9 best vacuum cleaners for pet hair to buy in 2024
We've rounded up the best vacuums for banishing unwanted pet hair around the home - including a model from Shark that made one shopper"enjoy vacuuming".
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According to the RSPCA, there are more than 29 million pets in Australia – and with the vast majority of those friends being of the four-legged and furry cat and dog varieties, that means that well over 60 per cent of Aussie households likely struggle with a serious pet hair problem.
You can brush, lint roll, and sweep all you like, but that pet hair is just going to keep on popping up in all the places you wish it wouldn’t – from your couch, to your clothes, to your morning cereal (yep, I’ve been there, and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone).
The solution? Investing in a vacuum cleaner that’s up to the task.
Pet vacuums are specially designed to pick up hair with ease, with superior suction and clever brushrolls that can whisk away every trace of fur and dander.
To help you avoid going barking mad, we’ve rounded up a few top-rated favourites including the tried and tested, Shark Cordless Vacuum with Self Cleaning Brushroll IZ102 which Shopping Writer, Harriet Amurao, says is the "perfect vacuum for pet parents" and "surprisingly made [her] enjoy vacuuming".
We've also got out eye on the dreamy Dreame L10s Ultra robot vacuum that is also on many pet owners’ radar, offering convenient both vacuuming and mopping functionality to tackle everything from pet kibble to pet waste, hair and dander. Fans say their "floors have never been so clean!" and "I love this little robot!" a happy reviewer posted.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR'S PICKS: BEST VACUUM FOR PET HAIR OVERALL
Shark Cordless Vacuum with Self Cleaning Brushroll IZ102, $389 at Amazon Australia
Pros:
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens.
- LED headlights.
- Can turn into a handheld vacuum.
- Smooth swivel movement for sharp corners.
- Removable dust bin.
- Rechargeable removable battery.
- Comes with crevice attachment and upholstery attachment.
- 2-year replacement warranty.
Cons:
- Loud.
- Top heavy.
- Battery drains quite fast if used for long periods of time.
Dustbin capacity: 0.4L | Weight: 3.4kg | Size: 26cm x 23cm x 118cm
Tried and Tested by Shopping Writer Harriet Amurao
Living in a household with two jack russell terriers and two cats, unwanted pet hair on everything from clothes to furniture and floors is inevitable.
Having only ever used big barreled vacuums that were incredibly bulky, loud and annoying to lug up and down the stairs, I decided to give the Shark Cordless Vacuum with Self Cleaning Brushroll IZ102 a go and it surprisingly made me enjoy vacuuming.
It has a really powerful suction and effortlessly sucked up any fur and crumbs in one go, so I didn't have to run over the same spot multiple times which was incredibly satisfying - goodbye fur! It's also really easy to use so there's no guesswork involved for those that aren't handy like me.
There is genuinely so much I love about the IZ102 - namely, it's way more affordable ($389) than other big name brands out there, it's cordless and rechargeable, easy to empty, and it can easily transform into a handheld vacuum (which has been a game-changer for cleaning cars and hard-to-reach places).
Plus, it has headlights so you can easily see the dust and debris on the floors, a self-cleaning brush roll that doesn't get tangled with hair, a crevice and upholstery attachment, three cleaning modes - hard floor mode, carpet mode and an extra powerful mode, and smooth swivel movement.
When I say the Shark IZ02 is the perfect vacuum for pet parents, I truly mean it. It has an Anti-Allergen Filtration System that uses a HEPA filter to trap all the nasties - dust, dander and allergens.
I will say though, it can be a little loud and sounds like a car engine running - so do keep that in mind. It's also a little more top-heavy than I was expecting as it's been advertised as 'lightweight' but it's not a huge issue for me at all.
I totally recommend this stick vac and it's 100 per cent worth the price!
BEST BARREL VACUUM FOR PET HAIR
Miele Complete C3 Cat and Dog Vacuum Cleaner, $827.20 at Amazon Australia
Pros:
- Suitable for all types of floors.
- Can adjust handle height.
- Has foot switches so you don't need to constantly bend down.
