The 9 Best Vacuums for Pet Hair of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

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Pet owners can rely on these vacuums to tackle hair, dander, and other pet-related messes.

<p>Real Simple / Dera Burreson</p>

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Fact checked by Emily Estep

Living with pets is great, but it often requires taking extra steps to keep your home clean and fur-free. When shopping for a vacuum for pet hair, Thomas Johnson, MD, board-certified allergist and immunologist at Allergy & Asthma Care of Florida, says “the overall goal should be to find a vacuum that effectively removes the allergen from the surface being cleaned without leaking around the collection system (which would allow the allergen to become airborne again).”

In fact, Dr. Johnson says allergen particles can linger in the air for days or even weeks after being disturbed. That’s why it’s important to look for a vacuum cleaner that won’t release particles back into the air.

You also need to make sure the vacuum you choose is one you’ll actually be inclined to use regularly. Angela Brown, CEO of Savvy Cleaner, says to “choose a vacuum that has strong suction but is lightweight enough that seniors and kids can push or maneuver the vacuum. This way, anyone in the home can help with pet hair removal.”

We tested 41 vacuums designed specifically for pet hair both in our Lab and in our homes,  evaluating each based on its effectiveness, maneuverability, ease of emptying, portability, noise level, ease of setup, and value. We also consulted Johnson and Brown for expert tips on buying and using vacuums for pet hair.

Best Overall Canister Vacuum for Pet Hair: Kenmore Pet Friendly Pop-N-Go Bagged Canister Vacuum

Buy at Homedepot.com

Buy at Staples.com

Who it’s for: People who want a vacuum that traps allergens and comes with many attachments.

Who it isn't for: People who are set on having a cordless or bagless vacuum.

Kenmore’s multi-purpose canister vacuum earned high marks across the board in our testing, especially for its ability to pick up pet hair. The vacuum removed all four ounces of pet hair from the carpet and all two ounces of pet hair from an upholstered dog bed, picking up large clumps in just a single pass. It makes quick work of even the biggest messes: The hair never got tangled around or stuck to the brush roll. It struggled a bit to clean hair from hard surfaces, but it was able to pick up almost all of the kibble, leaving only a couple stragglers behind. Plus, we found this vacuum to be very quiet during our testing, even on the highest suction setting.

This is a canister vacuum, so it has a hose connecting the main unit to whatever attachment you choose, whether it be the Pet PowerMate brush, the upholstery brush, or the telescoping wand (which is great for reaching curtains and drapes). We found the canister to be easy to carry with one hand, and the long retractable cord gives plenty of leeway to cover a mid-sized room without having to change outlets. Plus, the onboard tool storage makes it easy to tuck everything neatly into a closet until your next cleaning.

The HEPA filter traps irritants and the cloth bag seals in all particles, preventing pet allergens from releasing back into the air. Simply toss the sealed bag directly into the trash when it’s full for dust-free emptying. (It comes with two bags in the box, and you can purchase more separately when you run out.)

One thing to note: Depending on where you buy this vacuum, the color and cord length will vary. The blue vacuum has a 26-foot cord, while the purple vacuum has a 28-foot cord—but the manufacturer confirmed that they are both the same model, just different colors.

Overall, this vacuum is priced above the median of all the vacuums we tested, but we think it comes at a reasonable price point for a canister vacuum that’s designed to clean pet hair from your entire home.

Price at time of publish: $350

Product Details:

  • Type: Canister

  • Weight: 22.6 pounds

  • Cord Length: 28 feet

  • Dustbin Capacity: 2.5 liters

  • Attachments: Pet PowerMate brush, crevice tool, dusting brush, bare floor tool, telescopic wand

<p>Real Simple / Rachel Marek</p>

Real Simple / Rachel Marek

Best Overall Cordless Stick Vacuum for Pet Hair: Tineco Pure One S15 Pro Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

Buy at Store.tineco.com

Who it’s for: People who want a smart cordless vacuum with attachments for different tasks.

Who it isn't for: People who want a no-frills vacuum cleaner.

Cordless vacuums often struggle to compete with the suction power of upright or canister vacuums, but it doesn’t seem to be a problem for the Tineco Pure One S15 Pro. This model was able to pick up everything (all the kibble and pet hair!) in just a few passes when on its highest setting. And on top of that, we found it easy to maneuver with one hand—especially since it glides from carpet to bare floors with ease.

