Best Pet Hair Vacuum

UPDATED March 2023 - 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. Shark Vertex Upright Vacuum
2. Dyson Ball Animal 3 Upright Vacuum
3. Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum
4. Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum
5. Shark Rotator ZU632 Upright Vacuum
6. Shark APEX Zero-M Upright Vacuum
7. Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog Bagged Canister Vacuum
8. Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog Bagless Canister Vacuum
9. Shark Rotator NV752 TruePet 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 250 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 --------

Shark Vertex

The Vertex is our number 1 pick for the best all-around pet vacuum cleaner.  This upright vacuum has powerful suction, two brushrolls, and tangle-free technology making it the best vacuum for dog hair and the best vacuum for cat hair.

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Get a Great Deal on the Vertex Upright at Shark.com

Dyson Ball Animal 3

This is our number two pick for best all-around pet vacuum cleaner – it is one of the best vacuums for dog hair and cat hair. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is characterized by colossal suction and it is a hefty and powerful machine.

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Shark Stratos

The Stratos is a similar machine to the Vertex but is also includes Odor Neutralizer technology. This technology is designed to guard against bad odors that build up inside the vacuum. The odor neutralizer cartridge fits into the cleaner head and you can increase or dial down the intensity. Some folks swear that this works really well in their homes with pets.

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Get a Great Deal on the Stratos Upright at Shark.com

Dyson Ball Animal 2

Our number 4 pick for best all-around pet vacuum cleaner is the Dyson Ball Animal 2.  This is a powerful and fairly large full size machine.  The brushroll is also 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 very good.

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Shark Rotator ZU632

The Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away ZU632 is very, very similar to the Shark Rotator NV752 (also in this list). However the ZU632 has anti-tangle technology in the cleaner head – the NV752 does not.

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The ZU632 is well-liked by owners and the consumer ratings score on our site is 93/100 which is excellent.

The vacuum has easy-to-use controls that are literally at your fingertips on the handle. It is designed for Hard Floors, Low Pile Carpet, and Thick Carpet or Area Rugs. Like the other Shark uprights in this list, the ZU632 has the popular Powered Lift-Away feature that allows you to carry the dust-canister/motor assembly with one hand while using the hose/wand/tools with the other hand. It provides handheld-like capabilities and it works well. Also, this unit has “Powered” Lift-Away as opposed to just “Lift-Away”. This allows one to use power tools at the end of the handle or the wand.

We performed cleaning tests on carpet, tile, hair and edges. The ZU632 did a good job in all of these tests. You can read our Shark ZU632 review.

What we like
- Good size dust canister that empties easily
- Good cleaning performance on carpet
- Better than expected cleaning performance on hard flooring
- Anti-tangle technology in cleaner head works
- Edge cleaning is very good
- Powered Lift-Away is a great feature
- Lots of suction power
- Has HEPA filter that is rinsable and reusable
- The ZU632 carries a 5-year warranty
- Includes 2 tools
- Pretty good movement and maneuverability

What to watch out for:
- A little loud on carpet (louder than the NV752)
- Power cord is only 25ft long. We like to see power cords of 30ft or longer
- Hose feels a little short
- Cannot turn brushroll off (it slows when on hard floors)
- Some owners feel it is a bit on the heavy side

A crevice tool and pet multi-tool are provided with the vacuum.  The pet multi-tool is a stiff bristled brush with a removable face that turns it into an upholstery tool.  The ZU632 carries a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty

The ZU632 carries a 5-year warranty and can generally be found online for about $300 - $400. 

See Shark ZU632 pricing and reviews on Amazon

Shark APEX Zero-M

The bagless Shark APEX with Zero-M Technology is another great Shark vacuum for pet hair.  We have model AZ1002. This vacuum is capable on both bare floors and carpet and it comes with a host of special Shark technologies.

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The APEX carries a 5-year warranty and it can generally be found online for about $300 - $350. 

See Shark APEX Pricing & Reviews on Amazon

Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog

A solid choice for homes with pets 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

Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog

If you like Miele canister vacuums (and why wouldn't you) but don’t want a bagged machine, then the Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog vacuum is a great choice. It has all the pet hair abilities of the bagged Cat & Dog above but in a bagless machine. Miele recently started manufacturing bagless vacuums and owner ratings to date are very, very encouraging.

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The CX1 has a special filter which gathers fine dust and is self cleaning.  The remaining larger debris is captured in the dust canister.  This approach minimizes that “puff of dust” you get when emptying the dust canister. 

What to watch our for:
- Expensive vacuum cleaner
- Hose does not stretch out easily
- A bit on the heavy side
- Pet hair tool is not motorized
- Motorized cleaner head is bulky 

See Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog Pricing & Reviews on Amazon

Shark Rotator NV752 TruePet

Another good machine 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 2018.

