If you’re a pet owner, you need the best air purifier for pets to help manage allergies and reduce asthma attacks. Managing pet allergies can be troublesome, but with the right air purifier, you can successfully deal with pet allergies.
We’ll tell you everything you need to know about choosing an air purifier best for pets – and we’ll even recommend some of our favorite models.
Best Air Purifiers for Pet Odors and Pet Allergies
Best air purifiers for pets here filter at least 99.5% of airborne particles, including pet odors and allergens like pet hair and dander. They also filter viruses, bacteria, allergens, asthma triggers, smoke, mold, dust, & other household odors.
- Covers 1300 SF/hr, 750 SF /30 min, and 282 SF/13 min
- Removes Airborne Pet Dander, Hair, and Odors
- LED Color Display
- Smart Phone Controls
- Smart Sensor Detects Air Pollutants
- Three-Stage H13 Pure HEPA Filter
- Captures 99.99% of Particles to 0.1 Microns
- Lifetime Warranty with Filter Subscription
Alen BreatheSmart 75i Air Purifier
Alen BreatheSmart 75i Air Purifier filter removes common allergens like pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles like dust, odor, and smoke. The activated carbon in the filter captures heavy smoke from cigarettes and wildfires to prevent respiratory issues. If you’re a smoker or love to cook, this is the perfect air purifier!
The Alen BreatheSmart 75i air purifier is perfect for the bedroom and living room. It quickly cleans large areas up to 1300 square feet. The machine removes dust from open floor plans like living rooms, kitchens, and basements.
This air cleaner has a three-stage H13 Pure HEPA filtration system that captures 99.99% of particles as small as 0.1 microns making it an excellent choice for people with allergies or asthma, as it can help improve the air quality in their homes. Pure air production will last up to 12 months if used regularly.
The ionizer produces negative ions, which are beneficial for helping the filter clean the air. Negative ions bond with particulates on a molecular level, making them bigger in mass and more likely to be trapped by the HEPA filter.
This best air purifier for pets includes a LED color display that shows you the quality of the air at a glance. The AUTO mode works with the Smart Sensors to manage fan speed by detecting air, dust, or pollutants and automatically adjusting the fan speed to improve the air quality.
The noise level for the Alen BreatheSmart 75i is from 25dB on Speed 1 to 49dB on Turbo.
Alen offers a Lifetime Warranty with an active filter subscription.
Read more about the best air purifiers for large rooms.
- Purifies Air in Large Rooms up to 1125 SF
- Medical-Grade H14 HyperHEPA Filtration
- Removes 99.97% of All Airbourne Particles
- Eliminates Pet Dander, Hair, and Odors
- Filters 300 Cubic Feet per Minute
- Extremely Energy Efficient
- Programmable
- Filter-Life Monitoring
- 10-Year Limited Warranty
IQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier – Medical Grade H14 HyperHEPA Filter
When discussing the best air purifier for pets, we must show you HealthPro Plus. The HealthPro Plus is more than just an air purifier; it’s the Rolls Royce of air cleaners that have received more top reviews and awards than any other. It efficiently filters all the air in large rooms multiple times an hour, making it perfect for homes, offices, schools, hospitals, industrial settings – anywhere!
The HealthPro Plus has been certified by a third party to remove 99.995% of all particles from the air, including bacteria, dust, mold, pollen, pet dander, and smoke from wildfires.
Air cleaning occurs by using four distinct filters in four different ways. The pre-filter traps large particles first before they reach the HEPA filter. The adsorption and pelletized filter remove pollutants and gases, while activated carbon adsorption removes odors and gases. The HyperHEPA filter traps fine and ultrafine particles.
The pre-filter has a 16- to 18-month lifespan, while the gas and odor filter lasts two years. The HyperHEPA filter lasts nearly four years. All of this not only saves you money over time, but it’s also more eco-friendly.
The HealthPro Plus has fan speeds that emit low-noise sound. The fan-in-center design places the motor between noise-reducing filters and limits the sound the device emits.
Additionally, rubber suspension pads isolate motor vibration from the air cleaner housing. Finally, this powerful fan uses only as much electricity as a regular light bulb, meaning low operation costs.
HealthPro Plus air purifiers have premier Swiss engineering and undergo comprehensive individual system efficiency tests. If it doesn’t manage to clean the air by 99.97% or more, then it doesn’t get shipped–simple as that.
