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Best For Large Homes
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Best For Pet Allergies
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Best For Bedrooms
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Best Budget Option
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4.6
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4.5
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4.7
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4.7
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$369.95
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If you’re a pet owner, you need the best air purifier for pets to help manage allergies and reduce asthma attacks. Dealing with pet allergies can be particularly challenging. When you add fur and dirt to how pets go about their day, you need to purify the air in your home.
According to experts, such devices come with high-tech sensors that deal with these contaminants. When you purify the air in your house, you remove 99.97% of harmful compounds and particulate matter in the air you breathe.
Pet air purifier shopping requires research. We’ll share all the information you need to pick the right pet air purifier. We’ll suggest a few of our favorite models, even providing a list of their features and what sets them apart.
Learn more about how we test and rate the best air purifiers for pets. Our experts use a series of tests to check efficiency and particle detection. They then provide useful observations and links to further details.
Best Air Purifier for Pets: Our Reviews
The best air purifier for pet allergies can filter at least 99.5% of airborne particles, including pet odors and allergens like pet hair and dander. The best HEPA air purifiers also remove airborne viruses, bacteria, allergens, smoke, mold, dust, and household odors, making you and your furry friends happy.
The Alen BreatheSmart 75i is the best air purifier for large rooms with pets. An air purifier for pet odor must be powerful enough to handle dust, pollen, pet dander, and any other unexpected contaminants pets might bring in.
Here are some of the specifications.
Specifications:
- Coverage Area: Up to 1,300 sq ft.
- Filtration: True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns.
- Noise Level: Whisper-quiet operation – 25 dB.
- Weight: 27 pounds.
- Features: Auto mode, air quality sensor, and filter life indicator.
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty through Forever Guarantee (requires active filter subscription through Alen).
- Design: Modern and sleek design with customizable panels.
Unique Insights:
- The Alen BreatheSmart 75i cleans the air in big areas, like open-concept homes, basements, and large bedrooms.
- The air purifier adjusts its fan speed in real time using a sensor. This ensures optimal air purification based on the current air quality.
- Users can customize the panels to match their home decor and add a personal touch.
- I found a significant decrease in pet odor in my own home.
User Experience:
- The Alen BreatheSmart 75i has received praise for improving indoor air quality. They noticed a significant reduction in pet allergens, dust, and odors from routine use.
- Many people love the quiet operation of using the purifier all day and night without much noise.
- Users can have peace of mind with the lifetime warranty, knowing the company supports its product.
Specific Situations:
- People with allergies have found relief using the Alen BreatheSmart 75i, especially when pollen is high.
- Pet owners have noticed less pet dander and smells, which makes their homes more enjoyable.
- People in areas with bad outdoor air have benefited from the purifier filtering and improving indoor air.
Additional Observations:
- The filter life indicator helps you know when to replace the filter for the best performance.
- Many users find the setup easy and the controls user-friendly, so even non-tech-savvy people can use it.
Our Verdict:
The Alen BreatheSmart 75i Air Purifier is an excellent investment if you want to improve the air quality in your home, as confirmed by various experts. It has advanced features and effectively purifies the air.
We consider this the best air purifier for pet odors if you live in a large open home or finished basement.
The Alen BreatheSmart 75i can handle allergies, pet odors, and air pollutants. The air purifier has a lifetime warranty and positive reviews, making it a trusted choice. This is the best air purifier for pet dander, orders, hair, and more.
Read our full Alen Breathesmart 75i Review
Read more about the best air purifiers for large rooms.
Specifications
- Brand: Medify Air
- Product Dimensions: 9.8″D x 9.8″W x 9.8″H
- Floor Area Coverage: 1100 Square Feet
- Certifications: Energy Star, AHAM, ETL, CARB
- Noise Level: 56 dB
- Control Type: Button Control
- Wattage: 70 watts
- Weight: 14.52 pounds
- Maintenance: Replace filter every 4-6 months
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty on parts and services with genuine Medify Air filter replacements
User Experience
As an Indoor Air Quality Consultant, I’ve extensively tested the Medify MA-50 air purifier in various homes, particularly those with pets. This purifier stands out for its exceptional ability to enhance air quality, which is crucial for pet owners.
It efficiently removes common pet-related pollutants like dander, odors, and hair, thanks to its advanced 4-stage filtration system. This system includes a true HEPA filter, a pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, and UV light, capturing 99.99% of particles as small as 0.1 microns.
