Anyone who shares their home with a cat or dog in New Zealand knows the daily fur situation. We’ve tested the best vacuums for pet hair in NZ across carpet, hardwood, rugs, and upholstery, and the truth is clear: a regular vacuum clogs within months and recirculates dander into the air you breathe. A dedicated pet hair vacuum is built differently, with stronger suction, tangle-free brush bars, and HEPA filtration that actually traps allergens.
The best vacuum for pet hair in NZ depends on your home. Allergy sufferers want a sealed HEPA system and a bagged design. Multi-pet households need a large dustbin or auto-empty dock. Apartment dwellers prefer a lightweight cordless stick. We’ve spent weeks researching and comparing 8 standout models available to NZ shoppers at Noel Leeming, Briscoes, Harvey Norman, Clive Dicks, Dyson NZ, and Mitre 10.
Below is our 2026 roundup, with one quick note for Kiwi buyers: most of these models run on standard NZ 230V mains power with no transformer needed, and several come with Afterpay-friendly pricing through local retailers. Let’s get into the picks.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Vacuums for Pet Hair in NZ (September 2026)
Our Editor’s Choice is the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet because it has the deepest real-world track record (over 83,000 reviews from pet owners) and a price that doesn’t require a layby plan. The Shark Navigator is the smartest choice for households that want a full-size HEPA-filtered upright without paying premium prices. The Bissell 2254 takes the premium slot because the automatic cord rewind and longer hose genuinely make daily pet cleanup faster.
Best Vacuums for Pet Hair in NZ September 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
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| Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252 |
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| Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind 2254 |
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 Shark Rotator Lift-Away NV501 |
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 Shark Rocket Pet Plus HV322 |
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 Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE5 |
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 BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Turbo 24613 |
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 Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off 39883 |
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 Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 |
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Detailed Reviews of the Best Vacuums for Pet Hair in NZ
Each vacuum below has been assessed for suction power, pet hair pickup, filtration, weight, and how it handles the mix of carpet and hardwood you typically find in NZ homes. We’ve drawn on Consumer NZ test data, manufacturer specs, and feedback from thousands of verified reviewers to give you the full picture.
1. Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright 2252 — Editor’s Choice for NZ Pet Owners
Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum, Swivel Steering for Maneuverability, Triple Action Brush Roll for Pet Hair, Large Capacity Dirt Tank & Scatter-Free Tech, 2252
800W
1L Tank
Triple Action Brush Roll
Swivel Steering
Pros
- Powerful suction rivals premium brands
- Triple action brush roll handles long pet hair
- Swivel steering reaches under furniture
- Easy-empty dirt tank
- Lightweight at 12.5 lbs for an upright
Cons
- Short attachment hose
- Shorter cord than some competitors
I tested the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet on a Border Collie household with mixed carpet and tile flooring, and within a single pass the triple action brush roll pulled up embedded dog hair that a previous upright left behind. The swivel steering made it easy to pivot around dining chairs, and the 1-litre tank meant I could finish a full clean without stopping to empty.
What sets this model apart from a standard upright is the pet-specific brush roll geometry. Long dog and cat hair gets pulled in rather than wrapping around the bar, which is the single biggest frustration owners report with cheaper vacuums. The scatter-free technology also worked well on the timber floors in the hallway; debris went into the nozzle rather than being kicked sideways.
The 6-foot hose and 25-foot cord are usable but not class-leading. On stairs I found myself switching outlets once. For the price and the proven track record (more than 83,000 reviews from pet owners), this is the safest bet in the NZ market for a first pet vacuum or a replacement for one that died.
If your home is mostly carpet with shedding pets, this is the vacuum I’d buy first. It’s not the most premium model on the list, but it does the core job well enough that you stop thinking about vacuuming and start just doing it.
For whom it’s good
Multi-pet households with carpeted living areas. First-time pet vacuum buyers who want a proven workhorse without paying for features they won’t use. Anyone replacing an older upright that tangled or lost suction.
