Best vacuum cleaners for pets with 5 Top Picks

As a devoted pet parent myself, I know the struggle is real. You love your furry companions dearly, but their hair? It gets everywhere – clinging to carpets, nestled in upholstery, and dancing across your hardwood floors. I’ve spent countless hours trying different gadgets, only to find myself frustrated with tangled brush rolls or weak suction. That’s why I put some of the best vacuum cleaners for pets to the test. This isn’t just about picking up visible fur; it’s about tackling dander, odors, and embedded hair that traditional vacuums often miss. In this guide, I’ll share my hands-on insights into five top-rated pet vacuums, helping you cut through the marketing noise to find the perfect cleaning companion for your home. We’ll dive deep into what makes each one great for dealing with pet hair, compare their standout features, and help you decide which one will finally win the battle against pet fur in your home.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with…	View on Amazon
	Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet Upright Vacuum with PowerFins…	View on Amazon
	Shark | Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away |…	View on Amazon
	Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach Vacuum Cleaner,…	View on Amazon
	Bissell 2998 MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off Pet Vacuum with…	View on Amazon

Product Reviews

Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering

This Bissell CleanView model is a solid all-rounder for everyday pet messes. What immediately impressed me was its swivel steering, making it surprisingly nimble around furniture and tight corners – a huge plus when you’re navigating a pet-filled home. The Triple Action Brush Roll really does a fantastic job of loosening, lifting, and removing embedded pet hair from carpets, which is often the trickiest part. And if you’re like me, you’ll appreciate their Scatter-Free Technology, which actually stops dry pet messes from just pushing around on hard floors. It also boasts great edge-to-edge cleaning, meaning no missed fur along baseboards. Plus, it’s always a bonus to know that every Bissell purchase helps homeless pets through the BISSELL Pet Foundation.

Key features that stand out:
– Swivel Steering: For easy navigation around obstacles.
– Triple Action Brush Roll: Loosens, lifts, and removes embedded pet hair.
– Multi-Surface Cleaning with Scatter-Free Technology: Prevents scattering of dry messes on hard floors.
– Edge-to-Edge Cleaning: Ensures no pet hair is left behind along edges.

Pros:
– Excellent maneuverability for an upright.
– Effective at picking up embedded pet hair on carpets and hard floors.
– Supports pet charity with every purchase.
– Bagless design is convenient for emptying.

Cons:
– Lacks a HEPA filter for severe allergy sufferers.

Best for: Pet owners looking for a budget-friendly, highly maneuverable upright vacuum for general pet hair cleanup on multiple surfaces.

Expert Opinion: For its price point, the Bissell 2252 offers remarkable cleaning power, especially with its specialized brush roll and swivel steering. It’s a workhorse for daily pet hair accumulation and an accessible option for most households.

Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet Upright Vacuum with PowerFins

When it comes to serious pet hair, the Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet feels like it was designed by pet owners, for pet owners. The POWERFINS HAIRPRO brushroll system is genuinely revolutionary – it actively grips and captures long, short, and even stubborn pet hair without a single wrap around the brush. This self-cleaning feature alone is a game-changer! What truly sets it apart, however, is its Odor Neutralizer Technology, which actually guards against those lingering pet smells inside the vacuum itself, leaving your home smelling fresher. Add to that the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with a HEPA filter, trapping 99.99% of dust and allergens, and you’ve got an absolute powerhouse for a clean, fresh home. The 3XL capacity dust cup means fewer interruptions, and the extendable hose offers fantastic reach.

Key features that stand out:
– POWERFINS HAIRPRO & Self-Cleaning Brushroll: Grips pet hair without tangles.
– Odor Neutralizer Technology: Guards against bad odors inside the vacuum.
– Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with HEPA filter: Traps 99.99% of dust and allergens.
– 3XL Capacity: Allows for longer cleaning sessions.

