If you live with pets who regularly leave flurries of fur in their wake, robot vacuums can help minimize how often you need to manually clean. To determine exactly which models are the very best for pet hair, we spoke with two cleaning experts and recruited a panel of pet-owning testers. Our top pick overall is the best robot vacuum for pet hair is the iRobot Roomba j7+, a mighty but compact self-emptying model with stellar object avoidance. For tackling both hard floors and carpets, our top recommendation is the Roborock Q5 Max+, which features powerful suction and an impressive 240-minute runtime.
One of the best robot vacuums for pet hair: The Shark Ion, which helps one dog parent maintain her ... More hardwood floors.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: claire epting
To choose the right robot vacuum for your household, it helps to consider a few key features. Firstly, look for a tangle-resistant brush roll, because pet hair easily tangles around wheels and brush rolls. Also, consider self-emptying vacuums, which automatically transfer hair and debris to their base when onboard bins get full. Finally, obstacle avoidance, which helps the vacuum navigate around stray toys or pet messes without getting stuck, is another valuable feature. Below, find the seven best robot vacuums for pet hair that meet our top criteria and are approved by pet parents and experts.
A Popular Self-Emptying Model That Keeps Messes Contained
Amazon
iRobot Roomba j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
Robot dimensions: 13.3 x 3.4 inches |Base dimensions: 15.7 x 11.9 x 13.3 inches |Weight: 7.5 pounds |Runtime: Up to 120 minutes |Bin capacity: 0.3 liters (robot), 2.4 liters (base) |Features: Self-emptying, obstacle avoidance, dirt and cliff detection, smart mapping
Pros:
Compact self-emptying base
Obstacle detection avoids pet waste and toys
Advanced mapping and precision cleaning
Multi-surface, anti-tangle brush rolls
Cons:
Round shape isn’t best for cleaning corners
Self-emptying can get loud
We named the Roomba j7+ our top recommendation for pet owners after we tested the best robot vacuums and the best vacuums for pet hair. The biggest reason: It surpassed the competition in terms of obstacle detection and avoidance—meaning it can identify pet waste (not to mention, power cords and rogue dog toys) which prevents it from getting stuck mid-cycle. In fact, iRobot is so confident in the machine’s waste avoidance that it offers the aptly named P.O.O.P. (Pet Owner Official Promise), guaranteeing a free replacement vacuum within a year of purchase if the vacuum does run into pet waste. As for its suction, one of our testers reports that it “sucked up natural and artificial dog hair on both carpet and hardwood without any issue.”
Our tester reports that, during her tests, the j7+ sucked up "an impressive amount of dust and pet ... More hair."
Caroline Mullen for Forbes
Other standout features pet owners should note: The j7+ is equipped with two multi-surface brush rolls that are specifically designed (and proven, in our tests) to prevent tangling, and the unit has smart-mapping abilities to help you clean specific areas of your home via the app or voice commands. Plus—particularly for furry friends who shed most—the device comes with a convenient (and compact) self-emptying base that holds up to 60 days’ worth of dirt and pet hair. “The self-emptying feature and the ability to schedule cleaning alleviated the need for us to constantly clean up after him, [plus] it could detect where our dog was and avoid running into him as his eyesight declined.” says one of our panel testers regarding her elderly Shih Tzu’s messes. She adds that the self-emptying feature can be a bit loud, so it’s something to consider if your pet is sensitive to noise.
