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Having pets in the home means you have to deal with pet odors. Whether it’s from cat litter, wet dogs running through the home, or simply a pet who’s overdue for a bath, it can seriously impact the freshness of your home.
To combat pet odors, an air purifier with a specific set of features is a great option. We have found the best air purifiers for pet odors so you can make a fast and informed choice. You will find a selection of affordable and extremely effective air purifiers to suit every pet owner’s needs.
We have assessed each product according to these criteria:
| Filter System | Pet-Related Features | Coverage Area | Annual Costs |
| Does the product have the best filtration to combat pet hair as well as fur and dander? | Does the product have any other special features designed to combat pet odors? | What size room does the product cover? Can it handle small, medium, or large spaces? | How much are filter replacements and what is the overall annual maintenance cost? |
Small Room Air Purifier Reviews
🏆 AirHonest Top Pick – HomeLabs Air Purifier For Home, Bedroom Or Office
AirHonest Award: Top-Rated Air Purifier For Pet Odors
Highlights:
- True-HEPA filter (captures particles as small as 0.1 microns)
- Pre-filter and charcoal filter for odors
- Optional nightlight and child lock
- Affordable filter replacement packs
Our top pick is the very affordable HomeLabs Air Purifier for Home, Bedroom or Office. This is a small, sleek, cylindrical air purifier designed for rooms up to 194 square feet, in which it can clear the air four times per hour. This is ideal for large bedrooms or living rooms, or even small studio apartments.
What’s excellent about this air purifier, and partly why it’s our top pick, is that it has a charcoal filter for clearing pet odors efficiently. Secondly, it does not have any ozone-emitting features, which is a great “pro” for pet-inhabited homes. Ozone can be very dangerous for your pets if they are exposed to it in the home.
Impressively, the true-HEPA filter captures 99.97% of allergens as small as 0.1 microns. This means that the tiniest particles of pet dander can be captured, making your air as clean as possible. The thing is, if you’re dealing with pet odor, you’re likely also dealing with fur and dander. What’s more, it has a pre-filter that catches larger particles such as pet hair and dust dragged in by the dog or cat.
This is a simple air purifier for a very, very impressive price. It has the features an air purifier for pets requires, without any pricey extras. That’s not to say it’s completely without handy bonuses, as it features an optional nightlight and a child lock. The three fan speeds can be changed manually, according to how contaminated the air is at the time (as judged by odor and visible particles). Plus, it’s compact, discreet, and stable so it fits in well in homes with pets running about.
The filter replacements are very affordable, but they last for only 2100 hours each. This means that if you run the air purifier 24 hours a day, each filter replacement pack would last about 3 months. However, the annual cost is still far more affordable than many other air purifiers.
Pros 👍
✔ Quiet operation
✔ Great value for money
✔ Effectively removes pet odors
✔ Effectively reduces pet-related allergies
Cons 👎
✘ Lights cannot be switched off
✘ Not ideal for large rooms or whole homes
✘ No auto mode
View HomeLabs Air Purifier on Amazon
Levoit LV-PUR131
AirHonest Award: Best Ozone-Free Air Purifier For Pet Odors
Highlights:
- True-HEPA filter, pre-filter, and charcoal filter
- Air quality indicator and Auto mode
- Sleep mode
- Timer (1-12 hours)
Our runner-up is the Levoit LV-PUR131. This is a fresh, white, angular model designed for rooms up to 360 square feet. The price tag is very reasonable considering the excellent features. There is an air quality indicator which lets you know when air contamination levels change, so you can adjust the fan speed, or simply learn what factors increase allergens in your home. What’s more, there’s an auto mode that changes the fan speed automatically, according to the air quality sensor reading.
The filtration system has everything you need for dealing with pet odors, as well as dander and hair. There’s a pre-filter for large allergens such as fur, a true-HEPA filter for dander, and most importantly, a charcoal filter for odors. What’s more, there is no ionizer or UV-C light, which means there’s no risk of ozone emissions that can harm your pets.
