number of attachments and accessories.
- Upholstery Tool: The wide base and fabric strip on this attachment draws in the lint and dust from your furniture. This tool is also invaluable for sucking up pet hair from mattresses, couches and cushions
- Crevice Tool: Perfect for cleaning any awkward little spots. It’s thin and angular allowing you to penetrate the very tightest spaces. Whether it’s along the baseboards or in between cushions, a crevice tool is indispensable
- Brush Roll/Beater Bar: If you want to deep clean carpets and scour away all signs of pet hair a vacuum for an efficient brush roll is key. This is sometimes called a beater bar. If you have hardwood floors, avoid this type of vacuum completely
- Extension Tool: Pet hair manages to get everywhere. If you have an extension tool on your vacuum, you can reach down behind beds and furniture or any other place where using the standard vacuum would be futile
- Hardwood Floor Brush Tool: If you have dust or fine dander on your bare floors, this excellent tool is a lovely touch
Think about your specific cleaning needs. Focus on vacuums with attachments or accessories that will be genuinely useful for you. Do not concentrate on quantity over quality.
BAGGED OR BAGLESS?
We have explored the difference between bagged and bagless models at length in our other buying guides so we will just touch on it briefly today.
Bagless vacuums are very easy to empty. Most have a transparent casing so you can check this out at all times. Others have an indicator to alert you when it is filling up. They are more expensive initially. The advantage, though, is that you will have no ongoing expenses and no need to keep buying replacement bags. On the downside, bagless vacuums do not always make the best choice for allergy sufferers.
Bagged vacuums become less efficient as the bag fills up. It is sometimes suggested that you empty them when they are half-full. This is great in principle. In practice, it would double the already costly exercise of getting new bags.
Only you know which type would best fit with your requirements.
This is another area we have examined in some depth on this site.
The power of most corded models makes them very capable of sucking up the mess pets leave behind. For anyone with a large home or a dog that sheds serious hair, a corded vac is probably the way forward.
Cordless models allow you far more freedom in not being shackled to a power source. That said, you’ll only get a limited run time before needing to give it a burst of charge. If you have a smaller home and you don’t need quite such strong suction a cordless could be the most fitting vac for the job.
BUDGET
When it comes to any buying decision, price always plays a critical role.
You should not simply glance at the price tag when it comes to weighing up the cost.
Over time, bagged vacs will cost you substantially more. Very few of the replacement bags are cheap. You’ll need them on an ongoing basis. While bagged vacuums might be less expensive to buy, tot up your likely expenditure over the long haul.
Think about what you can comfortably afford to spend and stick rigidly to that budget. This has the added benefit of whittling down your available options and simplifying your decision.
BEST VACUUM FOR PET REVIEWS
1. BISSELL 9595A CLEANVIEW BAGLESS
If you have pets in your home and you want the power of an upright combined with the portability of a lightweight canister, the 9595A takes some beating. It’s incredible to get suction and durability like this for such a keen price.
You’ll get first-rate suction from the Cyclonic Cleaning System. There’s also multi-level filtration. With a HEPA filter and an additional foam filter, this vacuum is ideal for anyone suffering from allergies. No airborne irritants and particles will be expelled back into the air.
When it comes to maintaining the filters, the motor filter is not washable. Depending on how heavily you use it, you’ll need to get a replacement every 3 to 6 months. You can wash the foam filter so there’s no problem there.
The transparent dirt bin means you can keep an eye on how soon you’ll need to empty the vacuum with ease. It’s got an open bottom mechanism meaning that ditching the debris is a piece of cake. It’s also very easy to clean. The capacity is around half a gallon which is adequate. With bagless vacuums, it always pays to empty them each time for best results.
One Pass technology rolls out even, continuous suction power. Along with a top-notch brush roll, you can pick up even fine particles the first time.
The TurboBrush tool is a multi-purpose attachment that comes in very handy. You can clean the stairs, your upholstery or furniture with real flexibility.
As far as other accessories go, you’ll also get an extension wand for reaching awkward spots and all your above-floor cleaning needs. A crevice tool and dusting brush are also thrown in. For a budget vac, this is a fairly impressive range of extras.
Although you get heavyweight performance, the Bissell is only 15 pounds. Moving it around won’t burden you.
You’ll obviously be limited to cleaning within range of a power outlet with this corded vacuum for pet hair. The good news is that the 25-foot cord gives you at least some freedom. Think about the layout of your house and whether this will present any problems.
The Bissell is very economical as well. With an input of 1200W, you won’t burn through too much electricity and get landed with a stiff power bill.