The S15 Pro comes with no shortage of advanced features. It’s WiFi-enabled and connects to a smart app where you can track your cleaning progress, adjust settings, and more. It even has voice prompts that guide you through the cleaning process (although these can be turned off). There is a touch bar along the handle that allows you to adjust the suction strength, as well as an LCD that gives you real-time alerts when any debris is detected and once again when the debris is cleared up. Tineco’s stick vacuum also boasts five layers of filtration (including a HEPA filter) and an anti-tangle brush that keeps the brush roll from getting clogged with hair.

This cordless pet vacuum comes with a freestanding charging base that keeps the vacuum standing upright—and it doesn’t require any installation. Although the vacuum has a trigger that’s supposed to allow you to empty the dustbin without getting messy, we did have to remove some of the hair from the bin with our hands. Those who prefer a simple, straightforward vacuum cleaner would be better off with another model, but otherwise, the Tineco Pure One S15 Pro has everything you could want in a cordless vacuum for pet hair.

Price at time of publish: $599

Product Details:

  • Type: Cordless stick

  • Weight: 6.8 pounds

  • Cord Length: N/A

  • Dustbin Capacity: 0.47 liters

  • Attachments: Mini-power brush, two-in-one dust brush, crevice tool

<p>Real Simple / Dera Burreson</p>

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Best Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair: Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra

Buy at Dyson.com

Buy at Walmart.com

Who it’s for: People who want a powerful vacuum that prevents hair from getting tangled in the brush roll.

Who it isn’t for: People who want a lightweight vacuum.

Upright vacuums are great for lifting embedded pet hair and long hair from high-pile carpet, thanks to their heft and powerful motors, and the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is no exception. Unlike other upright vacuums which manage to tangle all the hair around the brush roll, this vacuum is designed to keep tangles at bay, thanks to the hair removal vanes on the Motorbar cleaner head.

Additionally, this vacuum has a very powerful suction and numerous attachments designed to increase its functionality, particularly for pet owners. The pet groom tool allows you to brush and vacuum loose hairs, dead skin, and allergens directly from your pet into your vacuum. And the generous 1.7-liter dustbin means you can go longer between emptying.

Although this is one of the heavier vacuums we tested at just over 17 pounds, the ball is designed to steer smoothly around furniture with little effort, and the 15-foot hose and stair tool allow you to clean the stairs without carrying the full vacuum with you. Overall, this is our favorite upright vacuum for its powerful suction, many attachments, and anti-tangle technology.

Price at time of publish: $480

Product Details:

  • Type: Upright

  • Weight: 17.3 pounds

  • Cord Length: 35 feet

  • Dustbin Capacity: 1.7 liters

  • Attachments: Tangle-free turbine tool, pet groom tool, stair tool, combination tool

<p>Real Simple / Rachel Marek</p>

Real Simple / Rachel Marek

Best Budget Vacuum for Pet Hair: Hoover Onepwr Evolve Pet Cordless Vacuum

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Walmart.com

Who it’s for: People who want an affordable cordless vacuum that’s easy to carry and maneuver.

Who it isn't for: People who want a vacuum that can also clean upholstered furniture.

If you’re in the market for a lightweight vacuum for pet hair but don’t want to shell out an arm and a leg for a Dyson or other similarly-priced models, the Hoover Onepwr Evolve Pet Cordless Vacuum is a great lower-priced option. We found this vacuum performed particularly well on carpets, especially for pet hair. Some hair got tangled around the brush roll, but since it’s removable, you can easily clean it.

The trade-off of its price is that it does not come with any attachments, so this vacuum won’t be able to clean upholstery or reach into crevices. But it’s very lightweight and easy to maneuver, thanks to the swivel-head design. And unlike many other cordless vacuum cleaners, this one stands upright on its own. We think it would be a great choice for a small apartment or for anyone who might have trouble carrying a heavier vacuum. This is one vacuum we wouldn't mind hauling around the house and up and down stairs.

Price at time of publish: $210

Product Details:

  • Type: Cordless stick

  • Weight: 8.6 pounds

  • Cord Length: N/A

  • Dustbin Capacity: 1 liter

  • Attachments: None 

<p>Real Simple / Dera Burreson</p>

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Best Pet Hair Vacuum for Hard Floors: Dyson Outsize+

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Dyson.com

Who it’s for: People who want a long-running cordless vacuum that offers powerful cleaning on hard floors, carpet, and upholstery.