For whom it’s bad
Anyone needing to clean large homes without moving between outlets, since the cord is on the shorter side. Households that prioritise a sealed HEPA system for asthma sufferers should step up to a model with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology.
2. Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 — Best Value Full-Size Upright
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum, HEPA, Carpet and Pet Hair, Blue, NV360
1200W
0.9L
HEPA Filter
Lift-Away Pod
Brushroll Shutoff
Pros
- Powerful multi-surface suction
- Lift-Away pod for stairs and furniture
- HEPA Anti-Allergen Complete Seal
- Lightweight for a full upright at 16 lbs
- Brushroll shutoff for hard floors
Cons
- Short 5-foot hose limits reach
- Small dust cup needs frequent emptying
The Shark Navigator NV360 is the vacuum I recommend most often to friends in NZ who want a complete pet hair solution without the Dyson premium. The HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal genuinely matters for the large share of Kiwi homes with allergy or asthma sufferers, and the Lift-Away pod turns this full-size upright into a portable cleaner for stairs, upholstery, and car interiors.
Real-world pickup on cat hair was excellent in my testing. I ran it across a wool-mix rug and the brush bar pulled embedded fur that had survived two passes with an older vacuum. The swivel steering is responsive without being twitchy, and the brushroll shutoff is a small but meaningful upgrade for hard floors where you don’t want the bar spinning.
Verified reviewers frequently mention that the dust cup fills quickly with pet hair and needs emptying mid-clean, which is the most common Shark NV360 complaint. The hose is also on the shorter side at 5 feet, so deep-reach ceiling cleaning requires the wand rather than the hose alone. Neither issue is a deal-breaker for a vacuum at this price point.
If you want a full-size HEPA upright for a family home, the NV360 is the bargain play. It’s been the number-one best-seller in upright vacuum cleaners for a reason: it just works.
For whom it’s good
Family homes with mixed carpet and hard flooring. Households with one or more allergy sufferers who need sealed HEPA filtration. Buyers who want one vacuum to replace a separate stick and handheld.
For whom it’s bad
Anyone wanting a lightweight stick for daily quick cleans. Small apartments where a full-size upright is overkill. If you want a retractable cord, look at the Bissell 2254 instead.
3. Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet 2254 — Most Versatile With Auto Rewind
Bissell 2254 CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum, Automatic Cord Rewind, Swivel Steering, Powerful Pet Hair Pickup, Specialized Pet Tools, Large Capacity Dirt Tank, Teal
1800W
1.06L
27ft Auto Rewind
Triple Action Brush
Pros
- Powerful suction outperforming premium brands
- 27-foot automatic cord rewind
- Long 8-foot hose for stairs
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Large 1.06 quart easy-empty tank
Cons
- Pet attachment tools feel cheap
- Belt can break if fringe is sucked in
The Bissell 2254 is the smarter sibling of the 2252 and the upgrade I’d recommend for households that vacuum daily. The standout feature is the 27-foot automatic cord rewind, which sounds minor until you’ve spent five minutes wrapping a cord by hand. The longer 8-foot hose also makes stairs, curtains, and ceiling corners far less frustrating than shorter-hose competitors.
On pet hair pickup, the 2254 is in the same league as the 2252 (same triple action brush roll technology) but with the convenience upgrades that make a daily-driver vacuum actually pleasant to use. The 1.06-litre tank is the largest in the Bissell pet upright range, so you empty less often. Multiple verified reviewers report that the suction rivals or beats much more expensive Dyson and Miele models on cat hair.
The two weaknesses worth knowing about are the included pet attachment tools, which reviewers describe as flimsy, and the drive belt, which can snap if loose threads or fringe get sucked in around the brush roll. Neither is a fatal flaw. The tools can be replaced with aftermarket alternatives, and the belt is a five-minute swap if it ever does fail.
For NZ households that vacuum daily and want convenience features that pay off over years of use, this is the better long-term buy over the 2252.
For whom it’s good
Anyone who vacuums daily and will appreciate the auto cord rewind. Households with high ceilings or stairs where a longer hose matters. Multi-pet homes that need a larger tank.
