Buyer's Guides

The Best Pet Vacuums for a Fur-free Home

Keep your carpets and upholstery free of fur, dander, and other allergens with the best pet vacuums in Australia. 🐶
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For pet owners, the right pet vacuum is a must-have. Our furry companions, be it dogs, cats, or even small pets, naturally shed fur and dander, leaving them on carpets, sofas, and throughout our homes. Invest in the top pet vacuums to maintain a clean and comfortable living environment.

The National Asthma Council Australia recommends that you vacuum your carpets and upholstery regularly to counter pet allergies. By using a pet vacuum cleaner, you will be able to lift and remove pet dander, fur, and dirt from your sofas and carpets. You can as well use the vacuum cleaners on hard floors and any other area that you suspect has pet hair.

Explore our reviews to find the perfect solution for your home.

TL; DR: The Best Pet Vacuums for Most Australians 👇
Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner
16,763 Reviews
Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner

The Shark NZ801UKT Upright Vacuum Cleaner is packed with tons of features that you will find helpful when cleaning hard floors, upholstery, and carpets.

It also has an anti-allergen seal that will protect you from allergens and dust. If you are searching for a high-performance pet vacuum, the Shark NZ801UKT is the ideal choice for you!!

The pet vacuums listed below have been selected with your cleaning needs and comfort in mind, so you can pick any that piques your interest. We have covered both cordless and corded pet vacuums to help you find the most convenient vacuuming equipment for your home. Plus, most of the pet vacuums in our review list are lightweight, meaning they won’t weigh you down in any way.

The Best Pet Vacuums to Buy Today in Australia

1. Best Overall: Miele 10502220 Blizzard CX1 Cat and Dog Bagless Vacuum Cleaner

Price reduction
289 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Utilises vortex technology for enhanced cleaning performance
  • Hygienic emptying for a dust-free environment
  • Comes with a range of accessories for maximum versatility
  • HEPA filter for trapping allergens and microscopic dust particles
What customers say:

“This is the best vacuum I have ever owned. I have newly polished floorboards and the soft brush is excellent. The suction is amazing and I’m constantly amazed how much it picks up…”–Shaun Ferabend

Taking the top spot on our list of best pet vacuums is the Miele 10502220 Blizzard CX1 Cat and Dog Bagless Vacuum Cleaner due to its advanced engineering. We recommend this unit to pet parents who are looking to keep their floors and upholstery free of fur, pet dander, and dirt.

This pet vacuum cleaner comes with a wide range of accessories that can assist you in different cleaning scenarios. It even has an upholstery nozzle that is specially designed for lifting pet hair from couches and other furniture.

Also, the package is inclusive of a crevice nozzle that will give you quick and easy access to hard-to-reach areas. With this accessory in place, you won’t have a difficult time vacuuming pet hair from under your bed or couch.

But that is not all, you will also get a soft turbo brush that will allow you to clean hard floors without scratching the flooring material. The Miele Blizzard CX1 features a reliable 1100-watt motor that is designed for ultimate performance.

When used correctly, no fur or dust will be left behind. Moreover, the vacuuming system utilises vortex technology for maximum suction power, making this an ideal option for cleaning deep-pile carpets.

Besides, the four-stage rotary selector allows you to customise the suction system according to your cleaning requirements. As such, the vacuum cleaner will deliver excellent results when cleaning both bare and carpeted floors.

What’s more, the HEPA filter on this vacuum cleaner will safeguard you and your family against microscopic dust particles and allergens. For your convenience, the filter system has a time strip that tells you when to swap the current HEPA filter with a new one. This not only prevents the system from clogging but also ensures the air inside the room stays fresh.

When it comes to ergonomics, the vacuum cleaner sports a comfort grip handle and a telescopic wand that you can adjust based on your height. This makes it a great choice for those who suffer from back pains. It will enable you to clean for an extended period without slouching your back, thus taking the pressure off the vertebral column.

This is one of the quietest pet vacuum cleaners on the list, so you can comfortably use it around skittish dogs and cats without scaring your pets. If you are in search of a bagless pet vacuum, this is the right appliance for you.

