Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Hair Cleaning

TL;DR: The Shark ZU503 Teal packs 1200 W of suction, a self‑cleaning brushroll and Lift‑Away pod in a 15.0‑lb upright that handles pet hair well, though its cord feels short for large rooms.

The ZU503’s standout spec is its 1200 W motor paired with a HEPA filter and a self‑cleaning brushroll, delivering the suction power needed for stubborn pet hair on carpet and hard floors. At 37.73 in tall, 11.81 in long and 10.17 in wide, it fits comfortably in most closets while weighing about 15.0 lb.

Compared with the seven contenders, the Shark sits between the lightweight Eureka PowerSpeed (10 lb) and the heavier Kenmore Elite 31150 (20 lb). Its height is shorter than the Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind (46 in) but taller than the Kenmore BU4050 (34 in). Width‑wise it’s narrower than the Hoover Rewind Pet (12.75 in) and the Eureka model (14 in), giving it a slimmer profile for tight aisles.

Everyday owners rave about the strong suction and the ease of emptying the dust cup, while professional reviewers highlight the HEPA filtration with Anti‑Allergen Complete Seal technology that traps 99.99 % of particles ≥ 0.3 µm. The most common gripe is the cord length, which users say feels short when cleaning larger rooms, and users note the 15.0‑lb weight feels heavier than some cordless alternatives.

Technical details round out the package: the vacuum runs on 120 V, draws 1200 W, and includes Shark’s Lift‑Away pod for portable cleaning under furniture. The self‑cleaning brushroll helps prevent hair wrap, a frequent concern for pet owners.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high-quality option

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The Eureka PowerSpeed upright vacuum packs a 2.6‑liter dust cup, five height settings and a 10‑lb lightweight body for budget‑friendly pet‑hair cleaning in small‑to‑medium homes.

The standout spec is its 2.6 L dust cup, which lets you clean longer between emptying cycles. Combined with five height‑adjustment settings, the NEU181D adapts to carpet, hardwood and low‑pile rugs without swapping tools. At just 10.0 lb, it feels easy to lift and steer around furniture.

Compared with the six other models in this roundup, the PowerSpeed is noticeably lighter than the Hoover Rewind Pet (14.2 lb) and the Bissell CleanView Swivel (13.65 lb). Its 44.5‑in height is on par with Hoover’s 44‑in profile but shorter than the Kenmore Elite’s 45.75 in. The 13.4‑in length is more compact than Hoover’s 18.25 in, and its 14‑in width matches Bissell’s 14‑in chassis while being wider than Shark’s 10.17 in. Thus, it sits at the low‑end of the weight and size spectrum, making storage and maneuverability easier than the bulkier Kenmore and Dyson options.

Users repeatedly praise the vacuum’s portability and its pet‑turbo tool for tackling fur on upholstery and stairs. The large dust cup reduces the frequency of emptying, a point highlighted by both consumers and professional reviewers. The downside most owners note is the 88 dB noise level, which can feel loud in quiet apartments. Additionally, the product doesn't list a HEPA‑grade filter, so allergy‑sensitive shoppers may need to look elsewhere.

Technical details include a 5‑position height selector, a cord length that isn’t listed in the available specs, and a 2‑year limited warranty from Eureka. The yellow‑finished NEU181D model (B09YM1ZPR2) launched in April 2022 and carries a 4.2‑star rating from 5,349 reviews.

Best for: Shoppers on a tight budget who want a lightweight upright vacuum that handles pet hair without frequent emptying.

Avoid if: You need HEPA filtration for allergies or a quieter machine for noise‑sensitive environments.

TL;DR: The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind 2254 offers a 27‑foot cord, 13.5‑inch cleaning path and a triple‑action brush roll, delivering strong pet‑hair pickup in a lightweight 13.7‑lb upright at $169.99.

Weighing about 13.7 lb, the Bissell 2254 measures 46 in tall, 13 in long and 14 in wide, making it easy to push around a typical living‑room. Its 13.5‑inch cleaning path covers more floor per pass, while the 27‑ft cord and automatic rewind let you clean larger rooms without constantly re‑plugging. The triple‑action brush roll provides scatter‑free pet‑hair removal on both carpet and hard floors.

Compared with the seven other upright vacuums in this roundup, the Bissell sits near the lightest end: it’s lighter than the Kenmore BU4050’s 14.0 lb frame and the Shark ZU503’s roughly 15.0 lb build, yet heavier than the Eureka PowerSpeed’s 10.0 lb chassis. Its height of 46 in is taller than Kenmore’s 34 in and Shark’s 37.73 in, putting it on par with the taller Kenmore Elite (45.75 in) and Dyson Ball Animal (42.17 in). The 27‑ft cord outstrips the Hoover Rewind Pet’s 25‑ft length, and no other peer in the list specifies a longer cord.