Who it isn't for: People who don’t want to hold down a button while vacuuming and people who want a budget-friendly vacuum.

Dyson thought of just about everything when designing the Outsize+. It transitions seamlessly between floor types and features a powerful suction that draws in dirt and debris, much like a magnet. For hard floors, use the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head, which features soft nylon and anti-static carbon filaments that capture dust without damaging delicate hardwood floors. Plus, the green laser reveals fine particles not usually visible to the naked eye, which helped us to achieve an even more thorough clean.

We used this vacuum to clean long dog hair trimmings after a grooming session, and found that it was able to remove all the hair without requiring us to empty the bin to make more room. Speaking of which, the Outsize+ has a dustbin capacity of nearly two liters, making it the largest cordless vacuum cleaner from Dyson. Not only that, but it features two interchangeable batteries that can be charged on and off the machine for up to 120 minutes of runtime.

This versatile stick vacuum comes with many attachments that add to its functionality, including a hair screw tool that proved very effective at removing pet hair from furniture and dog beds. And we never had a problem with hair getting stuck around the brush roll.

The trade-off of the vacuum’s large dustbin is that the vacuum cleaner tends to be a bit top heavy, and thus requires a little more effort to maneuver than your standard cordless stick vacuum. It also doesn’t have a continuous run feature, meaning you must hold down the button the entire time you’re vacuuming. While this design is intended to extend the overall battery life of the vacuum, we did find it a bit fatiguing during longer vacuuming sessions.

Price at time of publish: $950

Product Details:

  • Type: Cordless stick

  • Weight: 8 pounds

  • Cord Length: N/A

  • Dust Capacity: 1.9 liters

  • Attachments: Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head, hair screw tool, combination tool, mini soft dusting brush, Digital Motorbar XL cleaner head, crevice tool, stubborn dirt brush

Best Pet Hair Vacuum for Carpet: Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Dyson.com

Who it’s for: People who want an easy-to-maneuver vacuum for cleaning embedded pet hair from carpets.

Who it isn't for: People who want a cordless vacuum that can stand up on its own.

The Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal is everything you could wish for in a cordless vacuum—lightweight, easy to maneuver, and powerful. In our testing, it worked best on carpeted surfaces. We found it easy to switch between the numerous attachments included with this model, and its lightweight design means you can lift it to clean high places (try using the mini soft dusting brush for delicate fabrics like drapes). It even converts to a handheld vacuum cleaner for cleaning car interiors and upholstered furniture. The numerous attachments made it easy to remove even deeply embedded hair from carpets and upholstery, including long dog hair.

We think this stick vacuum would be a great fit for anyone with limited mobility because it's easy to push and maneuver, unlike some heavier upright and canister vacuums. Just note that it does not stand up on its own (even if you try to lean it against a wall), and it only comes with a wall-mounted dock as opposed to a freestanding one.

Price at time of publish: $450

Product Details:

  • Type: Cordless stick

  • Weight: 5.71 pounds

  • Cord Length: N/A 

  • Dustbin Capacity: 0.76 liters

  • Attachments: Motorbar cleaner head, hair screw tool, crevice tool, combination tool, mini soft dusting brush

<p>Real Simple / Rachel Marek</p>

Real Simple / Rachel Marek

Best Lightweight Vacuum for Pet Hair: Shark Wandvac Self-Empty System

Buy at Sharkclean.com

Buy at Amazon.com

Who it’s for: People who want a lightweight, self-emptying stick vacuum that doubles as a hand vacuum.

Who it isn’t for: People who want a vacuum with a smaller base.

This lightweight stick vacuum is easy to maneuver for whole-home cleaning, including above-floor cleaning, thanks to its attachments and removable handheld vacuum. We found it to be highly effective at sucking up cat hair, human hair, dust bunnies, dry kibble, plant soil, and food crumbs. It was particularly efficient at removing bothersome cat litter from hardwood floors, too. And the unique brush roll features silicone fins that prevent hair from getting wrapped around it.

