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Let’s be honest: we love dogs, but the fur? Not so much.
If you’re living with a shed-happy pup, chances are you’ve tried brushing routines, lint rollers, and pleading with the universe. But nothing has made a bigger difference in our homes than investing in a good robot vacuum.
We’ve tracked the latest robot vacuum models in Australia and updated our 2026 recommendations – including budget, mid-range, and high-end options that actually handle pet hair.
🏆 Quick Picks: Best Robot Vacuums for Dog Hair
🏆 Our Top Pick – High-End
Ecovacs Deebot T30S PRO
This is the one we’d recommend if you want to go all in. The T30S PRO robot vacuum handles vacuuming and mopping, switches seamlessly between floor types, and comes with one of the best cleaning docks available.
Why we love it:
- ✅ Can vacuum and mop. So it tackles various flooring types with ease, perfect for homes with heavy shedding pets.
- ✅ The station cleans the mopping pads with 70°C hot water.
- ✅ Advanced Features: For example, you can let it vacuum all rooms first, then only mop the rooms with hard floors.
- ✅ Smart Home Compatible: Seamlessly integrates with smart home systems for effortless control and scheduling.
From $2,035
BEST MID-RANGE
Ecovacs Deebot N20 PLUS
This one hits the sweet spot between performance and price. It doesn’t have the top-tier mop station, but it’ll easily keep up with everyday dog hair and dander.
Key features:
- ✅ Strong Suction Power: Ensures thorough cleaning across all floor types, perfect for pet owners.
- ✅ Efficient Navigation: Smartly navigates around your home, ensuring no spot is missed.
- ✅ Great Value: Offers a robust feature set at a more accessible price point without compromising on quality.
From $979
BEST BUDGET OPTION
Dreame D10s
If you’re after a simpler model that still does the job, the D10s offers decent suction and dual cleaning (vacuum + mop) without the bells and whistles.
Heads up: You’ll need to empty the bin and wash the mop pads yourself – there’s no self-cleaning here. But if you’re okay with that, it’s a very solid option.
Why it works:
- ✅ Reliable suction power for everyday pet messes
- ✅ Mops and vacuums in one go
- ✅ Great value if you’re happy to do a bit of the heavy lifting yourself
From $499
Types of Robot Vacuums
Not all robot vacuums are created equal, and understanding the different types will help you choose the right one for your home and dog. The main differences come down to what they can do (vacuum only vs. vacuum and mop) and how much hands-on maintenance they require. Here’s what you need to know about each type.
Understanding Your Options
Vacuum-Only Robots
Basic models that focus solely on suction. No mopping, no frills – just vacuuming.
Best for: Homes with mostly carpet, or dog owners who prefer to mop separately.
- Simplest design, fewer parts to maintain
- Usually more affordable
- Great for carpeted Australian homes
Vacuum + Mop Combo
Does both jobs in one pass. Vacuums first, then mops – perfect for homes with mixed flooring.
Best for: Homes with tile, hardwood, or vinyl floors alongside carpet.
- Two tasks in one run (saves time)
- Tackles both fur and paw prints
- Smart models lift mops when on carpet
Self-Emptying Base
The robot returns to its dock to empty its bin automatically. You only empty the dock every 4-8 weeks.
Best for: Dog owners with heavy shedders who don’t want to empty the bin daily.
- Truly hands-off for weeks at a time
- Essential for heavy shedding breeds
- Reduces exposure to dog hair/dust
Self-Cleaning Mop Station
Top-tier models wash their own mop pads with hot water, dry them, and refill their water tanks automatically.
Best for: Ultimate convenience. Set it and forget it for weeks.
- Cleans mop pads with 70°C hot water
- No manual mop pad washing needed
- Best hygiene for homes with pets
When You Need a Robovac for Pet Hair
A robot vacuum isn’t just a luxury. It’s a practical solution for common challenges Australian dog owners face. Whether you’re dealing with heavy shedding, muddy paws after beach walks, or simply don’t have time to vacuum daily, here are the situations where a robovac really earns its keep.
