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10 Best Handheld Vacuum For Pet Hair 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum with XL Dust Cup, LED Headlights, Removable Handheld Vac, Crevice Tool, Portable Vacuum for Household Pet Hair, Carpet and Hard Floors, 40min Runtime, Grey, IX141

The Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum is designed with pet owners in mind, making it a great choice for tackling pet hair on both carpets and hard floors. One of its standout features is the Hypervelocity suction, which offers impressive cleaning power, especially in high-traffic areas. Additionally, the vacuum has a removable handheld option, allowing you to easily clean above-floor areas like furniture and stairs. With up to 40 minutes of runtime, it provides ample time to clean without needing an immediate recharge, though the charging time of 240 minutes is on the longer side.

Weighing just under 7 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight and ergonomically designed, which is beneficial for maneuvering around your home. The LED headlights are a nice touch, illuminating any hidden debris, ensuring you don’t miss a spot. The XL dust cup can hold a decent amount of dirt and features a CleanTouch Dirt Ejector for hassle-free disposal, which is a great convenience for pet owners.

There are a couple of drawbacks to consider. While the battery life is decent, some users may find that 40 minutes is not always sufficient for larger cleaning jobs. The dustbin capacity, at 0.34 quarts, might require more frequent emptying, especially in homes with multiple pets. Additionally, the noise level at 80 dB is moderate and could be disruptive, especially if your pets are sensitive to loud sounds.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Suction Power
The suction power is impressive, especially when using the high suction trigger, effectively picking up everything from cat litter to large debris.
Battery Life
Battery life exceeded expectations, even on high suction mode, allowing for multiple cleaning tasks before needing a recharge.
Weight and Ergonomics
The vacuum is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for quickly cleaning floor mats, doorways, and small areas.
Dustbin Capacity
The dustbin is easy to empty with a trap door mechanism, though instructions could be clearer to prevent accidental spills.
#2

Shark HV371 Rocket Pro DLX Corded Stick, Removable Hand Vacuum, Advanced Swivel Steering, XL Cup, Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool & Anti-Allergen Dust Brush, Fuchsia, Capacity

The Shark HV371 Rocket Pro DLX Corded Stick Vacuum is a versatile option for those dealing with pet hair. One of its notable strengths is the powerful suction, rated at 500 watts, which is particularly effective for deep carpet cleaning and picking up pet hair from various surfaces. Additionally, the vacuum features a removable hand vacuum, making it convenient for cleaning stairs, furniture, and even car interiors. However, it's worth noting that this model is corded, which might limit mobility compared to cordless options.

The vacuum is ultra-lightweight, weighing less than 10 pounds, and its advanced swivel steering and low-profile design make maneuvering and cleaning under furniture quite easy. The XL dust cup capacity of 0.68 quarts means you can clean larger areas without frequent emptying, though it might still need regular dumping for extensive jobs. Specialized pet tools, like the crevice tool, upholstery tool, and anti-allergen dust brush, enhance its effectiveness for pet owners.

On the downside, the filtration system uses foam filters, which may require more maintenance than HEPA filters. The inclusion of LED headlights is a nice touch, revealing hidden debris and pet hair. This vacuum is excellent for those needing a powerful and lightweight solution for pet hair, but keep in mind the limitations of a corded design and the maintenance of foam filters.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Suction Power
I love how easy it is to empty the dust cup, and the vacuum doesn’t lose suction.
Battery Life
The cord is long so we don’t need to constantly change outlets and it’s not like the rechargeable ones that will eventually not hold a charge.
Weight and Ergonomics
The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum is a game-changer! It's incredibly lightweight, making it easy to maneuver around the house, yet powerful enough to tackle both carpet and hard floors.
Attachments and Accessories
It comes with lots of attachments that are helpful for everything from getting spider webs in hard to reach corners to getting pet hair off upholstery to cleaning our ceiling fans.
Dustbin Capacity
I love how easy it is to empty the dust cup, and the vacuum doesn’t lose suction.
#3

Shark WV201BK WANDVAC Cordless Hand Vac, Lightweight & Portable at 1.4 lbs. with Powerful Suction, Charging Dock, One-Touch Empty for Car & Home,Mattress,Duster Crevice Tool Included,Black(Pack of 1)

The Shark WV201BK WANDVAC Cordless Hand Vac is a lightweight and portable option, weighing only 1.4 lbs, which makes it easy to handle and maneuver. It boasts powerful suction thanks to its high-speed brushless motor, which is essential for effectively picking up pet hair. This vacuum includes attachments like the Mattress Tool and Duster Crevice Tool, making it versatile for cleaning both pet hair and tight spaces.