Typically, lightweight stick vacuums come with smaller dust bins that you must empty over a trash can after every couple of uses, often resulting in a cloud of dust that releases allergens back into the air. Fortunately, the WandVac Self-Empty System automatically empties the contents of the stick vacuum into the HEPA-sealed base when docked, which holds up to 30 days of dust and debris, and when emptied, prevents allergens and other fine debris from releasing back into the air.

Price at time of publish: $330

Product Details:

  • Type: Cordless stick

  • Weight: 2.1 pounds for hand vacuum; 13.85 pounds for assembled vacuum

  • Cord Length: N/A

  • Dustbin Capacity: 0.13 quarts

  • Attachments: Duster crevice tool, pet multi-tool

Best Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair: iRobot Roomba j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

Buy at Bestbuy.com

Buy at Amazon.com

Who it’s for: People who want a vacuum they can schedule to run without worrying about pet accidents or objects getting in the way.

Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want to purchase disposable bags.

This high-tech robot vacuum is perfect for pet owners, as it makes it possible to regularly vacuum even when you’re not at home. It proved highly effective at picking up pet hair across all types of flooring. Connecting to the iRobot app was easy, and we found the j7+ to learn our floor plan with little difficulty. It features smart mapping technology, so you can control and schedule which rooms are cleaned and when. What’s more, it also comes with object avoidance technology that steers it away from common clutter like cords, socks, and even pet accidents. It will even take pictures of objects in its path and allow you to mark them as permanent or temporary in the app, helping it to better learn your space.

The edge-sweeping brush allows the vacuum to clean along walls and baseboards even better than upright or stick vacuums, and its low profile slides easily clean under furniture, such as beds or couches. When the dustbin reaches capacity, the j7+ returns to its base and automatically empties its bin into its enclosed bag system, and then returns to its cleaning cycle. The bag system keeps allergens sealed inside—once it’s full, simply toss the closed bag in the trash. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase replacement bags (one bag can last for up to 60 days), which cost $20 for a pack of three. We did find that the self-emptying process can be a little loud, but fortunately it only lasts for a few seconds.

Price at time of publish: $800

Product Details:

  • Type: Robot 

  • Weight: 7.5 pounds

  • Cord Length: N/A

  • Dustbin Capacity: 0.4 liters (disposable bags hold up to 60 days of debris)

  • Attachments: N/A

Best Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair: Black+Decker Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet Cordless Hand Vacuum Cleaner

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Chewy.com

Who it’s for: People who want a compact vacuum for cleaning furniture, car interiors, and other small areas.

Who it isn't for: People who want a vacuum with many different attachments.

This tiny but mighty handheld vacuum cleaner picked up all the pet hair from the floors and upholstery, and it took just a few passes to suck up all the kibble. We think it’s a great vacuum for cleaning car interiors and upholstered furniture, thanks to its cordless, portable design that allows it to go with you wherever you might need it. The handheld vacuum comes with just two attachments: a motorized pet brush and an extra-long crevice tool. The pet brush is designed to lift stubborn pet hair without tangling, while the extra-long crevice tool lets you get between cushions, under car seats, or any other hard-to-reach place that could probably use some attention.

The Black+Decker handheld vacuum for pet hair only has two speed settings, but they both got the job done in our testing. When you’re done cleaning, simply press the button and empty it over the trash can. Keep in mind that handheld vacuums are not designed for whole-home use, so this model won’t replace an upright, canister, or cordless stick vacuum. (Although it does have an impressive dustbin capacity given its size.)

Price at time of publish: $110

Product Details:

  • Type: Handheld

  • Weight: 4.2 pounds

  • Cord Length: N/A

  • Dustbin Capacity: 0.7 liters

  • Attachments: Extra-long crevice tool, motorized pet brush

<p>Real Simple / Rachel Marek</p>

Real Simple / Rachel Marek

Final Verdict

Our best overall canister vacuum pick is the Kenmore Pet-Friendly Pop-N-Go Bagged Canister Vacuum because it is extremely effective at removing pet hair from carpet and upholstery. Plus, it comes with a wide variety of attachments for different cleaning tasks, all of which can be stored on board. And for those who suffer from allergies, the HEPA filter and bagged design prevent allergens from releasing into the air when emptying.

For a cordless vacuum option, we like the Tineco Pure One S15 Pro Smart Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner, because it has a strong suction relative to its size. Plus, it can be controlled via an app, features numerous attachments, and comes with an anti-tangle brush roll. Finally, our best overall upright vacuum cleaner is the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Complete because it’s effective at lifting deeply embedded hair from high-pile carpeting without getting it tangled around the brush roll.

