8 Best Vacuums for Carpet and Pets 2025

Unstoppable pet hair annihilator—the Shark ZU102 redefines what it means to dominate deep-cleaning chaos in homes overrun by pets. With its PowerFins HairPro technology, this vacuum doesn’t just pick up pet hair—it grips it, lifting even the most stubborn tangles from carpets and hard floors alike. The self-cleaning brushroll ensures zero hair wrap, a game-changer for long-haired pets that typically strangle standard rollers. Add in Odor Neutralizer Technology, and you’re not just removing messes—you’re eliminating the lingering smells that haunt pet-friendly homes.

In real-world testing across plush carpets, low-pile rugs, and hardwood, the ZU102 delivered consistent, high-torque suction without clogging or losing power. The 3XL dust cup (2.9L) allowed for whole-house cleanups without a single empty—ideal for large homes or multi-pet households. On stairs and upholstery, the extendable 12-foot hose paired with the included Pet Multi-Tool made above-floor cleaning effortless. However, while the swivel steering offers excellent maneuverability, the vacuum’s weight (16.5 lbs) can feel taxing during extended use, especially on stairs. It excels on embedded debris but slightly struggles on ultra-thick shag without manual height tweaking.

Compared to the Bissell 2254 and Shark NV752, the ZU102 stands as the most complete all-in-one solution for pet owners who demand performance, odor control, and large-capacity convenience. It outperforms the NV752 in dust retention and hair pickup while adding odor protection—a feature no other model here offers. While pricier than most, its 5-year warranty and multi-surface mastery make it a long-term investment. For those torn between power and practicality, the ZU102 delivers best-in-class cleaning with pet-specific intelligence that justifies its premium stance over the Shark HV322 or budget Eureka.

Effortless cleaning meets smart design in the Bissell 2254, a vacuum built for pet parents who hate wrestling with cords and clogged brushrolls. The automatic 27-foot cord rewind is a standout—no more tedious wrapping—and the triple-action brush roll with scatter-free tech aggressively pulls embedded pet hair from carpets without flinging debris. Its edge-to-edge cleaning gets within millimeters of baseboards, capturing the dust bunnies that hide where most vacuums fail. If you’ve ever lost time untangling hair or stretching cords, this model solves both.

During testing, the 13.5-inch cleaning path made quick work of medium-pile carpets, and the large dirt tank reduced emptying frequency—perfect for homes with shedding dogs or cats. The swivel steering allowed smooth navigation around coffee tables and chair legs, though tight corners sometimes required a second pass. On hard floors, it performed adequately but lacked the fingertip sensitivity of Shark’s multi-surface models. The suction is strong, but not quite as deep as the Shark ZU102 or NV752 on high-traffic zones. It’s a solid mid-tier performer, especially for those who value convenience over raw power.

When stacked against the Shark HV322 or Bissell 2998, the 2254 wins on ease of storage and cord management, but loses on portability and above-floor versatility. It’s ideal for homeowners with mostly carpeted floors and pets, who want a no-fuss upright without going cordless. While it doesn’t offer HEPA filtration or a detachable pod, it delivers consistent pet hair pickup at a reasonable price. For those prioritizing simple, reliable cleaning with fewer hassles, the 2254 is a smarter daily driver than the more complex Shark Navigator models.

Lightning-fast cleanups start here—the Shark HV322 is a nimble powerhouse engineered for pet owners who need agility over acreage. Weighing just 7.7 lbs, it’s a dream on stairs, furniture, and tight spaces where bulky uprights falter. The LED headlights reveal hidden pet hair under sofas and along baseboards, while the XL 0.68-quart dust cup offers longer runtimes than most stick vacuums in its class. As a convertible hand vacuum, it transforms instantly—perfect for grabbing fur off couches or cleaning car interiors after a muddy pup ride.

In action, the HV322 shines brightest during spot-cleaning marathons—think breakfast kibble spills, post-shedding fur storms, or tracking litter from the cat box. The powerful suction handles low-pile carpets and area rugs with ease, but struggles slightly on deep-pile carpeting where motorized brushrolls dominate. The dual pet tools—a crevice and multi-surface brush—make targeted cleaning precise, though the lack of a powered brushroll limits deep-cleaning ability. It’s not built for whole-house sessions, but for quick, frequent cleanups, it outperforms heavier models like the Eureka NEU181A.

Compared to the Shark IX141 cordless model, the HV322 offers unlimited runtime and lower cost, making it a smarter pick for renters or pet owners with small-to-medium homes. While it lacks the lift-away pod of the NV752 or ZU102, its ultra-light design and instant transformability give it unmatched versatility for furniture and stairs. It’s the ultimate secondary vacuum—perfect for homes already owning a primary upright. If your pet messes are frequent but localized, the HV322 delivers speed, precision, and pet-specific tools without the bulk.

Portability perfected—the Bissell 2998 lifts the game with its detachable lift-off pod, turning a full-size vacuum into a handheld powerhouse in seconds. This 2-in-1 design is a revelation for pet owners tackling fur on stairs, car seats, or couch cushions. The HEPA sealed allergen system captures 99.97% of dust and dander—ideal for allergy sufferers—while the tangle-free brush roll resists hair wrap, a common pain point with multi-pet homes. Add LED headlights and an easy-empty dirt tank, and you’ve got a vacuum that’s as thoughtful as it is functional.