Pros:
– Eliminates hair wrap on the brush roll.
– Effectively neutralizes pet odors.
– Excellent for allergy sufferers with HEPA filtration.
– Large dust cup capacity reduces emptying frequency.
– Versatile for both carpets and hard floors.

Cons:
– Can be heavier than some other models.

Best for: Pet owners with multiple pets, severe shedding, allergies, or those who need robust odor control and minimal brushroll maintenance.

Expert Opinion: The Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet is a premium choice that directly addresses the most common frustrations of pet owners: hair wrap, pet odors, and allergens. Its advanced features make it an investment that pays off in a cleaner, fresher home.

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Cleaner

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away is incredibly versatile, a true hybrid that adapts to your cleaning needs. Its standout feature is the Lift-Away functionality, which allows you to detach the pod and easily clean above-floor areas like stairs, upholstery, and even car interiors – something every pet owner eventually needs to do. This model also comes equipped with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal and a HEPA filter, making it a great choice for keeping dust and dander out of the air. The brushroll shutoff is a thoughtful touch, letting you switch seamlessly from deep carpet cleaning to gentle bare floor mode without scattering debris. It comes with a Pet Power Brush, which is fantastic for upholstery, and its extra-large capacity dust cup means you won’t be constantly running to the trash can.

Key features that stand out:
– Lift-Away Functionality: Detachable pod for portable cleaning of above-floor areas.
– Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with HEPA filter: Traps 99.9% of dust and allergens.
– Brushroll Shutoff: Seamless transition between carpet and bare floor cleaning.
– Extra-Large-Capacity Dust Cup: For longer cleaning sessions without interruption.

Pros:
– Highly versatile for various cleaning tasks and surfaces.
– Excellent for allergy sufferers, trapping dust and dander.
– Great for targeted pet hair removal on furniture with specialized tools.
– Large capacity dust cup is convenient.

Cons:
– Brushroll isn’t self-cleaning, so hair tangles might occur over time.

Best for: Pet owners who need a versatile vacuum capable of cleaning both floors and above-floor surfaces, and who prioritize allergen filtration.

Expert Opinion: The Navigator Lift-Away perfectly balances upright power with portable convenience. Its strong suction and excellent filtration make it a reliable choice for managing pet hair and allergens throughout the entire home.

Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach Vacuum Cleaner

This Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind offers a convenient and powerful solution for pet hair cleanup, with the added benefit of being lightweight. The swivel steering makes it effortless to maneuver around your furniture and tight spots, just like its cousin, the 2252. What I really appreciate in this model is the Quick Release Extension Wand – it’s always on and ready to go, making those quick above-floor cleanups a breeze without fumbling for attachments. Coupled with Scatter-Free Technology and the TRIPLE ACTION Brush Roll, it handles pet hair on both carpets and hard floors efficiently. The “Rewind” in its name means it features automatic cord rewind, which is a small but mighty convenience feature, saving you from manually wrapping the cord. And, of course, your purchase helps save pets!

Key features that stand out:
– Quick Release Extension Wand: Always on and ready for above-floor cleaning.
– Swivel Steering & Lightweight Design: Easy to maneuver without heavy lifting.
– Automatic Cord Rewind: Convenient storage.
– Scatter-Free Technology & TRIPLE ACTION Brush Roll: Effective pet hair pickup on multiple surfaces.

Pros:
– Very lightweight and easy to push.
– Quick access to an extension wand for versatile cleaning.
– Automatic cord rewind for hassle-free storage.
– Good for general pet hair cleanup on various floor types.

Cons:
– Does not explicitly mention HEPA filtration or odor control.

Best for: Pet owners seeking a lightweight, easy-to-use vacuum for quick and regular pet hair maintenance, who value convenience features like automatic cord rewind.

Expert Opinion: The CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach is a practical choice for daily tidying. Its lightweight design and quick-release wand make it a go-to for grab-and-go pet hair messes, especially if you have a mix of floor types.

