Best Pet Hair Vacuum

In this article we highlight everything you need to know to find the best pet hair vacuum. We cover uprights, canisters, stick vacs and handhelds. A quick summary of the best uprights and canisters is provided in the list:

Best Vacuums for Pet Hair

1. Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum
2. Shark Rotator NV752 TruePet Upright Vacuum
3. Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum
4. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 1650A Upright Vacuum
5. Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Pet model UH30310 Upright Vacuum

Read on to learn more about these vacuums and to also see the best stick vacs and handheld vacuums for pet hair.

1. What is a Pet Vacuum?
2. Key Features of a Good Pet Vacuum
3. Nice-To-Have Features of a Good Pet Vacuum
4. Different Types of Pet Hair Vacuums
5. Common Pet Vacuum Technologies
6. The Best Vacuums for Pet Hair
   6a. The Best Full Size Pet Vacuums
   6b. The Best Stick Pet Vacuums
   6c. The Best Handheld Pet Vacuums
7. Before You Make That Purchase!
8. More Buying Tips

WHAT IS A PET VACUUM?
Almost two thirds of US households have pets, and while our furry friends make fantastic companions, they can also leave a lot of hair in their wake.  Most homes with pets have either dogs or cats, and both animals have a tendency to shed.  Dogs and cats that live indoors shed hair over the entire year, with cats sometimes shedding more in the Spring and Fall.  Dogs that spend most of their time outdoors shed more heavily in the Spring.

Pet hair, while an annoyance, can unfortunately also cause allergic reactions and be unhealthy to a large number of folks. One of the most effective ways to remove unwanted animal hair from your home is a good pet vacuum cleaner.  But what exactly is a “pet vacuum”? 

There is no official description or definition of a “pet vacuum” (and it is not a machine used to vacuum your dog or cat!).  Essentially a good pet vacuum is simply one that excels at removing pet hair from your home, however there are many machines on the market today that make this claim and the truth is not all of them are good.  Following are some important vacuum characteristics that make one machine superior to another in the war against pet hair.

KEY FEATURES OF A GOOD PET HAIR VACUUM
A good pet vacuum will generally:
- Have a brushroll and do a very good job picking up pet hair on both carpet and bare floors
- Have reasonably strong suction
- Not clog easily
- Include one or more specialized tools for removing pet hair from different surfaces
- Have a HEPA filter
- Have a sealed system

Brushroll
The brushroll is the spinning brush in the floor cleaner head (you can also have a brushroll in a hand tool).  Typically a motorized brushroll is best.  Some brushrolls spin via the vacuum suction, however these tend to be less powerful than the motorized units and can sometimes stall when too much pressure is applied or even after a certain amount of hair tangling.  Also, some brushrolls are designed to limit hair tangling which make them less likely to bog down and require frequent cleaning (but not all pet hair vacuums have this feature).  

Suction
You want sufficient suction to easily pull up as much pet hair as possible.  If suction is too weak the vacuum will not do a good job. Also, some vacuums clog easily when presented with large amounts of pet hair (or human hair).  The best vacuums for pets have tubes, openings and corners that are properly designed to ensure limited clogging potential.  

Specialized Tools
The most popular specialized tool for pet hair is a Turbo Brush or a Motorized Brush.  These are used for removing hair from upholstery, stairs, in tight carpeted areas, etc.  The motorized brushes tend to be the most effective as they have a brushroll run by a motor while the “turbo” tools use the vacuum suction to drive the brushroll.

HEPA Filtration
HEPA filtration is very important if you or a family member have allergies or asthma which can be brought on by exposure to allergens. A HEPA filter is capable of filtering out 99.97% of all particles 0.3 microns in diameter or larger.  This includes the likes of tobacco smoke, dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, etc.  However, a HEPA filter may not be able to do its job effectively if unfiltered air is able to leak out of the vacuum or around the filter.  This is where a sealed system is important.  

Sealed System
A sealed system will ensure that air does not pass around the filter or escape through cracks or seams in the vacuum body – it will force all air through the HEPA filter before it is exhausted from the vacuum.  This is important!  Many vacuums today will advertize that they have HEPA filtration – but they will not have a sealed system.  It is very likely that you will not get true HEPA filtered air being released from these vacuums.  You can read more about HEPA filters and sealed systems in our HEPA filter article.

You can view a video produced by Shark about sealed systems here (opens in new tab).  Bear in mind this is an advertisement from Shark, but it does serve to show how this approach works.

