Does your furry friend leave a trail of fur and dirt wherever they go? You love your pets, but cleaning up after them can feel like a never-ending battle. Finding the right vacuum cleaner to tackle pet hair, dander, and those occasional muddy paw prints can be a real headache. So many vacuums promise to be “pet-friendly,” but which one actually works?
Choosing an upright vacuum designed for pets is important. You need something powerful enough to lift stubborn pet hair from carpets and hard floors. You also want a vacuum that can handle allergens and keep your home smelling fresh. It’s frustrating when a vacuum just pushes the hair around or clogs up easily.
In this post, we’ll break down what makes an upright vacuum great for pet owners. You’ll learn about the key features to look for, like strong suction, good filtration, and easy-to-use attachments. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing a vacuum that will make cleaning up after your beloved pets much, much easier.
Our Top 5 Upright Vacuum For Pets Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Upright Vacuum For Pets Detailed Reviews
1. Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering
Rating: 9.3/10
The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum is a game-changer for pet owners. It’s designed to tackle even the toughest pet messes with ease. Plus, every purchase helps save pets through the Bissell Pet Foundation. This vacuum makes cleaning around furniture simple thanks to its swivel steering. The triple-action brush roll is tough on embedded pet hair. You can clean different floors without scattering debris. It also cleans right up to the edges of rooms and corners.
What We Like:
- Swivel steering makes it easy to move around furniture.
- The triple-action brush roll is great for lifting pet hair.
- Scatter-free technology keeps hard floors clean.
- Edge-to-edge cleaning gets into tight spots.
- The large dirt tank means less frequent emptying.
- Easy empty feature makes clean-up quick.
- It comes with specialized pet tools for extra cleaning power.
- Every purchase helps homeless pets.
What Could Be Improved:
- The air flow indicator could be more prominent.
- While it has a carry handle, the overall weight might be a concern for some users.
This vacuum offers powerful pet hair pickup and smart design. It’s a solid choice for keeping your home clean and supporting a great cause.
2. Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Full-Size Vacuum Cleaner
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of pet hair taking over your home? The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Full-Size Vacuum Cleaner (model 3198A, color may vary) is here to help! This vacuum is designed to tackle pet messes with ease. Plus, every purchase helps save pets through the Bissell Pet Foundation.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful and picks up pet hair really well.
- The Triple Action Brush Roll and Scatter-Free Technology make cleaning quick.
- The Quick Release Extension Wand is always ready for cleaning above the floor.
- Swivel steering and a lightweight design make it easy to move around.
- Special tools help you clean pet hair on stairs and furniture.
- It cleans right up to the edges of your rooms.
- Your purchase supports homeless pets!
What Could Be Improved:
- The color of the vacuum might not be what you expect.
This vacuum is a strong contender for pet owners. It makes cleaning up after your furry friends much simpler.
3. Shark
Rating: 9.5/10
Tired of pet hair and dust bunnies taking over your home? The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is here to help! This powerful upright vacuum cleaner tackles carpets and hard floors with ease, making your cleaning routine a breeze. Its sleek white and silver design looks great too.
What We Like:
- The Lift-Away functionality lets you detach the pod for cleaning stairs and furniture.
- It has an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal with a HEPA filter that traps 99.9% of dust and allergens.
- Brushroll shutoff lets you switch between deep carpets and bare floors smoothly.
- It’s a fantastic vacuum for pet owners, powerfully cleaning up pet hair and dander.
- Swivel steering makes it easy to get around furniture and into tight corners.
- The extra-large dust cup means you can clean for longer without stopping.
- It comes with a crevice tool and dusting brush for versatile cleaning tasks.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, some users might find the cord length a bit limiting in larger spaces.
- The dust cup, while large, needs regular emptying to maintain peak performance.
This Shark Navigator vacuum offers impressive cleaning power and versatility. It’s an excellent choice for keeping your home clean and allergen-free, especially if you have pets.
4. Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet Upright Vacuum with PowerFins HairPro & Odor Neutralizer Technology
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of pet hair taking over your home? The Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet Upright Vacuum is here to help. This vacuum is designed to tackle all your pet’s messes, from stubborn hair on carpets to dust and allergens in the air.
What We Like:
- POWERFINS HAIRPRO: This special brush roll grabs and picks up all kinds of pet hair, long or short, from any surface.
- Self-Cleaning Brushroll: Say goodbye to annoying hair tangled around your vacuum’s brush. This one cleans itself!
- Odor Neutralizer Technology: It fights bad smells right inside the vacuum, so your home smells fresher.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology: With a HEPA filter, it traps 99.99% of dust and allergens, keeping them out of your breathing air.
- 3XL Capacity: The large dust cup means you can clean more without stopping to empty it often.
- Extendable Hose: Reach high places like stairs and furniture easily with the long hose.
- Swivel Steering: Maneuver around furniture and into tight spots with ease.
- Cleans Carpets and Hard Floors: It works great on all floor types, removing dirt and embedded pet hair.
- 5-Year Limited Warranty: You get peace of mind with a good warranty.
- Included Accessories: It comes with useful tools like a crevice tool and a pet multi-tool.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dust cup capacity, while large, might still require emptying for very large homes or frequent deep cleaning sessions.
- While effective, the odor neutralizer cartridge will need occasional replacement, adding a minor ongoing cost.
This Shark vacuum is a powerful tool for pet owners. It makes cleaning up after your furry friends much easier and helps keep your home cleaner and fresher.
5. Shark Upright Vacuum
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of battling pet hair and dust bunnies? The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum in a vibrant teal color is here to make your cleaning life much easier. This vacuum is designed with pet owners in mind, tackling tough messes on all kinds of floors.
What We Like:
- The self-cleaning brushroll is a game-changer. It picks up pet hair without getting tangled, saving you time and frustration.
- The Lift-Away feature lets you detach the pod. This makes it super simple to clean under furniture or take it upstairs to clean upholstery and stairs.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with a HEPA filter traps dust and allergens. This means cleaner air in your home, which is great for allergy sufferers.
- Swivel steering makes it easy to move the vacuum around furniture and into tight corners.
- The included Pet Crevice Tool is perfect for getting into those hard-to-reach spots where pet hair loves to hide, like between couch cushions.
- The Upholstery Tool is handy for cleaning delicate fabrics, shelves, and walls, removing pet hair and dust from everywhere.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, it might feel a bit heavier for some users compared to lighter stick vacuums.
- The dustbin capacity might require more frequent emptying in larger homes.
This Shark vacuum is a powerful and versatile cleaning companion. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone who wants a cleaner home, especially if you share your space with furry friends.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Pet Owners
Having pets is wonderful, but it often means dealing with pet hair. An upright vacuum designed for pets can make a big difference. This guide helps you find the best one.
Key Features to Look For
- Strong Suction Power: This is the most important thing. Good suction pulls hair and dirt from carpets and floors. Look for vacuums with high air watts or a strong motor.
- Specialized Brush Rolls: Pet hair tangles easily. Look for brush rolls that are designed to resist hair wrap or have features to cut through it. Some have rubber fins that grab hair better.
- Excellent Filtration: Pets shed dander and can bring in allergens. A good HEPA filter traps these tiny particles, keeping your air cleaner. This is crucial for people with allergies.
- Good Maneuverability: You need to move the vacuum easily around furniture and corners. Swivel steering helps you get into tight spots.
- Multiple Attachments: Different tools are useful for different jobs. A crevice tool cleans edges. An upholstery tool tackles furniture. A mini motorized tool is great for stairs and pet beds.
- Large Dustbin Capacity: If you have multiple pets or a large home, a bigger dustbin means you empty it less often.
- Corded vs. Cordless: Corded vacuums usually have more power and run longer. Cordless vacuums offer more freedom but might need recharging.
Important Materials
The materials used affect how durable and effective the vacuum is.