- Comes with Miele's TurboTeQ floorhead, which is specifically designed to remove hair and fluff, including from delicate carpet.
- Contains a HEPA AirClean filter, claimed to trap 99.9 per cent of viruses, bacteria and fine particles.
- Includes TimeStrip to let you know when to change the filter.
- Miele's GN HyClean dustbags have an automatic closure to ensure dirt and dust stay inside the dustbag.
- Also includes All TeQ floorhead, Turbo Mini Brush, dusting brush, upholstery nozzle and crevice nozzle.
Cons:
- Some reviewers point out the suction power might be too strong on carpet and suggest switching to the lowest setting on such surfaces.
Dustbag capacity: 4.5L | Weight: 8.8kg | Size (WxH): 48.7cm x 22.7cm
What You Need To Know
This Miele pet vacuum cleaner is popular with shoppers.
The 2000W bagged unit packs a 4.5L dustbag capacity ensuring that you won’t have to constantly empty out the vacuum while you do the house. It includes several cleaner heads, including a Turbobrush attachment specifically designed to pick up stubborn pet hair as well as a crevice tool to tackle narrow spaces where dust and dander love to hide. You can also expect a cleaning reach of up to 12m, so you don’t have to constantly unplug and replug the vacuum cleaner.
“This model is superior in every way. We have dogs, and it really sucks up all the fur and all the dirt,” wrote one five-star review.
Another said, “This is hands down the best vacuum I have owned! Its suction is like no other vacuum … I have a dog so it picks up every fine hair stuck in the carpets!”
“It does not disappoint. When vacuuming through the house, it glides smoothly on the tiles, it's not cumbersome to manoeuvre behind you and the on board tools are a bonus. The Turbo head is brilliant, even the standard head is equally functional,” raved an Amazon Australia customer.
“The ergonomic handle is wonderful. Its soft covering makes it easy to vacuum without fatigue or losing grip. Vacuum bag is quite large and easy to replace. The cord is extra long and (has) no issues in retracting back.”
BEST MOP AND VACUUM COMBO FOR PET HAIR
Dreame L10s Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop, $1299 (down from $1799) at Dreame
Pros:
- Can add Dreame cleaning solution, unlike many robot mops which can only use water.
- Comes with a camera, microphone and speaker so you can check your home and communicate with your pet (and other family members) while at work.
- Long maximum runtime of 210 minutes.
- Slim design makes it easy to slide under low lying furniture.
- Has powerful suction (5300 Pa).
- Dustbag can hold 60 days' worth of dirt and debris.
- Has separate dirty and clean water tanks.
- App offers plenty of customisable features.
Cons:
- Like with any robot vacuum, it's best to remove objects like cords, pet bowls and rugs (especially very thin and lightweight mats).
Dustbag capacity: 350ml (onboard) / 3L (base station) | Weight: 3.7kg | Size: 35cm x 35cm x 9.7cm (robot) / 42.3cm x 34cm x 56.8cm (base station)
What You Need To Know
Whether it’s pet hair or muddy paws, or even a messy food bowl, this Dreame robot vacuum can tackle it all. The two-in-one unit features a fully automatic base station that not only charges but also refills your robot cleaner with water and cleaning solution, washes and dries the mop pads to prevent bad odours and bacteria from forming while it’s tucked away.
When it comes to avoiding toys and feeders, the Dreame robot vac uses AI technology to create paths based on different objects, surfaces and rooms. To prevent clogging, the base station itself offers high-speed emptying while the robot’s brush features a design that stirs particles in a way that makes it easier for the unit to detangle hair.
“I love this little robot! Very easy to map and program. Does an excellent job both in vacuuming and in mopping; my floors have never been so clean! With three dogs in the house we run it every day at least once, if not twice,” praised a reviewer, rating it five stars.
"It vacuums really well, even cat litter is nicely vacuumed up. It mops really well and the extended corner cleaning is absolutely worth it. It's also way, way, way more silent than my old Neato D85," another shopper posted on Amazon australia.