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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
- Brushroll is not self-cleaning (you will get some hair tangle)

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 $250 - $300. 

See Shark NV752 Pricing & Reviews on Amazon

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

Dyson V15 Detect

Our number one stick vacuum for pet hair is the cordless Dyson V15 Detect. This vacuum cleaner has pretty much everything and in our hair test it performed magnificently. If you like Dyson cordless vacuums then this is the one to get – it is also the highest rated stick vacuum on our site. But it isn’t cheap.

The V15 includes two cleaner heads – one for carpet and one for hard floors. The hard floor cleaner head even has a green laser that shines along the floor highlighting hidden dust and debris. The vacuum comes with a “click-in” battery, several tools and attachments, an automatic power setting, and HEPA-level filtration.

What we like:
- Comes with two cleaner heads (one for carpet, one for hard floors)
- Has anti-tangle technology in carpet cleaner head
- Includes a host of tools
- Has a “Hair Screw Tool” with anti-tangle technology
- One cleaner head has laser that highlights dust and debris
- Great battery life on hard floors
- Powerful suction, especially in Boost mode
- Can carry two tools on wand as you vacuum
- Movement and maneuverability are very good

What to watch out for:
- It is one of the heavier Dyson cordless vacuums
- Only includes one battery
- Takes about four hours to fully charge the battery
- There is no trigger lock (have to hold trigger down for power)
- The wand must be removed to empty dust canister
- It is an expensive vacuum cleaner
- In Boost power mode it can be hard to move on carpet

We created videos that walk through each and every pro and con.  You can see them here: Dyson V15 Detect Pros & Cons.  You can also read our detailed V15 Detect review.

See V15 Detect prices and reviews on Amazon

Shark Vertex Cordless

Our number two pick for the best stick vacuum for pet hair is the Shark Vertex Cordless. This is a hefty stick vacuum at 9 lbs but it does an excellent job on both carpet and hard floors, and it has anti-tangle technology built into the cleaner head.

Shark has put a host of features into this vacuum. It has two brushrolls in the cleaner head – one soft, and another with bristles and powerfins. The vacuum also has a “click-in” (sometimes called swappable) battery which allows you to remove and reattach the battery in seconds. In addition, you will find several tools, easy-to-access controls, a multiFLEX wand (can bend 180 degrees), and a rinsable HEPA filter.

What we like:
- Has two brushrolls in cleaner head
- Excellent cleaning performance on carpet and hard floors
- Anti-tangle technology works well
- HEPA filter that can be rinsed and reused
- Swivel cleaner head moves easily
- MultiFLEX wand allows low access without stooping
- MultiFLEX wand provides stand-up storage option
- Handheld component is not too heavy
- Cleaner head has headlights
- Run time on hard floors is pretty good

What to watch out for:
- This is not a particularly lightweight cordless vacuum
- It only comes with one battery
- Edge cleaning is average at best
- Run time on carpet is only average
- Dust canister is a bit small

You can learn more about each pro and con, and watch test videos in our Shark Vertex Pros & Cons article.  You may also want to read our Shark Vertex Cordless Review.

See Shark Vertex Cordless prices and reviews on Amazon

Dyson V12 Detect Slim

The Dyson V12 is very similar to the V15. However the V12 is more lightweight and nimble, while the V15 is more powerful and has longer run times. It depends what your priorities are. Fortunately the V12 has many of the pet friendly features that you find on the V15.

You get the anti-tangle technology in the cleaner head which helps limit hair tangle. The brushroll is also very easy to remove and clean should you need to. You get a second cleaner head (fluffy cleaner head) designed for hard flooring and it does an excellent job. The brushroll in the fluffy cleaner head can also be removed and even washed.

The V12 uses a power button (on/off) instead of a power trigger so those who dislike having to hold a trigger down to power the vacuum may like this feature.

What we like:
- Great on carpet & hard flooring
- HEPA level air filtration & sealed system
- Lightweight and moves very well
- Easy to empty dust canister
- Laser feature works in Fluffy cleaner head works
- Easily removable brushrolls
- Hair de-tangling technology works
- Hair screw tool is effective
- One touch power on/off
- Auto power mode is handy
- Remaining run time countdown
- Reasonable battery life
- "Click-in" battery

What to watch out for:
- Small dust canister
- Fairly average edge cleaning abilities
- Only one battery
- Expensive

The battery is detachable which makes it easier to charge (either on or off the vacuum). But the big plus here is the doubling of run times should you get a second battery. Note that the vacuum only comes with one battery.

