Updated by Matt Clayton 4 Weeks Ago

Best Shark Vacuum for Pet Hair in 2021 (Tested & Reviewed)

Best Shark Upright Vacuum (+Most Powerful)
Shark APEX
Shark APEX
9.8
Best Shark Stick Vacuum (+Most Versatile)
Shark ION F80 MultiFLex
Shark ION F80 MultiFLex
9.7
Best Shark Handheld Vacuum (For Small Cleanups)
Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus
Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus
9.6

We select and review all products independently; however, we may earn a small commission on purchases made through our links. Learn more.

It looks like you're looking for the best Shark vacuum for pet hair. You've made the right decision – we have pets, and we love Shark vacuums too!

Shark vacuums are trusted, and well known because they are reliable, easy to use, and they have excellent features.

But with the multitude of vacuums and innovative features, it can be hard to figure out which Shark vacuum is best for pets. Don't worry; we have done the hard work for you.

Our team of expert pet owners has TESTED all the models in real pet homes to find the pet vacuums that get the job done. Here are the top dogs in each category to help you choose the perfect vacuum for your home.

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    TOP Shark Vacuums for Pets - Reviews

    Best Shark Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair: Shark APEX

    Editor's Choice

    The most powerful upright vacuum cleaner from Shark with perfect features for keeping a pet home clean. Our #1 pick for best Shark upright for pet hair. Check the latest price.

    Shark APEX Upright Vacuum with DuoClean for Carpet and HardFloor Cleaning, Zero-M Anti-Hair Wrap, & Powered Lift-Away with Hand Vacuum (AZ1002), Espresso

    • Performance

      0%
    • Ease of Use

      0%
    • Quality

      0%
    • Price

      0%

                   Why choose this vacuum:

    • The most powerful suction from Shark combined with Duo-Clean cleaning head picks up everything from dust and pet hair to kibble and dirt, offering fantastic cleaning performance.
    •  Lift-Away mode allows you to detach the wand, hose, and cleaning head from the body of the vacuum. This feature enables you to easily reach those hard-to-get-to areas under and between furniture – and also above-floor surfaces.
    • The sealed filtration system with a washable lifetime HEPA filter and a large dirt cup is perfect for pet homes.
    • Mini Motorized Pet Brush wipes out pet hair on furniture, car seats, and carpeted stairs.
    • LED-lights, noise reduction design, and Active Glide Technology included.
    youtube-video-thumbnail

    What We Like

    + Powerful suction
    + Fantastic cleaning results
    + DuoClean head for multi-surface cleaning
    + User-friendly Lift-Away mode
    + Mini Motorized Pet Brush for pet hair
    + Pet Multi-Tool for other pet messes
    + Zero maintenance tangle-free brush roll
    + Sealed filtration with a washable HEPA filter
    + Large dirt cup
    + 5 year warranty

    What We Dislike

    - The pull is very strong on carpets
    - Hose should be a bit longer

    What we learned from testing this vacuum

    The Shark Apex is truly a powerhouse with amazing dirt pick up and smart features included. We loved especially how effective the Mini Motorized brush roll was and how the Duo-Clean head moves from one type of surface to another while keeping up the excellent performance.

    The hose could be a bit longer to offer better reach, and the pull of the vacuum is sometimes even too strong. Still, this vacuum beats all other Shark upright vacuums (and all upright vacuums from other brands as well).

    #2nd Best Shark Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair: Shark Rotator Lift-Away TruePet

    The second-best option for Shark upright vacuum for pets. Not quite as powerful as the Apex, but user-friendly, agile, and very capable of handling pet hair and other messes in a pet home. Click here to see the current price.