Specific Situations
For pet owners, the MA-50 is a game-changer. It can clean large rooms up to 1,100 square feet in 30 minutes, making it perfect for open-plan homes with pets.
The Clean Air Delivery Rate of 500 cubic meters per hour, combined with a powerful fan and 360-degree air intake, ensures efficient circulation and filtration. This is particularly beneficial in reducing airborne pet allergens and improving conditions for those with allergies or asthma exacerbated by pets.
Additional Observations
The user-friendly touch panel offers four fan speeds, a sleep mode for quieter operation, and a timer function, allowing pet owners to customize settings according to their needs.
The sturdy replacement filter requires minimal maintenance and replacement only every 4 months, which is practical for busy pet owners. Its medical-grade housing allows the unit to operate continuously with minimal noise, ensuring pets are not disturbed.
Using a Medify replacement filter every 4 months validates the lifetime warranty.
Our Verdict
The Medify MA-50 air purifier is an excellent choice for pet owners. Its powerful HEPA filtration system, large area coverage, user-friendly features, and energy-efficient operation make it a standout product.
It significantly improves air quality and helps reduce pet-related allergies and odors, contributing to a healthier and more comfortable living environment for pets and their owners.
Read our full Medify MA-50 Review: Our In-Depth Analysis
The IQAir HealthPro Plus is considered the best air purifier for pet allergies. While we believe the Alen is higher-rated, this is still an excellent air purifier for pet owners.
Specifications:
- Coverage Area: Up to 1,125 sq. ft.
- Filter Type: Medical Grade HyperHEPA filter
- Noise Level: 25 – 69 dB(A)
- Weight: 35 lbs
- Dimensions: 28 x 15 x 16 inches
- Power Consumption: 27 – 215 W
- Warranty: 10 years (if registered within 30 days of purchase)
Unique Insights:
The IQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier is special because it has a medical-grade HyperHEPA filter. This pet allergy filter can catch tiny particles 0.003 microns in size. This is 100 times smaller than what is achieved by ordinary HEPA filters.
The appliance has a modular tower design. This makes it easy to replace and maintain filters. As a true medical-grade air purifier, it can handle any pet allergy to dogs, cats, birds, and plenty more.
User Experience:
Based on the five-star reviews, users have expressed immense satisfaction with the product. It has been praised for improving indoor air quality. It benefits people with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions.
It cleans up to 1100 SF of air in about 30 minutes. The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is 500 cubic meters per hour.
Users appreciate the purifier’s quiet operation. It is hardly noticeable in higher settings.
Specific Situations:
- Allergy Relief: Users report this air purifier provides significant relief from allergies. Pollen, dust, and pet dander are effectively removed, improving respiratory health.
- Smoke Elimination: The purifier removes smoke and odors, so it works well in homes with smokers or areas with wildfires.
- Sleep Improvement: Many users have found quiet operation and cleaner air to help them sleep better.
Additional Observations:
- The product’s build quality is top-notch, with users noting its durability and long-lasting performance.
- Many users talk about the ease of setting up and using the device, with intuitive controls and clear instructions.
- The 10-year warranty offers peace of mind, which is helpful for a long-term investment in clean air.
Our Verdict:
The IQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier stands out from others with its medical-grade H13 HEPA filter. It purifies air at the highest level.
People’s experiences prove it works in different situations, like helping with allergies and getting rid of smoke.
Although it is more expensive, the high quality, performance, and long-term warranty make it worth buying for people who want the best indoor air quality.
Are you looking for an effective air purifier for pet hair? Then check out the Nuwave OxyPure. This vacuum-like unit has an advanced display at the front, allowing for easy operation. Here are some of the specifications.
Specifications:
- Coverage Area: 1,200 square feet
- Filter Type: HEPA, Carbon, Bio-Guard
- Weight: 27.2 pounds
- Noise Level: 32 dB to 64 dB
- Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 26 inches
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Wattage: 55 watts
- Air Quality Monitor: Yes, with real-time air quality display
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Yes, with a dedicated app for control and monitoring
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Unique Insights:
The Nuwave OxyPure is unique because of its advanced 5-filter system. It can eliminate 99.99% of bacteria and 99.96% of airborne viruses. Its Bio-Guard filter can sanitize the air every hour for 24 hours, ensuring a continuous flow of clean air. The efficient function of units like this may require periodic replacement filters.