The test results come with a Certificate of Performance with a hand-signed guarantee from our team for every system. Plus, if you purchase directly from us, you’re backed by a 10-year limited warranty!
- Purifies Air in Large Spaces up to 2671SF
- Removes 99.99% of Airborne Particles
- Removes Pet Dander, Fur, and Odors
- 5-Stage Air Filtration with HEPA Filter
- Intertek Lab Certified
- California Air Resource Board Certified
- Washable & Reusable 20-Year Filter
- Smart Device & Wi-Fi Capable
- Sleep-Mode is Whisper-Quiet at 31.4dB
- 5-Year Warranty
Nuwave Air Purifier OxyPure Pro 5-Stage Filtration with HEPA Filter
According to EPA estimates, indoor air may be up to 5 times more contaminated than outdoor air. Poor indoor air quality can cause symptoms such as tiredness, migraines, congestion, coughing, and sneezing.
Pet owners rave that the Nuwave OxyPure Pro works exceptionally well against pet dander and odors if you have multiple pets. It works its magic to filter out dog smells, cat litter box odors, bird dust and dander, hampster cage odors, and aquarium odors, making this our next best air purifier for pets.
OxyPure can cleanse 2,671 square feet of space in one hour. OxyPure helps remove pollutants and allergens from the air to provide relief from invisible toxins that you breathe in.
The stainless-steel pre-filter captures the large particles and allergens. Airborne particle pollutants, including dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander, mold spores, and other substances, are collected by the HEPA/Carbon and Bio-Guard filters.
The pre-filter and Bio-Guard filter are washable and reusable for up to 20 years. The ozone emission removal filter is also reusable for up to 20 years.
OxyPure is an excellent way to remove 100% of particles pollutants, including viruses, mold spores, dust, bacteria, and allergens. It also captures pollutants as small as 0.09 microns, which is effective against cigarette smoke.
OxyPure by Oxygenics meets the stringent California ozone emission standard. It reduces toxic ozone to less than 1 part per billion, much lower than the EPA’s recommended safe limit of 70 ppb in the home.
With OxyPure, you can remotely access and control the air quality in your home from anywhere using an app on your phone. The software is compatible with both Android and iPhone devices.
The National Sleep Foundation has found that allergies significantly reduce sleep quality. OxyPure minimizes the number of airborne allergens that can irritate the sinuses, nasal passages, and lungs, allowing for better sleep.
In Night-Time mode, all indicator lights turn off, and the fan operates at a whisper-quiet level of 31.4 dB to help you sleep better.
- Purifies Air in Rooms up to 1500 SF
- 5-in-1 Filter with H13 HEPA Filter
- Removes Airborne Pet Hair, Dander, and Odors
- Auto Mode Detects Pollutants
- 5-Year Warranty
HATHASPACE Smart Air Purifier 2.0 for Home Large Room with True HEPA Air Filter
The HATHASPACE Smart Air Purifier 2.0 with True HEPA Air Filter purifies your air by targeting pollen, dust, pet dander, VOCs, smoke, and odors. The H13 HEPA filters are superior to standard True H11 HEPA filters because they remove 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns and 99.95% between 0.3 to 0.1 microns from the air.
A top-rated air purifier with an H13 True HEPA composite filter is washable and lasts five years. You get expert assistance, award-winning customer service, and the security of knowing that you’re buying from an American company.
The high-performance fan and motor remove pollutants quietly and effectively. Use it in your bedroom, workplace, kitchen, basement, dorm, apartment, or living area.
The AUTO mode on this smart air purifier detects pollutants and adjusts the fan speed in real time. Plus, a digital display constantly updates you on the purity of your air. Turn the display light off easily, set up a sleep timer mode, and adjust fan speed easily.
The filter eliminates 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns and 99.95% between 0.3 to 0.1 microns for a 1500 sq ft space every hour. Based on Intertek testing, the removal rate of Staphylococcus Albus, Escherichia Coli, H1N1 virus, and EV71 virus is over 99.99 percent. (Intertek Report #210111230GZU-001)
See the website for more on Hathaspace.