    Shark APEX Upright Vacuum with DuoClean for Carpet and HardFloor Cleaning, Zero-M Anti-Hair Wrap, & Powered Lift-Away with Hand Vacuum (AZ1002), Espresso

    • Performance

      0%
    • Ease of Use

      0%
    • Quality

      0%
    • Price

      0%

                   Why choose this vacuum:

    • This practical upright vacuum combines fantastic cleaning power and helpful features to offer outstanding cleaning results on any surface from the floor to ceiling.
    • The Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away feature combines the best features of upright and canister vacuums, enabling you to use the powerful suction in those hard-to-reach areas.
    • The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with a HEPA filter will benefit especially pet owners who suffer from allergies. It prevents the air from leaking before it is thoroughly filtered, keeping your home clean and hygienic.
    • TruePet Mini Motorized Brush effortlessly removes pet hair from upholstered furniture, car seats, and stairs with carpets.
    • LED lights for better visibility, fingertip controls for convenience, and Dynamic Swivel Steering for easy maneuvering of the vacuum.

    What We Like

    + Lightweight yet powerful vacuum
    + Strong suction for good cleaning power
    + Hard Floor Hero attachment for bare floors
    + Rotator Powered Lift Away system makes the vacuum easy to use
    + Mini Motorized Pet Brush for pet hair removal
    + Sealed HEPA filtration better air quality
    + Easy-Empty dirt cup
    + Dynamic Swivel Steering
    + Very reasonable pricing
    + 5 year warranty

    What We Dislike

    - Canister may tip over in Lift-Away mode
    - Dirt cup is on the small side

    What we learned from testing this vacuum

    This helpful and easily operated Shark vacuum is easy to use on all surfaces, including plush carpets, bare floors, and above-floor areas.

    We loved the Lift-Away mode for reaching under and between furniture. However, better weight distribution would prevent the vacuum from tipping over when tucked on.

    All in all, this upright vacuum is definitely one of the most convenient and powerful vacuums we have tested. It will certainly help you wipe out pet hair.

    Best Shark Stick Vacuum for Pet Hair: Shark ION F80 MultiFlex

    A powerful and lightweight cordless stick vacuum from Shark with agile design and practical features. Makes vacuuming effortless and gives every surface in your home a deep clean. Check the latest price.

    Shark ION F80 Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum with MultiFLEX, DuoClean for Carpet & Hardfloor, Hand Vacuum Mode, and (2) Removable Batteries (IF281)

    • Performance

      0%
    • Ease of Use

      0%
    • Quality

      0%
    • Price

      0%

                   Why choose this vacuum:

    • The Shark ION F80 MultiFlex is a highly useful and lightweight cordless stick vacuum with easy-to-use features and excellent maneuverability.
    • DuoClean brush roll head lets you move from one surface to another without the hassle of changing nozzles. It performs perfectly on all surfaces giving carpets a thorough cleanup and leaving hardwood floors with a polished look
    • A whopping 80-minute runtime with 2 interchangeable batteries
    • 3-stage filtration with washable filters
    • The MultiFLEX feature enables the vacuum to stand on its own and helps you comfortably clean under furniture and appliances
    • Other handy features include LED headlights and fingertip controls
    youtube-video-thumbnail

    What We Like

    + Amazing 80 minute-runtime
    + Detachable batteries
    + DuoClean head for multisurface cleaning
    + Swivel steering
    + Excellent performance on all surfaces
    + MultiFLEX feature for effortless cleaning under furniture
    + Free-standing storage mode
    + 3-stage washable filtration system
    + Fingertip controls + LED lights
    + More add-ons available online

    What We Dislike

    - No HEPA filter
    - The dirt cup is on the small side
    - No brush roll tool included (but available online)

    What we learned from testing this vacuum

    The Shark ION F80 MultiFlex is very user-friendly and useful. It steers easily between and under furniture, and using this vacuum for daily cleanups in pet homes makes cleaning a no-sweat job.

    We loved the usability, but the dirt cup was a bit too small when there were several heavy-shedding pets. Still, the ION F80 offers excellent cleaning results and a great user experience.

    We definitely recommend this vacuum if a lightweight cordless vacuum is what you’re looking for.

    Best Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair: Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus

    Powerful and lightweight cordless handheld vacuum for all small cleanups in pet homes and keeping your home pet hair-free. See the current price here.

    Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus Cordless Handheld Vacuum, with XL Dust Cup, in Black

    • Performance

      0%
    • Ease of Use

      0%
    • Quality

      0%
    • Price

      0%

                   Why choose this vacuum:

    • This vacuum has strong cyclonic suction capable of picking up all types of dirt from fine dust to bigger debris. It provides excellent performance in all small cleanups.
    • The design of the vacuum is lightweight and compact, and it can easily be used in hard-to-reach areas like the car.
    • The package includes a motorized Pet Power Brush, which easily removes pet hair from any surface. The bladed design is gentle on surfaces while picking up dust, dander, dirt, and pet hair from upholstery, car seats, rugs, and other such surfaces.
    • The sturdy self-cleaning brush roll lifts even the most stubborn pet hairs while preventing hair wrap and the need to clean the brush roll after every use.
    • Washable cloth filter and hands-free dirt ejector for easy maintenance.

    What We Like

    + Strong cyclonic suction
    + Performs well on all surfaces
    + Compact and ultra light design
    + Comes with a crevice tool and scrubbing brush
    + Motorized Pet Power Brush for pet hair removal
    + More add-ons available to add versatility
    + Hygienic hands-free dirt ejector
    + Washable filter

    What We Dislike

    - No HEPA filter
    - No dusting brush

    What we learned from testing this vacuum

    The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus is a very capable but lightweight cordless handheld vacuum for small cleanups.

    We loved the versatility and ease of use but would have liked a dusting brush to use the vacuum for dusting as well. The runtime varies between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the tools and surface.

    All in all, the UltraCyclone is highly recommended because it offers excellent cleaning results in pet homes and wipes out pet hair easily.

    Best Shark Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair: Shark IQ Robot

    A high-value robot vacuum from Shark for busy pet owners who want to have a clean home with minimal time spent on cleaning. It has advanced navigation and excellent features for fully automated vacuuming. Check the latest price.

    Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL RV1001AE, Robotic Vacuum, IQ Navigation, Home Mapping, Self-Cleaning Brushroll, Wi-Fi Connected, Works with Alexa

    • Performance

      0%
    • Ease of Use

      0%
    • Quality

      0%
    • Price

      0%

                   Why choose this vacuum:

    • Strong suction combined with a self-cleaning brush roll with blades and bristles ensures excellent dirt pick up on both carpets and bare floors. Pet hair is no problem for this robot.
    • 60-minute battery life, after which the robot automatically returns to its charging station and resumes cleaning once it has juiced up.
    • Advanced navigation and mapping; the robot calculates the optimal route to clean every inch of your home thoroughly.
    • User-friendly application with scheduling, keep-out zones, and customizable cleaning for different rooms and areas
    • A self-emptying base that lets the vacuum do its job for up to a month at a time before you need to empty the bin.
    • High-efficiency filter for cleaner exhaust air
    youtube-video-thumbnail

    What We Like

    + Powerful suction for excellent performance
    + Excellent price-quality ratio
    + 60-minute runtime
    + Recharges and resumes automatically
    + Self-emptying up to 30 days
    + Advanced navigation and mapping
    + User-friendly application
    + Self-cleaning brush roll
    + Keep-out zones on the app

    What We Dislike

    - No HEPA filter
    - Slow learner at first
    - Not as quiet as some other robot vacuums

    What we learned from testing this vacuum

    The Shark IQ robotic vacuum offers excellent value for your money. It is fully automized with a self-cleaning brush roll and self-emptying base. Combine these features with scheduling, and you're all set for 30 days at a time before having to empty the dirt container.

    In our tests, this vacuum did very well with cleaning pet hair and other dirt on all surfaces. We loved the easy-to-use keep-out zones for protecting our pets' beds and food bowls while the vacuum was cleaning. This is the number one choice if you have a busy home with pets or kids.

    Buying guide – Best Shark Vacuum for Pets

    Ok, so you're looking for the best Shark vacuum cleaner for pet hair, but you're not sure which vacuum to pick.