The Nuwave also boasts accurate time air quality monitoring that adjusts fan speed according to the current air quality, ensuring optimal performance.
User Experience:
- Efficiency: Many users have noticed a significant improvement in air quality within a short period of using the OxyPure.
- Quiet Operation: Despite its powerful performance, the OxyPure operates quietly, especially in lower settings.
- Ease of Use: The dedicated app and clear display make monitoring and controlling the purifier easy for users.
- Allergy Relief: Users with allergies have reported relief from symptoms, attributing it to OxyPure’s performance.
Specific Situations:
The OxyPure has proven beneficial in various situations, especially since the pet allergy filter can remove a substantial amount of contaminants from the air.
- Pet Owners: The air purifier effectively removes pet dander and odors, making it a favorite among pet owners.
- Smoke: Users living in areas affected by wildfires or those who smoke have found OxyPure effective in removing smoke particles and odors.
- Urban Areas: Those living in cities have appreciated the purifier’s ability to combat pollution and improve indoor air quality.
Additional Observations:
- Filter Replacement: Some users have mentioned the ease of replacing filters, ensuring the purifier’s longevity.
- Aesthetics: The sleek and modern design of the OxyPure makes it a stylish addition to any room.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: The ability to control the purifier remotely via an app adds convenience.
Our Verdict:
The Nuwave OxyPure is a high-quality air purifier that uses advanced technology and is easy to use.
The 5-filter system ensures the air is clean and sanitized, which is valuable for homes. This is especially important for houses in polluted areas or people with allergies.
The positive feedback from users underscores its efficiency and reliability. Although expensive, the benefits make it a worthwhile investment for those who value air quality. If you want a smart air purifier that works well, we suggest the Nuwave OxyPure.
Specifications:
- Purification System: 5-in-1 air purification system
- Filters: True HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, cold catalyst filter, cellular-activated carbon filter, and an antibacterial filter.
- Coverage Area: Suitable for rooms up to 1500 sq. ft.
- Air Quality Sensor: Built-in smart air quality sensor detects and displays air quality in real-time.
- Auto Mode: Adjusts fan speed based on current air quality.
- Remote Control: Comes with a remote for convenient control.
- Whisper-Quiet Operation: Operates silently, ensuring no disturbances.
- Ozone Safe: Certified by CARB (California Air Resources Board) as ozone-safe.
Unique Insights:
The Hathaspace air purifier is unique because it has a 5-in-1 purification system that cleans the air thoroughly. The air quality sensor shows the current air quality, so users know instantly.
User Experience:
- Users have praised the product’s efficiency in removing pet odors and allergens.
- We notice a significant improvement in air quality, leading to better sleep and reduced allergy symptoms.
- The quiet operation is a recurring highlight, with users appreciating the lack of noise, especially at night.
Specific Situations:
- Pet Owners: The purifier has proven effective in homes with pets, eliminating pet dander and odors.
- Allergy Sufferers: Users with allergies have reported a noticeable reduction in symptoms after using the product.
- Urban Areas: Ideal for those living in cities or areas with polluted air, as it efficiently removes pollutants and improves indoor air quality.
Additional Observations:
- The sleek and modern design blends seamlessly with various home decor.
- The remote control helps to control the device from your easy chair.
- The auto mode is particularly useful, adjusting the fan speed based on the detected air quality, ensuring optimal performance without manual intervention.
Our Verdict:
The Hathaspace Smart True HEPA Air Purifier 5-in-1 filtration system and a real-time monitoring sensor detect air quality and adjust automatically.
People’s experiences show how effective it is in different situations, like homes with pets or allergies. The quiet operation, sleek design, and remote control make it easy to use and nice to look at.
Specifications:
- Brand: PuroAir
- Model: HEPA 14
- Filter Type: HEPA
- Coverage Area: Suitable for medium to large rooms
- Special Features: Quiet operation, multiple fan speeds, and a sleep mode
- Design: Sleek and modern, with a compact footprint
Unique Insights:
The PuroAir HEPA 14 Air Purifier is special because it has a good pet allergy filter. This filter can catch small particles, so the air in the room is cleaner and fresher.
Its quiet operation is a significant advantage for users sensitive to noise. Users can customize their experience with multiple fan speeds and a sleep mode.
User Experience:
Based on the five-star reviews, users have had a positive experience with the PuroAir HEPA 14 Air Purifier. Some of the highlights from the reviews include:
- Performance: Users have noticed a significant improvement in air quality after using the purifier. Many have mentioned reduced allergy symptoms and a fresher feeling in the room.