Common Situations for Australian Dog Owners
🐕 Heavy Shedding Breeds
Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, and Cattle Dogs shed year-round in Australia’s climate. A robot vacuum running daily keeps fur from taking over your floors and furniture.
🏠 Large Homes or Open Plans
Vacuuming a 200+ sqm house with a dog is exhausting. Robot vacuums handle large floor areas autonomously, giving you hours back every week.
⏰ Busy Schedules
Working full-time? Set your robot vacuum to run while you’re at work or overnight. Come home to clean floors without lifting a finger.
🤧 Allergies or Asthma
Dog dander aggravates allergies. Daily automated cleaning reduces airborne allergens significantly, especially if you pair it with a HEPA filter.
🦴 Messy Eaters
Food bowls = crumbs everywhere. Robot vacuums pick up kibble bits, dropped treats, and general mess around feeding areas without you needing to sweep daily.
🏖️ Australian Summer Muddy Paws
Beach trips, park visits, and outdoor adventures mean muddy paws tracking through the house. A vacuum-mop combo handles the aftermath beautifully.
How to Choose the Right Robot Vacuum
With dozens of robot vacuums on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by features and specs. But when you have a dog, there are a few key factors that matter more than all the bells and whistles. Here’s what to prioritise when shopping.
What to Consider for Dog Owners
1. Suction Power
Look for at least 2,000 Pa (Pascals) of suction for light shedders, 3,000+ Pa for heavy shedders.
Why it matters: Dog hair embeds in carpet. Weak suction just pushes it around instead of picking it up.
2. Brush Design
Choose models with:
- Rubber brushes (less tangling than bristle brushes)
- Dual-brush systems (better pickup on carpet)
- Tangle-free designs (saves you from cutting hair out weekly)
3. Floor Type Compatibility
Match the robot to your floors:
- Carpet-only homes: Vacuum-only models work great
- Hard floors only: Vacuum + mop combo is ideal
- Mixed flooring: Get a model with automatic mop-lifting
4. Smart Navigation
Avoid random-pattern robots. Look for:
- LiDAR or laser mapping (creates floor plan)
- Multi-floor mapping (if you have stairs/levels)
- No-go zones (keeps it out of dog bowls/beds)
5. Battery Life
Larger Australian homes need longer battery life.
- Small homes (< 100 sqm): 90-120 min battery fine
- Large homes (150+ sqm): Look for 180+ min runtime
- Auto-recharge and resume is essential for big spaces
6. Noise Level
Important if your dog is noise-sensitive.
- Under 65 dB = quiet (most dogs tolerate this)
- Over 70 dB = louder (may spook anxious dogs)
- Run it while you’re out if noise is an issue
How’s Ecovacs different from Roborock for pet hair?
We previously used a Roborock and loved it – but in 2025, Ecovacs has pulled ahead in terms of value (especially when buying during sales periods), features, and pet-hair performance.
The Deebot T30, in particular, impressed us with:
- Great brush design for dog hair (less tangling!)
- Excellent suction on carpet (actually gets the fur out)
- Smart mop lift feature that keeps your rugs dry
- The ability to vacuum carpeted rooms first, then mop hard floors – all in one schedule
- A user-friendly app that makes customisation a breeze
We also had a noticeably better experience with Ecovacs customer support and shipping timeframes compared to Roborock. Everything from setup to daily use just felt a bit smoother.
First Time Using a Robot Vac With a Dog?
If your dog has never met a robot vac before, a slow intro is key. When we first brought one home, our dog wasn’t a fan. With a little management and positive reinforcement, he got used to it. Now? It’s just background noise.
Common Questions About Robot Vacuums for Dog Hair
When you’re investing in a robot vacuum for your dog-friendly home, it’s natural to have questions. Here are the most common concerns Australian dog owners have—and the honest answers you need before buying.