Best Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair On Hardwood Floors
A Great Value, With A Low Profile And A Long Runtime
MOST POPULAR
Amazon
Shark Ion Robot Vacuum
Robot dimensions: 12.6 x 3.5 inches | Base dimensions: N/A (charging dock included) |Weight: 9.9 pounds |Runtime: 120 minutes | Bin capacity: 0.4 liters |Features: Voice control, scheduling, cliff detect
Pros:
Easy setup
Excels on hardwood and tile floors
Longer run time ideal for large spaces
Cons:
No self-emptying base
For homes that mostly have hardwood or tile floors, we recommend Shark’s Ion Robot Vacuum, an affordable option that’s also popular among busy households with pets. While it lacks some of the advanced smart features of other models, it does connect to voice assistants and features scheduling and cliff detection technology. Its slim, low profile allows it to easily get under couches, and we’re impressed with how effectively it captures hair with its three-brush system. Plus, it runs for up to 120 minutes per charge, making it capable of cleaning larger spaces in one go. One drawback: It doesn’t have a self-emptying base, so you need to manually empty it regularly.
Our tester says The Shark Ion helps her stay on top of her dog's shedding "so my hardwood floors ... More don't turn into carpet."
claire epting for forbes
A member of our testing panel, who has a German Shepherd-Labrador mix with a double coat, shares that her Shark Ion assists her with staying on top of the shedding on her hardwood floors. “I’ve had this Shark vacuum for a few years now, and it’s been a big help,” she says. “It’s a very simple model, but it gets the job done and didn’t cost a fortune. I do wish it had a self-emptying base—having to constantly clean the hair out is a bit annoying.” She also doesn’t recommend letting this vacuum roll over rugs, as it tends to “deposit” her dog’s fur when it runs over fabric surfaces.
Best Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair On Carpet
Powerful, Precise And Easily Gauges Hard Floors And Carpets
roborock
Roborock Q5 Max+ Robot Vacuum With Auto-Empty Dock
Robot dimensions: 13.8 x 7.3 inches |Base dimensions: 13.8 x 7.3 x 16.8 inches |Weight: 15.4 pounds |Runtime: Up to 240 minutes |Bin capacity: 0.8 liters (robot), 2.5 liters (base) |Features: Self-emptying, LiDAR navigation, no-go zones, cliff sensors, multi-level mapping
Pros:
Self-emptying base holds up to seven weeks’ worth of dirt
Easily navigates between hard floors, rugs/carpets and low obstacles
Powerful suction and incredibly precise mapping
User-friendly app
Cons:
Doesn’t handle rug fringes or very long hair as well as competitors
If you have carpet and a pet that sheds heavily, the Roborock Q5 Max+ is one of the best options for the job. It meets almost all the criteria you should look for in a robot vacuum for pet hair, according to Elizabeth Shields, operations manager of Super Cleaning Service Louisville (and pet parent to three cats). This model offers powerful suction (a “must have,” according to Shields): Specifically, it uses 5,500 Pascals (Pa), a unit that indicates how much force a vacuum uses to lift dirt and debris; this means the Q5 Max+ can reach the higher end of standard vacuums (typically 2,000 to 3,000 Pa). The device also boasts a longer runtime of up to 240 minutes, allowing it to clean more space before needing a recharge. Plus, it’s equipped with dual brushes (unlike its predecessor) and an extra-large self-emptying base that can hold up to seven weeks’ worth of debris—perfect for homes with plenty of pet hair.
Many reviewers also highlight the Q5 Max+’s outstanding smart-mapping technology, which can create multiple maps if your home has several floors. The machine also lets you indicate no-go zones and invisible walls with the Roborock app. One thing to note: While users rave about this device’s excellent navigation overall, some say it tends to get stuck on rug tassels or fringes.
Editor’s note: We originally chose Roborock Q5+ for this category, an earlier model that has since been discontinued but is available renewed on Amazon.