- Noise Level: The purifier operates quietly, making it suitable for bedrooms and living areas. The sleep mode is appreciated by users who want minimal disturbance during the night.
- Ease of Use: The purifier is user-friendly, with intuitive controls and easy-to-change filters.
Specific Situations:
- Allergy Relief: Users have found relief after using the PuroAir purifier. The advanced HEPA filter captures pet allergens, reducing symptoms.
- Pet Owners: Pet owners have noticed reduced pet odors and dander in the room after using the purifier.
- Smoke: The purifier removes smoke odors, making it suitable for homes with smokers or those affected by external smoke sources.
Additional Observations:
- Filter Replacement: While the purifier cleans the air, users should be mindful of replacing the filters to maintain optimal performance.
- Placement: For best results, the purifier should be placed in a central location in the room, away from obstructions.
Our Verdict:
The PuroAir HEPA 14 Air Purifier for Home is dependable and effective, delivering on its promises. The air purifier has a multi-stage filtration system fortified with a toxin absorber, which enhances its germ-defense capabilities. Its floor-standing, lab-tested design is easy to use. You need to unpack, plug it in, and turn it on, making it a popular choice for efficient home air cleaning.
Whether you’re dealing with allergies, pet odors, or smoke, the PuroAir purifier is armed with advanced purifying efficiency, is up to the task. Its quiet operation and sleek, pet-friendly design add bonuses to make it a valuable addition to any home.
Specifications:
- Model: SPA-550A and SPA-625A
- Coverage Area: Up to 625 sq. ft. for the SPA-625A model
- Filtration System: 4-stage purification and deodorization
- Noise Level: Ultra quiet operation, as low as 22.8 to 48.6 decibels
- Energy Consumption: 5 to 29 watts
- Warranty: 5-year warranty on parts and labor
- Other Features: Childproof feature, filter replacement indicator, 5 fan speeds, and remote control
Unique Insights:
The Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0 offers a 4 stages filtration system that ensures the air in your space is free from pet allergens, particles, odors, and VOCs–a true toxin absorber.
Including a negative ion generator, which can be turned on or off based on preference, offers an added layer of air purification. It has a sleek and modern appearance that can complement any room decor.
User Experience:
Many users have given the product a five-star rating, highlighting its efficiency in improving air quality. Users have reported significant reductions in allergy symptoms and better sleep quality since using the Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0.
The ultra-quiet operation is a standout feature, with some users even forgetting the device is on due to its silent operation. The childproof feature and remote control add convenience, making it easy to use for families.
Specific Situations:
The Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0 is beneficial for:
- Allergy Sufferers: Users with allergies have noticed a considerable reduction in symptoms.
- Pet Owners: It reduces pet dander and odors, making the environment more comfortable for pets and their owners.
- Urban Dwellers: Those living in cities can benefit from its ability to filter out pollutants and improve indoor air quality.
- Families with Children: The childproof feature ensures safety for curious little ones.
Additional Observations:
The filter replacement indicator is a handy feature, removing the guesswork from maintenance. Users appreciate not having to remember when to change the filters.
The 5-year warranty also instills confidence in the product’s durability and the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
Our Verdict:
The Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier’s advanced filtration system’s easy to use features and sleek design make it a worthy investment for anyone looking to improve indoor air quality.
Whether you’re an allergy sufferer, a pet owner, or someone who values clean air, the Rabbit is a game-changer.
Specifications:
- Brand: Coway
- Model: Airmega AP-1512HH(W)
- Type: True HEPA Purifier
- Features: Air Quality Monitoring, Eco Mode, Timer, Filter Replacement Indicator, and more.
- Coverage Area: Suitable for rooms up to 361 sq. ft.
- Filter System: 4-stage HEPA filtration system including a washable pre-filter, activated carbon filter, and a True HEPA filter.
- Air Quality Indicator: Provides real-time feedback on indoor air quality using a brightly colored LED ring.
- Eco Mode: Automatically shuts off the fan when no pollution is detected for 30 minutes.
- Timer: Allows users to set the purifier to run for 1, 4, or 8 hours.
- Filter Replacement Indicator: Alerts users when it’s time to replace the filter.
Unique Insights:
The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W) stands out for its 4-stage HEPA filtration system, ensuring thorough air purification. Including an air quality monitoring system provides users with real-time feedback, allowing them to adjust settings accordingly.