- Purifying Air in Rooms up to 1115 SF
- Medical-Grade HEPA 14 Filter
- Removes Pet Dander and Odors
- Removes 99.99% of Airborne Pollutants
- Auto Mode with Small Particle Sensor
- Whisper-Quiet Sleep Mode
- Filter Replacement Indicator
- CARB and ETL Certified
- 1-Year Warranty
PuroAir HEPA 14 Air Purifier
PuroAir will clean your home’s air, making it easier to breathe and sleep. With a timer, fan speed adjustment mode, sleep mode, filter replacement indicator, and child lock feature included- this product is perfect for families with young kids or pets.
It’s the perfect solution for purifying the air in large rooms up to 1115 sq ft in only 60 minutes. This product is excellent for both homes and offices, giving you the clean air you need to breathe easily and goodbye to allergies.
The gold standard in air purification, the medical-grade High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) 14 filter traps 99.99% of pollutants, including dust, pet dander, odors, smoke, and other tiny particles down to 0.3 microns in diameter. A more powerful version of a HEPA 13
A smart particle sensor monitors air quality and automatically adjusts power as needed. It is perfect for use in any space. PuroAir filters your house’s air and improves your allergies, asthma, and sleep quality.
If you’re looking for allergy relief, improved sleep quality, and a way to safeguard your children and pets, look no further than PuroAir. This fantastic air filter comes with all the bells and whistles: a timer function, fan speed settings, sleep mode activation—even replacement filters!
With this purchase, you get a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer.
- Purifiies Air in Rooms up to 550 SF
- Filters Airborne Pet Dander and Odor
- 4-stage Purification and Deodorization
- Washable Pre-Filter
- Ultra-Quiet BLDC 5-Speed Motor
- Energy Star Certified
- 5-Year Warranty
Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier
Our next best pet air purifier is the BioGS 2.0 HEPA air purifier from Rabbit Air. It is a great way to improve your environment. This air purifier has four stages of filtration and deodorization, which help remove harmful particles and pollutants from the air. Plus, you’ll always have clean air to breathe with lifetime 24/7 tech support.
The BioGS SPA-550A is not a vacuum but does an excellent job collecting airborne pet hair in a 550-square-foot area. The Rabbit cleans the air nicely of pet dander and smells in this area. The Activated Charcoal filter has a large internal surface area and is excellent at capturing odors, such as those from dogs.
BioGS HEPA Filtration system consists of four stages of purification and deodorization, including:
- The Pre-Filter – This filter traps and reduces large-sized allergens, dust, and particles. The pre-filter is washable and long-lasting.
- BioGS HEPA Filter – The BioGS HEPA filter is very effective and can reduce airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in size 99.97% of the time. Additionally, it can reduce common allergens, which makes the filter more efficient and increases its life expectancy.
- Charcoal-Based Activated Carbon Filter – Our AC filter, made of high-grade granular activated carbon, is more effective than most other filters. You can eliminate chemicals and common household odors much easier with our product.
- Negative Ion Generator – Negative ions are produced, which fortify the air you breathe and freshen your indoor environment.
All interface lights will go out when the unit is inactive to reduce light pollution and save power. When it’s time to clean and replace the filters, the filter life indicator will signal you.
Based on 12 hours of usage daily, the BioGS HEPA and Charcoal-Based Activated Carbon filters will last up to three years. The Pre-Filter is long-lasting and washable.
The BioGS SPA-550A air purifier can clean all indoor air in a room up to 550 SF twice hourly on the highest setting.
The innovative BLDC motor has five-speed settings and is almost silent when running at the lowest speed. Energy-Star certified units will save you money on your energy bill.
Rabbit Air offers a five-year warranty on air purifiers and components and 24/7 lifetime technical assistance.
- Purifies Air in up to a 361 SF Area
- 4-Stage Filtration with True HEPA Filter
- Removes 99.97% of Airbourne Particles
- Air Quality Monitoring
- Reduces Pet Hair, Dander, and Odors
- 3-Speed Fan with EcoMode
- 1/4/8 Hour Timer
- Filter Replacement Indicator
- Quiet Operation from 24.4 dB to 53.8 dB
- 1-Year Warranty
Coway Airmega True HEPA Purifier
The Coway Airmega True HEPA Purifier is the best air purifier for pets and those suffering from allergies and asthma. It captures and reduces up to 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in the air, including pollen, pollutants, and other allergens.
