The home of all things Kirby

7 Things to Know Before Buying a Pet Hair Vacuum

Written by Charlotte, Breeze Living | 6 Aug 2026, 1:45:00 am

Living with pets means living with fur, muddy paws and plenty of love. Whether you share your home with one dog or a house full of furry family members, choosing the right vacuum cleaner can make everyday cleaning much easier.

Before comparing vacuum cleaners for pet hair, here are seven things worth considering.

1. Strong Suction Matters More Than Fancy Features

Pet hair can work its way deep into carpets, rugs and upholstery. Look for a vacuum with strong, consistent suction that can lift embedded hair rather than simply cleaning the surface.

2. Think Beyond Your Floors

Pet hair doesn't stay on the carpet. It collects on lounges, pet beds, stairs, curtains and even mattresses. A vacuum with versatile attachments makes it easier to clean your entire home.

3. Choose a Vacuum That Performs Well on Carpet

If your home has carpet, don't assume every vacuum will deliver the same results. When comparing the best vacuums for carpets, look for machines designed to deep clean carpet fibres while maintaining consistent airflow.

4. Consider Allergy-Friendly Features

Pet hair often carries dust, pollen and other particles. A vacuum with effective filtration and a well-designed dust collection system can help keep those particles contained during cleaning.

5. Look for Long Term Value

A vacuum cleaner is something you'll use every week. Before buying, check whether genuine replacement bags, belts and parts are available. A machine that's designed to be maintained can often provide better value over time.

6. Carpet Shampooing Can Be a Bonus

If you have puppies, older pets or the occasional muddy adventure, built-in carpet cleaning tools can help refresh carpets without hiring separate equipment.

7. Buy a System That Grows With Your Home

The best pet-friendly appliances are versatile enough to handle changing needs over the years. The Kirby Avalir Platinum is designed as a complete home cleaning system with powerful suction, carpet shampooing and attachments for furniture, stairs and pet beds. For many Australian families, one quality system can replace several separate cleaning appliances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for in vacuum cleaners for pet hair?

Look for strong suction, effective filtration, quality attachments and reliable performance on carpets and upholstery where pet hair tends to collect.

Is carpet shampooing worth it for pet owners?

For many households, yes. Carpet shampooing can help freshen high traffic areas and remove deep-seated dirt after everyday accidents or muddy paws.

How often should pet owners vacuum?

Most pet owners benefit from vacuuming high traffic areas several times a week. Homes with heavy shedding or multiple pets may choose to vacuum more frequently to help manage pet hair and maintain a cleaner indoor environment.

Choosing the right vacuum isn't just about today's cleaning jobs. It's about finding a system that keeps up with your family, your pets and your home for years to come. If you're comparing premium vacuum cleaners for pet hair, the team at Breeze Living is always happy to answer your questions about the Kirby Avalir Platinum and help you find the right solution for your home.