Best Robot Vacuum And Mop Combo For Pet Hair
A Durable Vacuum With Superior Suction And Navigation
Amazon
Roborock S8+ Robot Vacuum
Robot dimensions: 13.9 x 13.8 x 3.8 inches | Base dimensions: 12 x 17.3 x 17.6 inches |Weight: 20.5 pounds |Runtime: 180 minutes |Bin capacity: 0.3 liters (robot), 2.5 liters (base), 0.3 liters (water tank) |Features: Self-emptying, mopping, LiDAR, obstacle avoidance, cleaning routines
Pros:
Dual rubber brush rolls
Suction ability is among the strongest we’ve seen
Incredibly precise mapping and navigation
Cons:
May not be as reliable at mopping edges between carpets and hard floors
Only the white model is currently available
Many robot vacuums struggle on thicker carpeting, but the Roborock S8+ excels on almost any type of flooring, thanks to its unique brush roll and incredibly powerful suction (6,000 Pa, compared to the average 2,000 to 3,000 Pa). One of our testers, who owns a Great Pyrenees mix, says that this vacuum “has significantly reduced the need for daily manual vacuuming to just about once a week.” It features two rubber brush rolls that spin in opposite directions to prevent pet hair from tangling, and the vacuum automatically detects carpeted areas, boosting suction power for a deeper clean. It also comes with a self-emptying base that can hold up to seven weeks’ worth of debris, though you may need to empty the bin more frequently if it’s picking up a lot of pet hair. That said, our tester says “maintenance is a breeze, and the accompanying app offers extensive control and features.” He also highlights its easy scheduling, filter monitoring and room mapping.
With precise LiDAR mapping and obstacle avoidance, this robot vacuum can identify and avoid pet toys and other objects on your floors. Its app offers a range of features, from setting up no-go zones to tracking the vacuum’s cleaning path. It’s also worth noting that the S8+ can mop hard floors, helping to remove stains and dirt left behind by pets—though reviews of its mopping performance are not as overwhelmingly positive as those for its vacuuming abilities. Still, a combo device like the S8+ is worth it if you have money to spare, says cleaning expert Shields: “It’s a real time-saver, plus you don’t have to store two separate devices, which is just convenient.”
Best Splurge Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair
A D-Shaped Model That Gets Right Into Corners
irobot
iRobot Roomba s9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
Robot dimensions: 12.3 x 3.5 inches |Base dimensions: 11.5 x 14.9 x 19 inches |Weight: 8.2 pounds |Runtime: 120 minutes |Bin capacity: 0.4 liters (robot), 1.7 liters (base) | Features: Self-emptying, dirt and cliff detection, no-go zones, smart mapping
Pros:
Incredibly powerful suction
D-shaped design allows for better corner and wall coverage
Self-emptying base holds up to 60 days' worth of debris
Cons:
Occasional tech glitches reported by some reviewers
Expensive
While the Roomba j7+ is our top all-around pick for pet owners, the next step up is the Roomba s9+, which offers even more powerful performance. This model is especially well-suited for larger homes, featuring a larger brush roll and a runtime of up to 120 minutes, allowing it to cover more ground before needing a recharge. Its D-shape design helps it reach corners and edges more effectively, and the rubber brushes are specifically designed to resist tangling with pet hair.
"The D-shape really comes into play where baseboards meet flooring, a commonly dusty place and one ... More that gets overlooked by round robots," says our tester.
Caroline Mullen for Forbes
Our tester notes that the s9+ picked up the most debris of the seven models she tested, “thanks to its suction power and rubber rollers that don’t often get gunked up with hair.” Plus, it automatically boosts its suction power to clean deeper on carpeting. The s9+ has a self-emptying base that our tester describes as “life-changing” since it can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dirt. (Read her full review of the Roomba s9+ for more details.) Finally, there’s a “Careful Drive” mode that you can use if you want it to avoid obstacles. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t have the same pet waste detection abilities as the j7+, so it’s best used when you’re there to supervise.