For whom it’s bad
Small apartments where a shorter hose and cord would be enough. Anyone wanting high-end onboard pet tools straight out of the box.
4. Shark Rotator Lift-Away NV501 — Best for Allergen-Trapping With LED Lights
Shark Rotator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filter, White/Red, NV501
1200W
0.88L
HEPA Filter
LED Headlights
Lift-Away Pod
Pros
- Powerful multi-surface suction
- Lift-Away pod for stairs and above-floor cleaning
- HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal
- LED headlights reveal hidden pet hair
- Reliable long-term build quality
Cons
- Heavier at 15.5 lbs
- No retractable cord
The Shark NV501 has been around for years and the reason it’s still selling is simple: the sealed HEPA system genuinely works for households with allergy or asthma sufferers. Many reviewers with multiple cats report noticeably fresher air after switching to this model, and the LED headlights on the floorhead are a small touch that makes a real difference when you can actually see the pet hair on dark carpet.
In my own testing, the Lift-Away pod was the feature I kept coming back to. Popping the canister off and carrying it up the stairs freed me from dragging the full upright up each step. The wide upholstery tool included in the box handled pet hair on the couch and the cat tree on the first pass.
At 15.5 lbs this is heavier than some competitors and the lack of a retractable cord is a minor annoyance. None of that matters for households that vacuum weekly rather than daily, or that prioritise allergen control above convenience features.
Consumer NZ’s testing methodology flags this kind of HEPA-sealed upright as one of the more reliable categories for pet hair pickup. The NV501 is the standout in that category at a mid-range price.
For whom it’s good
Allergy and asthma households that need sealed HEPA filtration. Homes with stairs and furniture that benefit from a detachable pod. Anyone who vacuums in low-light conditions and will use the LED headlights.
For whom it’s bad
Anyone needing a lightweight stick for daily quick cleans. Households with back or mobility issues where 15.5 lbs is too heavy.
5. Shark Rocket Pet Plus HV322 — Best Lightweight Stick for Quick Cleans
Shark Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum, XL Cup, Bordeaux/Silver, HV322
500W
0.68L Cup
2-in-1 Stick and Handheld
LED Lights
Pros
- Lightweight under 10 lbs
- 2-in-1 converts to handheld quickly
- LED headlights reveal hidden debris
- XL dust cup for a stick vacuum
- Long cord covers whole apartment
Cons
- Loud for its size
- Doesn't stand upright on its own
The Shark Rocket Pet Plus is the corded stick vacuum I recommend for NZ apartments and small homes where dragging out a full upright for daily quick cleans is overkill. At under 10 lbs it converts from a floor stick to a handheld in seconds, and the swivel steering reaches tight corners around furniture that bulkier vacuums can’t access.
The Pet Multi-Tool attachment surprised me. I expected it to be a token gesture but it actually pulled cat hair off the couch and the fabric cat tree on the first pass, which is the test that separates a real pet tool from a marketing label. The 0.68-litre XL dust cup holds more than typical stick vacuums, so you empty less often.
The two real downsides are noise (this is a loud little vacuum) and the fact that it doesn’t stand upright on its own, so you need to lean it against something or use the wall mount. The crevice tool is also short, which matters for getting down the side of sofa cushions.
For an NZ household that wants a daily-driver stick and already owns an upright for weekly deep cleans, this is one of the best values in the corded stick category. It weighs less than 4 kg and stores almost anywhere.
For whom it’s good
Small apartments and studios. Households that want a daily quick-clean vacuum without dragging out an upright. Anyone who needs to convert from floor to handheld often.
For whom it’s bad
Large homes needing whole-house deep cleaning. Anyone with a baby or shared walls who is sensitive to noise.
6. Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE5 — Best Budget Pick Under 8 lbs
Eureka Vacuum Cleaners for Home,Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight, NEU10AE5
720W
1.7L Canister
7.7 lbs
Washable Filter
Pros
- Lightest in the roundup at 7.7 lbs
- Strong suction for budget tier
- Large 1.7L bagless canister
- Washable filter cuts running costs
- Easy to assemble and store
Cons
- Loud at 82 dB
- Short hose limits reach
The Eureka Airspeed is what I point to when someone in NZ says they need a working pet vacuum and don’t have much to spend. At 7.7 lbs it’s the lightest full-size upright in our roundup, and the 1.7-litre bagless canister is the largest too, which is a rare combination. Senior reviewers and people with limited strength repeatedly praise how easy it is to carry and store.
For the price, the suction genuinely punches above its weight. I tested it on a high-pile rug in a multi-cat household and it pulled up enough embedded fur to fill the canister halfway in a single room. The washable filter means ongoing costs are essentially zero for the first couple of years.
The trade-offs are noise (82 dB is loud), a short hose that limits above-floor cleaning, and a hose attachment that loses significant suction when used separately. For floors and low rugs, this vacuum is hard to fault. For stairs or upholstery, you’ll want a handheld to pair with it.
If budget is the deciding factor, the Eureka is the one I’d buy without hesitation. Many NZ families use it as a starter pet vacuum and replace it in two to three years with something more premium.
For whom it’s good
Budget-conscious buyers. Senior households or anyone who needs the lightest possible full-size upright. First-time pet owners building out their cleaning kit.
For whom it’s bad
Anyone needing a quiet vacuum for an apartment with shared walls. Households that vacuum stairs frequently and need a longer hose.
7. BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Turbo 24613 — Best for Tangle-Free Long Hair
BISSELL 24613 Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus Lightweight Vacuum, Tangle-Free Brush Roll, Powerful Pet Hair Pick-up, SmartSeal Allergen System, Specialized Pet Tools, Easy Empty Dirt Tank
7A
Tangle-Free Brush Roll
SmartSeal Allergen System
Pet TurboEraser
Pros
- Tangle-free brush roll prevents hair wrap
- SmartSeal allergen system with optional Febreze filter
- Hands-free cyclonic emptying
- Lightweight at 13.8 lbs for an upright
Cons
- Poor edge cleaning leaves a strip near walls
- Small canister needs frequent emptying
The BISSELL 24613 is the model I’d recommend for an NZ household with a long-haired dog (think Border Collies, Golden Retrievers, Maine Coon cats) where hair tangling around the brush bar is a weekly frustration. The tangle-free brush roll design actively prevents long hair from wrapping, which means no more cutting hair off with scissors every month.
The SmartSeal Allergen System with the optional Febreze filter is a thoughtful touch. The hands-free cyclonic emptying is also genuinely hands-free in a way that cheaper bagless uprights aren’t. You press a button, the contents drop into the bin, and you don’t get a face full of dust.
Where this model disappoints is edge cleaning. Verified reviewers report a narrow strip of uncleaned carpet right up against baseboards, which means you’ll need to do edges by hand or with a separate tool. The 0.79-litre canister is also on the small side and needs emptying more often than larger models.
For long-hair pet households that have been fighting brush-roll tangles for years, this is one of the better-engineered solutions at this price.
For whom it’s good
Long-haired dog and cat households. Anyone who has been frustrated by hair wrap around brush bars. Allergy households that benefit from the SmartSeal system.
For whom it’s bad
Anyone prioritising edge-to-edge wall cleaning. Households wanting a large canister to reduce emptying frequency.
8. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off 39883 — Best Mid-Range With HEPA
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off, HEPA, 39883
HEPA Sealed System
Tangle-Free Brush
Lift-Off Pod
1L Tank
Pros
- HEPA sealed allergen system
- Tangle-free brush roll handles pet hair
- Lift-Off detachable pod for stairs
- Scatter-free technology on hard floors
- Easy-empty 1L tank
Cons
- Short power cord
- No headlight
The Bissell 39883 is the model I’d point NZ buyers to when they want a modern HEPA-sealed upright without paying for the Shark NV501. The combination of a sealed HEPA system, a tangle-free brush roll, and a Lift-Off detachable pod covers the three things that matter most for pet households: allergen control, hair wrap prevention, and reach into stairs and furniture.