The four-stage filtration system reduces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and pet odor. With a real-time pollution sensor that communicates indoor air quality, you’ll always know how clean or dirty your indoor air is.
You can also set a timer for it to run 1/4/8 hours before automatically powering off, making it an excellent choice for busy people on the go. Plus, the filter replacement indicator checks the pre-filter and HEPA filter to let users know when to wash or replace the filter.
When it detects no pollution for 30 minutes, the fan will automatically stop and set it to Eco-mode to save energy. With a noise level ranging from 24.4 dB to 53.8 dB, it’s also one of the quietest air purifiers on the market.
Voted Best Air Purifier of 2018 at Wirecutter and ranked 1st place at the TopTenReviews, the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W) True HEPA Purifier is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an effective and efficient air purifier.
- Purifies Air in a 300 SF Area
- 3-in-1 Filtration with True HEPA H13 Filter
- Removes Pet Hair, dander, and Odors
- Check Filter Indicator
- 2, 4, or 8-Hour Timer
- 1-Year Warranty
LEVOIT Air Purifier with H13 True HEPA Filter
The Vital 100 has a 130 CFM rating. This means that it can clean the air in a room very quickly. In just 18 minutes, it can clean an area of 300 SF. This product is ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens in smaller spaces.
The Vital 100 never uses UV-C light, which has been shown to produce harmful ozone and secondary pollution.
The machine comes with a washable pre-filter to remove large particles like pet fur, a high-efficiency activated carbon filter for toxic fumes and unpleasant odors, and an H13 True HEPA Filter which eliminates at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns in size or larger.
The Vital 100 is one of the quietest machines on the market, emitting only 23 decibels. You can also rest assured that the display lights won’t keep you awake at night.
You can set a timer for 2, 4, or 8 hours. The check filter indicator tells you when to replace the filter. The filters should be replaced every 6–8 months, depending on your vacuum use.
The Vital 100’s small design and top-facing air vents allow you to place it near walls or in the corner of a room. The Vital 100 warranty lasts for one year, but if you register your purchase within 14 days, you can extend it to two years.
- Purifies Air in Rooms up to 219 SF
- 3-Stage Filtration with True HEPA H13 Filter
- Removes Pet Hair, Dander, and Odors
- Ultra-Quiet 24dB Sleep Mode
- 1-Year Warranty
Levoit Air Purifier with H13 True HEPA Filter
The Levoit Core P350 is a best-selling air purifier to eliminate pet allergies and odors. The machine features a High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter to reduce sneezing, itchiness, and stuffy nose caused by pets.
The Custom High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter eliminates pet odors, litter box smells, and cooking smoke. If you’re struggling with respiratory issues caused by pets, the Levoit Core P350 provides H13 True HEPA Filtration to purify the air.
Additionally, the Core P350 has H13 True HEPA Filtration to filter out 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pet fur, hair, dust, and lint. The Core P350 air purifier does not use ions to cleanse the air. This is the best air purifier for pets because they will not be exposed to dangerous particles.
Other notable features include the Pet Lock, which prevents children and pets from changing the settings on the machine, and the large 219 SF room capacity that allows the cleaner to work quickly in large spaces. You can easily find replacement filters through an official Levoit store or Amazon page.
With Sleep Mode, you’ll never have to worry about your air purifier being too loud or disturbing your furry friend. The display indicators will be half-brightened and noise levels reduced to only 24dB, so you can sleep soundly knowing that your little one is comfortable and safe.
All Levoit air purifiers come with a 1-year warranty with an option for a 2nd-year warranty with registration within 14 days of purchase.
What Causes Pet Odors & Pet Allergies
There are a few reasons why your pet’s smell might be strong, but once you identify the source, it will be much easier to keep the odor under control. Pet odors and dander can cause allergies, but they are not the same thing.
According to Dr. Alice T Williams, MD, “Allergies to pets are caused by a reaction to proteins in the pet’s saliva, urine, or dander (dead skin cells). Allergies are caused by an overactive immune response to a particular allergen, such as pet dander.”
She states, “Air purifiers work by trapping allergens in the filter so that they are no longer floating in the air where we come into contact with them. By removing allergens from the air, purifiers can help lessen allergy symptoms. Many purifiers are designed to remove pet dander and other allergens from the air.”
