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A pet may be a beloved member of your family—bringing plenty of love and snuggles—but they also tend to bring extra fur into your home. From floors to furniture, pet hair has a way of showing up everywhere. Thankfully, the right vacuum can make staying ahead of shedding much easier and less time-consuming.
Our top picks:
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, we continuously test new vacuums on carpet, hardwood, upholstery, and more, paying special attention not only to overall performance but also to how well they handle stubborn pet hair. Below are the models—from lightweight stick vacuums to hands-off robot vacs—that delivered the strongest performance in our tests.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus Lightweight Vacuum
Bissell
WHY WE LOVE IT: Bissell’s Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus is a powerful, user-friendly upright vacuum that excels at picking up pet hair—whether from a small cat or a large dog. Its standout feature is the hands-free, internal hair spooling system that neatly collects pet hair into a clump inside the canister, so you don’t have to reach in and pull out loose, tangled messes. The floor nozzle also includes a tangle-free brush roll that helps prevent hair from wrapping around the bristles and clogging the machine.
HOW IT PERFORMED: This model earned high marks in our Lab, performing especially well across all floor types thanks to its strong suction and practical features. Our consumer testers noted that its combination of attachments and tools made it especially effective for cleaning up after pets of all sizes. “This vacuum’s combination of features and tools was ideal for picking up the hair of both small and large pets,” one of our testers said.
We also appreciated the thoughtful extras designed specifically for pet owners—like the Febreze Pet Odor Eliminator filter, which helps control odors, and the LED-lit crevice tool that reveals hidden pet hair in dark corners. The sealed filtration system does a solid job trapping allergens inside the vacuum. And compared to other upright models, we found it relatively lightweight, though its .75 L dust cup capacity is smaller than that of similar uprights.
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- Sealed to trap allergens
- Hands-free dust cup emptying
- Feature-packed design
- Dust cup capacity is smaller than similar uprights
Hoover WindTunnel Tangle Guard Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Philip Friedman
WHY WE LOVE IT: This Hoover model earned a spot in our Cleaning & Organizing Awards for its impressive suction power, tangle-resistant brush roll, and budget-friendly price. As a bagless vacuum with an oversized 1.5-liter dust bin, it’s especially well-suited for pet owners, since fur tends to fill up smaller canisters fast.
HOW IT PERFORMED: Hoover claims the Tangle Guard brush roll can handle hair up to 16 inches long without wrapping, and our tests confirmed that. “It did a great job picking up the long hair and threads we put down without getting them tangled in the brush roll,” said one cleaning expert.
We also appreciated the built-in LED headlights, which made it easier to spot hidden debris in dark corners—a major plus when you’re dealing with pet hair. The vacuum also comes with a crevice tool, dusting brush, and turbo tool to tackle different surfaces and spaces. While it’s corded, the 30-foot reach gave us plenty of freedom to move around during testing. Just note: There’s no automatic cord rewind, so storing it can be slightly more tedious.
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- Large dust bin
- Tangle-resistant brush roll
- LED headlights make it easy to see dust and hair
Kenmore Elite 31150 Pet Friendly Bagged Upright Vacuum
Kenmore
WHY WE LOVE IT: This upright vacuum is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAFA). It features a HEPA filter and meets AAFA’s strict standards for low emissions—both while vacuuming and when replacing the bag—so pet hair and dander stay sealed inside, helping to minimize allergic reactions.
HOW IT PERFORMED: During Lab testing of a previous rendition of this model, our experts were impressed by the motor’s strong performance. We also found the vacuum’s thoughtful features—including its extra-large dust bag, onboard hose storage, and multiple attachments—to be major pluses.
One standout is the air-powered hand tool with a rotating brush, which worked well for lifting stubborn pet hair from upholstered furniture, bedding, and stairs. On the downside, the vacuum’s height must be manually adjusted to work properly across different carpet types, and at 19 pounds, it’s a bit heavy to carry up and down stairs.