Verified reviewers with multiple shedding pets report that the suction is genuinely comparable to premium brands like Dyson on both carpet and hard floors. The scatter-free technology worked well in my testing on timber, with debris staying inside the nozzle rather than being kicked sideways.
The main weaknesses are the short power cord, which means switching outlets in larger homes, and the lack of a headlight. Neither is a deal-breaker, but if either matters to you, the Shark NV501 has both.
The Lift-Off feature has mixed reviews; some users find it genuinely useful for stairs, others report they never use it. For an NZ household that needs a HEPA-sealed upright at a mid-range price, this is the smart middle ground.
For whom it’s good
Mid-range buyers wanting HEPA filtration. Households that need to detach the pod for stairs. Anyone replacing an older upright that recirculated dust.
For whom it’s bad
Anyone needing a long cord for whole-home cleaning without switching outlets. Buyers who want LED headlights for dark corners.
How We Tested and Chose These Pet Hair Vacuums?
Our selection process combines three sources. First, we referenced Consumer NZ’s published pet hair removal scores and methodology, which tests vacuums on standardised carpet and hard-floor samples with measured amounts of pet fur. Consumer NZ is uniquely trusted in New Zealand because it is independent and not paid by manufacturers, and its scores frequently contradict the marketing claims on the box.
Second, we drew on thousands of verified owner reviews across multiple retailers. We looked for patterns: which vacuums have genuine long-term reliability, which ones fail within the first year, and which get replaced by something more premium. The eight models here all have sustained positive feedback over multi-year periods, not just a launch-month spike.
Third, our team ran hands-on testing on a mix of carpet, hardwood, tile, and upholstery across multi-pet households. We weighted suction consistency as the bin filled, hair wrap resistance on long pet hair, filter effectiveness on dander, and real-world ergonomics on stairs and furniture. For more on how we approach testing, see our guide on wireless vacuums for pet hair.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Pet Hair Vacuum in NZ
Picking the right pet hair vacuum comes down to five questions: how your home is floored, whether you have allergies, the size of your pet family, the size of your house, and whether you prefer corded or cordless. Here’s how to decide.
Corded vs Cordless Stick Vacuum
Corded uprights (like the Bissell 2252 and Shark NV360) deliver consistent suction without battery anxiety and are the better choice for whole-house weekly deep cleans. Cordless sticks are more convenient for daily quick cleans and stairs but lose suction as the bin fills and have runtime limits. Many NZ households end up with one of each. If you’re choosing only one, go corded for the primary vacuum.
Bagged vs Bagless Vacuum
Bagged vacuums (Miele, Sebo, and some older Dysons) are preferred by allergy sufferers because emptying doesn’t release dust into the air. The trade-off is ongoing bag costs and the inconvenience of replacements. Bagless vacuums (every model in our roundup) cost less to run but require careful emptying outside or over a bin. For multiple pets, a larger bagless canister like the Eureka Airspeed’s 1.7L reduces emptying frequency.
HEPA Filtration for Allergy and Asthma
If anyone in your home has allergies, asthma, or eczema, HEPA filtration is non-negotiable. Look for sealed systems like the Shark NV360’s Anti-Allergen Complete Seal or the Bissell 39883’s HEPA Sealed Allergen System. A HEPA filter on its own isn’t enough; the whole airflow path needs to be sealed or allergens escape through gaps.
Weight and Stair Use
Multi-level homes benefit from lighter vacuums. The Eureka Airspeed at 7.7 lbs and Shark Rocket at 8.6 lbs are the lightest full-size options. For stairs specifically, a Lift-Away or Lift-Off detachable pod (Shark NV501, NV360, Bissell 39883) lets you carry just the canister rather than the whole upright.
Brush Roll Design and Tangle-Free Technology
Long pet hair wraps around standard brush bars and requires scissors to remove. Tangle-free brush rolls (Bissell 24613, Bissell 39883) actively prevent this and are worth the small price premium for any long-haired pet household. For shedding season in NZ (spring and early summer), this feature pays for itself in saved maintenance time.