Bissell 2998 MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off Pet Vacuum

The Bissell 2998 MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off combines powerful pet hair removal with serious allergen control. Like the Shark Navigator, this Bissell boasts a Lift-Off Detachable Pod for 2-in-1 convenience, letting you easily clean stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas. For me, the real highlight is the Tangle-Free Brush Roll – a feature I absolutely love because it means no more getting down with scissors to cut away matted pet hair! This, combined with a HEPA Sealed Allergen System that traps an impressive 99.97% of dust and allergens, makes it a top contender for homes with allergy sufferers. It’s also designed to be lightweight with swivel steering, proving that you don’t need a heavy machine to get powerful cleaning performance.

Key features that stand out:
– Lift-Off Detachable Pod: 2-in-1 design for versatile cleaning.
– Tangle-Free Brush Roll: Actively prevents hair wrap.
– HEPA Sealed Allergen System: Traps 99.97% of dust and allergens.
– Lightweight Design & Swivel Steering: Powerful cleaning without the heavy lifting.

Pros:
– Tangle-free brush roll is excellent for long pet hair.
– Superior allergen filtration for sensitive individuals.
– Versatile with its lift-off pod for above-floor cleaning.
– Lightweight and easy to maneuver.

Cons:
– The dust cup capacity isn’t as large as some other heavy-duty models.

Best for: Allergy sufferers with pets, homes with long-haired pets, and those who need a lightweight, versatile vacuum with premium allergen trapping.

Expert Opinion: This Bissell offers a fantastic blend of pet-specific features, particularly its tangle-free brush roll and HEPA filtration, making it an outstanding choice for maintaining a truly clean and allergen-free home for both pets and their owners.

Helpful Comparison Insights

When you’re looking for the best vacuum cleaners for pets, it really boils down to balancing features with your specific needs. If hair-tangling is your nemesis, then the Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet with its PowerFins and self-cleaning brushroll or the Bissell 2998 MultiClean with its Tangle-Free Brush Roll are your champions. These machines virtually eliminate the frustrating chore of cutting hair off the brush.

For homes with allergy sufferers, filtration is key. Both Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet and Shark Navigator Lift-Away offer excellent Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with HEPA filters, trapping a high percentage of dust and dander. The Bissell 2998 MultiClean also shines here with its HEPA Sealed Allergen System, making it another strong contender for keeping your air cleaner. The Bissell CleanView models (2252 and Swivel Rewind) are great for general cleaning but don’t explicitly feature HEPA filtration.

Versatility is a huge factor if you have pet hair on various surfaces, from carpets to upholstery to stairs. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away and the Bissell 2998 MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off both feature detachable pods that convert them into portable cleaners, making them incredibly effective for above-floor messes. The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach also offers a quick-release extension wand, which provides similar above-floor convenience, though not a full lift-off pod.

If odor control is a priority, especially with multiple pets or accidents, the Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet stands alone with its unique Odor Neutralizer Technology. This feature is a real differentiator for maintaining a fresher-smelling home.

For maneuverability and ease of use, especially if you have a lot of furniture or don’t want a heavy vacuum, all the reviewed models feature swivel steering. The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach and Bissell 2998 MultiClean are particularly noted for their lightweight designs, making them easier to push and carry around. The Bissell 2252 CleanView also provides excellent swivel steering at a more accessible price point.

Finally, consider dust cup capacity. If you have a particularly shedding pet or a large home, you’ll appreciate the Shark ZU102’s 3XL capacity and the Shark Navigator’s extra-large 0.87L cup, which mean fewer trips to the trash can.

Final Verdict

Choosing the best vacuum cleaner for pets isn’t about finding a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s about matching the vacuum to your unique household needs and your furry friend’s shedding habits.

If you’re battling stubborn embedded hair and hair wrap while also needing top-tier allergen control and odor neutralization, the Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet Upright Vacuum with PowerFins is undeniably a powerhouse and likely your best bet, despite being a bit heavier. It addresses nearly every pet-owner pain point head-on.