NICE-TO-HAVE FEATURES FOR A GOOD PET HAIR VACUUM
Nice to have but not critical:
- Carbon filter for removing pet odors
- Quick access to brushroll for easy removal of hair
- Easy cleaning of pet tools  
- Easy to empty dust canister (if bagless)

Carbon Filters
These filters (or filter inserts) help to absorb pet odors and odors from cigarette smoke.  They are an ideal vacuum cleaner feature for households with pets and smokers.

Easy Access to Brushroll
This is an especially helpful feature when a brushroll gets tangled with cat and/or dog hair (and people hair too).  Some machines require a fair bit of work to get at the brushroll and if it needs to be removed this can be an additional burden that requires a screwdriver.  On the other hand some of the newer vacuums have made this extremely easy.  See our video below showing a few of the ways manufacturers provide brushroll access.

Easy Cleaning of Pet Tools
Pet hair also gets caught up in the pet tool(s).  In the case of a powered tool, it is very handy if the brushroll in the tool can be easily removed, cleaned and reinserted.  In addition, sometimes there is hair in other nooks and crannies of these tools and the ability to easily take them completely apart and reassemble them is an asset.  

Easy to Empty Dust Canister
You won’t have an issue here if you have a bagged vacuum, but for a bagless machine it can sometimes be a chore to get the dust, debris and especially long hair out of the dust canister.  A good vacuum will make this as easy as possible.  The less you have to stick your hands into the canister or disassemble the canister to get the muck out the better.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PET HAIR VACUUMS
Vacuums come in all shapes and sizes. Common vacuum configurations to consider include:
- Upright
- Canister
- Stick Vac
- Handheld

The most popular pet vacuums at this time are upright vacuums, however there are also some great canister pet vacuums.  Stick vacuums can be a good choice for a smaller house or apartment, and a good handheld can add pet hair cleaning versatility.
 
Uprights & Canisters
Both uprights and canisters are a good choice for larger area cleaning.  They are typically bigger than a stick vac and as a result usually have more power and features.  

Following is a brief comparison of uprights and canisters – these are generalities and often true, but not always.

Stick Vacuums
The stick vacuum is usually designed for small-to-medium sized jobs. Most are better on bare floors than carpet but some have a motorized brushroll which enhances their carpet (and pet hair) cleaning abilities.  Stick vacs are usually cordless and bagless but there are exceptions.  

Some people have a stick vacuum as well as a full size vacuum as the stick vac is a handy alternative when you have a small cleaning job to do.  They are typically lightweight so they are easy to lift and maneuver.  Also, a number of newer stick vacuums are 2-in-1 vacuums - meaning they also have a component that can be operated separately as a handheld vacuum (Dyson V8 Absolute, Electrolux Ergorapido, etc).  This can be a very handy feature and a money saver.

Pros & cons of stick vacs:

PROS
- Lightweight
- Easy to carry and move
- Small footprint and easy to store
- Some include a handheld component
- Many are cordless

CONS
- Not as powerful as a full size vacuum
- Smallish dust canister (if bagless)
- Most have limited carpet cleaning performance
- Cordless units have limited run time
- No hose and often a small number of attachments
- Often average filtration capabilities

Handheld Vacuums
The handheld vacuum is only for small cleaning jobs and can be used on the floor, tabletops, counters, car interiors, etc.  The handheld is versatile but it is not the right machine when a significant area of flooring needs to be cleaned.  You commonly find these in a workshop or a kitchen.  

They rarely have a brushroll and usually do not have high quality filtration (again these are generalities and there are exceptions), although units that work well on pet hair often come with specialized pet hair nozzles (or tools) and sometimes even respectable filtration.  Handhelds, like stick vacs, are either cordless or corded and there are plenty of both on the market today.  They are pretty much always bagless.

PROS
- Very lightweight
- Small and easy to store
- Easy access to “above-the-floor” cleaning
- Usually good for getting into tight areas
 
CONS
- Too small for large area cleaning
- Small size results in limited power/suction
- Usually limited filtration

COMMON PET VACUUM TECHNOLOGIES:
- Bagged
- Bagless
- Corded
- Cordless

Bagged or Bagless?
Should you get a bagged pet vacuum or a bagless pet vacuum? This is a common question we get at Vacuum Cleaner Advisor and one we see posted on many forums.  The short answer is “It depends”.  There are pros and cons of each type of vacuum, some of which we have posted below, but some of the decision also comes down to personal preference.