A motorized tool with an anti-tangle brushroll is also included (the Hair Screw tool). We tested this tool and works well (see our Dyson V12 review with videos).

Like all Dyson cordless machines the V12 is easy to move and it goes where you want it to go, Also, the reduced weight of the V12 makes it move even better than some of the heavier models like the V11 or V15.

You can read our detailed Dyson V12 review which provides videos of carpet, hard floor, edge, and hair tests. We also measure run times and noise levels.

See V12 prices and owner reviews on Amazon

Shark Rocket Pro

What we like:
- Brushroll limits hair tangle
- Excellent debris pickup on carpet and hard floors
- Tools attach securely
- Includes upholstery tool and 8 inch crevice tool
- Low profile good for getting under low furniture
- Two-in-one vacuum (stick vac and handheld vac)
- Not too expensive
- Easy to use and easy to maintain
- Lengthy 5-year warranty on vacuum (not battery)
- Movement and maneuverability is good

What to watch out for:
- No stand or wall mount
- Not particularly lightweight
- A bit on the noisy side
- Narrow opening in cleaner head can clog
- Feels a little top heavy
- Cannot turn brushroll off on hard flooring
- Tested run time under 20 min on carpet
- No HEPA filter
- No on-board storage for tools

You can read our detailed Shark Rocket Pro review complete with carpet, tile, edge, and hair tests.  We also measure run times and noise levels.

See Rocket Pro prices and owner reviews on Amazon

LG CordZero A9 Kompressor

The LG CordZero A9 Kompressor is another cordless vacuum and the package includes many things. You get two batteries, a wall mount and a floor stand, several tools, a compressable dust canister, and a telescopic wand. The CordZero does not have a cleaner head or brushroll designed to stop hair tangle, but in our hair test it still managed to do a pretty good job.

The batteries for this unit are “click-in” and can be removed and reattached in seconds. This is a great feature for those who have long cleaning sessions. When one battery is depleted you simply pop-in another one. The problem is that most cordless vacuums only come with one battery. The CordZero comes with two.

This vacuum has a host of great features and cleaning performance is also good. We also tested run times and - with two batteries – we got close to 80 minutes on carpet.

What we like:
- Includes two “click-in” batteries
- Can charge both batteries at same time
- Includes a weighted stand that holds 2 tools
- Also includes a wall mount
- The wand can telescope
- Very good on carpet
- Less hair wrap than expected for standard brushroll
- Not loud in low power mode
- Can compress debris in dust canister
- Seal of Approval from the British Allergy Foundation
- Small, lightweight handheld unit

What to watch out for:
- Only one cleaner head and it is best on carpet
- A little weak in low power mode
- No clip for carrying tools on-board vacuum
- Loud in maximum power mode
- Short run time in maximum power mode

Read our LG CordZero A9 Kompressor review to see pros and cons, features, specifications and test results.  

Check LG CordZero pricing and reviews on Amazon

Shark Rocket Zero-M
Unlike the other four stick vacuums above, the Shark Rocket Pro with Zero-M technology is a corded machine. So there are no batteries to worry about and no limit to the vacuum’s run time. But you are tethered by a cord.

This vacuum isn’t lightweight but it does have Zero-M technology which is designed to remove hair from the brushroll and send it to the dust canister for disposal. In our hair test the vacuum did a pretty good job – it wasn’t perfect but it was still much better than a cleaner head without this technology.

We also performed debris (split green peas, flax seeds, chili flakes, ground cheerios) pickup tests on carpet and hard flooring (tile) and the Shark Rocket had great numbers on tile and pretty good numbers on carpet. Overall cleaning performance was impressive.

What we like:
- Not too expensive
- No need to remove wand to empty dust canister
- Anti-tangle technology works pretty well
- Both stick vacuum and handheld vacuum
- Has headlights on front of cleaner head
- Pretty good movement
- Lengthy 30 ft power cord

What to watch out for:
- Loud for a stick vacuum
- A bit heavy (compared to some cordless units)
- Suction isn’t particularly strong
- No HEPA filter
- Performed average on edge-cleaning test
- Will not stand on its own
- No stand or wall mount
- Lackluster tool set

You can see videos of our tests and read our detailed review here: Shark Rocket Zero-M Review.

See Shark Rocket pricing and owner 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 6500 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

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.

Nigel Russco has been reviewing and testing vacuums for over 14 years. He is a professional engineer and uses his review platforms to help consumers determine which vacuum cleaners are the best for their cleaning needs. Follow Nigel on facebook or view his vacuum review videos on the Vacuum Cleaner Advisor YouTube Channel.

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