A person using Henry Petcare 160 to vacuum the bedroom floor while a child and a dog sit on the bed.

The Best Vacuum for Pet Hair: Models to Consider

Leslie Murray 4 min read

The best vacuum for pet hair has powerful suction, a large dust bin, HEPA filtration, and pet-specific attachments that reach fur where it hides. It should also run quietly enough for nervous pets and tuck away easily in a closet.

If you've got a dog or cat at home, you already know a regular vacuum doesn't cut it: going over the same spot on the carpet and still finding hair, your cordless stick vacuum dying mid-shedding season. Sound familiar?

Pet dander and odor are the real problems, not just the hair you can see. And if anyone visiting has pet allergies, that's one more reason to get it right. You need anti-tangle brush rolls, real suction, and filters you can actually rinse and reuse.

A good pet hair vacuum holds up over time, comes with a proper pet tool, and doesn't make cleaning a chore. Take Henry, for example: over 14 million units sold worldwide, with a 10-year motor warranty on every model. 

Below are some of the top vacuums for pet hair to consider, so you can spend less time cleaning and more time on the couch with your furry friend.

Henry PetCare 160

The Henry Petcare 160 sits up front, ready to work, while a black Cocker Spaniel on a pillow filled couch behind it.

If you've got a heavy shedder at home, this one's worth a look. The Henry PetCare 160 is made to lift embedded pet hair, and the AiroBrush, powered by a 680W motor, handles furniture, carpets, and tight spots without much fuss. 

  • MicroFresh Filter with Activated Charcoal: Removes pet odors and traps tiny particles like fur and pollen

  • 1.6-gallon capacity: Clean large areas without stopping to empty the bin

  • 47 dB quiet motor: Won't stress out noise-sensitive pets

Hetty 200

Hetty 200 Vacuum cleaner in pink

Want to reach a wider area? The Hetty 200 has the same 680W motor as the PetCare 160 but with a larger 2.3-gallon capacity and a happy pink casing. She’s a strong pet canister vacuum for larger, open-concept houses with mostly hard flooring.

  • 2.3-gallon capacity: Cleans more square feet before you need to empty the bin

  • TriTex filtration and HEPA-grade bags: Capture dust and dander down to 0.3 microns, which is good news for allergy sufferers

  • Full tool kit: Crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool lift hidden hair from stairs, pet beds, and corners

Henry 160

The Henry 160 Vacuum cleaner

Don't let the size fool you on this one. The Henry 160 packs the same 680W motor as the PetCare 160 into a lightweight frame, so it's a solid pick for everyday pet hair without the bulk.

  • Lightweight canister: Under 16.5lbs, with powerful suction for floors, stairs, and tight corners

  • Multi-floor performance: The combination tool switches from carpet to hard floors and lifts dog hair from medium pile carpet

  • Full cleaning kit: Extra brush heads, stair tool, and crevice tool tackle ordinary issues too

Henry Xtra 200

Henry Xtra 200 Vacuum cleaner on the carpet, not being used

Pet hair, saliva, and oils wear down hardwood floors over time, which is exactly the problem Henry Xtra 200 solves. It's made for mixed carpet and hard-floor homes, with a specialist floor tool that lifts pet hair without scratching delicate surfaces.

  • Specialist floor tool: Glides over tile and wood for a powerful scratch-free clean

  • 2.5-gallon capacity: Clean longer without emptying during the task

  • Self-Sealing Filter, TriTex HEPA bags: removes 99.97% airborne and fine debris

FAQs

What is the best vacuum for pet hair?

The Henry PetCare 160 or Xtra 200 is the best vacuum for pet hair. Both offer strong suction, pet-specific attachments, a large bag, and HEPA filtration with a carbon layer for odor control, making them the top picks for heavy shedders.

What are the top pet vacuum brands?

Bissell and Shark are top contenders for pet hair, alongside Dyson, Henry, and Miele. The right choice depends on your flooring, how much your pet sheds, suction, battery life, and filtration. Look at performance, not the logo.

Is it better to sweep or vacuum pet hair?

Vacuuming beats sweeping for pet hair. A broom flings dust and dander into the air instead of removing it. The ASPCA notes that HEPA filtered vacuums trap allergens and ease allergic reactions, something sweeping can't match.

Key Takeaways

  • Henry PetCare 160: Built for heavy shedders, handling carpet, upholstery, and bare floors with a pet tool included

  • Hetty 200: A more modern, smaller option for smaller households with hard flooring

  • Henry 160: Ideal for everyday pet hair, lightweight, simple to store, stair tool for hard-to-reach places

  • Henry Xtra 200: Great on hardwood floors, lifts embedded hair without scratching, and is compatible with a range of accessories for medium-pile carpet, too.

Find Your Best Vacuum for Pet Hair

Henry makes the best vacuum for pet hair on any floor, from thick rugs to hardwood, with attachments for every corner of the house.

Fur-covered floors don't stand much of a chance against the right vacuum. Shop Henry's vacuum range today and find the model that actually fits your household, your floors, and your pet's shedding.

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