The Eco Mode is an energy-saving feature that ensures the purifier is not running unnecessarily, thereby conserving energy.
User Experience: Based on five-star reviews from users:
- Many users have praised the purifier’s effectiveness in improving indoor air quality.
- The device is described as quiet and efficient.
- Users have noticed a significant reduction in allergy symptoms after using the purifier.
- The air quality indicator is appreciated for its accuracy and real-time feedback.
- The design is sleek and fits well in most room settings.
Specific Situations:
- Allergy Relief: Users with allergies have reported a noticeable difference in air quality and reduced symptoms.
- Pet Owners: The purifier reduces pet dander and odors, making it suitable for households with pets.
- Smoke: Effective in rooms with smoke or other strong odors.
Additional Observations:
- The purifier’s design is functional and aesthetically pleasing, making it a great addition to any room.
- The filter replacement indicator ensures users are always aware when it’s time for a change, ensuring optimal performance.
Our Verdict:
The Coway Airmega air purifier offers a combination of efficiency, design, and user-friendly features.
With its advanced 4-stage filtration system, this air purifier guarantees comprehensive purification, catering to allergy sufferers, pet owners, and those seeking to enhance indoor air quality.
The air purifier’s standout feature is its real-time air quality feedback, empowering users to make informed decisions about their indoor environment.
With an optimal blend of reliability and effectiveness, it is recommended for those seeking a dependable air purifier solution. Equipped with a sleek LED display and an ionizer, this device is worth its price tag for its added benefits.
Specifications:
- Filtration System: 3-stage filtration system with Pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and High-Efficiency Activated Carbon filter.
- Coverage Area: Suitable for rooms up to 1092 sq. ft.
- Noise Level: Ultra-quiet operation with noise levels as low as 24 dB.
- Features: 3 fan speeds and filter replacement indicator.
Unique Insights:
The LEVOIT Pet Air Purifier is designed to tackle pet-related allergens and odors. Its 3-stage HEPA filtration system removes common allergens such as pet dander, pollen, dust, and mold spores.
The activated carbon filter also helps neutralize pet odors, making it an ideal choice for pet owners.
User Experience:
Many users have praised the product’s efficiency in removing pet odors and allergens. They have noticed a significant improvement in air quality, reducing allergy symptoms.
The ultra-quiet operation is also a highlight, allowing users to run the purifier at night without any disturbances.
Specific Situations:
Several users with multiple pets have found the LEVOIT Pet Air Purifier a game-changer. It has proven effective in homes with multiple cats and dogs, ensuring the indoor air remains fresh and free from pet-related allergens.
Users with asthma or severe allergies have also benefited from this product.
Additional Observations:
The filter replacement indicator is also handy, ensuring users replace the filter on time to maintain optimal performance.
Our Verdict:
The LEVOIT Pet Air Purifier is a must-have for pet owners. The air purifier’s effective filter and easy-to-use features make it a popular option for bettering indoor air.
This air purifier will improve your home’s air if you have many pets or allergies.
What Causes Pet Dander, Odors, and Allergies
Your pet’s strong smell can have various causes, but finding the source will help you manage the odor better. Pet odors and dander can cause allergies, but they are different.
Dr. Alice T Williams, MD, explains pet allergies happen because of proteins in their saliva, urine, or dead skin cells. Allergies occur when your immune system reacts too much to something you’re allergic to, like pet dander.”
She states, “Air purifiers work by trapping allergens in the filter so 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 manufacturers design purifiers to remove pet dander and other allergens from the air.”
Some animals release smelly oil or urine to mark their territory and communicate with others. With expert training and grooming, you can solve these problems. If your pet has skin infections, incontinence, bad breath, or other odors, it’s time to see the vet.
Air purifiers are able to remove almost 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 remove the vast majority of pet dander polluting your house’s air.
Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM, We Love Doodles
Manage Where Your Pet Goes
According to Dr. Alice T. Williams, MD, we get particles from the air, bedding, rugs, drapes, tabletops, and countertops. So, removing the particles from these areas must be part of the overall plan.
Frequent vacuuming is a good idea if you have carpet, or removing the carpet would be even better. Keep surfaces such as tabletops and countertops clean.
Keep pets off your bed, perhaps out of your bedroom, and wash your bedding 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. 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 you can clean them properly.
