It's no secret that we're a nation of pet lovers - so we need for the best vacuums for pet hair to keep our homes nice and tidy. But as much as we adore our fluffy friends, keeping fur off carpets, furniture and clothes can often feel like a daily uphill battle – especially without the right equipment to hand. Because let's be honest, a dust pan and brush doesn't quite cut it. So we are here to help you find the best vacuum cleaner for your home.
Dogs and cats typically shed their hair at least twice a year – some do it more often. Even small furries, like rabbits and guinea pigs, can still create a sizeable amount of mess through moulting. If you’re the owner of a frequent fur-shedding pet, investing in a reliable and effective pet hoover for pet hair is a must. If you are planning to purchase a new hoover, then now is the best time with the Amazon Prime Day deals going on.
Best vacuums for pet hair shortlist
• Best vacuum for pet hair overall: Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner - Anti Hair Wrap and Pet Hair – Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best robot vacuum: RoboVac G30 Hybrid, Eufy by Anker – Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best pet vacuum with long runtime: Proscenic Cordless Vacuum Cleaner P12 - Buy now on Proscenic
Thanks to innovative technology, there are plenty of pet vacuum cleaners for pet hair that can catch flyaway fur and suck up stubborn static hairs with minimal effort. But much like shopping for any electrical appliance, choosing the right one for you and your home can often feel like a bit of a minefield – especially when we have so much choice!
To give you a helping hand, we've scouted out the best hoovers for pet hair on the market this year, from best cordless to best robot pet hoovers, and we've even found the best odour eliminating pet hoover. The best handheld vacuum cleaners for compact cleaning are great or getting in hard to get places too and many models have a handheld feature.
If you need to give your carpet a deeper clean, then consider getting one of the best carpet cleaner for pets too. This, alongside your pet hoover, will leave your carpet looking fresh and as good as new. So let's get into the best vacuums for pet hair.
The best vacuums for pet hair
Best vacuum for pet hair overall
Designed for homes with pets, this cordless vacuum cleaner features the latest anti-hair wrap technology, actively removing hair from the brush as you clean. If you're tired of lifting sofas and bending under tables when vacuuming, then this is the vacuum for you. With a flexible wand to bend so you don't have to, this vacuum makes it easy to clean under low-lying furniture and folds for even more compact storage.
The portable mode and specific anti-hair wrap pet pool make this vacuum great for getting into all the hard to reach places and upholstery. The cordless design makes it easy to travel between different rooms and floors without getting tangled up in a power cord. But you will need to recharge the battery after around 80 minutes of run-time.
Review:"I have had a Dyson for many years and then decided to try a cordless shark. Well, I am delighted with the results and amazed at how much dust and hair it is still sucking up. I would advise anyone to buy a shark ASAP. I am disabled and find it so easy to use and very very versatile. Brilliant."
Pros
- Anti hair wrap technology
- Twin battery - 80 minutes run time
- Five year guarantee
Cons
- May not be a long enough run time for some jobs
| Weight: | 4.1 kg |
| Dust capacity: | 0.7 litres |
| Charge time: | 3.5 hours |
Best robot vacuum for pet hair
This robot vacuum and mop is ideal for hardwood, tile, laminate floors, and medium-pile carpets and leaves your floors squeaky clean - perfect for cleaning up after your mucky pets. You can control your device either by the app, which will show you exactly where the RoboVac has cleaned, or you can connect it up to your Alexa or Google Assistant. We particularly love the auto-return cleaning feature, where if the RoboVac runs out of battery, it will return to its charging point, recharge and then return to its cleaning duties straight after. For the full breakdown check out our Eufy Robovac G30 Hybrid Robotic Vacuum Cleaner review.
Review: “One of the best RoboVacs I have used, it does both mopping and hovering. Perfect mopping for my porcelain tiles, perfect hovering on my carpets. Battery life is good. The way it covers the area is perfect. I have tested about five different make and models, finally settled for this. So far it's amazing, thoroughly recommended.”