With respect to a pet vacuum, bagged machines are probably more popular simply because the bags do a better job of locking in the allergens when it comes to disposal.  Bagless units can release dust and allergens when emptying the dust canister, although some folks get around this to some extent by emptying the canister inside a plastic bag.   

BAGLESS PROS
- You don’t have to buy and dispose of bags (keeps costs down and good for the environment).
- Suction generally doesn’t diminish as the dust canister fills.
- As dust canisters are usually transparent it is easy to see how well the machine is working with respect to debris pickup and to determine when it is necessary to empty the dust canister.

BAGLESS CONS
- Require additional filtration.  If filters are washable this is extra work and if they are not washable they must be replaced and this is extra cost.
- Filters usually have to be cleaned frequently, and if are not washable they will need to be replaced more frequently.
- While they may not lose suction as the dust canister fills they can lose suction as the filters get clogged.
- Sometimes messy to empty dust canister.
- The airpath from intake to exhaust is longer in a bagless vacuum than in a bagged vacuum. This, combined with the fact that bagless machines generally have more filtration, can create added stress on the motor.
 
BAGGED PROS
- Very easy to empty. Just throw away the bag.
- More hygienic – don’t expose you to dust or dirt (some new bags even seal when removed from vacuum to help lock in all dust/dirt)
- Bags themselves add a level of filtration so there is less filter cleaning required
- More efficient suction pathway as the airpath from intake to exhaust is more direct.  Easier on the motor.

BAGGED CONS
- Suction diminishes as the bag gets full*
- Have to keep replacing bags.  Costs involved.
- Can’t tell when bag is full although full bag indicators can be found on some machines

*Even though suction is decreased in bagged vacuums as the bag fills, there are newer no-clog bags on the market that minimize this issue.  These are not available for all brands and models however.

Corded or Cordless?
A cordless vacuum is one that is operated by a rechargeable battery.  Cordless vacuums are becoming more and more popular these days as battery technology advances and run times become longer, and cordless vacuums with pet hair features are starting to appear.  Corded machines, on the other hand, don’t have run time limitations.

CORDLESS PROS
- Flexibility & convenience - do not have to be near an electrical outlet
- Not tethered by a power cord
- Many come with wall mounts for even more convenience

CORDLESS CONS
- Limited run time
- The stronger the suction the less run time (see this if machine has multiple power modes).  Common to use higher power on carpet for example.
- Some, depending on the battery type, don’t have a steady stream of power.  Power may wane as battery draws down.
- Battery recharge time can be lengthy.  Can get multiple batteries for some units but usually at extra cost.
- Often do not know how much of a charge is left while you are vacuuming.  Some have battery power indicator but many do not.
- Storage may require an accessible electrical outlet to keep unit charged

CORDED PROS
- Unlimited run time
- No need to limit power to maximize run time
- Suction will not wane over time
- No battery to recharge

CORDED CONS
- Must be near an electrical outlet
- Length of power cord limits cleaning reach

THE BEST VACUUMS FOR PET HAIR

We own and have worked with many of these machines, and have run them through a host of tests (you can see over 200 vacuum reviews in our Vacuum Cleaner Finder).  We also analyze each vacuum carefully, consider all their benefits, AND highlight their shortcomings.  So without further ado...

Best Full Size Vacuums for Pets

Best Stick Vacuums for Pets

Best Handheld Vacuums for Pets

-------- BEST FULL SIZE VACUUMS FOR PETS --------

Dyson Ball Animal 2

This is our number 1 pick for best all-around pet vacuum cleaner – it is the best vacuum for dog hair and the best vacuum for cat hair.  The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is characterised by colossal suction and it is large and powerful machine.  The brushroll is powerful and you can actually feel it vibrate the floor (see video in our Dyson Ball Animal 2 review).  It has no problem pulling up pet hair on both bare surfaces and carpet.  Consumer ratings to date are also very good.

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The Dyson also has something called “Whole Machine HEPA Filtration” which means it has a HEPA filter as well as a completely sealed system.  These features have resulted in the Dyson Ball Animal 2 being certified asthma & allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.  So after vacuuming your home, the air is fresh and clean.  This is the machine we use when we want to do a very thorough cleaning of the house and ensure it is as dust and hair free as possible.