"It effortlessly picks up dirt, dust, and even pet hair from various surfaces, leaving my floors looking remarkably clean. The vacuum's ability to navigate around furniture and effectively reach into corners has been impressive as well," a third wrote.
BEST CORDLESS STICK VACUUM CLEANER FOR PET HAIR
Dyson V15 Detect Absolute, $1449 at The Good Guys
PROS:
- Fluffy Optic cleaner heads lights up floor to show hair and dust.
- Has three power settings (Auto, Eco and Boost).
- Uses whole machine HEPA filtration to ensure whatever is captured isn't released back into the air.
- Has a Hair screw tool to pick up long hair and pet hair from furniture, mattresses, pet beds and stairs.
CONS:
- Has a fairly decent maximum 60-minute runtime, but the battery will run out much faster when using Auto or Boost mode.
Dustbag capacity: 0.77L| Weight: 3.1kg | Size: 25cm x 26.6cm x 126cm
What You Need To Know
The Dyson V15 Detect Absolute is a versatile cordless vacuum cleaner that is perfect for cleaning floors, hard-to-reach places, mattresses, you name it. Features include a laser revealing microscopic dust that you probably would never have known was there. It also has a piezo sensor that measures the amount of dust particles and automatically increases the suction power when needed, and an LCD screen that shows proof of a deep clean and what’s been sucked up.
It comes with a hair screw tool, aka an anti-tangle conical brush bar that picks up long hair and pet hair, a digital motorbar cleaner head that sucks up dust and hair. It automatically clears wrapped hair from the brush bar as you clean while a crevice tool ensures precise cleaning in every nook and cranny. Other features include an illuminated cleaner head, combination tool, wand storage clip, docking station and a charger.
It has a 4.9 out of five-star average rating on Myer with one five-star reviewer writing: “Very happy with my new Dyson V15 … I was wondering if the laser would just be a ‘kitschy’ addition … but wow did it show me what was actually on the floor.
“We have a Jack Russell and hair had always been an issue. It did an amazing job on our hardwood floors.
“Need to use the other fitting for rugs. Now I am obsessed with keeping our floors spotless. The battery lasts well to thoroughly (clean) my house on medium power (Auto mode), which seems to pick up well. A bit heavier than my old one, but manageable. Much easier to empty too, with push down mechanism.”
“This vacuum is a game changer. Used to vacuum once or twice a month, but now I do it twice a day for fun. There is serious satisfaction in being able to see every particle on the floor with their unique laser head, I always feel confident the job gets done!” another wrote.
BEST BUDGET VACUUM CLEANER FOR PET HAIR
Akitas V8 3-in-1 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, $129.99 at Big W
Pros:
- Two power settings (Eco mode and Max mode).
- Some reviewers say it's not too noisy compared to other stick vacs.
- Contains a washable HEPA filter and a one-touch dustbin emptying design.
- Has a self-standing design, although can be disassembled for easy storage.
- Lightweight.
- Turbo Head has LED lights.
Cons:
- There are mixed opinions on suction, with some saying it's not powerful enough (particularly on different types of carpet). But keep in mind this unit only has 150W
- Short maximum 30-minute runtime, making it ideal for small homes or quick daily upkeeping.
Dustbag capacity: 1.2L | Weight: 2.4kg | Size: 28cm x 15cm x 68cm
What You Need To Know
The Akitas V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner may have an affordable price tag, but don’t be fooled. This stick vacuum has more than 5500 five-star reviews on Amazon Australia, with many praising its lightweight design and “surprisingly good” suction.
Plus, it shares a few similar features found in its pricier competitors such as an LED floor light and rotating brush bar. It also has a long reach cleaning wand and detachable handheld design meaning this cordless vacuum allows you to reach all the tough spots, not just on the floor.
Not to mention, this stick vac easily swivels 180 degrees and can be used on hard floors, tiles and carpets. Weighing just 2.4kg, you can easily carry it from room to room or up and down the stairs.
“We have wooden floors and two dogs and it easily handles them. Just make sure you clean the filter regularly and it will work like a dream. Fabulous for the money,” a reviewer commented, giving it five stars.
