Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Getting Started

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

We found the best air purifiers for every pet owner

Debbie Clason
By

Do we love our pets? No question about it. According to the American Pet Products Association, Americans spent a whopping $95.7 billion on their pets in 2019. So, what happens when we’re allergic to those lovable furballs? If you have asthma or other allergies, chances are you are allergic to animals with fur. Although it’s more common to be allergic to cats, as many as three in 10 people have allergies to both cats and dogs.

But don’t resign yourself to a life of misery just yet. As long as your allergies aren’t life threatening, with some common-sense measures (maybe don’t try sharing a bed with your pup), you can learn to coexist. One of the best ways to live together more comfortably is by purchasing an air purifier specifically designed for pets. (And even if you don’t have allergies, purifiers are a great way to clear up odors in your home.) Here are our three favorites.

Recommended Videos

Good: Partu HEPA

If you have a small space to purify, take a look at the Partu HEPA air purifier. This little unit is one of Amazon’s best sellers. One reason we’re such a big fan of this model is because you can add your favorite essential oil to the sponge located beneath the air filter. At only 3 pounds, the unit is portable enough to take from room to room (or from office to conference room) yet powerful enough to remove dust, dander, smoke, and other pollutants from the air. One Amazon reviewer said he hasn’t needed his inhaler since he began using it in his small apartment. Another review, from a mom whose daughter has a small menagerie in her bedroom, said it has almost completely eliminated the pet odor.

Better: Levoit Core P350

If you’re the only one who is allergic to the furry members of the family, you may want to consider restricting access to your bedroom and adding an air purifier, like this one from Levoit, to your decor. In addition to Levoit’s ability to significantly reduce pet odors, we like this model’s sleep-mode feature, which lets you turn off the display lights at nighttime and run at a quiet 24 dB. This product has a five-star rating on Amazon, where reviewers say it has dramatically reduced the pet odors in their homes, as well as improved their allergies and sinus infections.

Best: Blueair Blue Pure 311

Why just eliminate pet dander and odors when you can eliminate dangerous viruses and bacteria, too? Luckily, air purifiers like this one don’t discriminate. Blueair’s HEPASilent filtration technology removes 99.97% of airborne particles like pet dander, odors, dust, pollen, bacteria, and viruses, according to the company. (Note: This product has not been tested against coronavirus.)

Designed to purify larger rooms, like living rooms and playrooms, this unit automatically adjusts to air conditions to clean rooms up to 388 square feet. We also like the LED color display that indicates air quality. Wait — did we mention it comes in five colors and the outer fabric prefilter can be washed and reused?

Amazon reviewers heap praise on the auto feature, which adjusts the speed of the fan depending upon the pollutants in the air. Some also appreciate the way this purifier reduces musty basement smells and lingering cigarette smoke.

What else can you do to reduce the pet allergens in your home? Experts recommend creating a safe zone where no pets are allowed. They also suggest bathing your pet on a weekly basis to reduce the amount of dander. Also, ask your doctor if there are any over-the-counter medications that can lessen your sensitivities. Owning a pet has health benefits, including stress reduction and companionship, that make it worth tackling the allergy issue. By using a combination of these tactics and investing in one of these air purifiers, you can keep your pet a loyal member of your family and breathe a little easier meanwhile.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Debbie Clason
Debbie Clason
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Debbie Clason's work has appeared in Family Life Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Lutheran Witness, Massage Magazine…
What fish can live with bettas? These are your best bets for fish buddies
Bettas can't live with one another so you should look to other species for friendship
Blue betta fish staring at the camera

Betta fish are known for being territorial, feisty, rather combative, and therefore not great tank mates in general. This reputation, however, only holds true in particular situations and with certain fish friends. Male betta fish are aggressive, but only with other male bettas, so it is important to never put two males in the same tank. It will lead to tail-nipping behavior and other aggressive actions. So, what fish can live with bettas?

Happily, there are several other fish that can keep your betta company in a safe and non-aggressive environment. Many colorful, friendly fish cohabitate well with bettas. This is our guide to finding the perfect fish companion (or companions) for your betta.

Read more
Meet the 5 newest dog breeds and what makes them so special
If you’re thinking of bringing home a new dog, consider one of these elusive breeds
A Bracco Italiano runs on the beach

Some dog owners (and fans of dogs) can name dozens of dog breeds like the back of their hands, but others can't even tell the difference between a dachshund and a Corgi breed. That's OK! As long as a dog owner knows how to take good care of their fur baby, they don't necessarily need to know the fun facts. At the same time, learning about different dog breeds can be valuable in certain situations, whether you like watching dog shows or are considering volunteering at a rescue.

Even if it's just for fun, there's a lot you'll want to know about the five newest dog breeds in the show universe. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is one of the largest dog breed registries in the world, and it oversees the standards and requirements for each new breed that's created. Since 2021, it has welcomed five new breeds to its ranks, and you may have even seen these dogs in a local or televised dog show (except for the newest breed, that is).

Read more
When do kittens open their eyes? This is what happens if they do it too early
Find out all you should know about kittens opening their eyes
Two people holding a tiny gray and white kitten whose eyes haven't opened yet

Is there anything more adorable than a kitten whose eyes haven't opened yet? That's debatable. Although scientists have found that puppies are marginally cuter than kittens, cat people strongly disagree. Whether you're a dog person or a lifelong cat aficionado, there's something about tiny kittens that tugs at the heartstrings.

Have you ever wondered, "When do kittens open their eyes? What happens if they open their eyes too early?" You're not alone. We're here with the scoop on what veterinarians have to say about when kittens first look at the world, why you should never force a kitten to open their eyes too early, and what happens if your newborn kitten's eyes open ahead of schedule.

Read more