Pros
  • User-friendly design
  • Powerful suction
  • High manoeuvrability
Cons
  • More on the heavy side

2. Best Cordless Pet Vacuum: Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Cordless Small Upright Vacuum Cleaner

4,622 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Antimicrobial brush roll eliminates odours
  • It has multiple cleaning modes for different surfaces
  • Large capacity dirt canister for uninterrupted cleaning
  • Ultra-lightweight for easy manoeuvrability
What customers say:

“Like the fact the battery is removed to charge it up and the vacuum stands up by itself, like corded vacuums. Suction is good and the vacuum is easy to empty.”–Randy

The Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Cordless Small Upright Vacuum Cleaner is equipped with a 4.0 Ah MAX lithium-ion battery that will provide you with extended runtimes. And because it is rechargeable, you can juice up the battery multiple times without making replacements.

We chose this unit as the best cordless pet vacuum due to its lightweight design, reliable battery, and high-performance suction system. Like the Miele 10502220 Blizzard CX1 Cat and Dog Bagless Vacuum Cleaner, it uses vortex suction to lift dirt off surfaces.

Since it is cordless, you can manoeuvre this vacuum cleaner with no restriction. Plus, you won’t have to worry about tripping over power cords while you are cleaning. In addition to having the suction function, the Hoover ONEPWR Evolve BH53420V features a brush roll that digs deep into the carpet fibres for an intense cleaning effect.

This allows the vacuum cleaner to pick ingrained pet hair and dander from your carpets. Furthermore, the brush roll has antimicrobial properties, meaning it can inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria on your carpet.

You can switch between suction and the brush roll at the push of a button. On top of that, you can use both modes simultaneously to get the desired results. Attached to the vacuum cleaner is a large-capacity dust canister that will save you from emptying the unit from time to time.

The Evolve pet filter on this machine will ensure the dust and fur being collected don’t get scattered all over the place. Aside from that, the filter protects the vacuum motor from debris and also prevents the unit from overheating.

To add to its list of features, the Hoover Evolve BH53420V has an adjustable wand that you can customise to match your needs. It doesn’t end there; the D-shaped handle will provide you with a comfortable grip that is equally non-slip.

The dust canister has a quick release lock system that will allow you to detach it with ease. Because the swivel head is steerable, you can guide the vacuum cleaner to the area that you want to clean without lifting the vacuum cleaner. On the downside, the head may be a bit stiff at first.

Pros
  • Excellent craftsmanship
  • Self-standing design
  • Easy to operate
Cons
  • A bit difficult to use on low pile rugs

3. Best for Most People: Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner

16,763 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Anti-hair wrap vacuum head for tangle-free performance
  • Has a detachable dust canister for easy portability
  • Anti-allergen seal locks in dander and dust particles
  • Roller-style brush head effectively lifts embedded pet hairs
What customers say:

“This vacuum has a versatile design that allows you to transform it from a traditional upright standing vacuum into a more compact size that you can move around with easier, making hard to reach areas easier to clean.”–MAD Flare

Easily lift and remove dander and pet hair from carpets, couches, and hard floors using the Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner. Unlike the Hoover ONEPWR Evolve BH53420V, this unit is corded, so you won’t have to stop in between the vacuuming session to charge the battery.

To make it even better, it comes with a long power cord that will allow you to make effortless manoeuvres even when cleaning tight spots. Also, you won’t have to unplug the cord when cleaning closely placed rooms.

The Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner has the highest reviews on Amazon out of the six products that we handpicked. Plus, the ratings are equally impressive, so you can go for this pet vacuum cleaner knowing that it won’t fail you when it comes to picking pet hair.

And like most vacuum machines in its class, this equipment is fully customisable, so you can set it up according to your cleaning requirements. One of the things that we really liked about this vacuum cleaner when we were testing it is that it can transform into a more portable unit.

That being said, you can carry it up and down the stairs without experiencing any problem. The fact that the wand is telescopic makes it even more convenient since it enables you to make precise height adjustments.

Also, the vacuum cleaner is fitted with bright LED lights that will illuminate the area being cleaned. Consequently, you will be able to see hidden pet hairs and dust. This machine also has smooth-rolling casters that will allow you to vacuum for long hours without straining your wrist.

Best of all; the dust canister features an anti-allergen seal that prevents tiny dust particles and allergens from contaminating the air inside your room. According to the manufacturer, the seal traps up to 99.9% of allergens and dust. This makes it ideal for people with respiratory complications such as asthma.

The collected pet hairs won’t stick on the brush roll, thanks to the vacuum’s anti-hair wrap design. As a result, the vacuum head will glide smoothly regardless of how much fur is on the floor. However, some users report that the dust canister is rather small.

