A Bulldog puppy sitting next to a vacuum

A Bulldog puppy sitting next to a vacuum (Photo by WilleeCole Photography on Shutterstock)

If you have a dog or cat, you know managing pet hair is a never-ending task! As soon as you've cleaned up, more hair is settling in. That's why investing in a good vacuum designed for pet hair can be a game-changer. Such vacuums are designed to handle the demands of pet fur, making your cleaning routine easier and less stressful. The right choice will depend on factors like your specific cleaning needs, budget, types of flooring, and the amount of shedding by your pet.

To help you navigate this crowded market, we've analyzed recommendations from seven popular websites, considering all these factors to compile a definitive list of the most endorsed pet vacuums by experts. Our list is comprised of five of the most frequently recommended products across expert reviews, making them what we consider as the best of the best. Do you use a pet-friendly vacuum not on our list? Let us know in the comments below.

Say Bye-Bye To Pet Hair With These 5 Powerful Vacuums

1. Dyson V15 Detect

Dyson V15 Detect
Dyson V15 Detect (dyson.com)

The Dyson V15 Detect excels at capturing pet hair across various surfaces, removing even deeply embedded fur from carpets and upholstery thanks to its powerful suction and specialized tools. Lightweight and cordless, it's easy to use and transforms quickly into a handheld device. The battery lasts for up to an hour after being fully charged. Like other Dysons, Forbes says the vacuum is expensive, but it gets the job done!

This vacuum is so good it brought an old dog bed back to life. According to Homes and Gardens, the Dyson V15 Detect lifted all the fur and brought back the bed's original blue color. The anti-tangle brush also makes it easy to remove hair from the vacuum, so you're not left frustrated every time you clean.

One standout feature of this vacuum is the built-in laser that illuminates dust, hair, and debris you can't see. It also has no trouble moving between carpet and hard floors. Better Homes & Gardens thinks you'll love it so much, you won't want to put it down.

Standout Features:

  • Transforms into a handheld device
  • Anti-tangle brush for easy hair removal 
  • A built-in laser illuminates dust and hair

2. Kenmore Pet-Friendly Pop-N-Go Canister Vacuum

Kenmore Pet-Friendly Pop-N-Go Canister Vacuum
Kenmore Pet-Friendly Pop-N-Go Canister Vacuum (kenmorefloorcare.com)

This vacuum earned a perfect score in maneuverability, effectiveness, and ease of emptying by Better Homes & Gardens. It had no trouble getting rid of dog hair from low- and high-pile carpets. It's also lightweight, so it makes everyone's favorite job, cleaning the stairs feel less like a workout.

If you're sensitive to pet dander, this vacuum will suck it up with its HEPA filtration system, complete with a sealed bag. You'll never have to touch any of the contents and there's a handy bag indicator to alert you when it's time for a replacement. The vacuum features a 26-foot power cord that conveniently self-retracts with just the push of a button. It also comes equipped with four suction levels and a brush roller, making it versatile and effective on various flooring types, writes The Spruce Pets.

If you've got hardwood floors, you'll appreciate this vacuum's special bare floor mode that Forbes raves about. It's a real game-changer, particularly for picking up pet hair—it scoops up everything, leaving your floors not just clean but also shiny, thanks to its gentle, flat attachment. Plus, it comes with a motorized brush specifically for pet hair that doesn't get tangled.

Standout Features:

  • HEPA filtration system
  • 26-foot power cord
  • Bare floor mode for hardwood
  • Motorized brush

3. iRobot J7+

iRobot J7+
iRobot J7+ (irobot.com)

For effortless pet hair cleanup, just set up the iRobot Roomba J7+ and let it do its thing! This smart vacuum will keep you updated through its app, even sending photos of any obstacles it comes across. According to The Spruce Pets, it also features self-emptying capabilities, which means you can say goodbye to getting covered in pet hair when it's time to empty the bin.

Better Homes & Gardens found the iRobot Roomba J7+ is the most effective robot vacuum against pet hair thanks to its rubber brush roll and strong suction. It does a great job picking up kibble, pet litter, and more without any tangled mess. You can assign the vacuum to clean only certain rooms or the whole house!No need to clean up your pet's toys before deploying this robot vacuum; it automatically detects and navigates around them. This feature allows you to keep your living space tidy without constant intervention, making it an excellent option for maintaining a clean home with minimal effort, writes Forbes.

Standout Features:

  • Smart connection to an app for keeping you updated and programming
  • Self-emptying
  • Rubber brush roll
  • Strong suction
  • Automatically navigates around obstacles

5. Black+Decker 20V Max Dustbuster AdvancedClean + Cordless Pet Hand Vacuum

Black+Decker 20V Max Dustbuster AdvancedClean + Cordless Pet Hand Vacuum
Black+Decker 20V Max Dustbuster AdvancedClean + Cordless Pet Hand Vacuum (lowes.com)

Lastly, The New York Times rates this dust buster/vacuum combo as the best handheld for pet owners because it gobbles up pet hair like there's no tomorrow. It also has a crevice tool that can get into hard-to-see areas and between couch cushions.

This option from Black + Decker is not only affordable (under $100) but is easy to use in your house, car, and on the go! It's quiet and effectively removes stubborn pet hair and kibble off of hardwood floors. It weighs less than three pounds and People promises you won't need a PhD to put it together.

If you're looking for a lighter, more economical alternative to your larger vacuum for frequent pet mess cleanups, this option could be ideal. According to testers at Better Homes & Gardens, it still performed effectively after six months, maintaining strong suction capable of handling cat hair. This makes it a convenient and efficient choice for quick cleaning tasks.

Standout Features:

  • Crevice tool for small spaces
  • Affordable
  • Portable
  • Lightweight

Sources we used for our list:

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. EdNews is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.

About Amy Chodroff

Amy Chodroff is a recovering Morning Radio Show Host and award-winning broadcaster who recently retired from DFW’s Morning News on KLIF in Dallas. Fondly known as the “Chief Googler” by her friends, it was a seamless transition for EdNews to enlist her expertise for their “Best of the Best” franchise. Amy has an innate curiosity and a penchant for thorough research before any purchase and she’s constantly on the hunt for top-notch products. Outside of her digital explorations, Amy loves to explore the world with her husband and is the proud mother of two adult daughters. You can also find Amy on the pickleball court, perfecting her dink and drop shots.

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