“Ideal for our apartment and well worth the money. Works great to vacuum dog hair on shaggy carpet, little less so on low-pile carpet. The lights are really helpful and the battery life is decent too,” another raved.
BEST UPRIGHT VACUUM CLEANERS FOR PET HAIR
Electrolux UltimateHome 700 Bagless Vacuum Cleaner, $319 at The Good Guys
PROS:
- Has a long 12m cleaning reach.
- Uses a six-step filtration system.
- Includes washable HEPA 13 filter.
- Has a two-step dust emptying design to limit potential spillages.
- Many reviewers rave about the suction power and the compact and lightweight design.
- Can turn the vacuum cleaner on with your foot, removing the need to constantly bend down.
CONS:
- Some reviewers say the cord doesn't fully retract.
Dustbin capacity: 1.6L | Weight: 5.42kg | Size: 28.6cm x 31cm x 42cm
What You Need To Know
Don't want to wait hours for a stick vacuum to recharge so you can finish cleaning? A canister model like is the way to go. And don't worry, there are models like the Electrolux UltimateHome 700 which stray from the clunky and heavy design barrel vacuums are often known for. This bagless unit is fairly compact and weighs just 5.42kg, plus comes with extra large rubber-coated wheels for easy manoeuvrability. It also offers a long cleaning reach, reducing the need to hunt down a power outlet at every corner.
Impressed shoppers say they love the "powerful suction" and how well it "picks up dirt and specs of hair".
"It gets all the cat hair up off the carpet and off the furniture too. It's very satisfying to see the container full of hair and dust after each time I vacuum," a happy customer posted on The Good Guys website.
"Great little vacuum for my whole apartment! ... It fits in (a) small cupboard area and not too heavy like other machines!" another reviewer wrote.
Vax Pet Pro Bagless Vacuum, $199 at The Good Guys
Pros:
- Large 4L dustbin capacity allows you to clean more in the one go.
- Extra-long hose
- Antibacterial HEPA filter.
- Comes with several accessories.
Cons:
- Some critics say the dustbin can be fiddly when emptying.
Dustbin capacity: 4L | Weight: 6.3kg | Size: 30.3cm x 34cm x 45.4cm
What You Need To Know
The bagless corded Vax Pet Pro Barrel Vacuum Cleaner is perfect for allergy sufferers thanks to its antibacterial HEPA filter and specialised design to get rid of pet hair, dander, dirt and allergens left by your furry friends.
It features cyclonic technology for high-powered suction, a large 4L capacity dust bin, combination floor tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, metal telescopic tube, hard floor tool, turbo brush, three-in-one tool holder and an extra long hose to reach into every crevice.
"I love this vacuum cleaner ! I have a cat with medium length coat, who sheds his hair everywhere on my 2 storey carpeted house. This is the only vacuum cleaner I have used that removed not only his hair, but any dirt he had bought into the house. The suction is fabulous, never losing power, even when the canister was half full. I would highly recommend this vacuum cleaner," an impressed customer posted on The Good Guys website.
“Very happy with this vacuum cleaner. Really impressed with how well it cleans and picks up pet hair as well as being light and easy to move around. It is bagless and very easy to empty," a second commenter wrote.
“I love how this vacuum picks up all the cat hair off my lounges and floor. I see it all disappear off the blue lounge I have which I can see clearly because it stands out with that colour. Nice to see it clean after a few rubs over. Excellent working vacuum with power. I've used it for one week,” another wrote.
BEST HANDHELD VACUUM CLEANER FOR PET HAIR
BLACK+DECKER 18V Lithium-Ion Pet Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum, $162.98 at Amazon Australia
PROS:
- Ideal for carpets, upholstery, rugs and curtains.
- Very lightweight.
- Compact and easy to store.
- Powered pet brush has anti-tangle bristles.
- LED panel lets you know when the filter needs to be cleaned or when the battery is low
- Free delivery when purchased through Amazon Australia.
CONS:
- Short maximum runtime of 21 minutes (lasts 12 minutes on high speed).
