Bissell 1782 Cordless Vacuum

Traditional vacuums have always been called into service to remove pet hair, dust, dander, and even other surprising vacuum cleaning hacks — but the results on pet fur haven’t always been pretty. Pet hair can quickly become tangled in the vacuum’s beater brush, and the collection bag cannot always contain all of the pet hair the vacuum cleaner picks up.

This is why several vacuum cleaner manufacturers developed models that address the specific needs of pet owners. A vacuum cleaner specifically designed for pet fur and dander looks and acts like a standard vacuum, but also includes specialized accessories, such as a turbo brush or grooming tool. A pet vacuum also has a more powerful motor to generate stronger suction. Pet hair is notoriously difficult to extract from carpeting, so most pet vacuums use more intense “wind tunnel” or cyclonic technology.

If you’ve got a pet, especially one that sheds a lot, a pet vacuum should be on your wish list, says our resident pet expert Stephanie Mantilla, a positive reinforcement animal trainer and founder of Curiosity Trained.

Below, we’ve recommended some of our favorite pet vacuums for every type of pet parent out there.

Type of Filter

Even if the vacuum cleaner is not designated as a “pet vacuum,” it should have a HEPA filter to trap all of the flea dirt, dander and hairs a pet can generate throughout the day. HEPA filters need to be replaced on a regular schedule in order to retain their efficiency. Pet owners with allergy issues may want to use protective gloves and a dust mask when performing this important task.

Design

Most cordless vacuum cleaners lack the suction power to be effective as pet vacuums, but they are suitable for spot cleaning “accidents” and litter spills. Bagless pet vacuum cleaners may be easier on the environment, but models with bags do a better job containing pet hair and dander. Most cyclonic vacuums are bagless by design, but many canister and upright vacuums still use disposable bags. We’ve noted these design elements in our recommendations.

Attachments

The different between a regular vacuum and a vacuum for pet hair comes down to the types of accessories they come with. A pet vacuum is more likely to include powered attachments or an easy-to-clean beater brush. For pet owners with carpeted floors, a vacuuming accessory called a carpet rake can be especially helpful with removing embedded pet hair before vacuuming. A carpet rake can reach deep into carpet fibers, allowing pet owners to create easily manageable piles of hair.

Ease Of Use

“If you have pets that shed a lot, you’re going to want canister vacuums that are easy to empty,” Mantilla says. “Having a large canister allows you to vacuum longer without needing to constantly empty the vacuum.”