8 Best Upright Vacuums for Pets 2025

If you’re battling pet hair on a budget, the Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel is a workhorse that doesn’t flinch at fur-covered carpets. With its Triple Action Brush Roll, this upright aggressively loosens and lifts embedded pet hair, while the Swivel Steering makes it astonishingly nimble around furniture legs and tight corners—no more dragging or jerking. The 1.5-liter dirt tank is impressively spacious, reducing emptying frequency, and the Scatter-Free Technology keeps dry messes like kibble or litter from flying everywhere on hard floors.

In real-world testing, the 2252 shines on low-pile carpets and sealed hardwood, where its strong suction and edge-to-edge cleaning grab every speck along baseboards. However, on plush or high-pile rugs, the brush roll can bog down slightly, requiring slower passes. The multi-cyclonic system maintains suction well over time, but fine dust occasionally escapes during emptying due to the basic dirt tank design. While it lacks advanced sensors or HEPA filtration, it delivers consistent, no-fuss performance for homes with one or two shedding pets.

Compared to pricier models like the Shark AZ4002, the Bissell 2252 trades smart features for raw affordability and reliability. It’s the go-to for pet owners who want solid, straightforward cleaning without app alerts or auto-adjusting suction. Ideal for small to medium homes with mixed flooring, it’s a value-packed entry in the pet vacuum space—offering more muscle than expected at this price point, even if it doesn’t match the refinement of premium rivals.

The BISSELL CleanView Max Tangle-Free Rewind is a game-changer for long-haired pet owners, finally delivering on the promise of truly tangle-free cleaning. Its standout feature is the anti-hair wrap brush roll, which slices through fur without clogging—no more pulling strands off the roller every few minutes. Add in LED headlights that expose dust bunnies under the couch, and you’ve got a vacuum that tackles two major pet owner frustrations: hidden debris and maintenance hell. The automatic cord rewind is a luxury rarely seen at this price, making storage effortless.

During testing, the 4073L handled medium-pile carpets with ease, lifting tracked-in dirt and daily fur with consistent power. The quick-release wand is a small but smart touch, letting you clean baseboards or under tables without detaching tools. On hard floors, it performed well, though the lack of a dedicated bare-floor mode meant some light scattering of larger debris. While suction is strong, it doesn’t match the brute force of Shark’s POWERDETECT series, and the dust bin is on the smaller side, requiring mid-clean emptying in larger homes.

Against the Bissell 2252, this model trades raw capacity for smarter, lower-maintenance operation—especially if you’ve ever cursed a clogged brush roll. It’s best suited for apartments or homes with mostly short-to-medium carpeting and pets that shed heavily. While it doesn’t offer allergen sealing or lift-away versatility, its focus on tangle prevention and convenience makes it a standout mid-tier pick—offering more innovation than expected for its class, even if it lacks the all-surface adaptability of higher-end models.

For allergy-prone pet households, the Bissell 2998 MultiClean Allergen is a breath of fresh air—literally. Its HEPA Sealed Allergen System captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dander, dust mites, and pollen, making it one of the few uprights that truly locks allergens inside. The lift-off portable pod turns this upright into a handheld in seconds, perfect for quick cleanups on sofas, stairs, or car interiors—no extra attachments needed. Combined with LED headlights and a tangle-free brush roll, it’s built for homes where pets shed and someone sneezes every time the vacuum runs.

In practice, the 2998 delivers strong suction across low to medium carpets, with decent bare-floor performance when switched to hard floor mode. The lightweight design (just 12.5 lbs) makes it easy to carry upstairs, and swivel steering helps it glide around furniture. However, the 0.6-quart dust cup fills up fast in larger homes, and the pod’s battery life is limited if used standalone (though most will use it corded). Filtration is excellent, but the hose reach is shorter than competitors, limiting overhead cleaning.

Next to the Shark NV752, this Bissell sacrifices lift-away power (the pod isn’t motorized) for true allergen containment. It’s ideal for small to medium homes where air quality is a priority—especially those with cats, dogs, and asthma or allergy sufferers. While it doesn’t have the raw power of a Shark, its sealed HEPA system and portability make it a smarter choice for health-focused pet owners—offering better filtration than most in its class, even if it can’t match the deep-clean intensity of heavier-duty models.

The Shark AZ4002 POWERDETECT is the undisputed powerhouse of pet vacuums, combining intelligent sensing with brute-force suction to dominate every surface. What sets it apart is its DuoClean Detect system—four Intelli-Sense sensors that auto-detect dirt, edges, floor type, and even vacuuming direction, then instantly boost suction and brushroll speed for maximum pickup. Whether it’s clumps of cat hair in the carpet or tracked-in mud on tile, this vacuum knows where to work harder. The self-cleaning brushroll ensures zero hair wrap, and the anti-allergen complete seal with HEPA traps 99.99% of dust, making it ideal for homes with both pets and sensitivities.

Real-world testing confirmed its supremacy: it cleaned carpets in a single forward pass, thanks to direction-detect suction that powers up in reverse—something no other upright does. On hardwood, the Floor Detect mode automatically softens roller contact to avoid scattering debris, while Edge Detect ramps up suction within two inches of walls for flawless baseboard cleaning. The only hiccup? Its heavier build (17 lbs) and larger footprint make storage and stair cleaning slightly awkward. Still, for whole-home deep cleans, it’s unmatched.