- Some reviewers complain the charging time (five hours) is too long, especially given the short runtime.
Dustbag capacity: 0.7L | Weight: 0.9kg | Size: 15.88cm x 5.75cm x 7.5cm
What You Need To Know
This BLACK+DECKER Pet Dustbuster features motorised, anti-tangle rubber bristles to whisk away pet hairs with ease, an extra-long crevice tool that helps you clean those hard-to-reach areas, and a smart tech LED panel that informs you when the filter needs to be cleaned or when the battery is low. It also has a 700ml dust bowl that can easily be emptied out at just a push of one button.
Fans praise the budget vacuum for its "strong suction power" and affordable price tag, with one person calling it "one of the best vacuums (on) the market".
"I was unsure if this would be powerful enough to clean up dog hair from upholstery and cat Litter in carpet but I was plenty surprised at how well it works. I use it every day for spot cleaning rather than dragging out the normal vacuum as it does such a good job. The charge is also fantastic. Five days of spot use and it's still showing three bars on the charger," raved a reviewer on Amazon Australia.
“I was looking for a handheld vacuum cleaner specifically for removing cat hair from sofas and this definitely does the job,” another wrote.
“Suction is great even on the lower lever of power. Battery life is okay for just doing a good clean on the sofas, but it does take quite a while to recharge to full power again. However for the price I would highly recommend."
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT VACUUM FOR PET HAIR
Shark Detect Pro Cordless Vacuum with Auto Empty System, $799 at The Good Guys
Pros:
- QuadClea Multi-Surface Brushroll automatically recognises the floor surface and automatically adjusts settings.
- Includes Multi-Flex wand.
- Uses HEPA filtration and an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal to trap 99.9 per cent of dust and allergens.
- Has a slim, lightweight and flexible design.
- Sensors and LED display let you see how clean your floors are in real-time.
- Includes Pet-Multi tool, wide upholstery tool, duster crevice tool and fragrance puk.
Cons:
- Small dustbin.
Dustbin capacity: 0.42L (onboard) / 2L (base station) | Weight: 2.7kg | Size: 33.5cm x 27cm x 111.5cm
What You Need To Know
Who said robot vacuums get all the self-cleaning fun? This Shark stick vacuum balances the best of both worlds with its cordfree design and auto empty function, and offers handy accessories like a Multi-Flex Wand and an accessory storage compartment for bonus convenience. It also includes a Pet-Multi Tool for removing pet dander and pet fur on a variety of surfaces, and shares the same fragrance puk featured in the Shark Stratos Pet Pro Vacuum to help freshen up the place.
But the best part? This cordless vacuum is one of the lightest on the market, weighing just 2.7kg. The model additionally boasts four automatic deep cleaning technologies which boost power when working on edges and corners, increases power on stubborn and hard-to-see dirt, optimises setting based on the surface type and lights up hidden debris. You can even see how clean the floor actually is thanks to the LED display, which shows colour coded rings to indicate when there's a high amount of dirt detected, when the debris is being cleaned and when the area is finally clean. How cool?
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A VACUUM FOR PET HAIR
Finding the right vacuum cleaner that can pick up pet hair can be tricky, but here are several factors we considered when choosing which models to include in our list.
Suction power: It's a good idea to opt for a vacuum cleaner with multiple power settings so you can tailor the suction power depending on the surface. Although stronger isn't necessarily better and can end up simply sucking up your carpet instead of cleaning it.
Portability: Aside from size and weight, having features like a height adjustable carry handle, on-board storage compartment and a long power cord can make a big difference to how convenient and easy the vacuum will be to use.
Type of vacuum: Robot vacuums are often used to complement stick vacs and great for cleaning under beds and other low lying furniture as well as daily housekeeping. Handheld vacuums are similarly ideal for quick touch ups and furniture, such as sofas, dog beds and awkward hard-to-reach areas.
Bagged or bagless: Many bagless vacuums now provide a hygienic emptying system to minimise the amount of contact between you and the dust and debris without having to regularly fork out for dustbags. Although if you're particularly concerned about being exposed to pet hair and dander, you can find a variety of bagged models with sealed dustbags.
