Are you interested in a Shark vacuum but aren’t sure which one is best for cleaning up pet hair? We’re here to help you decide.
Shark is one of the most popular manufacturers in vacuuming, and it’s produced many vacuums with pet owners in mind.
We’ve done in-depth research and have found four of the best Shark vacuums for pet hair that we think you’ll love.
- Advanced swivel steering
- LED headlights
- Handy attachments
Product Reviews
These are the five best Shark vacuums for pet hair.
Shark NV752 with TruePet
Best Upright Shark Vacuum for Pet Hair
We’ve chosen this machine as our top choice because of its power. It has the upper hand in suction and is far more versatile than other uprights because of its unique quirk: a detachable canister. This makes it easier to clean difficult spots, vacuuming up more hair.
Shark has innovated its design by adding a Powered Lift-Away canister that you can move around to reach difficult spots better. This keeps the brush roll spinning while eliminating the rigidity of the machine.
The TruePet Motorized Brush and Pet Multi-tool are added to clean pet hair from all surfaces. It can tackle light and stubborn hair and works incredibly well on medium-pile carpets. It also includes a unique tool to better clean hard floors — the Hard Floor Hero.
What We Like
Fingertip Controls
Adjust the controls as you vacuum, thanks to the controls being at your fingertips. You can easily switch the machine on or off and navigate between modes.
Speaking of, there are two power suction modes: hard floor and carpet. This makes it an excellent option for both floor types.
Swivel Steering for Maneuvering
Thanks to its Dynamic Swivel Steering, this upright is far more maneuverable than others. The shaft of this machine pivots, giving you more control.
We also love that the swiveling head features LED lights for precise cleaning.
Great for Allergies
The anti-allergen technology and HEPA filter combination give you extra protection against irritants. This machine won’t just pick up hairs. It will trap them too. Your floors and the air will stay fresher for longer.
The combo removes and traps almost 100 percent of allergens.
What We Don't Like
It’s 15.5 Pounds Heavy
Customers note that this machine, while powerful, weighs more than they expected. It’s large and could prove difficult to lift or carry.
Using It Might Be Tricky
Though users love this model and say it works well, some have complained that it’s finicky. They think the design of the controls could be better and that attachments tend to get in their own way.
Product Specs
| Suction Power | 1200 watts |
| Dimensions | 12.1 inches by 12.2 inches by 45.7 inches |
| Weight | 15.5 pounds |
| Special features | Detachable canister, Dynamic Swivel Steering |
| Accessories | Pet multi-tool, hard floor hero, crevice tool |
Our Ratings
Shark Pet Pro IZ163H Cordless Stick Vacuum
Best Cordless Shark Vacuum for Pet Hair
Cordless vacuums are all the rage now, and if you’re looking for a versatile Shark, we recommend this one. Its defining feature is that it has Anti-Allergen Complete Seal that traps 99.9% of dust, allergens, and dander, a great addition for pet owners..
Its Multi-Flex Technology gives a space-saving feature that allows you to bend the wand for low-profile storage. This multi-surface vacuum can reach low to high areas, truly a perfect all around cleaning partner. We love the bristle brush, which tackles stubborn dirt on hard floors and carpets.
The ultra-light version we’re showing weighs just 3.35 pounds — one of the lightest around. It’s convenient if you’re looking for a lightweight machine capable of deep cleaning your entire home. Plus, it converts into a handheld for cleaning high spots.
What We Like
40 Minutes Runtime
You don’t have to worry about running out of power or waiting for your machine to charge before you can use it as it has a powerful runtime of 40 minutes. You also have an option to buy a spare battery so you can charge one as you use the other.
MultiFlex Technology and Handheld Convertible
We like that this model easily converts into a handheld. This, combined with the MultiFLEX technology, gives it extra versatility that you don’t often find in cordless machines. You can clean your floors, high spots, and under furniture without spending extra on attachments or specialized machines.
Multi-Surface
Following that, you can use this machine everywhere. It’s suitable for carpets and hard floors, and you can use it on upholstery, corners, curtains, and car interiors with ease.
What We Don't Like
Cleaning Floor Brush
Some users noted that the vacuum’s floor brush is difficult to clean and maintain. Clogging is also an issue with this vacuum and a few customers mentioned that long hair strands tends to get entangled around the brush.