Best Value Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair
A Low-Profile Pick That's Quiet And Agile
eufy
Eufy RoboVac G30
Robot dimensions: 12.8 x 2.9 inches |Bin dimensions: N/A (charging dock included) |Weight: 6 pounds | Runtime: 100 minutes | Bin capacity: 0.6L | Features: Smart navigation, BoostIQ, scheduling, cliff and obstacle detect
Pros:
Nimble due to slim design and smart navigation
Automatically adjusts suction based on floor type
One of the quietest vacuums we've tested
Cons:
No self-emptying or smart-mapping capabilities
Long pet hair may get wrapped around brush roll
If you’re looking for the best value, the Eufy RoboVac G30 offers a variety of useful features at an affordable price. Unlike many other robot vacuums in the same price range, the RoboVac G30 is equipped with smart functionality, allowing you to control it via smartphone or voice assistant. It’s also impressively slim, standing at just under 3 inches tall, which proved especially useful for our tester. “I was surprised to find that [it] was the only robot able to slither under a midcentury desk I keep in my living room, something I didn’t even think was possible. It doesn’t have a protruding LiDAR sensor and is slimmer than the other vacuums, so it’s able to clean under furniture that other robots can’t.”
Our tester says the RoboVac G30 was slimmer than the other models she tested, "so it’s able to clean ... More under furniture that other robots can’t. It’s also very quiet."
Multiple sensors avoid stairs and transition between floor types
Cons:
Lacks smart navigation and mapping
Sometimes goes over an already-cleaned area and skips others
While you’ll probably still need to use a regular vacuum for more targeted or deeper cleanings, the iRobot Roomba 694 is equipped to keep uncluttered floors in small living spaces mostly fur-free. The Roomba 694 doesn’t have the smart mapping and self-emptying abilities its more expensive cousins do, but it features a three-stage cleaning system, two multi-surface brushes and plenty of suction power to lift fur from both carpets and hardwood floors.
"It's an efficient and easy-to-use gadget ... and a hands-off way to maintain cleaner carpets and ... More hardwood floors," our tester says of the Roomba 694.
laura denby for forbes
Our tester found that the no-frills model did a mostly seamless job navigating the original wood floors in her home, as well as moving from hardwood to low- and medium-pile carpets. She warns that “during the test runs that I didn’t clean up beforehand, it got tangled on shoelaces and lamp cords, which meant I had to stop and untangle it.” Overall, though, she praised this affordable pick for helping to keep her floors clear of formerly “ubiquitous” piles of fur. (Check out our tester’s full review of the Roomba 694 for more of her findings.)
And if you’re curious whether the 694 works for feline households too, Shields and one of our other panelists also recommend this model. “I use it every day, and it does a great job of picking up dirt and pet hair for my three cats,” shares Shields. Our other panelist adds, “We have a dog who has thick fur that sheds all over, and this Roomba has helped us significantly to not have to vacuum every single day.”
This article was co-authored by Forbes Vetted updates writer Francesca Sales and home and kitchen editor Sholeen Damarwala; Sales and Damarwala bring over a decade of collective experience to the lifestyle space.
We gleaned insights from two cleaning experts: Elizabeth Shields, operations manager of Super Cleaning Service Louisville, a professional cleaning company that has garnered local awards, and Meaghan Kessman, a professional home organizer and founder of Meaghan Kessman Home Organization.
We regularly review this shopping guide to ensure we’re still recommending the best robot vacuums for pet hair in their respective categories. This story was last updated in June 2025 by co-author Fran Sales, who reviewed all product information for accuracy and added further tested feedback and original photography.
How We Chose The Best Robot Vacuums For Pet Hair
We selected the best robot vacuums for pet hair based on extensive research, expert interviews and firsthand insights from our own product testers.
The pet owners on our staff personally tested six of the best robot vacuums for pet hair recommended above and used our firsthand findings to inform our choices in this story.
Cleaning experts Shields and Kessman shared their best practices for maintaining homes with pets; we used their top criteria to guide our selections. In addition, Shields personally recommends three models: These are the iRobot Roomba j7+, the Roomba 694 and the Roborock S8+.
During testing and throughout our extensive market research, we evaluated several important factors, including each model’s suction power, brush roll efficiency, obstacle avoidance capability and more.
