Roomba Reviews Pet Hair: Top Picks for Dog and Cat Owners

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Pet owners know the struggle: fur on the couch, in the carpet, under the bed—everywhere. If you're constantly vacuuming or sweeping up after your dog or cat, you’ve probably considered a robot vacuum to help lighten the load. But not all robot vacuums handle pet hair equally. That's where Roomba steps in.

In this comprehensive guide to Roomba reviews pet hair, we’ll break down which Roomba models actually live up to the hype. Whether you have a long-haired retriever, a constantly shedding cat, or both, you'll find the best Roomba for your needs. We'll also cover how Roomba compares to other brands like Shark, and what to look for when choosing the right model for a pet-friendly home.

Why Choose a Roomba for Pet Hair?

iRobot, the maker of Roomba, has been a leading name in robotic vacuums for years. Many of their newer models come equipped with features specifically designed to tackle pet messes—especially stubborn fur on carpet, hardwood, and tile.

Here’s why Roombas are a top choice for pet owners:

Powerful suction: Roomba vacuums offer multi-stage cleaning systems with strong suction to pull up embedded pet hair.
Rubber brushes: Unlike traditional bristles, Roomba's dual multi-surface rubber brushes resist tangles from hair and are easier to clean.
Smart mapping: Advanced models map your home and avoid obstacles, including pet waste (yes, really).
Automatic dirt disposal: Some models even empty themselves, which means less maintenance for you.

Pet hair is a constant challenge, but Roomba's technology helps keep it under control.

What to Look for in a Pet Hair-Ready Roomba

When browsing Roomba reviews pet hair, focus on the following features to ensure you’re getting a model that fits your home and your pets:

Suction power: This is key for lifting hair from rugs and deep carpet.
Tangle-free brushes: Essential for homes with long-haired pets.
Smart navigation: The ability to avoid pet bowls, toys, or even accidents is a huge plus.
Large dustbin or self-emptying base: Helpful for homes with multiple pets.
App control and scheduling: Clean while you’re at work, without disturbing your pets.
Noise level: Quieter models are less likely to scare anxious animals.

Now let’s dive into specific models that consistently rank among the best Roomba for pet hair.

Roomba Reviews Pet Hair: Top 5 Picks for Pet Owners

After reviewing user feedback, testing results, and expert recommendations, here are the top Roomba models for tackling pet hair in 2025.

1. Roomba j7+ – Best for Avoiding Pet Accidents

The j7+ is one of Roomba’s smartest vacuums, using PrecisionVision navigation to detect and avoid objects—including pet waste. This feature alone has saved countless users from unfortunate clean-up disasters.

Pros: Self-emptying Clean Base, AI obstacle detection, excellent mapping
Cons: Premium price
Best for: Pet owners who want peace of mind and hands-free maintenance

The j7+ also does a great job pulling up pet hair from both hardwood and carpet. It’s ideal for homes with one or more pets that roam freely and leave hair everywhere.

2. Roomba s9+ – Best for Deep Cleaning and Heavy Shedding

If your dog sheds like crazy or your home has lots of rugs and corners, the Roomba s9+ is hard to beat. It features the strongest suction in the Roomba lineup and a unique D-shape design that helps clean edges more thoroughly.

Pros: Strongest suction, corner-friendly design, advanced navigation
Cons: Expensive, may be overkill for small apartments
Best for: Homes with thick carpets or heavy shedders

This is arguably the best Roomba for pet hair if you're looking for raw cleaning power and full automation.

3. Roomba i7+ – Solid All-Around Performer

A step below the s9+, the Roomba i7+ still offers high-end features like smart mapping, room-specific cleaning, and automatic dirt disposal. It’s a great choice for pet owners who want premium performance without the ultra-premium price tag.

Pros: Intelligent mapping, self-emptying base, strong suction
Cons: Slightly older tech than j7 or s9
Best for: Pet owners who want premium features on a reasonable budget

Its rubber brushes and smart cleaning paths make it effective at removing fur even in homes with multiple pets.

4. Roomba i3+ – Best Mid-Range Option

If you’re not ready to splurge but still want excellent cleaning power, the i3+ is a fantastic mid-range pick. It lacks detailed mapping but still includes a self-emptying base and strong suction.

Pros: Great performance for the price, Clean Base included
Cons: No smart mapping, basic navigation
Best for: Budget-conscious pet owners in mid-sized homes

This is a solid pick for anyone who wants a “set it and forget it” experience without breaking the bank.

5. Roomba 694 – Best Budget Option

The Roomba 694 is iRobot’s entry-level model and doesn’t include features like mapping or automatic dirt disposal. However, it still performs reasonably well with daily pet hair pickup.

Pros: Affordable, easy to use, decent suction
Cons: No smart navigation, smaller dustbin
Best for: First-time robot vacuum users or small apartments

While it won’t give you the advanced features of higher-end Roombas, it’s a reliable little helper for casual cleaning.

How Roomba Compares to Shark for Pet Hair

A common question among pet owners is: Shark or Roomba for pet hair? The answer depends on what matters most to you.

Shark robot vacuums often offer similar features at a slightly lower price. Some models include self-emptying docks and decent suction power. However, their navigation tends to be less precise than Roomba’s, and they don’t have the same level of software polish.

Roomba, especially the j7+ and s9+, stands out for its:

Better mapping and obstacle avoidance
More consistent updates through the iRobot app
Superior customer support and repair options

If your main goal is reliability and deep cleaning for a pet-heavy household, Roomba remains a top-tier choice.

Quick Comparison Table

Model	Price Range	Suction Power	Self-Emptying	Mapping	Best For
Roomba j7+	$$$	High	Yes	Yes	Avoiding pet messes
Roomba s9+	$$$$	Very High	Yes	Yes	Deep cleaning and thick carpet
Roomba i7+	$$$	High	Yes	Yes	Large homes with multiple pets
Roomba i3+	$$	Medium-High	Yes	No	Budget-friendly automation
Roomba 694	$	Medium	No	No	Small homes, basic needs

FAQs About Roomba and Pet Hair

Does pet hair clog the Roomba easily?
Not typically. Models with rubber brushes are designed to resist tangling, and maintenance is minimal if cleaned regularly.

Is Roomba safe to use around pets?
Yes. Most pets adjust quickly to the sound and movement. The j7+ even avoids accidents like pet waste.

How often do I need to empty the bin?
Models with a Clean Base can go up to 60 days without manual emptying. Otherwise, plan to empty the bin every couple of days if you have shedding pets.

Can Roomba clean up litter or kibble?
It can handle small amounts of dry debris, but it’s best to manually clean larger spills to prevent damage or blockages.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Roomba depends on your pet type, home size, and budget. If you want full automation with intelligent cleaning, the Roomba j7+ or s9+ are top-tier options. For those looking to save while still keeping fur under control, the i3+ or Roomba 694 offer solid performance at a lower price.

Based on current Roomba reviews pet hair, iRobot continues to lead the pack for pet-friendly robot vacuums. If you’re debating Shark or Roomba for pet hair, Roomba's edge in smart navigation and maintenance-free cleaning still makes it the preferred choice for many pet owners.

Ready to say goodbye to daily sweeping and hello to fur-free floors? A Roomba might just be your new best friend—after your pets, of course.