It’s Not Durable
This is not a complaint against Shark only. Cordless vacuums, in general, are not as durable as traditional vacuums. So, although you’ll likely get a good run out of this machine, remember that cordless models aren’t built to last.
Product Specs
| Power | 181 watts |
| Dimensions | 10.24 inches by 7.09 inches by 46.1 inches |
| Weight | 3.35 pounds |
| Special features | XL dust cup, handheld convertible, MultiFLEX Technology, anti-allergen |
| Accessories | Crevice tool, pet multi-tool, battery pack |
Our Ratings
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
Best Shark Vacuum With Detachable Pod
While stick vacuums are preferred by many because they’re so lightweight and easy to maneuver, this vacuum is also one to watch out for. Why? Because it has a super cool detachable pod that makes maneuvering also very easy, but with a larger dirt tank, you don’t need to empty it as often.
So while you can vacuum traditionally, you can also detach the pod and transport it anywhere around your house. Customers love this feature for vacuuming stairs, under furniture, all over upholstery, and in other hard-to-reach spots.
You can use this vacuum for all floor types. It’s great at picking up pet hair from deep within carpet fibers. This is a huge relief for pet owners after a deep clean.
What We Like
Advanced Swivel Steering
As if it wasn’t already super easy to maneuver this vacuum around your home, especially with the detachable pod, it also has advanced swivel steering. So now you can maneuver it anywhere you want, into tight corners, around obstacles, along the room’s edging.
LED Headlights
We think all vacuums should have headlights. This illuminates dust and debris on your floor so that you can double-check you got every last piece.
Handy Attachments
This comes with handy attachments that make cleaning up all kinds of messes easier than ever before. This includes a crevice tool for getting between couch cushions, a dusting brush for windowsills and other surfaces, and finally, a pet power brush for all those pet messes, like hair and fluff.
Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology
This is a great vacuum for people with allergies. It’s finished with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, capturing 99.99 percent of dust and allergens. So not only will your home look clean after using this, but it will also be genuinely clean, free from nasties that float around your air.
What We Don't Like
16 Pounds Heavy
At 16 pounds, this is a pretty heavy vacuum, and customers think so, too. While the design does make it easy to maneuver, the weight can sometimes hold you back.
Not for Thick Carpets
While this is designed for carpets, customers found that it would stop moving or detect a jam if they used it on thick carpets or rugs. Not ideal.
Product Specs
| Power | 960 watts |
| Dimensions | 29.5 inches by 13.5 inches by 12 inches |
| Weight | 16 pounds |
| Special features | Lift-Away technology, Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, Advanced Swivel Steering |
| Accessories | Crevice tool, dusting brush, pet power brush |
Our Ratings
Shark Ion Robot RV720 Robot Vacuum
Best Shark Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair
As with all its models, Shark has created a machine that keeps up with its competitors and still saves you money. Some robot vacuums are overkill, but this one has just the right amount of utility for pet owners.
As pet lovers, our favorite feature is the self-cleaning brush roll. It’s designed to collect dust, dander, allergens, and both long and short hair from your surfaces. So no matter which type of pet you have, this machine will take care of their mess.
The long-life battery gives you more than an hour of run time, which is a lot more than almost all other battery-operated vacuums. It also has two dual spinning side brushes to clean corners and skirting edges quickly and effectively.
What We Like
It’s a Simple Design
Robot vacuums are futuristic, and they often try so hard to outdo each other that customers lose track of how to operate them. While it has super-cool features, this machine will provide just what you need from a robot vacuum. No more, no less.
Adapts to the Home Layout
Its navigation can travel seamlessly between floors and carpets, and the machine can adapt to the layout of your home. Do you have a hectic daily routine? Then you can schedule this Shark robot with a remote to do your cleaning. The remote batteries are included.
Cool Accessories
We really like the spinning side brushes. They help remove dirt from corners, edges, and wall skirts. Not all robot vacuums have this feature, and we think it’s extra-handy in a pet-friendly home.
Spinning brushes will collect more dirt, dander, and hair from places other robot vacuums can’t get to.
It also comes with a cleaning tool, four side brushes, two filters, a battery, a 9-foot virtual wall with connectors, and a charging dock.