- Brush Roll Material: Many good brush rolls are made of durable plastic with rubber or silicone fins. These grip hair well.
- Body Construction: Most upright vacuums have a plastic body. Look for sturdy, high-impact plastics that won’t crack easily. Metal components in the handle or motor housing can add extra durability.
- Filtration System: HEPA filters are usually made of a dense, pleated paper-like material.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Improved Quality:
- Powerful Motors: A strong motor means better suction.
- Anti-Tangle Technology: Features that prevent hair from wrapping around the brush roll save you time and effort.
- Sealed System: A sealed vacuum prevents dust and allergens from escaping back into the air.
- Good Reviews: Positive feedback from other pet owners is a strong indicator of quality.
- Reduced Quality:
- Weak Suction: If a vacuum struggles to pick up pet hair, it’s not effective.
- Brush Roll Tangles: Constant tangles mean you’ll spend more time cleaning the vacuum itself.
- Poor Filtration: If the vacuum blows dust back into the air, it defeats the purpose of cleaning.
- Cheaply Made Parts: Plastic that feels flimsy or wheels that break easily reduce the vacuum’s lifespan.
User Experience and Use Cases
- Ease of Use: A good upright vacuum is easy to turn on, adjust, and steer. Emptying the dustbin should be simple.
- Noise Level: Some vacuums are very loud. Quieter models make cleaning more pleasant.
- Weight: A lighter vacuum is easier to carry up and down stairs or move around your home.
- Use Cases:
- Daily Pet Hair Cleanup: Quickly tackle shedding on carpets and hard floors.
- Deep Cleaning: Remove embedded pet hair and dander from carpets.
- Upholstery Cleaning: Use attachments to clean pet hair from sofas, chairs, and pet beds.
- Stair Cleaning: Many uprights have hose attachments that make cleaning stairs easier.
- Allergy Relief: A HEPA-filtered vacuum helps reduce allergens in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main key features I should look for in an upright vacuum for pets?
A: You should look for strong suction power, specialized brush rolls that prevent hair wrap, excellent HEPA filtration, good maneuverability, and useful attachments like crevice tools and upholstery tools.
Q: Are corded or cordless upright vacuums better for pet owners?
A: Corded vacuums often have more consistent power and longer run times, which can be better for larger homes or deep cleaning. Cordless vacuums offer more freedom and are convenient for quick cleanups.
Q: How important is the brush roll design for a pet vacuum?
A: It’s very important. Brush rolls designed to resist hair tangles or that have rubber fins to grab hair make a big difference. They keep the vacuum working efficiently and save you from having to untangle the brush yourself.
Q: What does HEPA filtration do for pet owners?
A: HEPA filters trap tiny particles like pet dander, dust mites, and allergens. This improves your home’s air quality, which is especially helpful for people with allergies or asthma.
Q: Can an upright vacuum clean all types of flooring?
A: Most upright vacuums can clean both carpets and hard floors. Look for models with adjustable height settings or brush roll on/off switches to protect your hard floors from scratches.
Q: How do I know if a vacuum has strong enough suction?
A: Look for specifications like air watts or check reviews that mention how well the vacuum picks up pet hair from different surfaces. Strong suction is key to removing embedded hair.
Q: What kind of attachments are most useful for pet owners?
A: A crevice tool for edges, an upholstery tool for furniture, and a mini motorized tool for stairs and pet beds are very useful. These help you tackle pet hair in many places.
Q: How often should I empty the dustbin?
A: It depends on how much your pets shed and the size of the dustbin. It’s generally best to empty it after each use or when it’s about two-thirds full to maintain optimal suction.
Q: What materials make an upright vacuum more durable?
A: Sturdy, high-impact plastic for the body and durable materials like rubber or silicone for brush roll fins contribute to durability. Metal components can also add strength.
Q: Are there vacuums that are quieter and still good for pets?
A: Yes, some brands focus on quieter operation. Checking product reviews and specifications for noise levels (measured in decibels) can help you find a quieter model.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!