Recently, I was told something every pet owner dreads: my apartment had the unmistakable odor of a wet dog. Terrifying. 

Given the endless fur and dander that seem to infiltrate every corner despite my best efforts, the conversation was likely warranted. So, when Levoit introduced its Vital Pet Pro Air Purifier, I was intrigued to see if it could truly make a substantial difference. 

Specifically designed for homes with pets, the $189.99 unit adopts a more focused strategy than traditional air purifiers, integrating a three-stage filtration system with features aimed at combating one of the major challenges pet owners encounter: fur everywhere. (And the occasional “wet dog” aroma.) 

The three-stage filtration system includes a washable pre-filter, a primary filter, and an activated carbon filter. The pre-filter traps larger particles like pet hair, while the primary filter addresses smaller particles and dander. The carbon filter is engineered to neutralize odors, containing 140 grams of activated carbon.

One of the purifier’s standout design features is its U-shaped air inlet, which Levoit claims is meant to catch airborne pet hair and particles while enhancing airflow and preventing filter clogging.

After using the purifier for just over a week, I found it notably effective at gathering fur and trapping the kind of debris that usually ends up swirling around or settling on furniture.

Regarding pet odors, Levoit states that the Vital Pet Pro can eliminate up to 70% of smells in an hour. While I can’t conduct an exact test to confirm this, the improvement was evident. After running the purifier, the room had a much fresher scent.

I also liked the automatic cleaning feature, which eliminates accumulated hair and debris from the pre-filter and collects it in a detachable tray. This practical function is especially beneficial when compared to having to disassemble the purifier regularly to remove fur.

Moreover, the accompanying app provides various modes that enhance the purifier’s hands-free operation. Auto Plus Mode observes variations in air quality and adjusts the purifier’s settings in real time.

Pet Mode is tailored to address how pet-related particles can accumulate throughout the day. It alternates between operating the fan at maximum speed for 15 minutes to capture particulates in the pre-filter and then switching to a lower speed for 60 minutes to sustain air quality while minimizing noise and energy consumption.

Additionally, instead of showcasing a numerical air-quality reading, the Vital Pet Pro employs a straightforward color coding system. Red signifies poor air quality, orange indicates moderate, green represents good, and cyan denotes very good. I actually prefer this method since one can quickly glance at the purifier to gauge air quality improvement without needing to interpret a numerical value.

I should also mention that the Vital Pet Pro is slightly larger than I anticipated, so ensure there’s sufficient floor space before bringing one home.

Noise is another factor to consider. At its maximum setting, the fan is definitely noticeable. However, when the purifier operates at a lower setting, it’s quiet enough to leave on throughout the night without interrupting my sleep. For those sensitive to noise, Sleep Mode allows the purifier to operate even more silently.

The air purifier can be purchased from Levoit’s website, Amazon, Chewy, and various other retailers.