What We Don't Like
It May Get Stuck
Since this little guy isn’t as smart as some other robot vacuums, it tends to get a little bit lost at times. How bothersome this is depends on how patient you are. Every now and then, you may have to rescue it or give it a nudge in the right direction.
Programming Is Flawed
Though they still praise this machine, some users have reported problems with its scheduling. Some say its automatic features don’t respond, while others say it skips a few days or ignores certain controls.
Product Specs
| Power | 1000 Pa / 22 watts |
| Dimensions | 12.6 inches by 2.6 inches |
| Weight | 5.5 pounds |
| Special features | 90 minutes run time, spinning side brushes |
| Accessories | Remote control, batteries included, charging dock, virtual wall, 2 extra side brushes, extra filter |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Power | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark NV752 TruePet | Upright | 1200 W | 12.1″ x 12.2″ x 45.7″ | 15.5 lbs |
| Shark IZ163H | Cordless | 181 W | 10.24″ x 7.09″ x 46.1″ | 3.35 lbs |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away | Detachable Pod | 960 W | 29.5″ x 13.5″ x 12″ | 16 lbs |
| Shark Ion Robot | Robot | 1000 Pa / 22 W | 12.6″ x 2.6″ | 5.5 lbs |
Why You Should Buy a Shark Vacuum
On its website, Shark describes itself as a “pioneer in small household appliances and cleaning solutions that fit the lifestyles of busy people” (1). The company started in 1998 and has been on a steady rise since its inception.
Though in competition with much fiercer brands, Shark — in a true underdog story — grew to dominate the industry. In 2014, a Forbes report revealed that Shark had outsold Dyson to become the leader of vacuum cleaners in the US market. Back then, it was a 1.6 billion dollar company, owning 20 percent of market control (2).
It’s only natural to assume that as Shark has experienced a new boom in popularity in the last five years, those figures are much higher. One theory is that Shark remains on top because it offers affordable vacuums that don’t lack innovation.
We like Shark, but we have to judge it fairly, as we do other brands. So, we won’t deny that hype plays a big role in its success, but we can vouch for them. We believe Shark is a worthy brand, and here’s why:
It’s More Affordable
This is Shark’s most significant appeal. It manufactures vacuums with more or less the same sought-after technology as other popular manufacturers, but you pay less for them.
Considering that most consumers complain that other vacuums are sorely overpriced, it’s no wonder that Shark is on top of the market.
When tackling pet hair, you don’t have to pay more for an effective machine. Shark vacuums will give you a powerful clean without burning a hole in your wallet.
Lots of Extras
Customers are impressed by the wide range of features that Shark vacuums boast. Their innovation, add-ons, and user-friendly mechanics add extra value for money to their products.
We know that some competing brands fail to give customers what they want. But Shark rarely fails to deliver. The majority of consumers are pleased by how nifty and complete these vacuums are.
They’re versatile in ways that other brands can’t compete with. Their usability keeps them unique. This helps pet owners, as most Shark vacuums will include extras that help you clean pet hair more efficiently.
Variety
Shark makes an effort to keep up with its competition. They produce a range of vacuums for you to choose from. So, rather than specializing in one type of vacuum, equal attention goes into each different type.
This brand has something for everyone, which could be the most significant reason it has such a massive, loyal following. Even pet owners are likely to find a model that suits their exact needs.
Happy Customers
At the end of the day, what matters most is having a product you are satisfied with. As the leader in vacuum sales in the USA, it’s safe to say that Shark has got this covered.
The vast majority of feedback is excellent, and Shark’s many loyal customers are vocal about their support. Of course, not everyone will agree, but those who don’t prefer Shark are sorely outnumbered.
Types of Shark Vacuums
Shark produces four types of vacuums, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. So, before you purchase one for your home, think about which kind suits you best.
Upright Vacuums
Shark has a good range of powerful upright vacuums. These traditional models are sometimes considered the original and best, primarily because of how efficiently they clean. An upright will remove pet hair with ease.
However, they’re not as sophisticated as other models, so they often cost less. They don’t require any assembly, and they’re better for your back and posture. Even though vacuum technology goes far beyond its simplicity, many people choose to stick with them.
Pros
- They’re powerful and provide a deep clean.
- No assembly is needed upon arrival.
