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10 Best Pet Vacuums

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.

Buying Guide for the Best Pet Vacuums

When searching for the best pet vacuum, it's important to find a model that can handle pet hair, dander, and potentially some messier accidents with ease. Pet vacuums typically come with special features and are designed to help keep your home clean despite the challenges pets may bring. Understanding the key aspects of a pet vacuum and matching them to your lifestyle, type of pet, and cleaning routines will help you make an informed decision and achieve great results with less effort.
Suction PowerSuction power refers to how efficiently a vacuum can pull in dirt, hair, and debris from various surfaces. For pet owners, strong suction is crucial because pet hair can become embedded in carpets and upholstery. Suction is usually measured in watts, air watts, or sometimes just described as 'powerful' by manufacturers. Entry-level models offer basic suction good for hard floors and light shedding, mid-range options do better with short pet hair on carpets, and high-end models excel at deep cleaning carpets and handling persistent, long pet hair. Consider your home’s flooring and the type of pet hair you deal with: more shedding and more carpet require more suction.
Brush Roll DesignThe brush roll is the spinning part underneath the vacuum that agitates and lifts dirt and hair. For pet vacuums, a brush roll designed to prevent hair tangles and jams is very helpful. Some have anti-tangle or self-cleaning features, while others are removable for easy cleaning. For homes with lots of long-haired pets, an advanced tangle-free design is worthwhile. If you mostly have smooth floors or short-haired animals, a simpler brush roll may be enough.
Filtration System (HEPA Filter)Many pet vacuums include high-quality filters, often called HEPA filters, which trap tiny allergens and prevent them from blowing back into the air. This spec is important for households with allergy sufferers or if your pets shed dander and fur that could cause reactions. Filters range from basic to true HEPA (which trap 99.97% of .3 micron particles). Homes with allergies or sensitive residents should look for a true HEPA filter, while others may do fine with standard multi-level filtration.
Attachments and ToolsAttachments help tailor your vacuum to different cleaning tasks. Common tools for pet vacuums include motorized mini-brushes for furniture and stairs, crevice tools for tight spots, and upholstery tools for pet beds and sofas. Some vacuums come with a full set of specialized pet tools, while others offer the basics. If you plan to vacuum furniture, cars, or pet bedding regularly, look for a model with a variety of attachments. For mostly floor cleaning, fewer tools may suffice.
Ease of MaintenanceMaintenance includes emptying the dirt bin or bag, cleaning filters, and clearing tangled hair from the brush roll. Pet vacuums that are easy to take apart and clean save time and frustration. Some offer one-touch bin emptying or washable filters. If you want a hassle-free experience, look for models with straightforward maintenance and accessible components. For those willing to do more frequent upkeep, even basic models can stay in good shape.
Noise LevelPet vacuums can be loud, and some pets are sensitive to noise. Manufacturers may indicate noise ratings in decibels (dB), but often it's described as 'quiet operation.' Quieter models can help keep pets calm while cleaning. In homes with nervous animals or for those who clean often, a quieter vacuum is worth considering. If your pet is unfazed by sound and you vacuum quickly, noise may not be a big concern.
Weight and ManeuverabilityHow easily you can move the vacuum, get under furniture, and carry it up stairs is determined by weight and design. Some are lightweight and made to swivel or pivot for easy movement, while others are heavier but may offer more power. Consider your typical cleaning routine: lightweight models are best for daily use or multi-floor homes, while heavier models can be a good choice for deep, less frequent cleaning in single-level homes.