What we like:
- Hugely powerful suction
- Wide cleaning nozzle
- Strong, motorized brushroll
- Very good at removing pet hair from carpet and bare surfaces
- Long hose
- Very long power cord
- HEPA filter
- Sealed system
- All filters are washable
- Includes special motorized pet hair tool (Tangle-free Turbine Tool)
- Easy-to-empty dust canister
- Long warranty

What to watch out for:
- On the heavy side
- Something of a workout to move around the house
- Not quiet
- A little expensive
- Removal of the brushroll is a bit of a pain
- Can be difficult to push on deep carpet

Access to the brushroll to remove pet hair is very easy – twisting 2 tabs removes the base plate.  But should you have to remove the brushroll entirely it requires a screwdriver.  Fortunately we found that brushroll removal wasn’t frequently required.  This is also a hefty machine so while it does a great job it does require some level of effort.

The tangle free turbine tool is quite unique and it is an approach that minimizes (and in some cases entirely removes) the need for cleaning the pet hair tool.  This unit has two counter rotating heads as opposed to a brushroll and it doesn’t tangle.  You can see a Dyson video of this tool in operation here (opens in new window).

The Dyson carries a 5-year warranty and can generally be found online for about $400 - $500. 

See Dyson Ball Animal 2 Pricing & Reviews on Amazon

Shark Rotator NV752 TruePet

The #2 best vacuum for pet hair is the Shark Rotator NV752 TruePet.  It not only excels at pet hair removal but also performs well in other tasks and is a well-rounded machine.  As a result the vacuum has garnered top-notch consumer ratings and we have scored it 94/100.  It was also rated our Best Upright Vacuum for 2016 (2017 scores are not in yet).

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There is considerable consensus on the vacuum’s abilities when it comes to animal hair.  Owners feel the vacuum performs very well when it comes to picking up hair on both hard surfaces and carpet.  In our opinion this is absolutely one of the best shark vacuums for pet hair.

The NV752 TruePet also comes with two pet tools:
1) True Pet Mini motorized brush (motorized brush attachment that fits in palm of your hand and works very well to remove pet hair from carpet)
2) Pet Upholstery tool (removes pet hair and dust from curtains, delicate fabrics, upholstery)

In addition, the vacuum has a lift-away canister that allows one to carry the canister and a powered brush roll to clean stairs or other hard to reach places.

What we like:
- Strong suction
- Motorized brushroll
- Not lightweight but not too heavy
- Good at removing pet hair from carpet and bare surfaces
- Long power cord
- HEPA filter
- Sealed System
- All filters are washable
- Includes 2 specialized pet hair tools (one is motorized)
- Easy-to-empty dust canister
- Vacuum can operate as upright, canister, handheld
- Long warranty
- Headlights on cleaner head and on handle

What to watch out for:
- Pulls over easily when using hose
- Wand & handle feel a little tall for some people
- Cleaner head is a little narrow
- Removal of the brushroll is a bit of a pain

Access to the brushroll to remove pet hair is very easy – twisting 3 tabs also removes the base plate.  But should you have to remove the brushroll entirely it requires a screwdriver.  We have also done a full NV752 video review below.  

Our Comprehensive Shark NV752 Video Review

The NV752 carries a very lengthy 7-year warranty and it can generally be found online for about $300 - $400. 

See Shark NV752 Pricing & Reviews on Amazon

Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog

Our 3rd choice for best pet hair vacuum is the Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum.  As the name suggests, this unit excels at removing cat and dog hair.  The Cat & Dog has received top notch consumer ratings and is a well built, quality canister vacuum cleaner.  It is also a bagged vacuum and is manufactured in Germany.  In addition, it uses a 2-fan motor that carries a 7-year warranty.  

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Despite being a canister vacuum, the Cat & Dog has a motorized brushbar and is a capable machine on all manner of flooring from bare floors to low-pile, medium-pile and even deep-pile carpet.  A very high percentage of owners comment favourably on the unit’s ability to pick up pet hair.  It is also a fairly quiet machine with a quality fit and finish.  This is a machine for someone who really doesn’t want to compromise.

It comes with a turbo brush attachment which does a good job at vacuuming up hair from stairs, upholstery or vehicle interiors.  It also has an Active Airclean filter as well as sealed system construction which ensures that all of the air entering the vacuum is properly filtered before being exhausted (this is not a HEPA level filter, although it still offers high quality filtration.  A Miele HEPA level filter can be purchased and will fit the machine).  On board filters also include activated charcoal layers that help remove pet odors.   There are many additional features on the Cat & Dog, however like most Miele machines it is rather expensive at about $950USD.

