8 Best Vacuums for Carpets with Pets 2026

Effortless deep-cleaning meets smart technology in the Eureka FlexReach Plus—a standout performer when tackling pet hair embedded in plush carpets. With a 192AW suction power and Floor Sense+React Tech, this upright automatically detects floor transitions and adjusts cleaning intensity, ensuring aggressive extraction on thick rugs while protecting delicate hardwoods. Its anti-tangle brush roll is a game-changer for homes with shedding pets, actively preventing hair wrap and maintaining peak performance throughout long cleaning sessions.

In real-world testing, the FlexReach Plus excels in whole-home cleanups thanks to its 30-foot power cord, eliminating the frustration of constant outlet hopping across large living areas. The HEPA-sealed system traps 0.3-micron particles like dander and dust, making it a top choice for allergy-prone pet owners. While it handles low-pile carpets with ease, it struggles slightly on ultra-thick shag rugs where maximum suction mode can bog down the motor. Still, the large dust cup and tool-free emptying keep maintenance quick and mess-free.

Positioned between budget models and premium Shark contenders, the FlexReach Plus delivers smarter automation than the Eureka PowerSpeed and better filtration than many entry-level vacuums, though it lacks lift-away versatility found in higher-end Shark models. It’s ideal for pet parents who prioritize continuous cleaning coverage and allergen control over portability or above-floor reach. Compared to the Shark NV752, it offers similar carpet performance at a much lower cost—but without the powered lift-away convenience.

Lightweight dominance meets serious suction in the Eureka PowerSpeed—a breath of fresh air for pet owners tired of wrestling bulky vacuums up stairs. At just 10 pounds, it’s featherlight yet packs a punch with a 960-watt motor that maintains consistent power across carpets and hard floors, making it perfect for homes with roaming pets and multi-surface layouts. The 5-height brush roll adjustment gives precise control, letting you dial in the perfect cleaning depth from plush berber to bare tile without scattering debris.

During testing, the PowerSpeed handled everyday pet messes—kibble crumbs, tracked-in dirt, and clumps of fur—with commendable efficiency, especially on medium-pile carpets. The 2.6-liter dust cup means fewer mid-session interruptions, and the flip-to-empty design keeps hands clean. However, its basic filtration lacks HEPA standards, so it doesn’t trap fine allergens as effectively as sealed-system competitors. On high-traffic areas, it occasionally requires multiple passes to remove deeply embedded hair, and the lack of LED headlights makes pet hair on dark floors harder to spot.

This model stands out as the most affordable upright with pet-specific features, outperforming similarly priced stick vacs in sustained carpet cleaning. While it doesn’t match the smart sensing or allergen capture of the FlexReach Plus, it’s a no-nonsense workhorse for small to medium homes where lightweight maneuverability trumps advanced tech. Compared to the Bissell CleanView, it offers more powerful suction and larger capacity but fewer specialized tools for crevices and upholstery.

Pet hair vanishes at the swipe of a swivel, thanks to the Bissell CleanView’s Triple Action Brush Roll—a triple-threat system that loosens, lifts, and extracts matted fur from carpets like few others in its class. Paired with swivel steering, this vacuum pivots on a dime, gliding around furniture legs and under coffee tables with surgical precision, a must-have for homes where pets track debris into tight corners. The active extension wand introduced in the 2024 model adds reach for drapes, baseboards, and ceiling fans, expanding its role beyond floor-only cleaning.

Real-world use confirms its strength on medium to low-pile carpets, where the multi-cyclonic suction maintains strong airflow and minimizes clogs. The scatter-free technology is a subtle but impactful win—on hardwood, it contains messes instead of blasting them forward, a common flaw in cheaper uprights. That said, the brush roll can struggle on high-pile rugs, and the dirt tank, while easy to empty, fills quickly during whole-home sessions. It also lacks a HEPA filter, limiting its appeal for allergy sufferers despite its pet-focused design.

When stacked against the Eureka PowerSpeed, the CleanView offers superior maneuverability and a more aggressive brush roll but falls short in dust capacity and motor power. It’s best suited for active households with short-haired pets that shed moderately and require frequent spot cleaning. While not as filtration-focused as the Shark models, it delivers better pet hair agitation than most budget uprights and integrates thoughtful upgrades in the 2024 refresh that justify its mid-tier price.

Transformative cleaning starts with lift-away freedom—the Shark Navigator NV356E redefines versatility with its detachable pod that turns an upright into a handheld unit, ideal for stairs, car interiors, and pet accidents on sofas. This lift-away functionality is its crown jewel, giving it a clear edge over non-detachable rivals like the Eureka PowerSpeed, especially in homes where pets frequent elevated spaces. Backed by HEPA filtration and an anti-allergen seal, it captures 99.9% of dust and dander, making it a go-to for allergy-sensitive pet owners.

Performance-wise, the NV356E handles carpeted floors with confidence, extracting embedded pet hair and tracked-in grime thanks to strong cyclonic suction and a 0.87L dust cup that reduces emptying frequency. The brushroll shutoff lets you seamlessly switch to hard floors without changing tools, preserving finish integrity. However, the pod’s weight makes prolonged handheld use tiring, and the cord rewind requires manual effort. It also lacks LED headlights, so spotting pet hair in dim corners demands extra attention.