If you’re planning on keeping this unit in your bedroom at night, there’s a Sleep Mode which switches the fan speed to the quietest level. Plus, the LED display can be switched off at night to reduce light pollution.
The filter replacement requirements are reasonably simple. The true-HEPA filter needs to be replaced every six months, or a little more often depending on the level of usage and how contaminated your home is.
This is a great option for you if you’re a pet-owner looking to purify a medium-large space, and you’d like the option of keeping the air purifier in your bedroom.
Pros 👍
✔ Ozone-free
✔ Great for nighttime usage in the bedroom
✔ Effectively reduces pet-related odors
✔ Energy efficient
Cons 👎
✘ Air quality indicator lights are unreliable
✘ Reset button is inconveniently located
✘ Reports of short lifespan
View Levoit LV-PUR131 on Amazon
GermGuardian AC5250PT
AirHonest Award: Best Odor-Reducing Air Purifier For Pet Odors
Highlights:
- True-HEPA filter with antimicrobial treatment
- 5 fan speeds and Sleep Mode
- Timer (up to 8 hours)
- Charcoal filter
Next, we have the GermGuardian AC5250PT, a tower-style unit designed for pet-inhabited homes. The recommended room size is 180 square feet (small-to-medium rooms), which the unit can purify 4 times in one hour, not bad at all. The small footprint means this unit can be easily accommodated in small spaces, as long as there’s enough room for clear space around all sides.
The filtration system features a charcoal pre-filter that catches pet fur and reduces pet-related odors. The true-HEPA filter catches irritating dander, but the best feature is that it also reduces odors thanks to the antimicrobial treatment that kills bacteria. However, there is also a UV-C light, which may be a turn-off for some. While the unit has been approved by the CARB for safe ozone emissions, it’s best to keep it switched off for the safety of your pets.
The maintenance requirements and costs are reasonable. Specifically, the HEPA filter needs to be replaced every 6 months, and the charcoal filter every 3 months.
This could be great for you if you’re not interested in Auto mode or air quality indicators (it has neither), and you simply require effective filtration and the option of quiet fan speeds.
Pros 👍
✔ Small footprint
✔ Extra protection against odors and bacteria
✔ Very quiet on lower fan speeds
Cons 👎
✘ UV-C light may be harmful to pets
✘ Bright lights cannot be switched off
✘ Reports of strange odors and whirring sound
View GermGuardian AC5250PT on Amazon
Hathaspace Smart True-HEPA Air Purifier
AirHonest Award: Best True-HEPA Air Purifier For Pet Odors
Highlights:
- True-HEPA filter
- Antibacterial filter
- Auto mode and Sleep mode
- Remote control
Next up we have the lesser-known but very effective Hathaspace Smart True-HEPA Air Purifier. This large, angular unit is designed for medium-large rooms up to 350 square feet.
The filtration system is very comprehensive, with 5 steps. A “Nano-Cold Catalyst” pre-filter captures pet hair, but can also absorb harmful chemicals. The activated carbon filter clears pet odors, the antibacterial filter destroys bacteria which can produce odors in the home, and the true-HEPA filter takes care of dander. The fifth filter is an ionizer, which can be switched off, luckily.
This unit has some “bells and whistles” such as an air quality indicator and an Auto mode which switches the fan speed accordingly. What’s more, there’s a Sleep mode which uses the quietest fan speed and switches off the lights for undisturbed sleep. The filters must be replaced every six months (give or take a little), and are reasonably priced.
Customers have reported excellent results in terms of pet odor reduction, and pet allergy management. Therefore, this is a great choice for extra-odorous pets, allergy sufferers and asthmatics (as long as the ionizer is switched off).
Pros 👍
✔ Kills pet-related bacteria
✔ Effectively reduces pet-related odors
✔ Great for sleeping
✔ Thorough filtration
Cons 👎
✘ Ionizer produces ozone
✘ Reports of irritating noises
✘ Short power cord
View Hathaspace Smart on Amazon
Winix HR900 Ultimate Pet True-HEPA PlasmaWave Air Purifier
AirHonest Award: Best Quiet Air Purifier For Pet Odors
Highlights:
- True-HEPA filter
- Auto mode and Sleep mode
- Two pre-filters and a carbon filter
- Air quality indicator
At number five, we have the Winix HR900 Ultimate Pet True-HEPA Air Purifier. This is a large, rectangular unit designed for spaces up to 300 square feet. As the name suggests, this is a pet-specific air purifier designed for effectively capturing pet-related odors and allergens.