Pros
- Smart Dynamic Navigation 2.0 for efficient cleaning
- Strong suction power
- It provides up to 110 minutes of runtime
- When the battery is low, it will return to its charging point
Cons
- All hairs get tangled in the brush and outside filter, and have to manually clean it
| Dimensions: | 32.5 x 32.5 x 7.25 cm |
| Weight: | 2.9 kg |
| Run time | 110 minutes |
- Comes with both reusable and disposable mopping cloths
- Auto-return cleaning feature
- Drop-proof technology (to avoid it falling down the stairs)
- Voice control via Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant
Best pet vacuum with long runtime
www.proscenic.com
This Proscenic Cordless Vacuum Cleaner P12 comes with strong suction and a long runtime of up to 60 minutes along with an anti-tangle roller brush and a five-stage filtration technology, making it the perfect cleaning tool for homes with pets that shed. You can also empty the dustbin with one simple press and the machine is also made for your convenience with if you wish to easily transform it into a handheld vacuum for your sofas, car seats and more. The vacuum also comes with a light that helps you spot dirt and dust that can be hard to catch, making your work a lot more easier.
Pros
- Comes with an anti-tangle roller brush
- Has a five-stage filtration technology to protect your home environment
- Can be easily transformed it into a handheld vacuum
Cons
- No product reviews yet
| Dimensions: | 350*120*230mm |
| Weight: | 1.95 kg |
| Runtime: | 60 minutes |
| Charging time: | 4~5 hours |
Best pet vacuum for reliability
Recognise this familiar face? With more than 11 million manufactured – most of which are still in use today – it's no surprise that Henry is rated the UK's most reliable vacuum brand. Not only is he cute to look at, but Henry Pet is perfect for households with furry companions. His HairoBrush easily picks up stubborn pet hairs, and his charcoal-activated MicroFresh filter reduces unpleasant odours. With 10m cable, 9L capacity, and a versatile toolset, he might just become an important household member.
Review: "Very impressed with how this Vacuum has performed. Powerful suction, great for cleaning up pet hair. Although it uses bags, they are large enough not to have to replace too frequently. It has a good long cord so you don't have to keep unplugging it and moving it to another, plus it winds up neatly. The only downside for me is that I do find it a little on the heavy side but the performance more than makes up for this."
Pros
- All the classic Henry features
- Extra pet-friendly features
- The innovative self-seal tab locks all the dust in the bag
- HairoBrush easily picks up stubborn pet hairs from carpets and stairs
- Charcoal-activated MicroFresh filter tackles lingering pet odours
Cons
- Needs to be plugged in so can limit flexibility
| Weight: | 8 kg |
| Dust capacity: | 9 litres |
| Run time: | 30 mins |
This vacuum cleaner comes equipped with HAIR PICK-UP and ANTI HAIR WRAP PLUS technology that removes long, short & pet hair from the brush-roll as you clean, so you don't have to. Perfect for carpets & hard floors with DuoClean function, it also has Anti-Allergen Complete Seal captures dust and allergens.
Pros
- HAIR PICK-UP and ANTI HAIR WRAP PLUS technology
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal captures dust and allergens
- 2.6 litre dust-cup for fewer empties
- Go portable with Powered Lift-Away to comfortably clean stairs, ceilings and underneath furniture
Cons
- Some reviewers found the design to be a bit clunky and heavy
This vacuum cleaner is perfect for homes with pets. The pet brush will remove stubborn pet hair from carpets, cushions, and fabric, making it ideal for a family with pets. The quick-released handle, extra-long 2.5m hose, and 9m cord allow extended reach to clean every nook and cranny. The Dual Cyclone & Dual Motor Technology ensures thorough clean.
Pros
- extra-long 2.5m hose, and 9m cord
- Anti hair wrap and Anti-Tangle Brush roll
- Swivel-Steering & LED headlights
- Carpet & Hard Floor Modes
Cons
- Some reviewers felt that it falls short in terms of suction power
Best pet vacuum for deep cleaning
With Shark's PowerFins technology that's engineered to pick up more hair than a standard bristle brush-roll, the Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Upright Pet Vacuum ICZ300UKT can dig deep into carpets to agitate dirt and deep clean hard floors. It also comes with Shark's signature DuoCean floorhead to glide seamlessly between both and Anti-Hair Wrap Technology to prevent the brush roll from getting clogged with pet hair.
One reviewer added that she finds the LED Smart Display which lets you know how much battery life is left quite useful. She also added that it charges up quite quickly. Other fab features include the LED headlight, a long battery runtime, and a Smart Display where you can switch between cleaning power modes while using it.
Pros
- Comes with Anti Hair Wrap technology
- The LED Smart Display lets you know how much battery life is left
- The Smart Display helps to switch between cleaning power modes
Cons
- Some reviewers felt that the machine was a bit on the heavier side
Best handheld vacuum for wet and dry cleaning
This Beldray Cordless Wet and Dry Handheld vacuum cleaner offers the ultimate convenience in cleaning. Its lightweight design makes it perfect for quick clean-ups, and with the ability to tackle dust and liquid spillages, it's a versatile tool for any home. With up to 20 minutes of running time and a wall-mountable charging base, this vacuum cleaner is always ready to go. The 0.5l dust capacity means it can handle plenty of dirt and debris before needing to be emptied.