What we like:
- Strong suction
- Quality construction (made in Germany)
- 2 cleaner heads (1 carpet & 1 bare floors)
- Motorized brushroll in carpet cleaner head
- Good at removing pet hair from carpet and bare surfaces
- Variable suction controls
- Lightweight canister body
- Large capacity vacuum bags which self seal upon removal
- Sealed system
- Charcoal layers in filter which neutralize odors
- Includes handheld turbo brush
- Long warranty

What to watch out for:
- Expensive
- Non-motorized handheld turbo brush
- Not HEPA level filtration (although still quite good)
- Motorized cleaner head is a bit heavy
- Bags and filters are not cheap

See Miele Cat & Dog Pricing & Reviews on Amazon

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser (model 1650A)

The #4 best vacuum cleaner for pet hair is the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser model 1650A.  

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This vacuum comes with several specialized features for households with pets:
- A tangle-free brushroll in the main cleaner head that ensures you don't have to constantly clean it.
- A Febreze Odor Eliminating filter which leaves rooms smelling fresh.
- A sealed system to make sure the filtration does its job.
- A Cyclonic Pet Hair Spooling System for effective hands-free dust canister emptying.
- A turbo hand tool for removing pet hair from carpet and upholstery.

One of the great things about this machine is that all these features actually work.

The vacuum also has brushroll on/off controls and 5 different height settings which allow it to clean capably on both carpet and bare floors.  In addition, the power cord is a decent length at 30 feet and it has a neat crevice tool with its own LED light.  It carries a respectably long 5-year warranty and can usually be found for about $250.  Consumer ratings generate a score of 87/100 for the Bissell 1650A which is quite good.

What we like:
- Motorized and tangle-free brushroll in carpet cleaner head
- 5 cleaner head height settings
- Capable at removing pet hair from carpet and bare surfaces
- Includes Febreze pet odor eliminator filter
- Sealed system
- Includes handheld turbo brush
- Reasonably long power cord
- Easy-to-empty dust canister
- Long warranty

What to watch out for:
- Fairly heavy
- Hose feels a little short
- Non-motorized handheld turbo brush
- Not HEPA level filtration

This is not a lightweight vacuum cleaner and potential buyers should consider that it weighs 18 lbs.

See Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Pricing & Reviews on Amazon

Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Pet (model UH30310)

The more cost conscious consumer may like the Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Pet upright vacuum (model UH30310).  This model was recommended by Consumer Reports who said it was “excellent at pet hair removal and cleaning bare floors and very good at cleaning carpet”. 

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The vacuum comes with two pet hair specific tools including a Pet Hand Tool and a Pet Upholstery Tool.

The vacuum has HEPA level filtration and activated carbon which removes pet odors. It also includes several height settings, powerful suction, a 30 foot power cord and it carries a 2-year warranty. Owners report that the vacuum is effective on pet hair and consumer ratings and comments are generally good.

What we like:
- Motorized brushroll
- 2 pet hair tools that work well
- Not too heavy and easy to maneuver
- Respectable suction (most say it is good, some wish it was stronger)
- Bagged system that keeps dust and debris away from user
- Uses Activated Carbon HEPA Media Bag
- Not too expensive
- Reasonably long power cord
- Multiple cleaner head height settings

What to watch out for:
- Shorter warranty (2 years)
- Hose doesn’t stretch out easily
- Some folks feel it is quite loud
- Lots of plastic used in machine construction
- No sealed system

The UH30310 can usually be found online for under $200 – sometimes as low as $125 or so.

See Hoover UH30310 Pricing & Reviews on Amazon

-------- BEST STICK VACUUMS FOR PETS --------

Dyson V8 Absolute

The number one stick vacuum for pet hair is the Dyson V8 Absolute.   This is a lightweight, maneuverable, cordless stick vac with plenty of suction and a respectably long run time.  It also comes with 2 cleaner heads – one for bare floors and one for carpet.  In addition, it has a motorized pet hair brush, HEPA filtration and even a sealed system.