Pros
  • Not as heavy compared to most corded models
  • Great suction power
  • Ergonomic handle
Cons
  • The dust canister could be larger 

4. Best Pet Vacuum for Hardwood Floors: Tineco A11 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum

3,367 Reviews

Why we like it:

  • Utilises ZeroTangle Technology for smooth performance
  • Multiple attachments for customised cleaning
  • Headlights for maximum illumination
  • Powerful motor for deep cleaning

What customers say:

“Fantastic Stick vacuum, comes with attachments to tidy up after pets. Excellent performance , high quality, watch out Dyson, this vac is superior!”–Laura Swithenbank

The Tineco A11 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum features a 450-watt that is designed for performance. It generates enough suction and will allow you to lift all types of pet hair from floors and other surfaces.

And like most vacuum cleaners that we picked for you, this unit is lightweight, making it very easy to move around. It is equally compact, so it won’t take up a lot of space during storage.

We tested it on a hardwood floor and the results were amazing. It picked up all the hair without scratching the flooring material. Also, we used it on a low pile carpet.

The headlights will illuminate the spot that you are cleaning, so nothing will be left behind. To make it even better, the anti-tangle vacuum head cannot easily get jammed even when vacuuming long strands of hair.

You can also convert this unit into a mini handheld vacuum cleaner that can help you remove pet hair from your seats with ease.

Pros
  • Uses HEPA filters
  • Powerful suction
  • Ergonomic design
Cons
  • Could be better if it had a longer runtime

5. Most Versatile: BLACK+DECKER 18V Lithium-Ion 4-in-1 POWERSERIES Extreme Pet Stick Vacuum

Price reduction
66 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Variable speed control for customised cleaning
  • Quick-release dust canister for easy emptying
  • Anti-tangle beater head for smooth operation
  • It has headlights for maximum illumination

Black+Decker Inc. is a brand that is known for making premium quality home appliances, and the BLACK+DECKER 18V Lithium-Ion 4-in-1 POWERSERIES Extreme Pet Stick Vacuum is no exception.

This is particular model is cordless and will give you direct access to all areas that you want to clean. It is powered by an 18V rechargeable li-ion battery that offers approximately 60 minutes of uninterrupted runtime when fully charged.

The vacuum head has an anti-hair wrap design, making it similar to the Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner. As such, you won’t have to worry about the brush roll getting stuck, and neither will you have to detangle the brush after each use. The battery indicator will let you know the amount of power left in the battery, meaning you won’t be caught by surprise in case the battery pack runs out of juice.

In addition to this, the battery takes a relatively short time to charge to its full capacity. To add to this, the telescopic wand allows for quick height adjustments, thus enabling you to work in a comfortable posture. This vacuum cleaner can prove helpful when cleaning hard floors, rugs, upholstery, carpets, etc.

Moreover, it is ultra-lightweight, weighing just less than 5kg. With up to 3 suction settings to choose from, you can set the vacuum cleaner to operate at the most appropriate cleaning mode. We recommend that you use the highest suction setting for deep cleaning applications. This allows for easy removal of embedded fur and dust.

The dust canister is transparent, so you will know when to empty it. On the downside, the canister is a bit small and may require frequent emptying.

On the plus side, it is easy to attach and detach, so it won’t waste your time after you are done tossing the dirt in the bin. The other feature worth mentioning is that the unit is equipped with LED headlights. Since the handle s ergonomically contoured, you can work with this pet vacuum extensively while keeping fatigue at a minimum.

Pros
  • The battery is included in the package
  • Adjustable speed
  • Durably built
Cons
  • Small dust canister

6. Best Pet Vacuum for Tile: BLACK+DECKER 18V Lithium-Ion 2-IN-1 Pet Stick Vacuum

Price reduction
79 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • The floor sensor automatically adjusts the suction setting
  • Lift-out dustbuster gives you access to hard-to-reach spots
  • The filter sensor lets you know when the filter system needs cleaning
  • Removable beater bar for easy clean-up
What customers say:

“The wonderful cleaner works well, it the first battery-powered vac I have brought. very happy with it, it holds a surprising amount of dirt without affecting its suction.”–Barrie Jackson

The BLACK+DECKER 18V Lithium-Ion 2-IN-1 Pet Stick Vacuum is also another reliable cordless vacuum cleaner that you can consider adding to your cleaning kit. Like the unit just before it, it draws power from an 18-volt battery pack that is designed to give you longer runtimes. The materials from which this pet vacuum is made are not only of high quality but also lightweight.