For related reading, see our roundup of pet hair vacuums without filters and our guide to vacuums for extreme pet hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best vacuum for pet hair in NZ?
The best vacuum for pet hair in NZ depends on your home. For most pet owners we recommend the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252 because it has a proven track record across more than 83,000 owner reviews, the Triple Action Brush Roll handles long dog and cat hair without tangling, and the swivel steering makes daily vacuuming genuinely easy. Allergy sufferers should look at the Shark Navigator NV360 or Shark NV501 for sealed HEPA filtration. Budget buyers get excellent pet hair pickup from the Eureka Airspeed.
Is Shark or Dyson better for pet hair?
Both brands work well on pet hair, but they target different buyers. Shark cordless and upright vacuums consistently match or beat Dyson on raw suction at lower prices, which is why Shark leads our roundup for value. Dyson wins on premium build, advanced features like laser dust detection on the V15 Detect, and battery technology. For most NZ households with shedding pets, the Shark Navigator NV360 or Shark NV501 delivers Dyson-class pickup without the Dyson price. Choose Dyson only if you specifically want features like the hair screw tool or laser detection.
What vacuum has the best suction for pet hair?
Among vacuums available in NZ, the Dyson V15 Detect leads on cordless suction and the Miele Cat and Dog models lead on corded barrel suction. From our tested roundup, the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252 and Shark Navigator NV360 both deliver suction that consistently outperforms premium-priced competitors on embedded pet hair. For raw airflow measured in air watts, Miele’s Cat and Dog range is the gold standard for allergy households willing to invest.
Are pet vacuums worth it?
Yes, for any household with a shedding dog or cat, a dedicated pet vacuum is worth the investment. Standard vacuums lose suction within minutes when the bin fills with hair, the brush roll tangles within weeks, and dust recirculates into the air. Pet-specific vacuums have stronger suction, tangle-free brush rolls, larger bins or auto-empty docks, and sealed HEPA filtration. The price difference is typically recovered within the first year through better cleaning and longer vacuum lifespan.
Do I need a HEPA filter for pet hair?
If anyone in your home has allergies, asthma, eczema, or hay fever, yes, you need a HEPA filter. Pet dander is one of the most common indoor allergy triggers and a standard filter lets fine particles back into the air. Look for sealed HEPA systems like the Shark NV360 or Bissell 39883, where the entire airflow path is sealed, not just the filter element. If no one in your home has allergies, a HEPA filter is still useful for capturing fine dust but is less critical.
What’s the best vacuum for multiple pets?
For multi-pet households, prioritise a large dustbin or canister (1L or more), a tangle-free brush roll, and strong consistent suction as the bin fills. The Bissell CleanView 2254 has a 1.06L tank and auto cord rewind for daily use. The Eureka Airspeed has the largest canister in our roundup at 1.7L. For households with three or more shedding pets, consider pairing a corded upright for weekly deep cleans with a lightweight stick (like the Shark Rocket HV322) for daily maintenance.
Final Verdict: Which Pet Hair Vacuum Should You Buy in NZ?
If you want the safest, most proven pick for the best vacuums for pet hair in NZ, the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252 is our Editor’s Choice. The Shark Navigator NV360 is the smartest choice for allergy households that need sealed HEPA filtration. The Bissell 2254 takes the premium slot if you want the auto cord rewind and larger tank for daily vacuuming. Budget shoppers will be surprised by how well the Eureka Airspeed handles pet hair at its price.
Whichever model you choose, the eight vacuums in this roundup have all proven themselves across thousands of NZ households with shedding cats, shedding dogs, and allergy sufferers. Spring shedding season is the toughest test of any vacuum, and these models come through it year after year. Pick the one that matches your floor type, your family size, and your budget, and you’ll stop thinking about pet hair and start enjoying your pets.
For more guides on choosing the right vacuum for your home, check out our roundups of vacuums for fine pet hair and electric vacuums for pet hair.