What we like:
- Specialized cleaner heads for carpet and bare floors
- Does good job at pet hair removal
- About 40 minutes of run time with non-motorized tools
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Cordless
- Operates as a stick vacuum and a handheld vacuum
- Includes a host of tools
- HEPA filtration
- Sealed system
- Quiet

What to watch out for:
- On max power mode run time is short (7 minutes)
- Cannot use a secondary battery
- Long recharge time (about 5 hours for full charge)
- Expensive for a stick vac

We have created two short videos highlighting some of the thing we like about the V8 and also some of the things we dislike about the vacuum.  You can see these videos on our page: Dyson V8 Absolute Pros & Cons

You should be able to find this vacuum for about $500 (or maybe a little less).

Check out V8 owner comments and pricing on Amazon

Dyson V6 Absolute
The #2 Stick vacuum for pet hair is the Dyson V6 Absolute.  This is a very similar machine to the Dyson V8 Absolute, however it is slightly smaller & lighter, slightly less powerful, has a shorter run time and is a little louder.  However, it still does a good job on pet hair and is less expensive than the V8.

What we like:
- Specialized cleaner heads for carpet and bare floors
- Does good job at pet hair removal
- About 20 minutes of run time with non-motorized tools
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Cordless
- Operates as a stick vacuum and a handheld vacuum
- Includes a host of tools
- HEPA filtration
- Sealed system

What to watch out for:
- On max power mode run time is short (6 minutes)
- Cannot use a secondary battery
- Long recharge time (about 3.5 hours for full charge)
- Expensive for a stick vac

You can see the machine working on pet hair in our Dyson V6 Absolute Pros & Cons videos.

See V6 Pricing & Reviews on Amazon

Shark Rocket Complete TruePet with DuoClean (HV382)

Our #3 pick is the Shark Rocket Complete TruePet with DuoClean (model HV382).  This is a corded vacuum and is described by Shark as their most advanced Rocket Vacuum.  It is also is a little different in that it has 2 brushrolls built into the one cleaner head – this seems odd but it works.  Pickup on bare floors is fantastic and it is also very good on carpet.  The unit has no HEPA filter or sealed system however, so if you or your family have allergies or asthma this may not be the best fit.

What we like:
- Powerful suction
- Motorized brushrolls
- Performs well on carpet and bare floors
- Includes motorized pet hair brush tool
- Operates as a stick vacuum and a handheld vacuum
- Not too loud
- Respectably long power cord
- Washable filters
- Includes plenty of tools
- Brushrolls remove and reinsert very easily

What to watch out for:
- A bit big/bulky/heavy for a handheld
- Small dust canister for an upright (but ok size for a stick vac)
- Will not stand upright
- No HEPA filter
- No sealed system

We have created videos highlighting both the pros and cons of this vacuum.  You can see them here: Shark Rocket Complete HV382 Pros & Cons

See Shark HV382 Pricing & Reviews on Amazon

Shark Rocket HV302
The Shark Rocket HV302 is a similar machine to the HV382 described above, but it doesn’t have 2 brushrolls and it is missing a few other bells and whistles.  It is, however, quite a bit less expensive at about $160 to $180 – and it is also getting top notch ratings from owners.

What we like:
- Powerful suction
- Motorized brushroll
- Performs well on carpet and bare floors
- Machine is not too heavy (lighter than HV382)
- Operates as a stick vacuum and a handheld vacuum
- Respectably long power cord
- Washable filters

What to watch out for:
- A bit big/bulky/heavy for a handheld
- No motorized pet hair brush tool
- Small dust canister
- Will not stand upright
- No HEPA filter
- No sealed system

See Shark Rocket HV302 Pricing & Reviews on Amazon

-------- BEST HANDHELD VACUUMS FOR PET HAIR --------

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum, Corded, 33A1
This inexpensive handheld vacuum has had excellent consumer ratings for many years (there are presently over 4600 reviews on Amazon for this handheld).  The Pet Hair Eraser 33A1 excels at pet hair removal and it also has HEPA level filtration which is not too common in a handheld – especially one at this price point (about $30 or so).  This is a corded vacuum with a 16 foot power cord and two specialized cleaning nozzles.  It also carries a 1-year warranty (you’re not going to get a long warranty for 30 bucks).

What we like:
- Very good at picking up dog and cat hair
- Decent suction
- Inexpensive
- Long cord for a hand vac
- HEPA filter

What to watch out for:
- Cleaning and replacing filter can be a bit tricky
- A bit bulky for some folks
- Exhausts on the sides and can blow debris around
- No sealed system

You can see pricing and owner comments on Amazon.