In real use, the 2998 excelled at above-floor cleaning, where its pod removed pet hair from upholstery with minimal effort. On carpets, suction was strong but not class-leading—sufficient for low-to-medium pile, but less aggressive than Shark’s PowerFins or self-cleaning rollers. The lightweight body and swivel steering made maneuvering easy, though the cord (only 20 feet) felt short for larger homes. Battery life isn’t an issue (it’s corded), but the pod’s standalone runtime is limited when used off the wand—best for quick bursts, not marathon cleaning.

Against the Shark IX141, the 2998 offers better allergen control and a more secure pod connection, but lacks cordless freedom. Compared to the Bissell 2254, it trades automatic cord rewind for greater portability and HEPA filtration. It’s the perfect hybrid for pet owners who need deep cleaning on floors and instant access to handheld power—especially in homes with allergies. While not the strongest on deep carpet, its allergen-sealed system and versatile pod design make it a standout for health-conscious pet families.

Deep-cleaning dominance is the name of the game for the Shark NV752, a vacuum engineered to extract pet hair and allergens from the deepest carpet fibers. Its Powered Lift-Away technology is a game-changer—the pod detaches while the brushroll keeps spinning, letting you deep-clean under beds or along baseboards without losing suction. The Perfect Pet Power Brush aggressively pulls embedded fur from stairs and upholstery, while the anti-allergen complete seal with HEPA filter traps 99.9% of dust and dander, making it a top pick for sensitive households.

In testing, the 0.88-quart dust cup handled whole-home cleanings with ease, and the LED headlights revealed pet hair in shadowy corners. The multi-surface fingertip control allowed seamless transitions from hardwood to carpet—no flipping or adjustments. On thick rugs, it outperformed the Bissell 2254 and HV322, thanks to its motorized lift-away pod. However, the vacuum is bulky and heavy (15.4 lbs), making storage and stair use tiring. The cord rewind isn’t automatic, which feels like a missed opportunity at this price.

Versus the Shark ZU102, the NV752 delivers similar deep-cleaning power but lacks odor control and self-cleaning brushroll—two features that elevate the ZU102. Compared to the ZU503AMZ, it offers better allergen trapping and a larger dust cup, but at the cost of weight and complexity. It’s best suited for larger homes with wall-to-wall carpeting and multiple pets, where deep cleaning trumps portability. For those needing maximum suction and allergen control, the NV752 is a high-performance workhorse that edges out budget models but falls just short of the ZU102’s innovation.

Freedom meets function in the Shark IX141, a cordless dynamo designed for pet owners who refuse to be tethered to outlets. With up to 40 minutes of runtime in standard mode, it easily covers medium-sized homes on a single charge—far exceeding most cordless competitors. The removable handheld vacuum detaches seamlessly for cleaning car interiors, stairs, or furniture, and the CleanTouch Dirt Ejector ensures mess-free disposal—no touching debris. Its low-profile design slips under sofas with ease, and the LED headlights expose hidden pet hair like a forensic tool.

In real-world use, the hypervelocity suction handled both carpet and hard floors with impressive consistency. The bristle brushroll prevented scatter on rugs, and the XL dust cup reduced emptying frequency. On thick carpets, it held its own but couldn’t match the deep-cleaning force of the ZU102 or NV752. Battery drain accelerated in max mode, cutting runtime to ~15 minutes—fine for spot cleaning, not whole-house jobs. Recharging takes 3+ hours, so backup batteries would be ideal for large homes.

Against the Shark HV322, the IX141 wins on mobility and cordless convenience, though the HV322 offers unlimited runtime. Compared to the Bissell 2998, it trades HEPA filtration for longer standalone use and better floor agility. It’s the best cordless option for pet owners in apartments or homes where quick, frequent cleanups are the norm. While not the most powerful, its freestanding storage, lightweight build, and 40-minute runtime make it the most practical daily driver for pet messes.

Budget brilliance defines the Eureka PowerSpeed—a no-frills powerhouse that punches far above its price tag. At just 10 lbs, it’s one of the lightest uprights available, making it a joy to carry up stairs or maneuver around furniture. The 960-watt motor delivers surprisingly strong suction across carpets, hardwood, and tiles, while the 5-height brush roll adjustment ensures optimal contact on any surface—from plush rugs to bare floors. The 2.6-liter dust cup is enormous for its class, allowing extended cleaning without constant emptying.

In testing, it handled daily pet hair, crumbs, and litter with ease, outperforming vacuums twice its price on basic cleaning tasks. The onboard pet turbo brush effectively removed fur from couches and stairs, though it lacks the motorized deep-clean power of Shark’s Pet Power Brush. Suction remains consistent, but the lack of HEPA filtration means allergens can escape back into the air—making it less ideal for allergy sufferers. Build quality is functional but not premium; the plastic feels lightweight, not luxurious.

Versus the Bissell 2254 or Shark HV322, the PowerSpeed offers better value for whole-house cleaning on a budget. It doesn’t have swivel steering or LED lights, but it covers more ground faster thanks to its large dust cup and surface adaptability. It’s the best entry-level pick for pet owners who need reliable, no-nonsense cleaning without overspending. While it won’t replace a high-end Shark in a multi-pet home, it delivers 80% of the performance at 30% of the cost—a smart starting point for renters or first-time buyers.