Reviewers consistently praise the Bissell’s pet‑hair pickup, noting that the triple‑action brush and edge‑to‑edge cleaning handle stubborn fur on stairs and upholstery. Professional reviewers point out that the top‑mounted filter improves airflow, which boosts suction performance. Users also love the one‑click dirt‑cup release and the hassle‑free cord rewind. On the flip side, several owners mention the lack of a brush‑off switch or variable suction control, which can make low‑carpet‑height cleaning feel a bit stiff. The corded design, while giving constant power, does limit mobility for those who prefer cordless freedom.

Beyond the core specs, the vacuum includes a disk pre‑motor filter and a lifetime post‑motor filter, both geared toward maintaining consistent suction. The included Pet TurboEraser and Pet Hair Corner tools add targeted cleaning for pet‑owner households, and the swivel steering lets you navigate around furniture without excessive effort.

Best for: Pet owners who need reliable hair removal on carpets and hard floors, households with furniture that benefits from swivel steering.

Avoid if: You require a cordless vacuum, variable suction control, or a lower‑priced entry model.

TL;DR: The Kenmore BU4050 Intuition combines a 14.0‑lb lightweight upright with a detachable handheld canister and a Hair Eliminator nozzle, delivering solid pet‑hair pickup for mixed floors at $169.99.

The standout feature is the Hair Eliminator nozzle paired with a lift‑up canister that converts the upright into a handheld unit, letting you tackle stairs and above‑floor surfaces without swapping tools. At just 34 in tall and weighing 14.0 lb, the vacuum feels lighter than many full‑size uprights while still offering a bagged system and HEPA filtration.

Compared with the six other models in this roundup, the BU4050 is shorter than the Bissell CleanView (46 in) and Hoover Rewind Pet (44 in), but taller than the Shark ZU503 (37.73 in). Its 12 in width sits between the Shark’s 10.17 in and the Dyson Ball Animal’s 11.02 in, giving it a balanced footprint. Weight‑wise it’s lighter than the Kenmore Elite 31150 (20.0 lb) and Dyson Ball Animal (17.33 lb), yet a bit heavier than the Eureka PowerSpeed (10.0 lb) and Bissell CleanView (13.65 lb). This mid‑range size and weight help it navigate tight spaces while still feeling stable on carpet.

Everyday owners applaud the vacuum’s maneuverability and the hands‑free bag system, noting that the Hair Eliminator brushroll really pulls pet hair from upholstery and low‑pile carpet. Professional reviewers highlight the swivel steering and the detachable canister as strong points for multi‑room cleaning. Users most often complain that the 14‑lb chassis feels bulkier than true handheld units, and several users mention modest suction as a trade‑off for the budget price.

Kenmore adds Power Flow Technology to keep suction steady as the bag fills, a dual‑motor system that switches between carpet and hard‑floor modes, and AllergenSeal™ sealing to trap dust and allergens. A bag‑fill indicator lets you know when it’s time for a new HEPA bag, and built‑in LED headlights shine into low‑light corners, making it easier to see hidden debris.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $169.99

TL;DR: The Kenmore Elite 31150 costs $254.99, weighs 20.0 lbs, and packs a 3D Inducer Motor with Triple HEPA filtration for strong pet‑hair pickup on mixed floors.

The standout hardware is the beltless 3D Inducer Motor, which professional reviewers say prevents power loss even when the bag fills. Coupled with a Triple HEPA filter that captures 99.97 % of dust and allergens, the vacuum targets both fur and airborne irritants. Its dedicated Pet Handi‑Mate tool adds extra reach for upholstery and tight spots.

At 45.75 in tall, the Kenmore is taller than the Shark ZU503 (37.73 in) and the Hoover Rewind Pet (44 in), but shorter than the Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind (46 in). Weighing 20.0 lbs, it's heavier than every other model in this seven‑item set—Shark (14.99 lbs), Bissell (13.65 lbs), Kenmore BU4050 (14 lbs), Hoover (14.2 lbs), Dyson (17.33 lbs), and Eureka (10 lbs). Its footprint of 14.25 in length and 13.75 in width sits between the compact Shark (11.81 in × 10.17 in) and the longer Hoover (18.25 in × 12.75 in), giving it a balanced stance for carpet and hard floor transitions.