Compared to the Shark NV752, it offers similar HEPA sealing and lift-away capability but misses out on powered brush roll continuation in pod mode and self-cleaning brushroll tech. It’s the sweet spot for pet owners wanting flexibility without premium pricing, delivering strong all-surface performance and excellent allergen control. While not as feature-rich as the ZU102, it outclasses budget models in filtration and adaptability, making it a balanced pick for multi-level homes with pets.

Freedom from cords meets pet-focused agility in the Shark IX141, a low-profile cordless vacuum engineered for rapid response to pet messes. Its removable handheld design lets you go from floor to furniture in seconds, while LED headlights expose hidden fur and dander under sofas—areas often missed by bulkier uprights. With 40 minutes of runtime in standard mode and hypervelocity suction, it delivers reliable performance on both carpets and hardwoods, especially in high-traffic zones where pets congregate.

In testing, the IX141 shines in quick cleanups and targeted spot treatments—spilled food, tracked paw prints, or post-grooming fur clouds. The bristle brushroll maintains grip on carpets without scattering debris, and the CleanTouch Dirt Ejector ensures hygienic, hands-free disposal. However, battery life drops significantly in max mode, limiting deep-cleaning sessions on large carpeted areas. The dust cup is also smaller than uprights, requiring more frequent emptying during whole-home use.

Positioned as a lightweight alternative to corded models, it’s ideal for apartments or homes where pets create frequent but small messes. Compared to the LEVOIT LVAC-200, it offers better build quality and stronger suction, though with slightly less runtime. It doesn’t replace a full-sized vacuum for deep weekly cleans but complements it perfectly for daily pet maintenance. For those prioritizing speed, reach, and under-furniture access, it’s a standout cordless pet solution.

Silent power meets tangle-free cleaning in the LEVOIT LVAC-200, a cordless stick vacuum built for homes where pets shed heavily and allergies are a concern. With up to 50 minutes of runtime and a tangle-resistant roller, it tackles long-hair breeds without frequent brush roll jams—a pain point many pet owners face. Its 5-stage filtration system captures pet dander and fine dust, making it one of the few cordless models that doubles as an allergen reducer, rivaling even some HEPA-sealed uprights.

Real-world testing reveals strong performance across low to medium-pile carpets and hard floors, with consistent suction that doesn’t drop off mid-clean. The washable filter and roller reduce long-term maintenance costs, and the one-click dust bin ejection keeps cleanup sanitary. However, it lacks a motorized pet tool, so upholstery cleaning is less effective than with Shark’s Pet Multi-Tool. On thick carpets, it requires slower passes to pull up embedded debris.

Compared to the Shark IX141, the LVAC-200 offers longer battery life and better filtration, but with less powerful suction and no LED lights. It’s best for pet owners seeking a quiet, low-maintenance cordless vacuum for daily upkeep rather than heavy-duty deep cleaning. While not as aggressive on pet hair as the Bissell or Shark uprights, it delivers exceptional value in the cordless category, balancing runtime, filtration, and ease of use.

Unmatched reach meets pet-specific power in the Shark NV752, a rotator-powered lift-away that redefines deep-cleaning for stairs and upholstery. What sets it apart is the 2-in-1 powered lift-away pod—unlike basic detachables, the brushroll keeps spinning when lifted, allowing continuous deep-cleaning of pet beds, stairs, and car seats without losing suction. Add LED headlights and a self-cleaning Pet Power Brush, and you have a vacuum engineered for high-shedding pets in multi-level homes.

In practice, the NV752 dominates on upholstery and vertical surfaces, where its included tools extract embedded fur with minimal effort. The 0.88-quart dust cup and swivel steering enhance usability, while the anti-allergen seal ensures airborne particles stay trapped. However, its weight makes it tiring for extended use, and the hose storage is less intuitive than competitors. It also lacks odor-neutralizing tech found in the ZU102, despite targeting similar use cases.

When compared to the NV356E, the NV752 offers powered brushroll continuity and better pet tools, making it superior for homes where pets dominate furniture and stairs. It’s heavier and pricier than entry models but justifies its cost with specialized pet performance and reach. Against the ZU102, it trades odor control and dust capacity for better stair mobility. For pet owners needing maximum above-floor cleaning power, it’s the ultimate upright solution.

The apex of pet vacuum engineering, the Shark ZU102 earns its title as best overall with PowerFins HairPro technology that actively grabs and locks in long, short, and pet hair—no more wraps, no clogs. Combined with self-cleaning brushroll and 3XL dust cup capacity, it’s built for marathon cleaning sessions in homes with multiple pets or heavy shedders. The odor neutralizer cartridge is a game-changer, actively suppressing smells inside the vacuum, so your closet doesn’t reek after use.

Field testing confirms its dominance: it powers through high-pile carpets, area rugs, and hardwoods with zero hair wrap, thanks to its unique fin-based roller design. The 12-foot extendable hose reaches into crevices and overhead spaces, while HEPA filtration captures 99.99% of allergens, outperforming even the NV752. However, its bulk and weight make it less ideal for quick cleanups, and the 5-year warranty, while impressive, can’t offset the steep entry price.

Compared to the NV752, the ZU102 offers larger capacity, better odor control, and superior hair capture, making it the ultimate upgrade for serious pet owners. Against the Eureka FlexReach Plus, it delivers more power, smarter features, and better reach, though at nearly double the cost. For those who want the most complete, no-compromise pet vacuum, the ZU102 delivers unmatched performance, durability, and innovation.