- Air-powered hand tool with a rotating brush for easier pet hair pick-up
- Certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation
- Large-capacity dust cup
- May be heavy for some
- Height has to be manually adjusted
Miele Boost CX1 Cat & Dog
courtesy photo
WHY WE LOVE IT: This compact powerhouse features a turbo brush floorhead made specifically for lifting pet hair and debris from low- to medium-pile carpets. It offers strong suction power and a space-saving design that’s easy to store, carry, and maneuver.
HOW IT PERFORMED: Miele vacuums consistently impress in our Lab, and the hardwood floor version of this model was no different. It effectively cleared dry oats from carpets, hardwood, and tile during testing, leaving no trace behind. “It worked well on all surfaces, but I was really impressed with the power it had on the area rug,” said one tester.
We were also drawn to its compact size, which makes it easy to store and move between rooms. The 32-foot operating radius is ideal for covering larger spaces without frequent unplugging, and there’s even a designated hose parking spot on the canister to keep things tidy when not in use.
The Boost CX1 Cat & Dog includes a universal floor head that picks up pet hair on carpet and hard floors with ease. Though it’s one of the pricier options in our lineup, it comes with four adjustable suction settings—gentle enough for delicate drapes and powerful enough for medium pile carpet cleaning—making it a versatile investment for whole-home cleaning.
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- Included turbo brush floorhead for pet hair pickup on carpet
- Four suction power settings
- Easy to carry
- More expensive than most of our other picks
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Kenmore Pet-Friendly Pop-N-Go Bagged Canister
Good Housekeeping/Philip Friedman
WHY WE LOVE IT: A winner in our Cleaning & Organizing Awards, this high-performing bagged vacuum is designed to lock in pet hair and dander after cleaning—a major win for allergy-conscious households. While it’s excellent on carpets, it really shines on hardwood floors thanks to its strong suction and dedicated bare floor brush, which attaches effortlessly with a foot pedal for hands-free convenience.
HOW IT PERFORMED: In our Lab, this vacuum showed powerful suction on both carpets and hard floors, easily picking up dry oats in our standardized tests. One of our consumer testers even used it immediately after trying another vacuum and was surprised by how much more it picked up. “The suction was phenomenal,” one of our testers said. We also found it simple to steer and transition between floor types, thanks to the vacuum’s large rear wheels. That said, one tester noted the bare floor brush didn’t always release fully on its own and sometimes required a small nudge to deploy.
We were especially impressed with the Pet PowerMate attachment, which worked well on upholstered furniture and carpets, and with all the included tools, which can be conveniently stored on the vacuum itself. At just over 20 pounds, it’s definitely on the heavier side, so carrying it up or down stairs takes some effort. However, its 10.5-foot telescoping wand, long hose, and retractable cord mean you can clean stairs thoroughly without lifting the entire unit.
- Comes with a motorized attachment for pet hair
- Bagged so less dust escapes during emptying
- Hands-free bare floor attachment
- Heavier than other similar models
Black+Decker Furbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum for Pets
BLACK+DECKER
WHY WE LOVE IT: This cordless handheld vacuum from Black+Decker is a budget-friendly option that’s particularly handy for tackling pet hair in cars. It comes equipped with a motorized pet brush that uses rubber bristles to lift fur from upholstery, car seats, and carpets, plus an extendable crevice tool that makes it easier to reach tight spots and corners.
HOW IT PERFORMED: While testing handheld vacuums, this model tied for first place and delivered standout results in our pet hair pickup evaluations. It also ranked among the quietest vacuums we tested. Like other top handhelds, it runs for quite a while—the manufacturer claims up to 32 minutes per charge—though it takes four hours to fully recharge, and the battery is not removable.
We appreciated its washable filter and found the dust cup easy to empty with a single press of a button, making cleanup simple. One tester especially liked the strong suction and easy-to-read battery indicator. “While a small device will never be as powerful as a full-size model, this little vacuum’s suction was impressive,” they said.
