Keep a (reasonably) fur-free home with these top 21 pet vacuums
21 did-you-know dog grooming tips, 21 pet-cleaning hacks, and pros and cons for your next dog vacuums
Almost every pet vacuum manufacturer promotes its products as the perfect resolution to get rid of dog hair. Then, you get the dog vacuum in the mail or pull it out of a store bag, and it leaves much to be desired. Even worse, it does a great job but the cordless versions stop charging mid-cleaning. Now you have to wait for a second charge or give up and just use KollerCraft’s FurBeGone Brush until the next Sweeper Sunday.
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In the new year, it’s time to find the perfect dog vacuum for your home. These 21 four- and five-star pet vacuums have hundreds of satisfied customers — with a few critiques to make each vacuum better.
In this listicle, you’ll also learn fun facts about dog hair and tips for keeping your home clean with hairy dogs. After reading the pros and cons of each dog vacuum, here’s hoping dog owners can find the best fit to keep your home fur-free and tidy.
1. Shark Upright Vacuum
Did you know? If your dog seems to be more smelly at night, there’s a reason. Smelly fur could either be due to an extreme accumulation of dirt that requires a bath or from canine seborrhea, a skin condition that causes dandruff and oils to build up on the skin and fur.
Key Features
Two-brushroll system
Four Intelli-Sense sensors
Automatically senses and reacts to hidden dirt, debris and pet hair
Automatically increases suction power within two inches of an edge or wall, including under baseboards, eliminating the need for extra attachments or a broom and dustpan
Cons
On thicker carpet, vacuuming may feel like using a row machine at the gym
Power cord is stiff
Will require a tamperproof torx set to access certain parts for cleaning
Shedding tip: Don’t depend on a vacuum to 100% maintain your home from pet hair. Regular dog brushing reduces loose fur before it hits floors.
2. BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum
Did you know? The reason pet hair can still stick to your freshly washed clothing is because of static cling. During the wash and dry cycles, your clothes create static, which becomes a magnet for pet hair. Washing a mix of synthetic and natural fibers makes the static charge even stronger. How do you avoid this from happening? Give dirty clothes (and dog harnesses) a once-over with a lint roller or sticky tape beforehand.
Key Features
Every purchase supports BISSELL Pet Foundation
Motorized brush tool designed specifically for homes with pets
14-volt lithium-ion battery
Easy-to-empty dirt bin
Cons
After five months, one user reported it started making a loud noise, overheated and smelled
Another user had to get a replacement six months and one day after purchase
Multiple complaints about short charging versus run time
Shedding Tip: If you want to avoid constantly washing a dog blanket more than once or twice a week, shake the blanket outside to remove as much fur and debris as possible between washes. Similar to shaking out rugs, shaking blankets can remove embedded dust, dirt, allergens and debris that vacuuming misses.
3. Dirt Devil Power Swerve Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Did you know? While using a lint roller on couches between vacuuming can decrease cleaning time, the adhesive can pull and loosen the fabric fiber of delicate weaves, velvet or silk-blend upholstery. Dog owners also risk having a couch full of lint balls.
Key Features
Lightweight and compact design
Swivel steering
Carbon pet filter to prevent odors
Spin3 Pro brush for pet hair
Cons
Plastic parts described as brittle and easily breakable
Connection between the rotating brush and the six-sided socket may wear, which means the rotating brush stays still
Brush wheel spinned off its axis, resulting in burning and melting the plastic around its seated position
Shedding Tip: That smell on your dog may not be fur. Bacteria such as Proteus and Pseudomonas naturally live on dog skin and produce a sweet, corn-chip odor.
4. RoBorock Q10 S5+ Robot Vacuum
Did you know? It may take time for a dog to get used to a robot vacuum. Some dogs see it as prey like a squirrel, while others become immediately aggressive at the sound of it. This results in barking like the robot vacuum is an intruder. Similar to loud appliances, such as a blender, letting the dog see it and using it in small time frames can help the dog become desensitized to the sights and sounds of them.
Key Features
Self-emptying station
Large 2.7-liter dust bag
Provides up to 70 days of maintenance-free cleaning
10,000 pascal suction lifts embedded pet hair, crumbs, and debris from carpets, hardwood floors and crevices
Cons
129 people found a one-star review helpful regarding the company allegedly not honoring its warranty
Replacement caddies may not be sold individually (even if robot vacuum is only in use for three months)
Anti-cliff zones may not always be recognized in some homes near stairs
Shedding Tip: When you brush your dog, don't forget to brush and inspect their tail area for pests or breakouts.