It will allow you to make effortless manoeuvres when cleaning both open and tight spaces. In addition to this, it will deliver impressive results on hard and carpeted floors. The most outstanding feature of this vacuum cleaner is the built-in floor sensor, which will automatically adjust the suction power based on the type of surface that you are vacuuming.

With that being said, the suction system will switch to high power when cleaning thick carpets. Nonetheless, the unit will revert to Eco mode when vacuuming hard floors and light rugs. This will, in turn, conserve battery power, providing you with extended runtimes.

Besides the floor sensor, this appliance features a battery sensor that will alert you when the battery level drops below the set limit. From our assessment, this unit has the highest number of sensors on the list, so you should be ready for the bells and whistles. The filter system has a separate sensor that will notify you when the filter is clogged.

This feature can come in handy when dealing with gunky surfaces. Also, it will allow you to remove the blockage before it is too late. The beater bar can easily extract stubborn pet hairs from carpet fabrics and upholstery.

Furthermore, the beater is removable, so you can take it out for easy clean-up. The same applies to the dust cup and filter. This pet vacuum employs a cyclonic suction action, so all the dirt and the debris will be blown away from the motor for prolonged durability.

Pros
  • Washable filter
  • Non-slip handle
  • Lightweight design
Cons
  • The battery takes 5 hours to charge

7. Best Handheld Pet Vacuum: BLACK+DECKER 12V Lithium-Ion Pet Dustbuster

19 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Wide mouth nozzle for optimum suction
  • Cordless and lightweight design for easy portability
  • Textured handle for non-slip performance
  • Washable filter saves on costs
What customers say:

“It easily and quickly removes cat hair from couches.”–Joanne

Our review list is mostly made up of stick vacuum cleaners, and that is why we thought it wise to throw in a handheld model in our selection. The BLACK+DECKER 12V Lithium-Ion Pet Dustbuster is specially designed for cleaning pet hair off upholstery.

This device weighs less than 2 kilograms and may just be what you need to get rid of those pesky pet hairs. Even while staying light and compact, this vacuum cleaner packs a lot of power and will simplify your work when picking dust, fur, dander, and other types of dirt. The vacuum head is not only motorised but also has rubber tines that will protect your floors from scratches. Plus, the 12-volt battery on the Pet Dustbuster will provide you with a steady performance in all cleaning applications.

The included jack-plug charger will allow you to juice up the battery within the shortest time possible. This vacuum cleaner also comes with a wall mount that you can use during storage or when charging the battery. And since the filter is washable, you can use it multiple times, so you won’t have to spend extra cash on replacements. The dust bowl has a see-through design and is also easy to clean.

However, it is not as large and may require you to empty it repeatedly when covering a wide area. Like the BLACK+DECKER 18V Lithium-Ion 2-IN-1 Pet Stick Vacuum,the motor on this pet vacuum utilises cyclonic action for thorough cleaning.

The only disadvantage of using this vacuum cleaner is that the battery offers limited runtime. All in all, this is a well-made unit that will help you eliminate all the hair from your couch.

Pros
  • Great for cleaning couches
  • Bagless design
  • Easy bowl emptying
Cons
  • Limited runtime

How We Researched the Best Pet Vacuums

To create a list of the best pet vacuums, we not only tested the products but also considered the opinions of health experts from organisations such as Sensitive Choice —an Australian-based website that creates awareness about pet allergies and asthma management.

Through this, we were able to identify some of the key features that a pet vacuum should have. Our team then picked 7 of the best pet vacuums we could find in the Australian market and tested them for suction, ergonomics, ease of cleaning, noise level, and overall performance.

The pet vacuums were tested for about three months, with us spending three weeks collecting pet hair from different parts of the house. We have a Border Collie and two cats, all of which shed a lot of fur.

We scattered the pet hairs on a section of our carpet and on a hard floor. After this, we used the pet vacuums to clear away the mess. This was done multiple times for each vacuum that we tested. We adjusted the suction on units with customisable vacuuming speed to see how they perform when different modes are applied.

In addition to this, we used a decibel metre to measure the amount of noise produced by each vacuum at their lowest and highest settings. We also took apart the parts of each pet vacuum to check if they are easy to disassemble and assemble before and after cleaning or replacing the filters.