For anyone who wants to blast away all the pet hair and dander from their home and keep it immaculate, the Bissell lets you do just that without breaking a sweat.
You can buy confidently knowing you’re covered by the 2-year limited warranty offered by the manufacturer.
2. SHARK ROTATOR TRUEPET (NV752)
In the vacuum cleaner industry, Shark products have a solid reputation. Their heavily-advertised vacs are certainly not the cheapest on the market but the performance and build quality justifies the price tag.
The Rotator TruePet, as the name suggests, is a Shark vacuum for pet you can rely on.
You effectively get 3 vacuums in one with the innovative Rotator. In its standard form, you’ll enjoy the raw power of a capable upright. There’s a Lift Away pod complete with powered brush roll that detaches in a flash. As if that’s not enough, you also get a canister and handy caddy.
Fingertip controls on the handle makes separating the pod easy work. You can also flick a switch here so you can switch from cleaning carpets to hardwood floors.
The motorized brush roll and the brush in the pod suck up even the most stubborn pet hair from carpets. The Shark really excels on even deep-pile carpets and with even embedded dirt.
If your cat or dog knocks their food bowl over or has an accident, blast it with the Lift Away.
You’ll get a Hard-Floor Genie attachment and a re-usable microfiber pad so you can take care of returning your bare floors to a pristine state.
A crevice tool and dusting brush have many uses and the Shark throws in both free of charge.
When you’re cleaning in gloomy areas, the LED headlights guide you nicely.
The HEPA filtration and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology pioneered by Shark are superb. If you suffer from any kind of allergy or asthma, the Rotator is a wonderful cleaning solution.
With this bagless model, you’ll accommodate around 0.8 gallons of dust before the container needs emptying. Remember, though, with bagless vacs you are well advised to ditch the container every time you use it. It takes so little effort and returns optimum cleaning power when empty.
While you enjoy rugged build quality and outstanding performance, at 15 pounds the Shark is not too much trouble to maneuver. Dynamic swivel steering also adds to the lightweight and portable feel of this solid vacuum for pet hair.
With Never Loses Suction Technology and a host of upscale features, the Shark Rotator is certainly not the cheapest vacuum for pet hair but it’s definitely among the best. If you think about how much work your vacuum cleaner actually gets, investing in a real workhorse is money very well spent.
As with all corded vacuums, the extra power and freedom from charging come at the cost of being tethered to a power outlet. The hose is stretchy and a full 7 feet long. Coupled with a very generous 30-foot power cord, you will have a considerable cleaning path. There’s no automatic rewind so you’ll need to retract the cord by hand.
Shark products are covered by a 7–year limited warranty. When a manufacturer backs their goods with a promise like this, you can expect it to last.
For a truly multitasking cleaning appliance that is an upright vacuum for pet to rival them all, check out the Shark Rotator. You will not be disappointed.
3. BISSELL 81L2A CORDED VACUUM
Some of the names of Bissell products can be rather confusing. This corded stick is the same as the 81L2T.
Now, not everyone wants a large, rugged upright for their cleaning at home. Many people don’t want to lug around a hulking unit. Others live in smaller apartments and have no need for the functionality of an upright which comes with a corresponding price tag.
This is where a stick comes into its own. At a mere 7 pounds, this vacuum is exceptionally lightweight and portable.
You’ll only get a 20-foot power cord. The good news is that sticks are most commonly chosen by people with smaller areas to clean. Nevertheless, check that a cord this short allows you sufficient scope to clean what you need to.
The unique V-shape of the base is not just for aesthetics. This allows the Bissell to greedily suck up large or small debris without the need for a brush roll. Larger pieces of dirt are sucked into the center suction path. Smaller particles are trapped by the edges of the V.
The additional benefit of the V-shaped base is that you can clean up tight against baseboards and up against doors easily.
When it comes to sucking up pet hair and dander, the Bissell lets you do this without needing to rely on attachments. This is certainly deserving of a place on any shortlist.
With swivel head steering, you can get the Bissell moving in and around your furniture and angled into any tight spots with ease.
A bagless vacuum, the dirt cup is no trouble to empty. This should be done with each use for optimum results. The definite advantage of bagless vacs is the lack of running costs over the long-term. Sure, they might be more expensive to buy but you’ll have no further need to keep heading to the store for replacement bags. You win in terms of both convenience and economy.
The Bissell 81L2A is certainly a smart choice. Make sure that you are OK with the limitations of a stick but, if this style suits your cleaning needs, you’ll get a high-quality experience. Kiss goodbye to stray pet hair for good!