Excess food and other debris can build up if you do not clean your pet’s cage or tank, causing pet odors. You can prevent this by cleaning regularly. Feeding your pet a healthy diet is essential so they do not get sick and their waste does not smell bad.
Dogs Odors
Dogs may start to smell bad if they have not bathed for a while or spend too much time outside. They should have a clean coat of fur rather than a dirty one. You don’t want to bathe them too often because it will strip the natural oils from their skin and hair. We recommend cleaning 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. 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. 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. They might release pheromones or other chemical secretions to communicate with other canines.
They also have glands in their ears that give off a faint fragrance. Their paws and noses may produce a strong odor when moistened.
It could signify infection when you smell something foul from your pet’s ears. You may 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. The smell occurs as chemicals are released from the wet dog hair. It’s not always easy to eliminate, 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, creating 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. It would be best if you also kept the bedding clean. It is 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 because its urine and feces 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.
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 and can be 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. They may produce too much oil or secretions because of their natural scent. If you detect a powerful aroma, 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 something is wrong. Possible causes of bad smells might be too many dead fish, dead plants, or uneaten food.
Ensure there are no dead materials in the tank and 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 You Should Consider When Buying a Pet Air Purifier
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 eliminates VOCs, which may help eliminate the smell. Some air purifiers do a better job of this than others.
When shopping for an air purifier for pet hair, dander, and odors, consider air purifiers with these features.
Ozone Generator
Ozone generators aim to eliminate air pollutants. Ozone itself is a pollutant that can worsen respiratory issues. The EPA advises against using ozone generators due to their inefficiency in removing various odor-causing chemicals.
It is important to ensure that no one is present in the room when the pet odor removal process is in progress and to ventilate the space afterward. Additionally, any solids that settle out of the air should be eliminated as they could potentially be harmful to dogs if they come into contact with them.
Air purifiers with built-in ionizers produce negative ions that do not produce ozone. Negative ions are beneficial for air purification as they attach to airborne particles, causing them to become heavy and fall to the ground. This helps to reduce allergens and improve air quality.
Unlike ozone generators, air purifiers with built-in ionizers can effectively remove odor-causing chemicals without the risk of producing harmful ozone. It is recommended to use air purifiers with ionizers in well-ventilated areas and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal usage.
UV-C Light
UV-C light is another feature in an air purifier for pet hair, dander, and odors. It utilizes ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may be present in the air. This helps further to improve the overall air quality in your home and reduce the risk of infections or allergies caused by pathogens.
Pre-Filter
The pre-filter is essential in air purifiers for pet hair, dander, and odors. It traps larger particles, such as pet hair and fur, preventing them from clogging the main filter. By capturing these larger particles, the pre-filter helps prolong the lifespan of the air purifier and ensures optimal performance.
Activated Carbon Filter
Another crucial feature to look for is an activated carbon filter. This filter is highly effective in removing pet odors and other unpleasant smells. The porous structure of activated carbon captures and absorbs odor-causing molecules, leaving the air fresh and clean. It is particularly useful for eliminating pet-related odors, such as urine or litter box smells.
Carbon or charcoal filters trap particles by collecting them. Changing carbon filters frequently is costly and inconvenient, so it is not an ideal long-term option for everyone.
Air Quality Sensors
Consider air purifiers that come with built-in air quality sensors. These sensors detect pollutants in the air and adjust the purifier’s settings accordingly. This feature ensures that the air purifier operates optimally, automatically increasing the fan speed or activating specific modes when the air quality deteriorates.
It provides real-time monitoring of the air quality in your home and helps maintain a clean and healthy environment for you and your pets.
True HEPA Filter Air Filters
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 air pollutants. It also captures airborne dog hair. Shoppers looking for an air purifier for dog hair should consider investing in the Alen BreatheSmart 75i.
True High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can remove pet allergens and small particulate 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 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, 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 HEPA Filtration is Best for Cleaning the Air
Dr. Alex Schechter, DVM says, “Medical-grade air purifiers use a combination of filtration methods to remove pet allergens from the air you breathe. Medical-grade air purifiers 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. 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.
Dr. Paola Cuevas Moreno says, “Stick to HEPA or medical grade air purifiers to remove dander and other small particles from the air. Avoid ionizers as they do not remove particles from the environment.”
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 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 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 unpleasant odors from pets. 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 freshens your indoor environment.