User sentiment repeatedly praises the vacuum’s strong pet‑hair pickup and the long 35‑ft cord that eases cleaning large homes. Reviewers also note the quiet‑room‑friendly HEPA system for allergy sufferers. The main complaints focus on the 20.0‑lb weight, which makes stair navigation and room‑to‑room moves feel cumbersome, and the bagged collection system that some users find less convenient than bagless rivals. Noise levels around 70 dB rank louder than lighter competitors.

Beyond the motor and filtration, the Kenmore’s dimensions—14.25 L × 13.75 W × 45.75 H—fit standard closet storage while the upright design provides a stable cleaning platform. The one‑year warranty adds a safety net for the premium price point.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra delivers 290 AW suction and a de‑tangling brush for pet hair, but its 17.3 lb weight and premium $399.95 price place it in the high‑end segment.

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra (model UP30) packs a motorbar de‑tangling brush that automatically lifts hair from the roll, and professional reviewers highlight its 290 AW suction as top‑tier for pet owners. It also offers a large 0.45 gal bin, meaning you won’t need to empty it as often during a deep clean. The unit weighs 17.3 lb, stands 42.17 in tall, measures 15.51 in long and 11.02 in wide, and ships in a distinctive copper finish with five accessories included.

Compared with the seven other vacuums in this roundup, the Dyson is heavier than the Shark ZU503 (14.99 lb) and the Eureka PowerSpeed (10 lb), but lighter than the Kenmore Elite 31150 (20 lb). Its height of 42.17 in slots it between the Shark’s 37.73 in and the Kenmore Elite’s 45.75 in, giving it a balanced profile for reaching under furniture. Unlike Shark and Kenmore BU4050, the Dyson lacks a lift‑away feature, and it doesn't include an automatic cord rewind, which some peers list as a convenience.

In practice, owners of multiple pets praise its 290 AW suction and the motorbar’s ability to keep fur from clogging the brush. The 1,336 reviews average a 4.2‑star rating, with many users noting the long 50‑ft reach as a major convenience for large homes. However, the same reviewers frequently mention the 17.3 lb weight as a drawback, especially when navigating stairs or storing the unit in tight spaces. Professional editors also point out the mostly plastic construction, which can feel less solid than metal‑framed competitors.

Beyond raw power, the Dyson employs 12 Radial Root Cyclones to maintain whole‑machine filtration, a detail that aligns with its premium positioning. The motorbar de‑tangling technology, combined with the copper‑colored housing, gives the vacuum a distinctive look while targeting the toughest pet hair on carpets and upholstery.

Best for: Pet owners in large homes who need deep carpet cleaning, extensive reach, and a dedicated de‑tangling brush.

Avoid if: You’re on a tight budget, need a lightweight or cordless vacuum, or live in a small apartment where maneuverability is paramount.

TL;DR: The Hoover Rewind Pet (UH77400V) offers 25‑foot automatic cord rewind, a pet turbo tool and solid suction at 14.2 lb, making it a budget‑friendly upright for medium‑sized homes.

The standout feature is the built‑in automatic cord rewind that pulls back the full 25 ft cord with a single press, keeping storage tidy and eliminating trips over the cable. Weighing 14.2 lb and measuring 44 in tall, 18.25 in deep and 12.75 in wide, the unit feels stable on carpet while still being manageable enough to lift for spot cleaning. The included Pet Turbo Tool adds targeted power for stubborn pet hair on stairs and upholstery.

Compared with the six other vacuums in this roundup, the Hoover sits near the middle of the weight range: it’s a touch heavier than the Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind (13.65 lb) but lighter than the Dyson Ball Animal (17.33 lb) and far lighter than the Kenmore Elite (20 lb). Its 44‑inch height is lower than Bissell’s 46 in but taller than Shark’s 37.73 in, meaning it may be bulkier in tight hallways than the Shark model. The 25‑ft cord is a foot shorter than Bissell’s 27‑ft length, yet still longer than many compact uprights that list no cord length at all.

Professional reviewers praise the Hoover’s WindTunnel suction for lifting pet hair in fewer passes, and everyday owners echo that sentiment, noting strong pickup on both carpet and hard floors. The same users frequently mention a higher‑than‑expected noise level and the vacuum’s bulk as drawbacks, especially when navigating narrow stairwells. The single‑speed motor and 0.4‑gal (≈1.5 L) bin keep operation simple, while the 11‑in cleaning path width balances coverage and maneuverability.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns