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Introduction
Do you know that the Environmental Protection Agency reported that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside? There are numerous reasons for this to happen, but only one solution. And that is to buy a decent air purifier. Many articles exist in order to help you decide how to make your air clean. This particular article is here to help you decide best air purifier for pets before buying if you have a pet at home and you want to make life better for your family and your pet.
We made a careful selection of best air purifiers for pet hair, and especially for cats and dogs, which are among the most common ones living in US homes. Keep in mind, that it is really hard to find one solution for all the problems. In order to be cost-efficient and cost-effective, it is advisable to explore different options like buying a few smaller purifiers instead of one large one. It can help save the energy bill and optimize the usage. Also, for some people, who do not have financial issues, large purifiers are a good solution. In most of the cases, device quality and price are correlated, which means that better quality units cost more money and the other way around. The way you can save money is to match the speed of the device, as well as the number and the quality of filters to your specific needs.
We hope that this article will help you make a good decision for you and your family by making your life healthier and happier. Happy hunting!
Top air purifiers for a home with a pet
Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier, White

A Coway air purifier is a well-designed and reasonably priced air purifier for mid-sized or smaller spaces. It can cover the range up to 361 square feet with a decent level of Clean Air Delivery Rate for Dust particles, Pollen, and Smoke. Efficiency rating of HEPA filter is 99.97% and it has a four-stage filtration system, which makes the air purifying process highly efficient.
It also has ionizer and eco mode. This interesting purifier also has some special features like 6 soothing sounds with volume control and timer (3 natural, 2 lullabies, 1 white noise), which helps to mask the sound of the fan. This air purifier is especially good for energy saving since it has an auto mode installed. One of the most notable features is a full 4-Stage Filtration with a combination of pre-filter, odor filter, true HEPA filter and bipolar ionizer which makes it a powerful air purifier intended for everyday use in vibrant and active households with children and pets.
- Air Quality indicator
- Filter change indicator
- Automatic ON/OFF
- Special Feature – 6 soothing sounds
- Low fan quality
- Loud on the highest setting
- Warranty will be voided if used outside the US or Canada
Winix WAC9500 Ultimate Pet True HEPA Air Cleaner

It has a washable carbon filter and Pre-Filter and it also uses PlasmaWave technology for pollutants and CleanCel Anti-Bacterial treatment. All of this sums up to 5 levels of air cleaning which makes it a very powerful air purifier designed to treat moderate level of pollutants. This kind of features makes it perfect for living rooms with pets and it will surely make the air more breathable. A beautiful addition to the functionality of this device is the “Smart Sensors” with an Auto-Mode. Smell and Odor, Dust and Light Sensors automatically adjust your air cleaner settings so it can produce the best results at your home.The most notable downside of this really good air purifier is its replaceable All-in-one filter. Even though the idea of the maker was exceptional, the realization is not so much. But, if this product has a downside, which every product does, it doesn’t mean it’s still not a top pick for your living room.
- 5 stage air cleaning
- Filter change indicator
- Smart Sensors with Auto-Mode
- All-in-One filter cassette
- Filter replacement is expensive and difficult to find
- There are a lot of fake filters that are being sold as originals
- No handle for moving it around
LEVOIT LV-H132 Air Purifier True Hepa Filter

The producer is saying that the purifier is 100% ozone-free which is a concern for some of the customers, but in reality, these filters are safe to use because they emit a really small amount of ozone, so it is questionable whether this is a pro or a con for this device.
All in all, it is advisable to check the emission amount and compare it to current standards.All in all, this could be a decent device for your small room, especially if you like your pet being in there with you. Of course, this is a bargain-priced device, so additional expenses as filter replacement in 6 months or earlier are expected downsides. Looking at different customer reviews, we have noticed that there is a repeating complaint about a “strange smoke smell” spreading around the device which can be a cause for concern, but it was reported by the minority of users.
- Design
- Price
- 2-year warranty and lifetime support
- Night Light
- Certified for only 129 ft2
- Some users reported “Burning smell” spreading around the device
GermGuardian AC4825 22”

It has 3 air cleaning levels with a 360-degree air intake and discharge. The device is certified for 167 square feet, which is more than our previous model. And unlike the previous model, it includes a UV-C control. This device is one of the most popular on the market. Its unique “tall” design (22 inches), with the ultra-quiet mode, makes it perfect for small rooms and offices. On the other hand, the expected lifespan of the devices is short. This should be a device which is used from time to time in your bedroom or office, but it is not designed for long-term 24/7 use.
- Design
- Good for small rooms or offices
- 360⁰ degree air intake and discharge
- Ultra quiet mode
- Price
- Short lifespan
- Not eligible for international shipping
Honeywell HFD-120-Q QuietClean Tower Air Purifier

Looking at the specifications we have noticed that Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) does not significantly differ from other devices, so even though it can circulate room air 5 times in an hour, it is nothing more significant than other devices. The interesting fact is also that this purifier can clean airborne allergens that are 2 microns and larger, unlike some others that can clean particles up to 3 microns or larger. Other characteristics of this device are pretty much standardized. The device has 3 cleaning levels; it covers the space of around 170 sq. ft.; it removes 99% of the particles and it is rotating so it can deliver air in all directions.
- Removable and cleanable filter
- Quiet
- Long lifespan
- Delivers air in all directions
- Strong and strange odor spreading from the device in the beginning – reported by some users
- No true HEPA filter
- Oscillator can break
Winix 5300-2 Air Purifier

It has a very good sleep mode for night time, but on the other hand, it can cover larger areas and has a turbo setting, which in combination with smart sensors and auto mode can easily clean a larger room fast if you are having a small party at your home. Its SFM rate for sleep mode is 35.31 and on turbo mode is 240.14 which makes it a powerful device for this category.
- Ideal for people who need a stronger air purifier but with a limited budget
- Smart sensors and auto mode
- Quiet and reliable
- Expensive replacement filter
- Annoying tune on sleep mode that cannot be turned off
PureZone 3-in-1 True HEPA Air Purifier

A good addition is a filter reset indicator which lets you know it’s time to change the filter. At first, it seemed as if the idea to limit continuous use is a good idea, but sometimes it might not be practical. Producer probably thought 8 hours is enough for continuous use, and it might seem trivial, but who wants to think about turning on the air filter every few hours? Also, the device is good in quality, but it seems that the clean air delivery rate is lower than expected, so if you want for this device to be efficient you have to use it in smaller rooms.
- 5-Year Warranty and customer support
- Good value for money
- Quiet – noise level at 30 dB
- Limited to 2,4 or 8 hours of continuous use
- Low clean air delivery rate – CADR – 80cfm
Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier

You also get a full 5-year warranty and an exceptional customer support. Also, the device can be mounted on the wall or it can be standalone. This device has an incredible control system and a large led display which makes it perfect for everyday use as well as multiple customized settings for multiple users.Almost every part of this device is the best in its category, so if you have enough money to spare or if you are passionately in love with in-house clean air, this THE device for you.
- 6 levels of filtration
- Wi-Fi control
- 815 sq. ft. coverage
- Everything else
- Very expensive
- Replacement filter is very expensive
Air Purifier for Pet Hair and Dander Buying Guide: How to Choose?
FILTER - the most important part of Air Purifiers for pets
Having a pet can be a profound experience for the whole family. Whoever owns or owned a pet understands that after a while pet becomes a part of the family in every possible way. Some people like to sleep with their pets, others like eat in their proximity, and some people are not that keen about keeping them too close in these situations. A common knowledge is that a living space with a pet is harder to keep clean.
Home animals are usually full of hair, with seasonal shifts, from thin to thick and from some to many. Keeping your living space clean, healthy and comfortable is a demanding job, especially if you have small children. Our goal is to present to you the most important criteria and technical aspects of choosing an air purifier for your pet loving home.
True HEPA filter – small particles
If you made a decision to buy one of the air purifiers for pets, the first thing to look at is a type of filter that the air purifier has. Offer on the market is quite big, and one can get lost in so much information regarding filters. But if you need a good filter that will do the job, you should definitely look for certified “True HEPA filter”. The reason for this is because this particular filter removes 99.97% of all particles that are 3 microns or larger and it is certified for it.
Also, don’t get confused by a HEPA-type filter which is not True HEPA filters. You have a bunch of companies that advertise that they sell some special kind of filter, but they are not standardized and tested in a strict way that is required. Maybe they work, maybe they don’t, we just don’t know. Usually, these filters should work for hairs of your pet, but we are not sure for something smaller.
Pre-filter – large particles
Having a hairy pet is cuddly and cozy but you know what that means when the winter passes. Of course, regardless of the filter and the device, you will have to comb your pet and to remove those nasty hairs. Now, for the first line of defense, you should buy an air purifier with a pre-filter. It is advisable to have a pre-filter which is washable and reusable. True HEPA filter has to be replaced, but pre-filter can be permanent. This filter has a task to stop large particles and especially pet hairs.
Activated Carbon Filter – Odor
True HEPA filter and pre-filter are very good at stopping particles, but not at stopping odors. There, the Activated Carbon Filter comes in. This is an important piece of your air purifier because it not only stops different odors, but most of the air purifiers have a deodorant on filters so that it gives you a nice fresh scent. Keep in mind that the carbon filters is the only filter that will diminish or completely eradicate the smell that comes out of your pet. So this addition to your air purifier is a must-have, especially if you invite guests who do not have any pets at home.
Negative Ion filter
These purifiers use chemical injections to trap particles and remove them from the air. They can be positively or negatively charged. This is why; they bond themselves to loose particles and make them heavy, so they fall down or they get stuck on the walls or windows. The problem with this filter is that it does not remove or destroy the particles permanently; all this filter does is trap the particles which can recirculate in the air once they become loose again.
Ozone filter
Ozone filter usually comes with a negative Ion filter because the Ozone does not remove particles such as dust and pollen. Also, the ozone is considered to be a dangerous gas if it is inhaled. These filters produce a very small quantity of ozone and they are considered to be harmless, but one can never be too safe. Many of the air purifiers have an option to shut off negative Ion or Ozone filters so that people can use air purifiers without being worried about those filters. This filter is a good addition to the air purifier for pets and it can help reduce the number of particles in the air.
What else do you need to consider when buying an air purifier for pets?
To answer this question first, we need to be clear on what is actually our goal. If you have a pet at home you want to examine a few things. Usually, all pets, the most common are cats and dogs, have dander, hair, and odors. So we talked about filters which are the ones that regulate most of these issues, but they are not the only important features. Here are some things to consider in order to choose the right air purifier for your pet:
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Room size and type
- One of the most important factors for choosing air If you have a large room, you will need a device with a strong clean air delivery rate – CADR. If the CADR is higher, your air will be clean faster. If you put a weak device in a large room, the device will not perform well.
- If you have a small bedroom and want to keep your doors closed, you should consider a small, quiet device with a night mode. Here CADR is not the most important thing, but the comfort of quiet operation.
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Apartment or a house
- Cleaning the apartment is for sure easier than cleaning a house. Not to mention what happens if your pet has its own door. Living in a house will usually force you to have multiple devices while living in an apartment can enable you to cover your ground with only one powerful device.
- If you have a centralized air conditioning system in your house, it is possible to install the True HEPA filter.
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Size and type of your pet
- If you are a pet owner it is advisable to have some kind of air purifier in your home. Of course, if you have an Alaskan malamute, you will consider buying a more powerful device than if you own a small cat. Also, you should count in seasonal factors and how often you bathe or comb your pet.
Interesting facts about our pets and the impact they have on our lives and health
Shifting our mindset
Having the clean air in your living area is as important as the food you eat, water you drink, the bed you sleep on. It is one of the basic needs of a human being. People tend to forget about the most important things that life is comprised of. The fact that we don’t see small particles doesn’t make them disappear or make them less harmful. Having an air purifier for pets and for general purposes should be considered a part of your regular hygiene standards.