Compared to the Bissell 2252 or even the Shark NV752, the AZ4002 is in a different league of automation and performance. It’s overkill for small apartments but perfect for large, multi-surface homes with multiple pets. While it costs more, its feature density and self-optimizing tech justify the investment—delivering smarter, deeper cleaning than any other upright here, even if simpler models may suffice for lighter needs.

The Shark NV752 Rotator redefines versatility with its Powered Lift-Away pod, which detaches while keeping the brushroll spinning—a rare feature that lets you deep-clean under beds or stairs without losing motorized power. This, combined with the Perfect Pet Power Brush, makes it a top-tier choice for homes with carpets, stairs, and heavy shedders. The 0.88-quart dust cup is spacious, and LED headlights reveal every hidden hair, while the anti-allergen complete seal traps 99.9% of dander and dust. It’s a do-it-all machine built for pet chaos.

In testing, the NV752 handled high-pile rugs with ease, thanks to strong suction and fingertip carpet/hard floor switching. The Powered Lift-Away excels for furniture and stairs, and included tools like the upholstery and crevice nozzles make above-floor cleaning seamless. However, the cord is shorter than expected (25 feet), requiring frequent outlet changes in larger homes. Maneuverability is excellent with Advanced Swivel Steering, but the weight distribution feels front-heavy when lifting the pod.

Against the Bissell 2998, this Shark offers real motorized portability—not just a passive handheld. It’s best for multi-level homes where stairs and furniture demand frequent above-floor cleaning. While it lacks the smart sensors of the AZ4002, its practical lift-away power and pet-specific tools make it more functional than most. It delivers more cleaning flexibility than the Bissell 2252, even if it doesn’t match the high-tech polish of Shark’s own POWERDETECT line.

The Shark NV360 Navigator is the affordable lift-away champion, offering high-end features at a mid-range price. Its standout trait is the 0.9-quart dust cup—one of the largest in its class—letting you clean an entire home without constant emptying. The Lift-Away pod detaches for stair and furniture cleaning, and while the brushroll stops when detached, the lightweight design makes it easy to carry. With HEPA filtration, swivel steering, and a brushroll shutoff for hard floors, it’s a well-rounded performer for pet owners who want versatility without overspending.

In real use, the NV360 glides over carpets and transitions smoothly to hardwood with the flick of a switch. Suction is strong for its class, though not as intense as the AZ4002. It handles daily pet hair well, but struggles slightly with deeply embedded fur in thick rugs. The upholstery tool is effective, and onboard storage keeps accessories handy. The filters are washable, reducing maintenance costs, but the dust cup seal isn’t as tight as premium models, occasionally releasing dust when emptied.

Next to the Eureka PowerSpeed, the NV360 offers superior filtration and lift-away functionality at a slightly higher cost. It’s ideal for medium homes with mixed flooring and pets, striking a sweet spot between price and performance. While it lacks the tangle-free brush of higher Sharks, it delivers more convenience and allergen control than budget picks—offering better long-term value than basic uprights, even if it doesn’t wow with innovation.

The Shark ZU102 Rotator is the ultimate odor-fighting warrior for pet homes, thanks to its Odor Neutralizer Technology that actively combats smells from accidents, tracked-in mud, or damp fur. Its PowerFins HairPro system uses rubberized fins to grip and extract even the longest pet hair without tangling, while the 3XL dust cup (2.9L) means fewer interruptions—ideal for large homes or multi-pet households. With a 5-year warranty, extendable hose, and self-cleaning brushroll, it’s built for long-term, high-volume cleaning without breakdowns.

Testing showed exceptional performance on both carpets and tile, with no hair wrap even after multiple passes through fur-heavy zones. The extendable hose reaches 12 feet, making it easy to clean ceilings, curtains, or car interiors. However, the weight (16.5 lbs) and lack of auto-sensing make it less intuitive than the AZ4002. While it includes a HEPA-sealed system, it doesn’t have lift-away functionality, limiting overhead reach compared to the NV752.

Against the Shark NV360, the ZU102 trades lift-away convenience for massive capacity and odor control. It’s best for large homes where deep cleaning and smell management are priorities—especially those with dogs prone to muddy paws or indoor accidents. While it doesn’t have the smart features of the POWERDETECT, its focus on durability, capacity, and freshness makes it more practical than high-tech rivals for messy pet environments.

The Eureka PowerSpeed is the lightweight budget king, weighing just 10 pounds while delivering surprisingly robust suction for its size. It’s perfect for quick cleanups, small apartments, or homes where heavy vacuums are a chore. The 5-height adjustment lets it adapt to everything from plush rugs to hardwood, and the 2.6L dust cup is huge for its class—meaning less frequent emptying. With a pet turbo tool, crevice nozzle, and onboard storage, it’s clearly designed with pet owners in mind, offering serious value at under $80.

In real use, it handles daily fur and light messes with ease, though it struggles with deeply embedded hair in high-pile carpets. The foam filtration is basic and doesn’t capture fine allergens, and the roller brush can clog if not cleaned every two weeks—per Eureka’s warning, neglect could risk smoke or belt failure. Still, for its price, the zero maintenance cost (washable filters, no bags) is a major plus. It’s not built for large homes, but for spot cleaning or small spaces, it’s impressively capable.

Compared to the Bissell 2252, the Eureka is lighter and cheaper, but lacks HEPA, swivel steering, and advanced pet tools. It’s ideal for renters, seniors, or homes with one low-shedding pet. While it doesn’t match the durability or features of Sharks or higher Bissells, it outperforms most vacuums in its price range—delivering more cleaning power than expected, even if it demands more hands-on care.