Many animals excrete smelly oil from their scent glands or urine to express their territory. But with the help of expert training and grooming techniques, you may alleviate these problems. Skin infections, incontinence, bad breath, or other odors might mean it is time to see the veterinarian.
Air purifiers are able to remove almost entirely all the pet dander floating in the air, which is the cause of people’s allergies. In fact, an air purifier with a HEPA filter should be your number one option if you’re looking to reduce your pet’s allergy symptoms as they’re able to filter the air and remove tiny particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them able to safely remove the vast majority of pet dander polluting your house’s air.
Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM, We Love Doodles
Manage Where Your Pet Goes
Dr. Alice T. Williams, MD, also stated, “It is important to remember that our exposure to particles comes from the ones in the air and those in our bedding and on our rugs, drapes, tabletops, and countertops. So removing the particles from these areas needs to be part of the overall plan.”
If you have carpet, vacuuming frequently is a good idea, or removing the carpet would be an even better idea. Keep surfaces such as tabletops and countertops clean.
Keep pets off your bed, perhaps out of your bedroom, and wash your bedding frequently in hot water.
Remove drapes and curtains and replace them with shades or other non-fabric window covering.
Even the best-behaved pets can have accidents indoors from time to time. Unfortunately, the smell from these accidents can linger in carpets or furniture long after you’ve cleaned them up. A blacklight is a helpful tool for spotting old urine stains so that you can clean them properly.
Excess food and other debris can build up if you do not regularly clean your pet’s cage or tank, causing pet odors. You can prevent this by cleaning regularly. It is also essential to feed your pet a healthy diet, so they do not get sick, and their waste does not smell bad.
Dog Odors
Dogs may start to smell bad if they have not been bathed for a while, especially if they spend a lot of time outside. They should have a clean coat of fur rather than a dirty one. However, you don’t want to bathe them too often because it will strip the natural oils from their skin and hair. We recommend that you clean their bedding regularly, which is not too difficult.
You should clean up urine and feces accidents as soon as possible. Enzyme cleaners work well to remove pet odors. Still, if the accident has caused the carpet to become heavily stained, you may need to have it professionally cleaned to eliminate the pet odor. We have three dogs and use SCOE 10X to clean upholstery and carpeting in our home.
Some dog odors indicate an illness. Suppose you notice your dog has smelly fur or bad breath. In that case, the American Veterinary Medical Association states your fur baby could have a life-threatening illness, and you should take them to the vet for a checkup.
Dogs naturally produce a few scents. These smells help identify them and their territory. They also help other dogs recognize them. Dogs don’t sweat on regions covered with fur. Instead, they might release pheromones or some other type of chemical secretion to communicate with other canines.
They also have glands in their ears that give off a faint fragrance. On the other hand, their paws and nose may produce a strong odor when moistened.
It could signify infection when you smell something foul from your pet’s ears. But sometimes, you may just smell a yeasty odor because of the natural organisms in their ear wax.
Dander is the technical term for skin cells shed by dogs, one of the most prevalent causes of canine allergies.
The wet dog smell is common. It happens when chemicals release from the dog’s hair when it gets wet. It’s not always easy to get rid of, but there are some ways to do it. Sweat production has been linked to skin diseases, which can give off a musty, damp odor. Dog breeds with large skin folds can trap bacterial particles or develop yeast, resulting in an unpleasant scent.
Cat Odors
The litter box is where your cat does its business. It can create a lot of smells, so you need to clean it frequently. You should also keep the bedding clean. It is usually not necessary to bathe your cat, but if there are a lot of accidents outside the litter box, you should take it to the vet to see if there is a medical problem.
It’s crucial to clean your cat’s litter box regularly because the urine and feces in it become concentrated over time. Baking soda can be used as a deodorizer under the litter. Extreme odors might signal an injury or disease. Dental problems could also cause bad breath, so see your veterinarian if these symptoms persist.
Odors From Cage Pets
Birds, mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and ferrets are cage pets that can create pet odors that are hard to eliminate.
For many reasons, a metal cage with a wire mesh is better than an enclosed plastic one. Plastic can trap and hold bad smells, but a wire mesh will not. Wood shavings in the cage absorb odors more efficiently and can be easily changed. You should clean and replace old shavings weekly to keep your pet’s home fresh.