Cost was also a consideration: To provide options that work for a variety of lifestyles and budgets, we included models that range in price from $160 to $600.
What To Look For In Robot Vacuums For Pet Hair
The best robot vacuums for pet hair are all designed to clean carpets and floors with ease, but to find the specific model that suits your needs, there are a few factors to consider. Here’s what to keep in mind as you shop:
Suction Power
If you're looking for a machine that can effectively pick up pet hair and dander from your floors, strong suction power is a “must-have” feature, according to Shields. Look for models with high Pascals (Pa)—ideally closer to the 5,000 range. (For reference, the average robot vacuum has a suction power of 2,000 to 3,000 Pa, while more advanced models like the Roborock S8+ can reach up to 6,000 Pa.) Since it takes more suction to remove pet hair from carpeting, we recommend choosing a model that automatically adjusts its suction based on the type of flooring it’s cleaning.
Since it takes more suction to remove pet hair from carpeting, we recommend choosing a model like ... More the Roomba 694 that automatically adjusts its suction based on the type of flooring it’s cleaning.
laura denby for forbes
Capacity
Because robot vacuums are much smaller than traditional vacuums, they have relatively small dustbins. Pet hair takes up a lot of space, so a larger dustbin means the robot won’t have to stop every few minutes to empty, notes Shields. For pet owners, robot vacuums that self-empty into a base are often worth the added price. They require significantly less maintenance thanks to their larger bin capacity, typically around 2 liters.
Object Avoidance
When a vacuum can detect and navigate around obstacles—like toys or the occasional accident—it's less likely to get stuck mid-cycle. Our top overall pick for pet hair, the iRobot Roomba j7+, has particularly advanced obstacle detection; plus, it’s specifically designed to avoid pet waste. Both of our recommendations from Roborock—the Q5+ and S8+—also excel at obstacle avoidance, as well as cliff detection and avoiding pre-determined no-go zones, thanks to their precise LiDAR (a.k.a. “light detection and ranging”) mapping technology.
Special Features
If you and your pets live in a small and relatively uncluttered space with mostly hard flooring, basic entry-level robot vacuums like the Roomba 694 or the Eufy RoboVac G30 will probably more than suffice. But for pet parents who reside in multi-level homes or ones with more than two types of flooring, there are a variety of other special features you might want to look for. These include tangle-resistant brushes, smart mapping technology and smart app integration that lets you set schedules, create cleaning routines and control your device remotely or with your voice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Several brands make high-quality robot vacuums today, but iRobot Roombas are often among the best options for pet owners. Most of the latest Roomba models feature non-tangle rubber brush rolls, which are excellent for picking up hair from both hard floors and rugs. Additionally, several of the higher-end options offer advanced obstacle detection, making them ideal for homes with dog toys or even pet accidents on the floor. If you’re looking for an affordable option, cleaning expert Shields recommends the iRobot Roomba 694, priced just under $250. "I use it every day, and it does a great job of picking up dirt and pet hair from my three cats,” she adds.
According to our testing, the best Roomba model for dog hair is the iRobot Roomba j7+, which features dual rubber brush rolls that are less prone to tangling than bristled versions. For dog hair especially, a tangle-free brush roll and self-cleaning mechanism—both features of the Roomba j7+—are crucial for removing long hair from the roll and funneling it into the dust bin.
If your tight schedule doesn’t leave much time for vacuuming and sweeping up your pets’ hair and fur, “running a robot vacuum every night is incredibly helpful for managing pet hair,” says Meaghan Kessman, professional home organizer at Meaghan Kessman Home Organization. “It keeps your floors clean daily, reduces the amount of hair and dander that settles into carpets, and makes your regular cleaning routine much easier.” If you’re still on the fence, know you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars for a quality model; a basic, no-frills model like the Eufy RoboVac G30 is a great value pick priced around the $160 mark.