For those who need ultimate versatility to clean floors, stairs, and furniture, with solid allergen trapping, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Cleaner offers an excellent balance of power and adaptability, especially with its convenient lift-away pod.

If allergies are a primary concern and you have long-haired pets, but prefer a lighter, tangle-free experience, the Bissell 2998 MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off Pet Vacuum is an exceptional choice. Its tangle-free brush roll combined with strong HEPA filtration makes it a compelling option.

For pet owners seeking a dependable, easy-to-maneuver vacuum for everyday pet hair cleanup at a great value, either the Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright or the Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach Vacuum Cleaner will serve you well, especially if you appreciate automatic cord rewind and a lightweight design.

Ultimately, each of these vacuums brings something valuable to the table for pet owners. Consider your priorities—be it tangle-free cleaning, allergen removal, odor control, versatility, or budget—and you’ll find a clear winner among these top picks. Your home (and perhaps your allergies!) will thank you.

Comprehensive FAQ Section

Q1: What features should I prioritize when looking for the best vacuum cleaners for pets?
A1: When choosing the best vacuum cleaners for pets, prioritize strong suction, a specialized brush roll (like tangle-free or triple action) for embedded pet hair, good filtration (HEPA is ideal for allergies), and useful attachments (like a pet power brush) for upholstery and stairs. Maneuverability and dust cup capacity can also greatly enhance your cleaning experience.

Q2: Is a bagless or bagged vacuum better for pet hair?
A2: Both types can be effective for pet hair. Bagless vacuums are convenient as there are no bags to buy, but emptying the dust cup can release dust and allergens back into the air, which might be an issue for allergy sufferers. Bagged vacuums offer a more hygienic disposal method, trapping dust and dander more effectively, but require ongoing bag purchases. For the best vacuum cleaners for pets if you have severe allergies, a bagged model with a HEPA filter is often recommended, or a bagless one with a completely sealed system.

Q3: Do I really need a HEPA filter in my pet vacuum?
A3: If anyone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma, a HEPA filter is highly recommended. It traps 99.97% of dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens as small as 0.3 microns, preventing them from being recirculated into the air. This significantly improves indoor air quality, which is crucial when dealing with pet allergens.

Q4: How important is a “tangle-free” or “self-cleaning” brush roll for pet owners?
A4: Extremely important! Pet hair, especially long hair, can quickly wrap around and clog a standard brush roll, reducing cleaning effectiveness and requiring messy manual removal. A tangle-free or self-cleaning brush roll (like on the Shark ZU102 or Bissell 2998) actively prevents hair wrap, saving you time and frustration, and ensuring consistent powerful cleaning. It’s a key feature for the best vacuum cleaners for pets.

Q5: Can these vacuums handle both carpets and hard floors with pet hair?
A5: Yes, most of the best vacuum cleaners for pets reviewed here are designed for multi-surface cleaning. Features like brushroll shutoff (on the Shark Navigator) or Scatter-Free Technology (on Bissell models) allow them to transition seamlessly between carpet and hard floors without scattering debris or damaging delicate surfaces.

Q6: How often should I vacuum if I have pets?
A6: For homes with pets, daily or every-other-day vacuuming is often recommended, especially during shedding seasons. Frequent vacuuming helps control pet hair, dander, and allergens, keeping your home cleaner and fresher. Having one of the best vacuum cleaners for pets that is easy to use and maneuver will make this routine much more manageable.

Q7: Do pet-specific vacuums help with pet odors?
A7: Some pet-specific vacuums, like the Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet, feature Odor Neutralizer Technology designed to guard against bad odors inside the vacuum, which can help your home smell fresher. While no vacuum can completely eliminate all pet odors (you’d need to clean surfaces and fabrics for that), these features can definitely make a noticeable difference.