Small animals often use a litter tray, reducing smells and making cleanup much easier. However, they may produce too much oil or secretions because of their natural scent. If you detect a powerful smell, visit your veterinarian. It might be a sign of a disease.
Odors From Aquarium Pets
Like cage pets, aquarium pets like reptiles and amphibians (lizards, snakes, and turtles) give off odors.
Although reptiles and amphibians do not have the same body odor as mammals, their feces and urate (dehydrated urine) can still stink. To help with this, cages and tanks should be kept clean, and water for amphibians needs to be changed out regularly.
A healthy fish tank should not produce any bad smells. If it does, this might be a sign that something is wrong. Possible causes of bad smells might be too many dead fish, dead plants, or uneaten food.
Ensure that there are no dead materials in the tank and that you are not overfishing. You should also keep your filters clean and ensure they are rated for your aquarium size. Even with a good filter, periodic water changes (15-20%) can help to keep an aquarium sparkling clean and healthy.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Air Purifier for Pets
Pet smells can be frustrating. They come from different sources and can be hard to remove. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are small molecules that make up these gaseous pollutants. If you have tried cleaning and the problem persists, an air purifier that eliminates VOCs may help eliminate the smell. Some air purifiers do a better job of this than others.
Ozone Generator
Ozone generators work to remove pollutants from the air. Ozone is a pollutant, and it can aggravate respiratory problems. The EPA recommends not using ozone generators because they are ineffective at removing many odor-causing chemicals.
If you’re used to trying to remove pet odors, no one should be in the room when it’s running, and you must ventilate the space afterward. Any solids that settle out of the air should be removed since they may be toxic, especially to dogs who walk through them.
Carbon Filter
A VOC-specific air purifier eliminates pet odors. Carbon or charcoal filters trap particles by collecting them. You must change carbon filters frequently, but this is costly and inconvenient, so it is not an ideal long-term option for everyone.
HEPA Filter
A HEPA filter removes particles from the air, but the molecules in pet odors are too small to be removed. They go through HEPA filters without being trapped, so a HEPA filter will not help with pet smells.
The most important part of removing dog smells is the pre-filter. This part has an active carbon layer that captures odors and other pollutants in the air. It might also capture airborne dog hair.
True High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can remove allergens and small pieces of matter from the air. A good quality air purifier can also remove 99.97% of dog dander from the air.
HEPA filters are very efficient at capturing smaller particles, they will remove particles larger than 0.3 microns with a network of very fine fiberglass threads. Animal dander is extremely light-weight and tiny in size 75% of animal dander is 5-10 microns and can be removed by most air filters. The remaining 25% of dander is 2.5 microns and needs an electrostatic or HEPA air filter to be removed.
Dr. Paola Cuevas Moreno, Veterinarian(MVZ) and Animal Behaviorist at Hepper.com
HEPA filters come in grades. The higher the filter grade, the more it will filter. For example, an H13 will filter more than an H11. Most of the best air purifiers for pets will utilize an H13 or H14 filter as part of a multi-filtration process.
Always prefer the HEPA-type air purifier. Filters are the beauty of an air purifier; otherwise, an air purifier is not worth a single penny. The two filters, i.e., Carbon Filters and HEPA filters, effectively clean your home’s air. The HEPA filter removes particle sizes smaller than 0.3 μm with 99.7% accuracy. But HEPA-type air purifiers are far better than HEPA filters as they can filter pet dander as it traps particle size 0.2 μm or larger.
Dr. Amanda Takiguchi, a veterinarian and founder of Trending Breeds
Medical-Grade Air Purifiers
According to Dr. Alex Schechter, DVM, “Medical-grade air purifiers use a combination of filtration methods to remove allergens from the air you breathe. Medical-grade air purifiers typically have a higher capacity for removing particles from the air than nonmedical air filters.”
Medical-grade machines have a higher filtration level of 0.3 microns rather than 0.2 microns for nonmedical filters. This implies that medical-grade filters will filter out more particles than nonmedical ones because they have greater filtration levels. Pollutants like dust mites and pet dander are filtered out by these higher filtering capabilities, which help to reduce allergy symptoms.
According to Dr. Paola Cuevas Moreno, you should “stick to HEPA or medical grade air purifiers that remove dandler and other small particles from the air. Stay away from ionizers that do not remove particles from the environment.”