4. DYSON V6
This British company has always prided itself on operating on the cutting edge of technology. You may pay a premium for Dyson products but you are rewarded with an upscale experience second to none.
The V6 has been renamed. In its previous iteration it was known as the DC59 Motor Head.
This V6 really comes fully to the fore on hard flooring. More and more homes these days include at least some bare floors. Keeping them clean can be a struggle. Whether you are cleaning up great big clumps of matted pet hair or fine particles of dust, return your wooden floors to their former glory with the Dyson.
As a cordless, you can clean away for around 20 minutes before you need to give the vacuum a boost of charge. This is quite reasonable performance for a powerful cleaner like the V6. Charging takes a little over 3 hours. As long as you don’t have enormous cleaning needs, that should be no real problem for you.
You can get higher suction by using the boost mode for up to 6 minutes. This should be enough to deal with any unexpectedly stubborn stains.
By detaching the wand, you can enjoy a handheld vacuum which is great for dealing with any sudden spills from pets or children.
The wand is balanced and ideal for cleaning awkward spots you would otherwise not have reached.
You’ll get a great deal of power out of the V6 considering it’s a cordless. The trade-off for this is that it’s fairly noisy when in full swing.
The motorized cleaning head guarantees a thorough clean but lessens the running time slightly.
One thing to bear in mind is that you’ll need to keep the trigger continuously depressed when you’re using the vacuum. This is not ideal so determine whether or not this would be an issue and choose accordingly when it comes to getting your vacuum.
If you have the budget to stretch to a Dyson and you want to revel in your pets at home without worrying about cleaning up the hair and mess, the V6 will deliver in fine style.
5. HOOVER LINX CORDLESS STICK
Upright vacuums are all well and good but they are not for everyone. While you get an excess of power, the trade off is usually a bulky unit that’s tough to move around. This is where a stick comes in handy.
Most Hoover vacuums are indeed upright but this neat cordless stick is a wonderful addition to their range. And it’s absolutely ideal for sucking up all the mess left behind by your lovable animals!
Weighing a mere 7 pounds, you can get the versatility of a stick without the usual heavy burden. It’s a breeze to use with extremely user-friendly controls. These are all situated on the handle within easy striking distance.
HOW ABOUT THE BATTERY?
Firstly, many cordless vacs start to lose power as the battery begins to fade. That’s not the case with the Linx. You can enjoy a full burst of power right up until the battery is about to die. There’s a useful battery indicator to take the guesswork out of the charging issue.
When that happens, recharging couldn’t be easier. Just slip out the battery – it’s an 18V lithium-ion – and, 3 hours after popping it on to charge, you’ll be up and running after your pets once again!
Run times for cordless vacuums still leave plenty to be desired. So that you are well aware of this in advance, you’ll only get 10-15 minutes of action out of the Linx before it needs a boost of power. Only you know whether or not this gives you adequate time to do the cleaning you need.
The Hoover works pretty well on both carpets and hard flooring. This makes it a smart choice for anyone with mixed surfaces in their home.
On carpet, you won’t get quite the level of deep cleaning that the best upright vacuum for pet will give you. You might struggle with larger debris. It will still clean up your pet hair with ease, though.
When you move onto wooden floors, don’t forget to hit the switch and deactivate the brush roll. This brush roll is perfect for sucking up stray hair but will damage your hard floors if you’re not careful.
Cleaning edges is a cinch thanks to the excellent side brushes. You’ll also be able to work your way under work surfaces and furniture without straining yourself.
With the patented WindTunnel technology pioneered by Hoover, you can lift up any dust from the surface and get to work on any badly embedded debris for the best overall cleaning experience.
The dirt cup is very simple to empty. There’s no dust blown back into the atmosphere and you won’t find yourself irritated when it comes to ditching it in the trash.
Not quite so impressive is the foam filter. This is less than efficient when it comes to catching dust. It also kicks off a bit of mess when you want to take it out and clean it.
As far as vacuums go, the Linx is pretty quiet. If you have babies as well as pets or neighbors in close proximity, this is a complete winner.
If you want the freedom of a cordless vac while still enjoying the power and performance you’d normally associate with an upright, give the Linx a shot. With a 2-year limited warranty for peace of mind, there’s no reason not to give it a go!
CONCLUSION
We trust you have found these vacuum for pet hair reviews useful and informative.
Pets are a wonderful addition to any home but the hair and mess they leave behind is rather less welcome. You’re in safe hands with any of the above vacuums.
Please drop us a line if you have any questions at all. We love to hear from our readers and we’re delighted to help in any way we can.
Now go and sort those pets out!