Pet Vacuums: Buying Guide

Finding the best pet vacuum can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t know what to look for. Plus, vacuums for pet hair vary in terms of performance, thus making it even more difficult to identify the most ideal pet vacuum system for your home.

With the help of this buying guide, you stand a better chance of finding the right pet vacuum for your cleaning needs. This piece not only covers some of the best pet vacuums in Australia but also offers a few pointers and tips that will simplify your work when shopping for a pet vacuum.

What to Consider When Buying a Pet Vacuum 

Countless brands design and make pet vacuum cleaners and all claim to be the best at what they do. With so many options to choose from, one can easily get overwhelmed during the selection process. If you are looking to find the best pet vacuum, you should consider the below factors:

Suction power

To get good results, ensure that you buy a pet vacuum with high suction power. This will enable you to get rid of pet dander and fur that are deeply embedded within the fabric of your carpet and upholstery. It is for this reason that pet vacuums have motorised rotating brushes that can lift stubborn dirt from floors, carpets, and other surfaces with just a few passes.

Bin capacity

Pet vacuums are fitted with different sizes of dustbins. With that being said, some models can hold more dirt than others. We recommend that you go for a pet vacuum with a large capacity bin as this will allow you to vacuum a large area without emptying the bin every now and then. This will not only save you a lot of time, especially when cleaning multiple surfaces.

Type

Pet vacuum cleaners can be categorised as cordless or corded. Cordless pet vacuums are powered by large battery packs, which are rechargeable. Corded pet vacuums, on the other hand, draw power directly from outlets.

Accessories

Most pet vacuum cleaners come with a rich assortment of accessories that can come in handy in different cleaning scenarios. When you buy the Miele 10502220 Blizzard CX1 Cat and Dog Bagless Vacuum Cleaner, for instance, you will get an upholstery nozzle (for cleaning carpets and couches), crevice nozzle (for cleaning tight spots), turbo brush, to mention just but a few.

Ease of use

You should pick a pet vacuum with easy-to-install attachments and fittings. This way, you will be able to switch from one accessory to another within the shortest time possible. Also, the vacuum cleaner should have a straightforward design in that all the controls should be labelled and within your reach.

Ergonomics

When buying a pet vacuum cleaner, ensure that you choose one with a comfortable grip handle. The vacuum machines on our review list feature uniquely designed handles that will allow you to clean extensively without experiencing fatigue.

Battery life

If you opt for a cordless pet vacuum cleaner, you need to check the battery capacity to ensure the unit can deliver maximum run time. The make and model of the battery will determine the overall performance of the vacuum cleaner. High-capacity lithium-ion batteries are highly preferred because they can hold a charge well.

Features to Look for When Buying a Pet Vacuum

Here are some of the features that you should look for in a pet vacuum cleaner:

Anti-allergen seal

Anti-allergen seals create an airtight lock that prevents pet dander, fur, allergens, and dirt from escaping the dustbin. This will keep the air in the room clean, thereby safeguarding you against common respiratory complications.

Filter sensor

A filter sensor will alert you when the vacuum filter is clogged. As a result, the suction system will stay in good condition for an extended period. This will also allow the vacuum machine to run cooler throughout the vacuuming process.

Variable speed control

There are pet vacuums with customisable speed settings that can help you lift different types of dirt from your floor. Models like the BLACK+DECKER 18V Lithium-Ion 4-in-1 POWERSERIES Extreme Pet Stick Vacuum feature up to 3 vacuuming speeds that will allow you to rid your home of fur and pet dander.

Telescopic wand

If you are going for a stick pet vacuum, you need to choose a unit with a telescopic wand. This will allow you to make the desired height adjustments in seconds. Additionally, a telescopic wand will give you easy access to hard-to-reach areas.

Floor sensor

Some pet vacuums feature sensitive floor sensors that will automatically adjust the suction power based on the type of carpet that you are cleaning. When cleaning a hard floor, the vacuum will employ low suction power, thus conserving energy. A higher suction power will be applied when vacuuming carpeted floors.

Battery indicator

This is also another feature that you need to consider when shopping for cordless pet vacuums. The battery indicator will provide you with real-time updates on the battery level. This will let you know when to plug in the battery pack for a charge.


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Last update on 2024-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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1 Comment

  1. Hannah J Parrish Reply

    We have a Shark vacuum and are super pleased with it. you could look into the brand of vacuum.

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