    In addition to manufacturing many types of vacuum cleaners, Shark also produces many models within each type.

    If you're looking for, say, the perfect Shark upright vacuum for pet hair, you will need to choose between the Navigator, Rotator, and Apex. In addition, each of these models has a few sub-models with different attachments and features included.

    With the abundance of models, tools, features, and attachments, it's not always easy to pick vacuums for pet hair.

    First, you need to know what type of vacuum cleaner you're looking for. Let's have a look at each type and things you need to focus on when buying one.

    Shark upright vacuum

    An upright vacuum is the most powerful tool for pet hair removal on carpets. They are designed for deep cleaning of carpets and floors, but with the hose and suitable tools like the upholstery tool or brushroll tool for furniture, you can make sure the above-floor areas are kept clean too.

    When choosing a Shark upright vacuum, these are the important features to look for:

    • Strong suction power
    • Lift-away mode for easy maneuvering
    • DuoClean head for multisurface cleaning
    • Tangle-free brush roll
    • Allergen Complete Seal Technology
    • Pet Multi-Tool for pet hair
    • Swivel steering
    • Large dirt cup
    • Long power cord
    • LED lights to offer visibility under furniture
    • Bagless vacuum – for low maintenance costs
    • 5 year limited warranty

    The Shark Apex and Shark Rotator Lift-Away TruePet are the top dogs in this product category.

    Shark stick vacuum

    A stick vacuum is the ultra-light version of upright vacuums. They are designed for both floor cleaning as well as vacuuming in hard to reach areas and cleaning up small messes.

    Some people prefer stick vacuums with a power cord because they don't want to worry about losing power. However, the modern cordless stick vacuums are just as powerful and pick up pet hair efficiently.

    When choosing a Shark stick vacuum for pet hair, make sure it has these features:

    • Good suction power
    • Lightweight design
    • Sufficient runtime
    • DuoClean brush roll for both carpets and hard floors
    • MultiFLEX feature for easy maneuvering
    • Efficient attachments for above-floor cleaning
    • Good dust cup capacity
    • Excellent filtration
    • Turn into a handheld vacuum
    • LED lights and fingertip controls

    The Shark Rocket has been one of the best Shark vacuums for pet hair. This corded stick vacuum is highly popular and powerful, but it's becoming outdated. Right now, the Shark ION F80 MultiFlex is the best choice if you want a lightweight stick vacuum for pet hair.

    shark ion f80 stick vac

    Shark handheld vacuum

    A handheld vacuum is a perfect choice for:

    • small cleanups,
    • keeping your furniture pet hair free, and
    • tidying up high-traffic areas.

    Make sure you have these features in your handheld Shark vacuum:

    • Excellent suction power
    • Sufficient runtime
    • Lightweight, compact and easy-to-use design
    • Anti-hair wrap brush roll
    • Pet Power Brush included
    • Washable filter
    • Large dust cup and hands-free emptying

    The best handheld vacuum from Shark is the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus.

    Shark Robotic vacuum

    Robot vacuums can be the ideal choice if:

    • you have a busy household with pets, or
    • you just rather outsource vacuuming to a capable robot vacuum and lift up your feet while it's cleaning.

    Robot vacuums can only clean floors, but they have two advantages over other vacuums: they clean regularly, and they always clean those hard to reach areas under the furniture and appliances. Because dust and pet hair are kept to a minimum, a robot vacuum will significantly reduce your need to clean all other areas as well.

    These are some of the key features your robotic vacuum should have:

    • Strong suction power
    • Long runtime with recharge & resume feature
    • Advanced navigation with mapping
    • Convenient application for using the robot
    • Self-cleaning brush roll
    • Good dust cup capacity
    • High-efficiency filter

    The Shark IQ Robot is the best robot vacuum from Shark currently. With the advanced navigation and other fantastic features, it offers value for your money. It even comes with a self-emptying base that lets you empty the dirt cup only once a month.