Customer review: "Really handy, lightweight and reaches areas other vacuum cleaners don't. Ideal for cleaning inside the car. Easy to operate, easy to empty, and takes up very little space."
Pros
- Lightweight
- Decent dust capacity
Cons
- Short run time
| Capacity: | 500ml |
| Weight: | 0.9kg |
| Running time: | 20 minutes |
- 7.4 V Lithium-Ion Battery
- Wet & Dry Functionality
- 2 in 1 Hand Vac
- Handheld Unit
- Includes Crevice & Squeegee Tool
- 4.5 Hours Charge Time
- Up to 20 Minutes of Operating Time
- Lightweight
- Washable & Reusable Filter
- Wall-Mountable Charging Base
Best anti-allergen pet vacuum
With an Anti-Hair Wrap Pet Tool that easily removes embedded pet hair from stairs and soft furnishings, this stick vacuum cleaner has an extra-long 10m power cord so you can go further without needing to unplug it. We really like the anti-allergen complete seal which captures and traps 99.9 per cent of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
Customer review:"I have an all-white long-haired collie. This is amazing at picking up all the hairs he continually sheds. It's easy to use, especially when handheld for cleaning upholstery. The difference is noticeable on all surfaces."
Pros
- Anti Hair Wrap Pet Tool
- Bends to clean under furniture and folds for free standing storage
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal5-year guarantee upon registration with Shark
- Long 10m power cord gives you extra cleaning reach
- Turns into a handheld vacuum
Cons
- Needs to be plugged in
| Weight: | 5.25 kg |
| Dust capacity: | 1 litres |
| Operating radius: | 10 Metres |
Things to consider when buying the best vacuums for pet hair
To help you make the right decision for your home, we’ve included a list of the key features you should look for in a pet hair vacuum. Whether you prefer dust-bags or are looking to go cordless, here are a few important things to consider:
Dust bags or bagless?
Most newer vacuums feature dust cups now instead of dust bags, while there are benefits to both it comes down to personal preference.
Dust bags work in the traditional way where you change the bag once it’s full, replacing the bag isn’t hard and it’s a hygienic way of getting rid of all the bits your vacuum has collected. Vacuum cleaner bags aren’t necessarily expensive but can be annoying when you forget to stock up.
Pros: No filter maintenance, less contact with dust – this makes them better for allergy sufferers, less mess when emptying.
Cons: You will have to buy dust bags (more frequently with lots of pet hair), not the best for the environment – the bag and the dust both end up in a landfill.
Bagless vacuum cleaners store dust and dirt in a cup, this cup then needs to be emptied when it reaches maximum capacity. A downside to dust cups is that alongside emptying the cup, a filter will also have to be regularly cleaned and maintained for best results.
Pros: Eco-friendly dirt removal, no need to stock up on bags and spend money.
Cons: Messier when emptying, will fill up quickly and require time-consuming maintenance, likely to set off allergies with close exposure to dust.
Cable or cordless?
Think about your supply of sockets at home – do you have one everywhere you intend to vacuum? Going cordless is great if you hate the hassle of switching sockets when moving rooms or have a house that’s in short supply of empty sockets. If you want to stick to corded vacuums then pay close attention to cable length, most have an operating radius of 10-12 metres.
Cordless vacuums will have to be charged and this can be inconvenient if you want to hoover for longer periods. Most cordless vacuums have a battery life of 40-80 minutes depending on the brand. 40 minutes can go by quite quickly and having to charge in between a big clean can be frustrating. The best cordless vacuum for pet hair is a great place to start when it comes to homes with furry friends.
Anti-hair wrap technology
Most importantly when looking at vacuums for pet hair, keep an eye out for anti-hair wrap brushes. Bristle brush-rolls are great for removing pet hair you cannot see deep in the fibres of furniture and carpet; they allow for a deeper clean than flat brushes.
Anti-hair wrap technology is great for pet hair and a lot of brands have started to incorporate this in their vacuums. This technology works by removing hair from the brush-roll, by actively separating hair from dust as you clean, perfect for preventing clumps of pet hair on the bristles.
Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Yours, specialising in natural health and beauty. She lives and breathes all things food, travel and wellness.