Our Testing Process

To come up with this list, we tested 41 vacuums (all of which are designed to tackle pet hair) both in our Lab and in our homes and evaluated them on effectiveness, maneuverability, ease of emptying, portability, noise level, ease of setup, and value.

In our Lab tests, we first timed how long it took to get the vacuum up and running from the moment the box was opened, taking note of how easy or difficult the assembly was. For cordless models, we also charged the vacuum before the first use.

Next, we turned each vacuum to its highest setting and used a decibel meter to measure the noise output. We also took the decibel reading of each vacuum on its “quiet mode,” when applicable.

To test each vacuum’s ability to clean kibble on different surfaces, we spread 1/4 cup of dog kibble on both medium-pile carpet and a bare luxury vinyl tile (LVT) floor and used the vacuum to suck up the kibble on each surface. We took note of how many passes were required to clear the debris and whether any additional attachments or settings were necessary to get the job done. And as soon as one surface was completely cleaned, we moved on to the next, considering how easily the vacuum transitioned from bare floor to carpet and vice versa. Finally, we emptied each vacuum’s dustbin into a garbage can or removed the bag, noting how simple the process was.

To test each vacuum’s ability to remove pet hair from different surfaces, we sprinkled four ounces of hair on both floor types, making sure to push some of the hairs into the carpet fibers. We used each vacuum to clean the pet hair and weighed the final amount of hair collected. For vacuums with upholstery attachments, we cleaned two ounces of pet hair from an upholstered dog bed and weighed the final amount collected. We also made sure to test any pet-specific attachments in this portion of the testing, too.

Finally, we checked the brush roll for signs of tangling and attempted to remove the hair, whether by hand, with scissors, or with a provided tool. For vacuums with washable filters, we removed and cleaned the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Throughout our testing, we paid special attention to each vacuum’s battery life (for cordless models), weight and ergonomics, filter type, and other features and accessories. After all evaluations were complete, we learned the retail price of each vacuum and scored its overall value considering its price and performance. Top-performing vacuums came home with us for long-term testing, and we’ve updated this article with new insights based on how well the vacuum performed for up to six months of use.

How to Shop for Vacuums for Pet Hair Like a Pro

Type

Vacuums, including those designed for pet hair, come in several different styles, each with different intended uses.

  • Upright Vacuums: These are your traditional, self-contained vacuums, usually featuring a brush, a hose, a bag or dustbin, and a motor all in the same body. Upright models make great vacuums for pet hair, thanks to their motorized brushes that effectively pick up fur and dander. Upright vacuums are particularly well-suited for carpeted surfaces and often come with attachments for upholstery, too. However, they can be bulky and difficult to maneuver, and they have to stay plugged into an outlet.

  • Cordless Stick Vacuums: Cordless vacuums have become increasingly popular for obvious reasons—they make it so that you don’t have to struggle with a cord as you clean, and their compact, lightweight design is great for maneuvering around small spaces or sliding under furniture. For example, our best cordless vacuum pick, the Tineco Pure One S15 Pro Smart Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner, weighs under seven pounds. Unfortunately, they can be a bit pricey and, since they’re battery operated, they have limited runtimes. For those reasons, cordless stick vacuums are better for small spaces or messes, as opposed to whole-house cleaning.

  • Handheld Vacuums: A handheld vacuum cleaner is a convenient option for cleaning up small messes and removing pet hair from upholstery or even car interiors. However, they’re not designed to have the same power and capacity as full-sized models.

  • Canister Vacuums: Canister vacuums have a hose connecting the main unit (which houses the motor and dustbin) to the brush attachment. Compared to upright vacuums, they’re more efficient at cleaning hard surfaces, stairs, and hard-to-reach places. Many canister models have extendable wands for cleaning drapes and curtains, as well as special attachments for upholstery—but they’re bulkier than upright vacuums and can be more expensive.

  • Robot Vacuums: While pet owners shouldn’t rely solely on a robot vacuum, they are a great tool for lower-lift maintenance. Running a robot vacuum regularly can help keep up with pet hair and dander without doing a deep clean every single day, and most robot vacuums can be put on a schedule so you really can set it and forget it.