HEPA filter: Your four-legged best friend sheds more than just fur, with pollen and bacteria also on the list. Pet dander can also provide a great meal for dust mites, a common allergy trigger. HEPA filtration can be great for those with allergies since they're designed to ensure most of the tiny particles captured won't get released back into the air. A HEPA 13 filter can retain at least 99.95 per cent of the particles, while a HEPA 14 is even more efficient. But note HEPA-style filters are not the same as HEPA filters and won't be as effective.
Pet friendly attachments and features: Pet hair can easily clog vacuum heads, especially if it isn't regularly emptied, but you can find many vacuums with anti-tangle brushes built inside the cleaner head to prevent hair and pet fur from wrapping around the brush and eventually clumping and clogging the cleaner head. More brands are also now adding pet tools specifically designed to target pet hair, which can be hard to pick up, along with odour neutralisers.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the best vacuum for pet hair for your needs and budget, we asked cleaning expert Leanne Neiland for her advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying a vacuum for pet hair. Leanne runs the Instagram page @home.with.leanne where she shares hot tips and hacks to keep your home clean and organised to her 59,000 followers. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best vacuum for pet hair from premium to budget to help you find the right one.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ARE DYSON PET VACUUMS WORTH IT?
Dyson vacuums may be pricey – but according to the vast majority of reviews, they’re an investment you won’t regret. The brand's highly popular range offers powerful suction that's suitable on a variety of surfaces, and features like whole machine HEPA filtration and a hygienic emptying system to help minimise exposure to potential allergy triggers. Dyson also offers accessories like the Mattress Tool, and even a unique Pet Grooming Kit.
DO PET VACUUMS REALLY WORK?
There are a variety of pet vacuums worth buying, and many 'regular' vacuum cleaners that work just as effectively. This all comes down to a range of factors like surface type, the type of cleaner head, how well the vacuum is maintained and more.
“I think that you need to look past the name or label ‘pet vacuum’ and look at what you are actually buying,” says Leanne.
“Firstly, it needs to have a HEPA filter to capture small dander particles, it needs to have enough suction to lift the hair (min 240V) and it needs to have a motorised power head.
“If the vacuum, you are purchasing has all of the above it is going to be best suited to lifting pet hair.”
HOW DO YOU CONTROL DOG HAIR IN THE HOUSE?
Sick of finding dog hair literally everywhere? In addition to vacuuming, here’s what you can do to make life a little less hairy:
- Brush: Brush your dog every few days, no matter the length of their coats, to remove matted hair, help them shed their seasonal coat, and improve their general skin health. You can use a wire or soft brush, and follow up with a pet grooming glove to clear away excess fur before it spreads throughout the house.
- Bathe: Especially important during summer, regularly bathing your dog with a gentle pet-friendly shampoo can improve the health of their coats to minimise shedding.
- Bedding: Keep your pup’s bed free of hair too. When hair is freshly shed, it’s easier to remove from upholstery fabric and less likely to make itself a part of the furniture. Get on top of it quickly, by brushing or vacuuming it away ASAP.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY HOME TO MANAGE PET HAIR?
Leanne recommends vacuuming at least every second day if you have a dog.
DO AIR PURIFIERS HELP REDUCE PET HAIR AND PET DANDER IN THE HOME?
Leanne believes air purifiers can help reduce animal dander and pet hair, and provide relief for allergy sufferers. In fact, air purifiers target airborne contaminants and use a filter, often trap small particles found on pets (as well as around the room), such as pet dander, pollen, odours dust and more.
“If your air purifier has a HEPA filter it is designed to remove 99.7 per cent of floating air particles including pet dander," she said.
“However, this does not replace the need to physically remove the animal hair.”
Leanne Neiland
Leanne runs the Instagram page @home.with.leanne where she shares hot tips and hacks to keep your home clean and organised. As a busy working mum of two, her page highlights simple hacks for others to keep their home organised. She currently has over 61,900 followers.
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