    5 Key Features of Shark Vacuums

    Here are a few innovative features Shark has added to their vacuum cleaners. With all the different models available, it can be difficult to understand how some of the features work and which ones you will find useful in your home.

    Here are a few of the most common ones we get asked about:

    1. DuoClean brush roll head

    The DuoClean vacuuming head is an innovative feature included in many Shark vacuums.

    It combines two different types of brush rolls into one cleaning head, which means you don’t have to change nozzles when moving from one surface to another.

    Shark APEX Upright Vacuum with DuoClean for Carpet and HardFloor Cleaning, Zero-M Anti-Hair Wrap, & Powered Lift-Away with Hand Vacuum (AZ1002), Espresso

    The sturdier brush roll digs into carpets to remove embedded dirt and hair, while the softer brush roll gives those hardwood floors a polished look.

    2. Powered Lift-Away

    This clever feature enables you to have the benefits of a canister vacuum in your upright vacuum.

    Shark APEX Upright Vacuum with DuoClean for Carpet and HardFloor Cleaning, Zero-M Anti-Hair Wrap, & Powered Lift-Away with Hand Vacuum (AZ1002), Espresso

    In vacuums with this feature, you can detach the hose, wand, and cleaning head from the body of the upright vacuum. Using only the wand and nozzle for cleaning while carrying the main unit allows you to clean those hard-to-reach areas like staircases or between and under furniture.

    3. Allergen Complete Seal technology

    Most Shark vacuums have excellent filtration systems with HEPA filters that remove 99.97% of particles from the air they filter.

    But if the system is not sealed, some of those allergens and other particles may leak back into the indoor air before the air is guided through the filter. Thanks to the Allergen Complete Seal technology, those leakages are prevented, and the air is thoroughly cleaned.

    4. MultiFLEX

    The MultiFLEX is a feature you can find in Shark stick vacuums. It allows you to hold the wand forward from about halfway up for a free-standing storage configuration.

    The same feature also enables you to glide the cleaning head under furniture without having to bend down yourself.

    5. Pet Power Brush

    The Pet Power brush is a motorized brush roll tool designed for removing pet hair from furniture, car seats, carpeted stairs, and other such surfaces. It is a highly capable tool and very useful in homes with pets that shed.

    Our #1 Pick - Best Shark for Pet Hair

    If we had to choose just one vacuum as the ultimate Shark vacuum for a pet home, we would pick the Shark Apex. Although it is quite a heavy upright vacuum, the Shark Powered Lift Away feature makes this vacuum agile and practical for cleaning between and under furniture.

    The DuoClean technology brush roll is great for deep cleaning carpets as well as hard floors, and with hose and wand detached from the main body, you can clean up dust and pet hair from any above-floor surface.

    The dust cup of this bagless vacuum is large, and the Anti Allergen Complete Seal filtration system ensures the air is thoroughly filtered before exiting the vacuum cleaner.

    Out test team loved the Apex and how easily it dealt with pet hair. Add the five-year warranty, and we were sold: this is the vacuum cleaner we would choose for our homes.

    To put it in a nutshell, this is a fantastic vacuum for pet hair. It is the best of the best Shark vacuums.

    Our Top Pick
    Shark APEX

    Shark APEX

    • Incredibly strong suction
    • Excellent cleaning results  
    • DuoClean multi-surface nozzle
    • Practical Lift-Away technology
    • Tangle-free brush roll
    • Sealed HEPA filtration
    • Mini Motorized Pet Brush
    Matt Clayton
    Matt Clayton
    Chief Editor & Founder of PetHairPatrol

    Matt is the founder of PetHairPatrol.com and has years of experience helping pet owners keep their homes clean. He's been featured in publications like Reader's Digest, Money, and BestLifeOnline. When this neat freak is not searching for better ways to get rid of pet hair, dander, and other messes pets leave behind, he's usually enjoying outdoors with his two (hairy) Goldens: Ben and Jerry. Read more.

    Scroll to Top