5. ECOVACS DEEBOT X9 PRO Omni Rogybot Vacuum
Did you know? If you’re growing suspicious that your dog may have fleas, especially if she’s around other dogs that have fleas at doggie day care or dog parks, consider all-natural treatments to repel (not kill) fleas, such as mixing apple cider vinegar and water into a spray bottle, and occasionally applying it to your pet's fur.
Recommended Read: “13 eco-friendly ways to clean popular household items ~ Getting ready to make your home a vacation rental? These cleaning hacks keep it clean for walk-throughs”
While this keeps dogs from chewing on furniture or their own tails, it can also result in an upset stomach for dogs so avoid spraying the vinegar in easily accessible areas that a dog can lick or chew. Dogs hate the smell as much as fleas.
Key Features
16,600 pascals BLAST suction
Real-time self-washing roller mopping
Artificial intelligence navigation
Self-washes instantly while mopping, keeping the pad fresh
Cons
One user claimed a version of this brand from six years ago could crawl up and over rugs while this newer version gets stuck
Hair may tangle in machine
One user said it wasn’t great at picking up dog fur for a short-haired Great Dane, short-haired cats
Shedding Tip: Be careful with allowing dogs to sleep in sweaters overnight. While it may provide the warmth of a blanket and control shedding, ill-fitting sweaters can cause friction, matting, breakage and dull fur. It can also be restrictive for double-coated dogs. Additionally, wool can sometimes irritate sensitive skin and should be avoided by dogs with skin allergies.
6. Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright Vacuum
Did you know? Use microfiber cloths to pick up dog hair from hard surfaces. The tiny, split fibers create static electricity, which makes the hair magnetic. Damp microfiber clothes can make pet hair stick better and are easier to clean.
Key Features
Groom tool for medium and long-haired pets
Tangle-free turbine tool removes pet hair from upholstery and cars
Three suction modes
Engineered for larger homes with pets
Cons
Vacuum head detaches from the unit sometimes
Air discharges on the right side, which may result in a bunch of hairballs blowing under the couch
Difficult to solely clean a couch or stairs without dragging the vacuum around
Shedding Tip: Use a slicker brush daily on shedding breeds, which reduces loose fur around the home.
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7. Bissell CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum
Did you know? If you find it impossible to untangle pet hair from a vacuum brush, consider using a seam ripper, sharp scissors or a safety cutter to slice the tangled hair along the brush’s bristles. With the seam ripper blade, make sure to cut in the direction of the bristles to avoid damage, then pull the cut hair out.
Key Features
Pet TurboEraser Tool loosens, lifts and removes embedded pet hair
Washable filter
Edge-to-edge cleaning
Swivel steering
Cons
One user reported the canister fell off after week three without a fix
Another user reported the anti-tangle roller was extremely tangled and began to smell after one use
Cord releases from the bottom of the vacuum so you'll constantly vacuum over it
Shedding Tip: Use a deshedding tool designed for your dog’s coat type to groom and loosen undercoat hair.
8. BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Advanced Clean+ Hand Vacuum
Did you know? Dog hair on stairs can accumulate unseen until spring.
Key Features
20-volt MAX lithium-ion battery
Extendable crevice tool for hard-to-reach places
Anti-tangle motorized pet brush
Washable pre-filter
Cons
Pre-filter and filter may fall out when the vacuum is emptied
When pet hair tightens around the roller, the vacuum may consistently stop
Kitten kibble burned through one vacuum
Shedding Tip: Avoid overbathing your pup because frequent baths can dry out dog skin and increase shedding.
9. Thamtu Touchless Vacuum
Did you know? A humidifier in dry climates can help prevent flaky skin and excess dog hair loss. If you’re short on cash, create a DIY humidifier.
Key Features
Flashing red light when vacuum bag should be emptied
Auto-Sensing Mode activates automatically when trash approaches
Manual Mode sweeps trash close enough to press the button to begin suction
Advanced infrared sensors
Cons
Loud volume
Only one filter bag
Plug-in vacuum so cleanup should be in a high-fur-traffic area
Shedding Tip: Brushing helps stimulate natural coat oils, prevents tangles, and is an opportunity to check for external parasites, such as ticks and fleas.
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10. AIRROBO Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo
Did you know? If you choose washable furniture covers, it is much easier to protect surfaces from shed hair.
Key Features
USLAM Air 5.0 algorithm and LiDAR navigation system
360° anti-collision and fall prevention
Up to 60 days of hands-free cleaning
3.5-liter dust bag capacity
Cons
One user complained it was not clear to hold the home and power buttons down for three seconds to pair
Only lasted for seven months with another user
Third user was irritated by all the error codes
Shedding Tip: Add omega-3 fatty acids (salmon oil, herring oil, sardine oil) and omega-6 fatty acids (vegetable oils such as sunflower and safflower, poultry fat) to your dog’s diet to reduce excessive shedding by nourishing skin, reducing inflammation and improving coat health. Dogs should never eat cold (raw or undercooked) fish such as tuna.
11. Eufy Robot Vacuum 11S MAX
Did you know? You can clean your dog’s urine accident out of carpet with a few simple ingredients — one cup of white vinegar, two cups of water, two teaspoons of salt, 15-20 drops of essential oil and two microfiber cloths.
Key Features
Capable of running up to 100 minutes on hardwood floors
Anti-scratch tempered glass-top cover
Infrared-sensor for evading obstacles
Single-side brush design prevents scattering and delivers full suction power for effective cleaning
Cons
11s Max does not support Wi-Fi or app connectivity
All operations are performed using the remote control (and buttons on the device)
Side brush motors went out (Side note: This entire review from J. Whiteside is hilarious, describing this vacuum as “slightly smarter than a bag of hammers.”)
Shedding Tip: Majority of dogs should be brushed once a week. Some dog breeds can be brushed more occasionally, such as Boston Terriers, Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs, Greyhounds, Pugs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Whippets.
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12. iRobot Roomba 105 Vac Robot Vacuum
Did you know? Removing that stubborn stain in the suede couch may work with a few ingredients — dry brush, rubber eraser, two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol, two tablespoons of white vinegar and a microfiber cloth.
Key Features
Three-stage cleaning includes 70x more power-lifting suction
Multi-surface brush
Edge-sweeping brush
Works with Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant-enabled devices
Cons
One user complained the vacuum spent over 30 minutes vacuuming the same three-foot stretch
Edge-sweeping brush may miss corners and baseboards
Multiple users complained that it couldn’t find its way to the charging “home” station
Shedding Tip: Puppies, senior dogs, nursing dog moms and toy dog breeds may have a more increased risk of dehydration. Make sure your dog always has fresh water to prevent dry skin that contributes to hair loss, brittle or thin coats, and dog fur breakage.
13. Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum
Did you know? In addition to bleeding your baseboard heaters annually, carpets should be annually steam cleaned or deep cleaned to remove embedded dirt.
Key Features
Motorbar cleaner head deep cleans all floor types
De-tangles wrapped long hair and pet hair as you clean
Up to 40 minutes of fade-free suction power (up to 5 minutes in Max mode)
Three attachments to clean in high areas, low areas and everywhere in between
Cons
May not work well on thick carpet
Multiple users complained about Customer Service wait times (~25 minutes) and disconnects
Several users reported excessive charging needed
Shedding Tip: If you brush your dog outdoors or in an easy-to-clean area on the deck, you can avoid a collection of loose fur in hard-to-reach spaces indoors.
14. Shark HV322 Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick
Did you know? The sooner you make your home a no-shoe household and make sure your dog wipes her feet every single time she walks in the door, the more likely you won’t see as much of the “outside” inside of your home. (Or, at the very least, you'll stop seeing paw prints on the couches and chairs.)
Key Features
Includes specialized pet tools that capture embedded pet hair on all surfaces
0.68-quart dust cup allows for extended cleaning without interruption
Swivel steering
LED headlights
Cons
Pet hair may constantly clog it
Multiple users complained about having to empty it regularly
Several users mentioned dirt and sand spitting back out at their ankles and legs
Shedding Tip: Rubber brushes may provide better results for short-haired dogs versus bristle brushes because their soft nubs massage the skin, loosen fur and dirt, and don’t irritate the dog’s skin. Rubber brushes are ideal for smooth coats like those of Beagles or French Bulldogs.
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15. Samsung Jet 75 Cordless Pet Vacuum
Did you know? Dogs can shed up to hundreds of hairs daily. For dogs that shed seasonally, most shedding occurs in the spring and fall. Be prepared to clean more.
Key Features
Generates up to 200 All-Weather suction power
Up to 60 minutes of run time
Removable, rechargeable battery
Six-pound lightweight design
Cons
May have to empty pet hair multiple times in one cleaning
For one user, the brush stopped working on three separate vacuums
Motor gave out in two years for one user
Shedding Tip: Manage your dog’s stress levels, including pet anxiety, because it can contribute to abnormal shedding.
16. SAKOLD Car Vacuum, Pet Hair Eraser
Did you know? High-efficiency particulate air filters are excellent at trapping airborne pet dander, which are microscopic skin flakes that agitate pet allergies. HEPA filters also capture smaller fragments of pet hair, which significantly improves indoor air quality.
