This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
Hey, we all love a four-legged friend, but even the most ardent pet-lover can suffer from allergy-inducing pet dander — not to mention the unmistakable whiff of doggy odour. If that sounds (and smells) familiar, it’s time to get a pet-friendly air purifier.
An air purifier acts as a filter for your home. It removes irritants from the air, including germs and pollutants, which is great for preventing the spread of unwanted nasties and improving the general quality of your indoor living conditions.
But where to start? To the layman, one air purifier looks very much like the next, so which one is best for your home? Particularly a home with pets? That’s where we can help. Here’s some useful information and a selection of the best models.
How do air purifiers work?
Air purifiers[1] are designed to remove particles from the air — anything from bacteria and viruses to pet dander, smoke, and fur. So, if you suffer from allergies, an air purifier is must-have. It can help decrease allergy symptoms and make it generally easier to breathe. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can remove particles as small as 0.1 microns, much smaller than the usual dander that floats around your home.
Why are air purifiers good for pet owners?
By reducing pet dander and keeping the air clean, a purifier can not only reduce allergy symptoms such as sneezing and scratchy throats, it can also eliminate pet odours — particularly useful if you have multiple pets (we love ’em but can get a little pungent in numbers). Air purifiers are also good for tackling the kind of dust that comes off rabbit or guinea pig bedding. Overall, an air purifier will make your home a little fresher. Not every air purifier removes dander and fur, though, so be sure to check before buying.
Where should you position an air purifier?
The best place to keep air purifiers in your home is as close as possible to the source. If you have a dog or cat[2] that spends a lot of time snoozing in their beds, place the air purifier close by so the dander and allergens are filtered out right at the source. The most important thing is to match the air purifier to the size of the room (or area if it’s open plan) so you know that the air purifier is covering the volume of space.
Do you need to replace air purifier filters?
Some machines have removable filters that you can vacuum. Other machines need regular replacement filters. While vacuuming or wiping them off with a cloth is a more eco-friendly option, replacement filters are the most effective for overall air quality.
What is the best air purifier for pet owners?
Everybody — and everybody’s pet — is different. Which means it’s not a case of one air purifier fits all. But we’ve done our best to lead you to the right model by showcasing a selection of the highest quality air purifiers available right now. Whether you’re a cat or dog person, there’s something for everyone, not to mention every pet and budget.
These are the best air purifiers for pet owners in 2025.
References
- ^ Air purifiers (mashable.com)
- ^ dog or cat (mashable.com)