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- Powered pet head has rubber bristles to lift pet hair off furniture and stairs
- Affordable
- Impressive suction for a vacuum of this size
- Takes four hours for a full charge
Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop
ECOVACS
WHY WE LOVE IT: The Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni stands out as a true hands-off cleaner for homes with pets, pairing strong carpet pickup with one of the most effective mopping systems we’ve tested in robot vacuums. It’s fast, thorough, and especially helpful for busy households that want solid pet hair removal without constant babysitting.
HOW IT PERFORMED: In our Lab tests, the robot vacuum performed impressively on carpet, where pet hair tends to linger most. It removed an average of 90% of pet hair and 95% of hard debris, earning excellent overall carpet-cleaning scores.
It also proved to be a speedy navigator, clearing our two-room test enclosure in under 10 minutes and bumping into just one obstacle along the way—a sign of efficient mapping and movement.
While hard-floor pickup during vacuuming wasn’t its very strongest showing, performance was still good. It removed 86% of hard debris in a single pass. It really shined on the wet-cleaning side. The built-in roller mop outperformed every other combo model we tested, significantly lightening chocolate syrup stains and nearly eliminating clay smears—a plus for muddy paw prints. Plus, the app lets you schedule a second pass when you want a deeper clean.
- Better mopping than any other robot vacuum we’ve tested
- Finishes cleaning tasks quickly
- Great at removing pet hair from carpet
- Vacuum isn’t as powerful on bare floors as some other models
Bissell Powerclean Furguard Self-Standing Cordless Vacuum
BISSELL
WHY WE LOVE IT: The PowerClean Self-Standing Stick Vacuum is a versatile, lightweight cordless option that makes tackling pet hair easier—especially on furniture and upholstery. Its self-standing design is convenient for quick stops mid-clean and helps keep it accessible without leaning it against walls or furniture where it’s likely to tip.
HOW IT PERFORMED: In our Lab tests, it scored high for ease of use, with excellent maneuverability on both carpet and hard floors, and very intuitive controls. Cleaning performance was solid across surfaces, and consumer testers gave it 5 out of 5 for pet hair removal, though some noted it was harder to maneuver on high-pile carpeting.
The included FurFinder attachment stood out, lifting embedded cat and dog hair from couches, chairs, and stairs more effectively than some robots and upright vacuums. Run time held up well in testing, and the self-cleaning brush roll kept hair from wrapping or clogging during use.
- Lightweight
- Excellent maneuverability on carpets and hard floors
- Intuitive controls
- Some consumer testers struggled on high-pile carpets
How we test vacuums for pet hair
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we test dozens of vacuum cleaners throughout the year. Our most recent category test was of 23 new stick vacuums and we’re continually testing new robot vacuums, handheld vacuums, vacuum mops, and more.
Each vacuum model we evaluate is tested using standardized methods based on ASTM standards, with protocols tailored to each vacuum type. As a member of ASTM International’s F11 Vacuum Cleaner Committee, our Cleaning Lab’s executive director helps to develop the standards used across the industry to assess a vacuum’s performance, ease of use, durability, and more.
In the Cleaning Lab, we measure how well each vacuum removes debris from carpet and hard floors (like hardwood, tile, and vinyl), including fine particles and larger debris. Every vacuum we evaluate gets tested on faux “pet hair,” a.k.a. fine rayon fibers that we apply to carpeting in a uniform way. We measure how much is removed after a set number of passes. And we’ve recently amended our tests to include the pick-up of 15- to 18-inch long strands of hair as more vacuums claim to have anti-tangle brush rolls.
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In addition to performance testing, each vacuum must also undergo ease-of-use evaluations that include assessing the weight, battery runtime, maneuverability, and ease of emptying and using the controls of the devices. For select models—such as those considered for our annual Cleaning & Organizing Awards—we also collect feedback from consumer testers on real-world ease of use, like maneuverability and emptying. Our picks are the vacuums that performed best on in-Lab pet hair tests, plus ones with features well suited to tackle stubborn fur.