Key Features
Six specialized attachments
Two replaceable HEPA filters
One washable metal filter
Dual filtration system that minimizes the risk of suction loss due to dust clogging
Writer’s note: I purchased this pet vacuum in December 2024 and am not even slightly surprised that I had to dig around to find cons. After its first (loud) use, Junee follows me around watching me vacuum and got used to the volume. Of the three cordless vacuums I have owned, this one is by far the best at cleaning up pet hair without having to use my FurBeGone brush beforehand.
Cons
Requires four to five hours for a full charge
Not regularly washing filter could weaken suction
80 decibels may be startlingly loud to a dog initially
Shedding Tip: If you’re wondering how much hidden pet hair is in your home, consider using an LED light even after sweeping up stray hair in your dog’s crate or dog’s bed. The beam angle and color temperature on LED lights create shadows that make pet hair and dog debris more visible to the human eye — and hidden dog hair in corners too.
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17. EYEVAC Pet Touchless Vacuum Automatic Dustpan
Did you know? Pet hair accumulates fastest in high-traffic walkways inside homes.
Key Features
1400 watts
Equipped with two high-efficiency filters
Infrared sensors detect sweeping motion and automatically activate the EyeVac
Easy-to-use control dial settings and LED lights to indicate auto, manual and canister full settings
Cons
One user smelled burning plastic
Velcro piece on the filter must be manually cleaned from hair and dust
Handle broke off right before one-year manufacturer’s warranty for another user
Shedding Tip: Place mats at entryways, including mudrooms, to trap outdoor pet fur.
18. Bissell PowerClean FurFinder Cordless Stick Vacuum
Did you know? If you see wet spots on dog couches or your own couch, your older dog may have urinary incontinence. However, that wet spot could also be drool, excessive licking or wet paws. Contact a vet to diagnose the wet spots if it's persistent or has a strong smell.
Key Features
200-watt motor
Up to 40 minutes in low mode and 13 minutes in turbo mode
Can stand on its own for pauses while cleaning
Three power modes
Cons
Motor would not turn on after second use for one user
A few users complained about mediocre suction
Height of the brush head isn’t adjustable
Shedding Tip: Avoid using human shampoo on your dog because it can disrupt a dog’s skin pH and increase shedding.
19. Cuzmok Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner for Home
Did you know? In addition to shopping for your dog, make sure to investigate items that could affect your dog’s health in your home such as a leaking air conditioner or a sweating toilet. These can not only lead to your dog licking or sniffing something with cleaning chemicals or toxins in it, but it could also result in ruining your floors. Shop for home improvement products as enthusiastically as you do for dog treats.
Key Features
2600mAh detachable battery
Delivers up to 50 minutes of run time on low mode and 22 minutes on high mode
550W brushless motor
Weighs 5.6 lbs
Cons
One user complained that the filter kept falling out
Button for attachments comes off, according to another user
Described as only good for small jobs under 15 minutes
Shedding Tip: In small amounts, cocoa butter can be used to moisturize a dog’s paws, treat minor abrasions and (potentially) soothe dog allergies.
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20. Tikom Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo
Did you know? Some of your favorite candles and essential oils may be calming for your dog too. This includes lavender, chamomile, myrrh, ginger, rosemary, bergamot and Frankincense.
Key Features
5000 pascal suction power
450 ml dustbin
300 ml water tank combo
Up to 150 minutes in quiet mode
Cons
May “forget” where it’s been or what area it has already vacuumed
Has slammed into furniture
Spins around on charging station and may not want to stay in place
Shedding Tip: Getting ready to bathe your dog? Avoid shampooing your pet's head; use a wet washcloth to gently remove any dirt or debris from her face.
21. Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat and Dog Bagless Canister Vacuum
Did you know? Ice-melting salt (including rock salt) can damage dog paws, causing cracked pads, dryness, irritation and chemical burns. Make sure to wet, wipe and inspect dog paws after a winter walk.
Key Features
20-year average lifespan
1,200-watt vortex motor
90° twisting rotation
Four pre-motor protection filters
Cons
One user said vacuum lasted exactly one year and 10 days from the date of purchase before dying
Another user stated Amazon required the non-working electro brush be repaired at a repair shop instead of returned
Left “little lines of dog fur” each time vacuum direction changed, according to a third user
Shedding Tip: Dogs who are always kept indoors have smaller fluctuations in coat thickness and usually shed fairly evenly all year.
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Shamontiel is a dog lover to her core: 674 completed walks with 103 dogs, eight dog house sittings and 10 dog boardings at the time of this publication.
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