Pets and household in the US
Getting rid of different allergens, dander, pet hair and other particles that animals are shedding throughout the apartment or a house seems like a reasonable goal. More than 55% of American households have pets with dogs being on top of this list with 36.5%, and cats being just behind them with 30.4%. There are over 80 million cats and dogs in US households in 2018 in total.
If you just consult the numbers you can clearly see the need for hygiene upgrade all around the US. We had a 29% rise in dog ownership during the past decade, and dogs are larger and more demanding animals when hygiene is at the question. Also, an interesting fact is that half of the dog owners live in 25 largest metropolitan areas.
U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics
Dogs | Cats | Birds | Horses | |
Percent of households owning | 36.5% | 30.4% | 3.1% | 1.5% |
Number of households owning | 43,346,000 | 36,117,000 | 3,671,000 | 1,780,000 |
Average number owned per household | 1.6 | 2.1 | 2.3 | 2.7 |
Total number in United States | 69,926,000 | 74,059,000 | 8,300,000 | 4,856,000 |
Veterinary visits per household per year (mean) | 2.6 | 1.6 | 0.3 | 1.9 |
Veterinary expenditure per household per year (mean) | $378 | $191 | $33 | $373 |
Veterinary expenditure per animal (mean) | $227 | $90 | $14 | $133 |
Of course, in addition to cats and dogs, US households own a population of 86 million pets. Some of them, like fish, don’t need air cleaning, or they are not kept inside a house, like horses, so the motives for getting an air purifier can be different.
There are many benefits and drawback when owning a pet. In a study, done in 2016, pet owners were asked a series of questions about their views concerning pets. It is expected, and the results showed that most of the owners’ recognize the benefits of owning a pet, but they also see the drawbacks. Since cats and dogs are by far the most common ones, we would like to show you some of the figures:
Owning a Pet – Benefits,and Drawbacks
Benefits in % | Dogs | Cats |
Companionship, love, company, affection | 81 | 83 |
Relaxation/relieves stress | 67 | 68 |
Good for my health or my family’s health | 53 | 46 |
Like a child/family member | 59 | 56 |
Drawbacks in % | ||
Shedding | 32 | 40 |
Cleaning up (time consuming) | 26 | 28 |
Finding care when away from home | 28 | 23 |
Odor | 12 | 29 |
Health problems (dog, cat, horse) | 14 | 14 |
Family member allergy | 4 | 7 |
Fortunately, there is no doubt whether pets make people’s lives better and happier. The results of this survey showed us that pets have a profound influence on people who own them. But the drawbacks are not to be underestimated. It is clear that people are not very agitated by the drawbacks, but they still exist. If you look closely, you will see that the most notable drawbacks can be diminished by the air purifiers we presented. Shedding, cleaning, odor, allergies,and other health problems are the focus of these air purifiers for pets, and they can significantly downgrade allergies and possible health issues that animals can produce.
In practice, you won’t find any single device that will do so much for your health in your home, other than the air purifier. Don’t forget that you draw breath every few seconds and finally, our technology has gone this far that you can make a difference in what kind of air you breathe. You should also keep in mind the fact that getting an air purifier is not a substitute when it comes to dusting and cleaning. An air purifier will not get rid of muddy paw prints on the floor or all of the discarded hair from the couch. It will also not be of much help if you do not bathe your pet every once in a while.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What filters should I consider when buying an air purifier for pets?
A: We would suggest a 3-in-1 combination of True HEPA filter, Carbon filter, and washable pre-filter.
Q: Why are there so many filters?
A: The air itself looks simple, but in fact, there are thousands of particles that are different in size and shape. The number and type of filters are determined by the purpose of the air purifier and in order to make the air clean, you need to use multiple filters.
Q: Do I need to change the filters more often?
A: Every producer has its own guidelines. Follow them and there should be no additional costs.
Q: How strong does the device has to be?
A: It all depends on the strength of the air purifier. It is measured in air changes per hour (ACH) or how fast does the air purifier filters all of the air in a room per hour. Also, the acronym CADR stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate which is a measure of how fast is the air filtered. The higher the CADR the faster the air is filtered. The third important measure is CFM or cubic feet per minute, which stands for how many cubic feet of air moves through the device per minute.
Q: All of these measures are complicated. How do I know what is good for me?
A: You can compare them relative to other devices. So if the ACH, CADR, and CFM are higher, the device is stronger, and the other way around.
Q: Is air purifier safe for my pet?
A: It is as safe as a TV, laptop, fridge or a cell phone. But be careful if it is a rotating air purifier because your pet may consider it a toy.
Q: Will the air purifier disturb my pet if it’s loud?
A: It all depends on the level of sound. The loudness of an air purifier is measured in decibels, and every device has produced a different level of sound. Be sure to check the level of sound on all levels like sleeping mode or turbo mode. Also keep in mind that pets can get used to sound over time.
Short reminder
List of questions you need to answer when buying the purifier
- What types of filters are in the device?
- How powerful is the device? – ACH, CADR, CFM
- How loud is the device? – in decibels
- What are additional features? – Night mode, sensors, Wi-Fi etc.
- How large is my space and do I need to move my purifier all the time?
- Does it have a warranty and/or customer support?
- What are positive and negative user comments on social media and specialized internet sites?
- Be sure to check energy consumption for the device.
Let’s recap
Our main hope is that we were able to make this journey of getting the best air purifier for pets easier and nicer for you, but above all else, we hope that we were able to help you make the air in your home cleaner and enjoyable. We understand that this kind of research can be very demanding so we tried to narrow down the best choices to acceptable levels so that you can, with our help, come up with the best solution for your home.
Even though we gave you the recap of these devices, do not forget to read all of the specs and different user comments regarding these devices. We made a selection of the best air purifiers for pet hair which are best in removing dander and pet hair, but you should always check if there are some factors that are specific to you. Fortunately, there is a large selection of devices on offer that is able to cater to everyone’s taste and personal preference so you will probably be able to find the perfect one for you.