Best Vacuum Cleaner for Animal Fur: Top 5 Picks for Pet Owners
If you’re a pet owner, you know the struggle of keeping your home free from animal fur. Finding the best vacuum cleaner for animal fur can make all the difference in maintaining a clean and allergen-free home. We tested a variety of vacuums across different price points to find the best options for pet hair removal on both carpet and hardwood floors. Below are our top five picks based on performance, features, and value.
1. Kenmore DU5080 – Best Budget Option
The Kenmore DU5080 is an excellent entry-level choice for those looking for an affordable yet effective vacuum. It features a powerful motorized pet hair tool and a highly efficient brush roll that works well on both carpets and hard floors. Additionally, its HEPA filter captures dust and allergens down to 0.3 microns. However, one downside is that pet hair tends to get tangled in the brush roll, requiring frequent cleaning.
2. Shark Rotator NV752 – Best Corded Mid-Range Pick
For those who prefer a corded vacuum with high suction power, the Shark Rotator NV752 is an excellent choice. It features Shark’s Lift-Away technology, making it easier to clean under furniture and on stairs. The sealed canister and HEPA filter ensure allergens stay trapped inside, and its air-powered pet tool is effective at pulling up fur from upholstery and carpets. At 15 pounds, it’s heavier than some models, but its power makes up for the weight.
3. Shark Rocket Pet Plus – Best Cordless Mid-Range Pick
The Shark Rocket Pet Plus is a solid choice for those who want the convenience of a cordless vacuum without breaking the bank. It has a 40-minute runtime, anti-tangle technology, and LED headlights for better visibility. While its suction power is lower than high-end models like the Dyson V11, it’s still a great option for pet owners on a budget.
4. Shark Apex AZ1002 – Best High-End Corded Pick
The Shark Apex AZ1002 is one of the most powerful vacuums we tested. It features a dual brush roll, Lift-Away technology, and powerful suction, making it highly effective for both carpets and hardwood floors. While pet hair can still get wrapped around the brush roll, it’s easy to remove thanks to the accessible brush head design. If you have multiple pets or thick carpeting, this is a fantastic investment.
5. Dyson V11 – Best Cordless Vacuum for Pet Hair
The Dyson V11 is our top pick for a cordless vacuum and arguably the best vacuum cleaner for animal fur. It features a powerful motor, an anti-tangle brush roll with combs to prevent hair from wrapping around the roller, and an impressive one-hour runtime. The removable battery and advanced filtration system make it one of the most effective cordless vacuums for pet owners. Its pet tool is particularly efficient, keeping fur off furniture with ease.
Performance Tests & Key Findings
- Hard Floor Cleaning: All tested vacuums effectively picked up 100% of pet hair from hard surfaces.
- Carpet Cleaning: We tested vacuums on carpets using 40 grams of sand. The Dyson V11 removed 100%, the Shark Apex 98%, and the Kenmore 93%.
- Airflow & Suction Tests: The Shark Apex had the highest suction, but the Dyson V11 outperformed other cordless models in both airflow and suction.
- Anti-Tangle Performance: The Dyson V11 was the best at preventing hair tangling, while the Kenmore struggled the most.
Final Recommendations
If you’re looking for the best vacuum cleaner for animal fur, your choice will depend on your budget and cleaning needs:
- For affordability: Kenmore DU5080
- For mid-range corded power: Shark Rotator NV752
- For mid-range cordless convenience: Shark Rocket Pet Plus
- For the most powerful corded option: Shark Apex AZ1002
- For the best cordless performance: Dyson V11
No matter which vacuum you choose, make sure it includes HEPA filtration and a sealed canister to trap pet dander and allergens. A powerful pet hair tool is also a must-have for tackling stubborn fur on furniture and carpets.