Philip Friedman
What to look for when shopping for a vacuum for pet hair
To help any vacuum do a better job at removing pet hair, give fur-covered carpets and couches a spritz of an anti-static spray, like Static Guard, before vacuuming. It helps loosen strands so they lift more easily. When shopping for a vacuum for pet hair, keep these key features in mind:
✔️ Bagged vs. bagless: Pet hair fills dust cups quickly, so consider how you’ll empty the vacuum. Bagged models do the best job of containing dust and dander—a plus for allergy sufferers. Bagless vacuums eliminate the need to buy bags, but must be emptied directly into the trash, which can release some dust. Look for a large, easy-to-empty dust cup or simple bag disposal.
✔️ Filtration: Good filtration helps keep fine pet dander from recirculating into your home’s air. Multi-layer and sealed systems offer the best performance. If allergies are a concern, choose a HEPA filter for the highest level of particle capture.
✔️ Floor type: Many vacuums include brush rolls designed for different surfaces. Soft brushes or brush rolls that can be turned off are safest for hardwood floors, while stiff rotating brush rolls dig deeper into thick carpet, where pet hair tends to cling.
✔️ Corded vs. cordless: Corded vacuums provide unlimited runtime for whole-home cleaning. Cordless models are easier to carry from room to room and handy for quick pickups—just be sure the battery life meets your needs (a second battery is a bonus).
✔️ Size and weight: If you’re tackling frequent small messes, a lightweight stick or handheld vacuum can be convenient. For larger areas, a full-size upright or canister offers more sustained power. Consider stairs and storage when evaluating weight.
✔️ Pet tools and features: Look for tangle-resistant brush rolls and rubberized pet tools that help lift embedded fur and minimize hair wrap—especially helpful for long-haired pets.
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What is the difference between a pet hair vacuum and a regular vacuum?
Pet hair vacuums aren’t a completely different category of cleaner, but they are specifically designed to handle the unique challenges of shedding pets. Compared with standard models, they typically have stronger brush rolls, tangle-resistant designs, and specialized tools that make it easier to lift stubborn fur from carpets, upholstery, and other soft surfaces.
When we evaluate vacuums for pet homes, we pay close attention to whether the brush roll and attachments can handle long hair without frequent tangling or clogging—a common frustration with basic models.
Pet-focused vacuums also often include larger dust bins (since pet hair fills them quickly), dedicated upholstery or turbo tools for furniture, and sealed or HEPA filtration systems that help trap fine dander and allergens instead of releasing them back into the air.
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Is a vacuum with a HEPA filter worth it?
Yes, vacuums with HEPA filters are especially great for homes with allergy sufferers, as they trap 99.97% of microscopic airborne allergens. Vacuums with “HEPA-like” filters are less expensive but often only trap particles as small as 0.5 microns, which makes a big difference when it comes to reducing debris like pet dander. Sealed vacuums that don’t allow any particles to escape from side vents or other parts of the vacuum are helpful for allergies, as are bagged vacuums that minimize dust release when emptying.
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How to keep pet hair under control
Holistic veterinarian Gary Richter, M.S., D.V.M., says it’s important to address the source by regular brushing. “The most important tool to have on hand, in most cases, is a brush,” he says. “You can even utilize brushing gloves with bristles built right into the palm so that excess fur can be removed by petting your furry companion.”
Proper nutrition also helps. A high-quality, balanced diet can reduce excess shedding, though you should always check with your veterinarian before making changes.
Finally, vacuum regularly. For very furry pets, daily vacuuming is ideal. Robot vacuums can be especially helpful for keeping hair under control with minimal effort.
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Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Carolyn Forté is the former executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, where she tested and reviewed hundreds of vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, mops, and other home appliances for more than 40 years. She oversaw all Cleaning Lab testing, including evaluations of products designed to tackle pet messes, such as odor-removing floor cleaners and carpet machines that eliminated dried-on urine stains. She is an active member of the ASTM Committee on vacuum cleaners and chairman of the consumer information sub-committee.
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