- Better for your back since they are upright and tall.
Cons
- They’re not versatile for hard-to-reach areas.
- Can be heavy and cumbersome to maneuver.
Cordless Vacuums
These models have risen in popularity in recent years and are praised for their versatility. They don’t require a power source to run, are lightweight, and convert into handhelds for extra convenience.
They’re by far the most sophisticated vacuums of our time and are handy for pet owners because of their usability. They have all the power of traditional (or upright) vacuums, without the limits of size, shape, or cables.
Pros
- They’re the most versatile for cleaning all areas of your home.
- They’re lightweight, often weighing less than seven pounds.
- Some can convert into handhelds for deep cleaning stairs, furniture, and cars.
- Battery operated and cordless, so no cords get in your way.
Cons
- They’re expensive, ranging from $100-800.
- Not as durable as uprights.
Corded Stick Vacuums
Like cordless vacuums, stick vacuums are lightweight and versatile. They’re a bit more limited because of their cords, but they also have some advantages.
Corded stick vacuums won’t cost as much as cordless ones, for one. Plus, they access more energy for stronger suction because they’re plugged in. The biggest benefit of this is that you get more efficiency with less effort than traditional machines.
They’re maneuverable too, which is handy for pet owners who might need to clean up in hard-to-reach spots.
Pros
- They’re lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- They are more affordable than cordless stick vacuums.
- They have stronger suction since they’re plugged in.
Cons
- The cord might get in your way and limit flexibility.
Robot Vacuums
Last but not least are robot vacuums. The appeal here is that they do all the work for you.
In uprights, corded and cordless sticks, the user has to operate them manually. Robot vacuums, however, use smart technology to clean without your help, which saves you a lot of time.
They’re also quieter than most other vacuums, which is a big perk for pets.
Pros
- No manual labor; the vacuum does the work for you.
- Quieter than other vacuums, often under 60 decibels.
- They save you time; it’s one less chore to worry about.
Cons
- Only work on flat surfaces; can’t climb stairs.
- They’re pricey, ranging from $150-300.
- Have blind spots and may miss messes.
Is Shark Right for You?
Shark isn’t a perfect brand, and you must consider a few things before you settle on one. These are nothing earth-shattering but could make or break your decision to buy one:
- They have smaller capacities: Of course, this won’t always be the case. But generally speaking, Shark vacuums won’t clean as much as competitors in one go. You’ll still get a decent amount of space in there, but you may miss the extra if you intend to clean frequently.
- More maintenance: Following the first point, their smaller dust bins mean that you’ll have to maintain them more often. Again, this isn’t a problem for users who won’t clean every day, but it may be problematic for those who will.
- Lower quality: You get what you pay for. While Shark vacuums are still good products, their builds are inferior to competitors who invest more in their materials. This could mean that a Shark won’t be as durable as you expect it to be.
FAQs
What is the Best Way to Remove Pet Hair From Carpet?
The best way to remove pet hair from carpet is to add a few drops of fabric softener to the fibers to loosen the hair strands. Another way is to don a rubber glove and rub it across the carpet. The hair sticks to the rubber and pulls free from the fibers.
You could also use a pet hairbrush to comb the carpet fibers to remove the hair. It works on dogs, so it should work on carpet too.
Can You Use Any Vacuum for Pet Hair?
You cannot use any vacuum for pet hairs because some lack the capacity and power to remove the hairs from the carpet fiber. Choose a dedicated pet vacuum like the Shark Rotator TruePet.
It has a detachable canister, increased capacity for pet hair, and a HEPA filter that removes 99.97 percent of allergens.
Which Shark Vacuum is Best for Dog Hair?
The best Shark vacuum for pet hair is the Shark Rotator TruePet Upright. It has a large capacity dust cup, two-stage lift-away suction, and a HEPA filter that traps 99.97 percent of allergens.
Which is Better: the Shark Navigator or Shark Lift-Away?
The two are the same. Lift-away is not a model but a suction system employed in the shark range. So, the Navigator is a Lift-away.
What is the Difference Between the Shark Navigators?
The difference between Shark Navigators comes down to the number of accessories you get and how it deals with pet hair. They all have swivel steering, lift-away suction, and HEPA filters that trap 99.97 percent of allergens.
