Sharing a home with furry friends means extra love—and extra mess. From shedding to scattered litter and unexpected accidents, keeping your space clean takes a little extra effort. That’s why finding the best vacuum for pets is a game-changer. Whether you’re looking for a cordless pet vacuum, a heavy-duty canister, or a budget-friendly option, we’ve done the work for you.
Note: Price and availability subject to change.
Features to look for in a pet vacuum
Not all vacuums are created equal, especially when pets are involved. Here are some must-have features to look for:
- Strong suction power: Essential for lifting pet hair from carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
- HEPA filtration: Traps allergens, dander, and dust to help keep the air cleaner.
- Tangle-free brush roll: Prevents pet hair from clogging and wrapping around the roller.
- Lightweight or ergonomic design: Makes it easier to maneuver, especially for daily use.
- Specialized attachments: Tools like crevice tools, pet turbo brushes, and upholstery tools target pet-specific messes.
- Multi-surface capability: Smoothly transitions from hardwood to carpet without losing suction.
Best pet vacuums: Our top 5 picks
We tested and reviewed a range of models to bring you the best pet vacuum for every type of home and budget. Here's what stood out:
- Best overall: Dyson V11 Animal – Offers powerful suction and advanced filtration, making it suitable for various floor types and pet hair removal.
- Best budget-friendly: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus – Provides excellent value with its tangle-free brush roll and allergen-trapping features.
- Best robot vacuum: iRobot Roomba Max 705 – Delivers hands-free cleaning with its self-emptying feature and smart navigation.
- Best for pet messes: Bissell Little Green Max Pet – Effectively tackles tough pet messes on carpets and upholstery.
- Best for large homes: Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog – Offers exceptional suction and specialized tools for large homes with multiple pets.
Best overall: Dyson V11 Animal Cordless Vacuum
Key features:
- Type: Cordless stick
- Suction power: High
- HEPA filter: Yes
- Runtime: Up to 60 minutes
- Weight: 6.68 lbs
Why it’s great for pet owners:
The Dyson V11 Animal offers powerful suction and a high torque cleaner head that automatically adjusts to different floor types. Its advanced filtration system captures allergens and expels cleaner air, making it ideal for homes with pets.
Pet parents love the runtime (up to 60 minutes) and the real-time LCD screen that displays performance, power mode, and battery life. It’s lightweight enough for quick daily cleanups and strong enough for a deep weekend clean.
Price: $499.99
View on Dyson
Best budget-friendly option: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus
Key features:
- Type: Upright
- Suction power: Moderate
- HEPA filter: Yes
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Special features: Tangle-Free Brush Roll, Smart Seal Allergen System
Why it’s great for pet owners:
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus is designed specifically for pet owners, featuring a tangle-free brush roll that prevents hair wrap and a Smart Seal Allergen System that traps dust and allergens.
It also includes a specialized Pet TurboEraser tool, which makes quick work of fur on furniture and stairs. It’s not cordless, but its long cord gives you plenty of reach.
Price: $199.00
View on Bissell
Best robot vacuum: iRobot Roomba Max 705 Vac Robot Vacuum
Key features:
- Type: Robot
- Suction power: High
- HEPA filter: Yes
- Self-emptying: Yes
- Navigation: Smart Mapping
Why it’s great for pet owners:
The iRobot Roomba Max 705 offers powerful suction and smart mapping to clean your home efficiently. The self-emptying base holds up to 75 days of debris, so you can forget about vacuuming altogether.
Its high-efficiency filter traps 99% of cat and dog allergens, and it navigates pet bowls, toys, and other obstacles with ease. A must-have for busy pet households.
Price: $599.00
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Best for pet messes: Bissell Little Green Max Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner
Key features:
- Type: Portable Carpet Cleaner
- Suction power: Moderate
- HEPA filter: No
- Weight: 9 lbs
- Special features: Stain Trapper Tool, 48 oz Tank
Why it’s great for pet owners:
The Bissell Little Green Max Pet is a portable carpet cleaner designed to tackle tough pet messes, including urine and vomit.
It comes with a Stain Trapper Tool that separates dirty water from clean, and its powerful suction lifts deep-down messes from carpets and upholstery.
Price: $139.00
View on Amazon
Best for large homes: Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum
Key features:
- Type: Canister
- Suction power: Very High
- HEPA filter: Yes
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Special features: Active AirClean Filter, SEB228 Power Brush
Why it’s great for pet owners:
Designed for serious cleaning power, this high-end canister vacuum is ideal for households with multiple pets and large floorplans. The Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog offers exceptional suction power and comes with specialized tools for pet hair removal.
Its Active AirClean Filter neutralizes pet odors, and its array of tools gives you flexibility to clean every surface thoroughly.
Price: $1,259.00
View on Miele USA
|
Model |
Type |
Suction Power |
HEPA Filter |
Self-Emptying |
Price |
|
Cordless |
High |
Yes |
No |
$499.99 |
|
|
Upright |
Moderate |
Yes |
No |
$199.00 |
|
|
Robot |
High |
Yes |
Yes |
$599.00 |
|
|
Portable |
Moderate |
No |
No |
$139.00 |
|
|
Canister |
Very High |
Yes |
No |
$1,259.00 |
Other smart ways to keep a clean home with pets
Even the best vacuum for pets can’t do it all. Try these cleaning tips to keep fur, dander, and odors under control:
- Use a HEPA air purifier in rooms where your pet spends the most time to reduce allergens and airborne hair.
- Brush your pet regularly to minimize loose fur.
- Wipe paws at the door to prevent dirt from spreading.
- Wash pet bedding and toys weekly to cut down on smells and bacteria.
- Use an enzymatic cleaner on pet messes such as urine and vomit.
- Use a litter mat or try a self-cleaning litter box that traps debris before it spreads beyond the litter box.
Whether you're looking for the best cordless pet vacuum, a compact cleaner for pet messes, or a robot vacuum that handles daily maintenance, there's a perfect match out there for your needs. With the right tools and a few smart habits, a clean, pet-friendly home is totally within reach.
So if you're shopping your first home checklist or replacing a worn-out vacuum, consider this your new go-to guide for keeping things fresh, fur and all.
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