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum, Cordless, 1782
If you hate being tethered by a cord then Bissell also manufactures a Pet Hair Eraser that is cordless (Bissell 1782).  While it doesn’t get quite the rave reviews that the less expensive corded unit does, it is still quite popular.  Run time is about 12 minutes on a full charge which isn’t bad for a handheld unit.  Like its corded cousin, the 1782 carries a 1-year warranty.

What we like:
- Very good at picking up pet hair
- Includes a motorized brush tool
- Great for house and car
- Not too noisy
- Lightweight
- Respectable amount of suction
- Feels fairly durable

What to watch out for:
- Long recharge time (about 5 hours)
- No stand/storage unit for vacuum
- Nowhere to store attachments
- Cannot swap out battery
- No HEPA filter
- No sealed system

You can also see pricing and owner comments on Amazon.

BEFORE YOU MAKE THAT PURCHASE!
So now you know a lot about pet hair vacuums, but there are a few additional things to think about before putting down your money.

How large an area will you be cleaning?
Do you need a full size vacuum?  Perhaps a stick vac will suffice?

Do you need/want a lightweight vacuum?
Some older folks or those with other limitations may not want to deal with a heavy machine and some vacuums tip the scales at over 20 lbs.  There are quite a few lighter vacuums on the market these days.  Lighter, more compact machines are not necessarily less powerful but there is indeed some relationship between size and power.

What will you be cleaning?
Hard surfaces, carpet, upholstery, vehicle interiors, etc?  Different vacuums and features are good for different surfaces.

Do you have low pile, medium pile, or deep pile carpet?
The deeper the carpet the more need for a motorized brushroll for quality cleaning.  Also height controls, or some kind of height adjustment mechanism, on the cleaner head may be important for deeper pile carpet.

Do you need to do a lot of above-the-floor cleaning?
If so, you may need a hose on your full size vacuum.  You may also want to consider certain tools for things like crevices, shelves, curtains, upholstery, etc.  Maybe a stick vac that converts into a handheld will do the trick?

Do you need a lot of cleaning reach?
If so, consider a machine with a long power cord and a long hose if possible.  If you need unfettered reach then perhaps cordless is a consideration – but this comes with other limitations.

BUT WAIT!  YOU ALSO GET... (MORE BUYING TIPS)
Many manufacturers today develop appliances to fail over a calculated time period (this is called planned obsolescence).  This is a money-making proposition for the manufacturer as consumers are forced to purchase more often – they may feel they are getting a lower price up-front but they are actually paying over and over again as the products need to be replaced frequently.  In the market this can be seen by the large number of vacuum cleaner consumers complaining about shoddy workmanship and the very high failure rates of vacuums after only short periods of use.  The following tips help to minimize your risk.
 
Avoid short warranties - One sign of possible planned obsolescence (when the manufacturer develops the vacuum to fail over a calculated time period – yes, they do this).  Many vacuum cleaners come with a 1-year warranty while other, typically more expensive and higher quality machines, have 5, 6 or even 7-year warranties.   Tip - be sure to check on the warranties for motor, parts, and labor – these are sometimes different periods for a single machine.

Read consumer reviews carefully - These provide insights that you will not get from the manufacturer or seller.  Also be aware that some reviews are much more helpful than others.  Many a consumer touts the brilliance of their new machine shortly after their purchase. Guess what?  Most machines are not “planned” to fail immediately.  One must consider how long the reviewer has had the machine and also pay close attention to reviews that are updated over time (they are not common but they do exist – a good place for these is Amazon).

Don’t fall for the marketing hype - Do not rely on the manufacturer’s marketing hype regarding the vacuum.  Most of us know this but still rely heavily on the product information given to us by the salesman, in the brochure, or on the website.  Remember the purpose of this material is simply to get you to buy.  

You can’t afford to buy cheap - An adage that is often true.  The cheaper machines will typically fail quicker and thus need to be replaced more often.  This is a general observation and also a function of one’s budget, but consider "not buying too cheap" if you can.

Consider maintenance - Ensure that your machine has readily available bags, belts, filters and other parts.  Also consider the cost of these items – especially bags and filters that may need to be replaced frequently.  

GOOD LUCK!  We hope our article has helped you find the the best vacuum for pet hair.  Please feel free to drop us a line or make a comment below.

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