Your Questions Answered
Do robot vacuums actually work on dog hair?
Yes! Modern robot vacuums (especially those designed for pet hair) handle dog fur remarkably well. Look for models with strong suction (3,000+ Pa), rubber brushes, and self-emptying bases for heavy shedders. They won’t replace a deep clean, but they keep daily shedding under control.
How often should I run a robot vacuum with a dog?
For heavy shedders (Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers), run it daily. For light shedders, 3-4 times a week is plenty. Most robot vacuums can be scheduled to run automatically while you’re at work or asleep.
Will it scare my dog?
Most dogs adjust within a few days to a week. Start by running it in a different room while your dog is distracted with treats. Gradually let them see it in action. With slow introductions and positive reinforcement, most dogs go from terrified to unbothered quickly.
How often do I need to empty the bin?
With a self-emptying base, every 4-8 weeks (depending on shedding level). Without self-emptying, you’ll empty it after every run or two with a heavy shedder. That’s why self-emptying bases are worth it for dog owners.
Can robot vacuums handle Australian hardwood floors?
Absolutely. Most modern robot vacuums work beautifully on timber, bamboo, and engineered hardwood. If you have rugs too, get a model with mop-lifting so it doesn’t wet your rugs while mopping hard floors.
Do I still need to vacuum manually?
You’ll still need to deep-clean occasionally (corners, under furniture, stairs if your robot doesn’t climb), but your weekly vacuuming workload drops dramatically. Think of the robot as daily maintenance and manual vacuuming as monthly deep cleaning.
What’s the difference between a $200 and a $2,000 robot vacuum?
Budget models have weaker suction, random navigation (inefficient), manual emptying, and no mopping. Premium models have stronger suction, smart mapping, self-emptying bases, self-cleaning mop stations, and can handle both carpet and hard floors seamlessly. For dog owners, the mid-range ($700-1,000) offers the best value.
Are they worth it for small apartments?
If you have a shedding dog in a small apartment, yes! You’ll vacuum less manually, keep allergens down, and it’s easier than dragging out a full-size vacuum daily. Even a budget model makes a difference in small spaces.
Pro Tips for Dog Owners
Getting a robot vacuum is one thing—getting the most out of it is another. These insider tips will help you maximize performance, extend your robot’s lifespan, and save money along the way.
💡 Expert Advice
- Brush your dog regularly: A robot vacuum isn’t a replacement for regular brushing. Brush your dog outside to remove loose fur before it hits your floors – this dramatically reduces how much the vacuum needs to pick up.
- Run it when you’re out: Schedule your robot vacuum to run while you’re at work or running errands. You’ll come home to clean floors, and your dog won’t be stressed by the noise.
- Empty the bin regularly (if no self-empty): Dog hair fills bins fast. Check after every run during heavy shedding seasons (spring/summer in Australia).
- Clean the brushes weekly: Hair wraps around brushes. Cut it away with scissors every week or two to maintain suction power. Rubber brushes tangle less than bristle brushes.
- Buy during sales: Ecovacs, Roborock, and Dreame all run major sales around Black Friday (November), Boxing Day (December), and Click Frenzy (May). You can save $200-800+ on premium models.
- Consider warranty and support: Robot vacuums are an investment. Check warranty length (12-24 months is standard) and whether the brand has local Australian support before buying.
- Pair with air purifier: If you have allergies, combining a robot vacuum with a HEPA air purifier creates a powerful one-two punch against dog dander.
Final Thoughts
We can’t overstate how much a robot vacuum helps manage daily dog hair. It’s not a replacement for a solid brushing routine, but it is the best way to stay on top of shedding between brush sessions. Whether you go high-end or stick to a budget, even the most basic model will lighten your cleaning load and keep your home fresher.
Just don’t forget to empty the bin every once in a while. These little guys work hard — and with a dog in the house, they get full fast.