In addition, she offers these tips for pet-lovers suffering from pet allergies:
- Ensure you understand the particle size filtration level before purchasing an air purifier.
- Please read the instructions before using them, and understand that some air purifiers require regular maintenance and cleaning to keep working at maximum capacity.
- Knowing the machine’s capacity and area limits, you might need to consider buying more than one air purifier for your home.
Most air purifiers for pets use a 4-stage filter system, with the first stage serving to remove large particles from the air, like pet hair.
A HEPA filter traps roughly 99.97% smaller particles between 0.3 and 0.1 microns. These also eliminate microscopic airborne particles like dust mites, microbes, dog dander, etc.
A carbon filter follows this. Active carbon filters are great for trapping and eliminating any bad smells produced by pets or chemicals. A carbon filter is crucial because it removes organic and other chemical odors that linger in the air.
Some air purifiers also use a negative ion generator which fortifies the air you breathe and freshen your indoor environment.
How to Select the Best Air Purifier for Pets
If you have severe pet allergies or have a problem with pet odors in your house, an air purifier made specifically for these issues can help you feel better, improve your pet’s health, and freshen the air in your home.
How Large is the Space You Need to Cover?
Choose an air purifier that is appropriate for the square footage of your room. Some pet air purifiers can cover a large open area like a den, living room, primary bedroom, basement, or kitchen. These tend to be louder but cover a larger space.
You may need small air purifiers for bedrooms or designated areas such as where your cat’s litter box or your dog routinely sleeps.
Depending on your house layout, you may need multiple air purifiers if your pets have access to your entire house.
How Loud is the Air Purifier?
The decibel levels of each air purifier will be listed (dB). A lower decibel number will reflect the faintness of the device. Most pet air purifiers will have multiple speed settings. The higher the fan speed, the louder the air purifier will be.
Ideally, you would want an air purifier around 50dB or less on the high-speed setting and around 30dB or less when sleeping.
Your Budget for the Best Air Purifier for Pets
Choose a pet air purifier that removes pet dander and odors from the air that is size appropriate for your room. Pet air purifiers can cost from $100 to $1000, depending on the filtration and coverage area.
While you want the best value for your money, buying the cheapest air purifier will often not yield the desired results. You also don’t want to buy the most expensive model if you don’t need it.
Take inventory of what features are important to you and be realistic about the space in your home your pet occupies, and purchase a pet air purifier that meets these needs at a price you can afford.
Best Air Purifier for Pets FAQs
Here are some of our most frequently asked questions about the best air purifiers for pets.
Are Air Purifiers Worth it if You Have Pets?
A high-quality air purifier with a HEPA Filter and Carbon Filter can help manage pet dander and odors in healthy pets. However, even the best air purifier for pets won’t be 100% effective if your pet is sick or has a skin disorder. If your pet needs treatment, you should take them to see a veterinarian.
Do Air Purifiers Get Rid of Pet Odors?
When you need the best air purifier for pets, choose one with an activated charcoal or carbon filter to absorb pet odors and a true HEPA filter to capture and remove airborne particles like pet dander. An H13 or H14 HEPA filter system, as part of a multi-stage filtration and deodorization system, is best for eliminating pet odors and reducing allergy symptoms.
Do Air Purifiers Get Rid of Pet Dander?
You will need an air purifier with a True HEPA to effectively capture and remove airborne pet dander and hair, a common cause of pet allergies. The best air purifier for pets will have a medical-grade filter system that effectively controls pet odors and allergies.
Where is the Best Place to Put an Air Purifier?
The best place to put an air purifier is in a central area of the room, with enough clearance to not obstruct the air intake. You’ll want to determine the room size and air purifier coverage area and, if possible, place the unit near the center of the room.
Will an Air Purifier Help with Dog Odor?
An air purifier with an activated carbon filter can remove a lot of dog smells and other types of odors from your home. HEPA filters cannot remove these smells without this activated charcoal filter. Multiple studies have proven that activated charcoal is good at removing odors.
What do Activated Carbon Filters Do to Pet Odors?
Filters made of activated carbon or charcoal can reduce odors by attaching to the molecules that cause bad smells. The more porous the carbon is, the more surface area it has, giving more places for the molecules to attach. When air goes through it, it will help remove the bad smells.