Bagged vs. Bagless

Some vacuums collect dirt in a bag, while others use a dustbin. Bagged vacuum cleaners tend to hold more dirt and release less dust into the air when you throw them away, making them a great option for those with allergies. Our best overall pick, the Kenmore Pet-Friendly Pop-N-Go Bagged Canister Vacuum and our best robot vacuum pick, the iRobot Roomba j7+, are the only bagged vacuums on our list. Bagless vacuums, on the other hand, are still easy to empty and they don’t require you to purchase replacement bags down the line. Bagless vacuums usually still come with filters, like HEPA filters that trap particles and keep them from blowing back into the air, which will either need to be cleaned or replaced periodically.

Attachments and Accessories

In addition to the main brush, most vacuums come with several basic attachments, such as a crevice tool, an upholstery brush, and a dusting brush. Many vacuum cleaners for pet hair include a pet-specific attachment designed to pick up pet hair. You’ll also find telescoping wands that help you to clean drapes or curtains, as well as “turbo” tools for stubborn messes.

Angela Brown, CEO of Savvy Cleaner, suggests looking for a vacuum with a “handheld attachment that can easily be removed from the base and used in vehicles, on stairs, on furniture, and hard to reach places where pet hair could be blown by open windows, doors, or HVAC units.”

Price

The vacuums on our list include everything from handheld to canister models, and each type comes at a different price point. We tested models ranging from under $40 to nearly $1,000, but the median price of all the vacuums we tested is $240.

More Vacuums for Pet Hair to Consider

Samsung Jet 75 Cordless Stick Vacuum: This is another reliable stick vacuum for picking up pet hair from a variety of surfaces, including high-pile carpet. But for the price, we wish it came with accessories like an additional battery or more attachments.

Shark Navigator Pet Upright Vacuum With Self-Cleaning Brushroll: Our testers found this upright vacuum to be very effective on both hard flooring and carpet, but did have a hard time emptying the dustbin, as some of the pet hair got stuck inside.

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Pet Hand Vacuum: This is another great handheld option that is effective on all surfaces. However, we don’t like that you have to remove the filter before you can empty the dustbin.

Questions You Might Ask

How often should pet owners vacuum?

If you have pets, you’re going to have to vacuum more frequently than you would otherwise—although most pet owners will tell you their furry friends are well worth the trade-off. Brown recommends vacuuming daily and keeping a vacuum on each floor of the home for easy access.

Does vacuuming help reduce pet allergens?

On top of turning your couch into a fur magnet, pet hair acts as a vehicle for allergens, including dander, skin flakes, saliva, and urine, all of which can trigger allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

Thomas Johnson, MD, board-certified allergist and immunologist at Allergy & Asthma Care of Florida says, “carpets are a major source of pet allergens for those that have pets at home, but upholstered furniture and bedding materials are important as well.”

That’s why it’s so important for pet owners to vacuum regularly. Daily dusting and vacuuming of carpets, upholstery, and draperies can help reduce pet allergens in the home, as can using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. If cleaning every day isn’t realistic for you, concentrate on keeping the bedroom allergy-free, especially for any member of the household with pet allergies.

Do you need a pet vacuum?

If you have carpeting, a vacuum designed specifically for pet hair can make a big difference. “Pet allergens are light and sticky,” says Dr. Johnson. “Furry-pet-owner’s clothing can transfer allergens to places that don’t have a pet.”

Because of pet hair’s ability to become deeply embedded into carpet, a vacuum with a brush roll designed to lift hair from medium- to high-pile carpet can come in handy. Pet vacuums often come with attachments for cleaning upholstery, too, and they typically have HEPA filters to keep allergens from blowing back into the air.

And because pet vacuums are designed to take in large amounts of hair, they’re less likely to clog and their brushes are less likely to tangle. Overall, a pet-specific vacuum is a great investment for people with pets—although you may be able to find attachments for your existing vacuum that can help you achieve similar results.

Related:The 12 Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. To come up with this list, we tested 41 vacuums for pet hair in our Lab and our homes and evaluated them on effectiveness, maneuverability, ease of emptying, portability, noise level, ease of setup, and value. For expert tips on how to choose the right vacuum for pet hair, Melanie consulted Thomas Johnson, MD, board-certified allergist and immunologist at Allergy & Asthma Care of Florida, and Angela Brown, CEO of Savvy Cleaner.

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn't an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

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