The comprehensive filtration system features two pre-filters for catching all medium-large particles such as pet hair and larger pieces of dander. The Advanced Odor Control Carbon Filter reduces pet odors, and the true-HEPA filter catches smaller pieces of dander. There is an ionizer (PlasmaWave), but we recommend switching this off to avoid ozone emissions which could be a health risk for your pets.
The air quality indicator lets you know (via color) how contaminated the air is. The Auto mode works with the air quality indicator and changes the fan speed accordingly. This is great for when odors are increased, as it can stay on top of them without you having to be vigilant.
You can also opt to change the fan speeds manually, (low, medium, high, turbo). The sleep mode is a great feature as it switches to the lowest fan speed, and turns off the air quality indicator light for a peaceful sleep. Speaking of noise, many people have reported that this unit is surprisingly (and pleasantly) quiet.
The true-HEPA filter and carbon filters need to be replaced every 12 months, and the cost is a little higher than other models on this list. One pre-filter is washable, but the Ultimate Pet Pre-Filter needs to be replaced every month. While this is a pretty high-maintenance filter, you can get packs of 12 for a low cost.
Pros 👍
✔ Quiet
✔ Thorough filtration
✔ Effectively removes pet odors
Cons 👎
✘ PlasmaWave can produce ozone
✘ High-maintenance filter requirements
✘ A little bulky
View Winix HR900 Ultimate Pet on Amazon
How To Choose An Air Purifier For Pet Odors
Price
Narrow down on a price point and a “maximum spend” so you can filter your shortlist accordingly. Don’t worry if your budget is very small, as most of the air purifiers on our list are very affordable despite the excellent quality.
Dimensions and recommended room size
You need to choose an air purifier that can fit comfortably into your chosen space. It needs to have enough clear space around it for the best function. Tower-style air purifiers are great for small spaces as they have a small footprint without compromising surface area. Figure out the rough size (in square feet) of the space you intend to place your air purifier in and find a unit that caters to this size.
Filtration system
Look for a unit which has at least one odor-reducing filter. It should have a charcoal/activated carbon filter, and perhaps an antimicrobial filter as well. Also look for a pre-filter for pet hair, a true-HEPA filter for dander.
Ozone status
Ozone can be very dangerous for pets, so ensure that your air purifier doesn’t have an ionizer or UV-C light, or that such features can be switched off.
Noise and lights
If you prefer a very quiet environment or you’d like to place the air purifier in your bedroom, choose one with a quiet operation or a Sleep mode. Also, check out how many lights are on the unit and if they can be dimmed or switched off.
Filter replacement costs
Be certain of the filter replacement costs, and make sure you check out how often they need to be replaced. For example, the filters themselves may be affordable, but that can change if they need replacing every few months. Also, note that many filters will need to be replaced more frequently if your pets are heavy shedders.
Yes, ozone emitted by ionizers and UV-C lights can be harmful and sometimes fatal for pets. It’s always best to switch off the ionizer and UV-C light on your air purifier for the sake of keeping your pets safe and healthy.
Most pet dander particles are between 5 and 10 microns, but some can be smaller than 2.5 microns. A true-HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, more than effective enough for catching tiny dander fragments.
An air purifier sucks contaminated air into the mechanisms via a fan. Pet hair, dander, bacteria, and odors are drawn into the filter system and caught in the pre-filter, true-HEPA filter, and carbon/charcoal filter (if the unit has one). Clean air is then released back into the room.
Yes, if it has an activated carbon/charcoal filter and a fast cleaning cycle which can keep up with recurring odors.
Yes, as long as it does not emit ozone, and ozone-emitting features are switched off.