How to Select Air Purifiers for Dogs and Cats
If you are allergic to pets or have a problem with pet odors in your house, an air purifier made for these issues can help. It will make you feel better, improve your pet’s health, and freshen the air in your home.
Area Size You Need to Cover?
Choose an air purifier appropriate for your room’s square footage. 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 dog often sleeps.
Depending on your house layout, you may need multiple air purifiers if your pets can access your entire house.
Noise Level
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.
You would want an air purifier around 50dB or less on the high-speed setting and around 30dB or less when sleeping.
Your Budget
Choose a pet air purifier that removes pet dander and odors from the air and is size-appropriate for your room. Pet air purifiers can cost from $100 to $1000, depending on the HEPA filtration and coverage area.
While you want the best value, 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.
Consider what features you need, be realistic about space, and buy an affordable pet air purifier.
How We Test the Best Air Purifiers for Pets
To determine the best air purifiers for pets, we employ a comprehensive testing methodology based on the following criteria:
- Filtration Assessment: We evaluate the filtration system, focusing on the presence and effectiveness of a HEPA filter. A rating of 5/5 indicates a top-tier HEPA filter combined with additional filters like activated carbon for odor removal.
- Coverage Area Analysis: We measure the purifier’s coverage area against advertised specifications. A product that meets or exceeds its advertised coverage area receives a 5/5.
- Air Change Rate Evaluation: We monitor how often the purifier cleans the room’s air volume per hour. A rate of five or more changes per hour earns a 5/5.
- Noise Level Test: The purifier is tested in a quiet environment, and its noise level is measured. A noise level below 50 dB earns a 5/5.
- Usability Check: We assess the ease of operation and maintenance. Features like filter replacement indicators and adjustable fan speeds can earn a product a 5/5.
- Brand and Review Scrutiny: We research brand reputation and customer reviews. Brands with a long-standing positive reputation and high customer satisfaction receive a 5/5.
- Cost and Warranty Analysis: We compare the product’s price and warranty against competitors. Competitive pricing combined with a long warranty period earns a 5/5.
- Feature Examination: We evaluate additional features like UV-C light or ionizers. Features enhance air cleaning without producing harmful byproducts like ozone, receiving a 5/5.
- Energy Efficiency Test: We measure the product’s power consumption. ENERGY STAR-certified products or have comparable energy efficiency receive a 5/5.
- Certification Review: We verify any certifications from organizations like AHAM or CARB. Products with multiple reputable certifications earn a 5/5.
After testing based on the above criteria, products are ranked, and those with the highest cumulative scores are deemed the best air purifiers for pets.
| Criteria \ Product Name | Alen BreatheSmart 75i | IQAir HealthPro Plus | NUWAVE OxyPure Pro | HATHASPACE Smart | PuroAir HEPA 14 | Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0 | Coway Airmega | Medify MA-50 Air Purifier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filtration Assessment | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Coverage Area Analysis | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Air Change Rate Eval. | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Noise Level Test | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Usability Check | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Brand & Review Scrutiny | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cost & Warranty Analysis | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Feature Examination | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Energy Efficiency Test | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Certification Review | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Average Score | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.6 |
FAQs
Here are some of our most frequently asked questions about the best pet air purifiers.
Are air cleaners 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. 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.
Does air filtration remove pet allergens?
Pick one with a charcoal or carbon filter for the best pet air purifier. It absorbs pet odors, and a HEPA filter removes pet dander. Using an H13 or H14 HEPA filter system is best to eliminate pet smells and lessen allergies. This system is part of a multi-stage filtration and deodorization process.
Can air purifiers get rid of cat hair?
Use an air purifier with True HEPA to effectively remove pet dander and cat hair, a common cause of pet allergies. The best air purifier for ct lovers has a HEPA filter that controls pet odors and allergies, like the Medify MA-50.
Where’s the best place to place an air pet purifier?
The best place to put an air purifier is in a central room area, 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.
What do activated carbon filters do to pet odors?
Filters made of activated carbon or charcoal can reduce odors by attaching to the molecules, causing 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.
What filter is best for pet hair?
When selecting a filter for pet hair, choose a HEPA air purifier with a pre-filter. The pre-filter captures airborne particles, like pet hair, from the air, which helps the HEPA filter last longer.
What’s the best air purifier for dog odor?
A HEPA air purifier with an active carbon filter is highly recommended for removing dog odor. The activated carbon filter absorbs smells to keep your house smelling fresh and clean.