The one-touch empty feature is convenient, allowing for easy disposal of debris without getting your hands dirty. The charging dock provides quick access and fast recharging, with a full charge taking around 2.5 hours and a runtime of about 10 minutes, which might be on the shorter side for extended cleaning sessions. The ergonomic handle design ensures comfortable use, and the filtration technology captures dust and large debris efficiently.

The detachable dust cup and removable filter housing make maintenance straightforward. However, the dustbin capacity is quite small, so it may require frequent emptying during larger cleaning tasks. With a 4.2-star rating from over 18,000 customers, it is generally well-received. This vacuum is ideal for quick clean-ups and spot cleaning, particularly for pet owners who need a lightweight and powerful tool for pet hair removal.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Suction Power
The vacuum holds a great charge and has super strong suction, making it perfect for quick tasks.
Battery Life
The Shark WANDVAC is a powerful tool for quick clean-ups, but its runtime is limited to short sessions.
Weight and Ergonomics
The lightweight and well-designed vacuum is very effective when used as intended for small spill cleanups.
Dustbin Capacity
This vacuum is effective and impressive for cleaning, despite its small dust cup capacity.

Buying Guide for the Best Handheld Vacuum For Pet Hair

Choosing the right handheld vacuum for pet hair can make a significant difference in maintaining a clean home, especially if you have furry friends. Pet hair can be stubborn and challenging to remove, so it's essential to select a vacuum that is specifically designed to handle this task. When shopping for a handheld vacuum for pet hair, consider the following key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs.
Suction PowerSuction power is the force with which the vacuum pulls in dirt and debris. This spec is crucial for effectively picking up pet hair, which can be deeply embedded in carpets and upholstery. Suction power is usually measured in air watts (AW) or volts (V). Higher suction power means better performance. For pet hair, look for a vacuum with at least 15 AW or 18V. If you have multiple pets or thick carpets, you might need a vacuum with even higher suction power.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long the vacuum can operate on a single charge. This is important for ensuring you can clean your space without frequent interruptions. Battery life is typically measured in minutes. For small areas or quick clean-ups, a vacuum with 15-20 minutes of battery life may suffice. For larger areas or more thorough cleaning sessions, look for a vacuum with 30 minutes or more of battery life. Consider your cleaning habits and the size of the area you need to clean when choosing the right battery life.
Weight and ErgonomicsWeight and ergonomics refer to how easy and comfortable the vacuum is to use. A lightweight vacuum is easier to maneuver, especially when cleaning stairs, furniture, or tight spaces. Ergonomics involves the design of the handle and overall balance of the vacuum. For pet hair, you want a vacuum that is light enough to use for extended periods without causing strain. Typically, handheld vacuums weigh between 2 to 5 pounds. Choose a vacuum that feels comfortable in your hand and is easy to carry around your home.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories enhance the vacuum's versatility and effectiveness in cleaning pet hair. Common attachments include motorized brushes, crevice tools, and upholstery tools. Motorized brushes are particularly useful for agitating and lifting pet hair from carpets and furniture. Crevice tools help reach tight spaces, while upholstery tools are designed for fabric surfaces. Consider the types of surfaces and areas you need to clean and choose a vacuum with the appropriate attachments to meet your needs.
Dustbin CapacityDustbin capacity indicates how much dirt and debris the vacuum can hold before needing to be emptied. This is important for convenience and efficiency, as a larger dustbin means fewer trips to the trash can. Dustbin capacity is usually measured in liters or ounces. For pet hair, a dustbin capacity of at least 0.5 liters (or around 17 ounces) is recommended. If you have multiple pets or a larger home, you might prefer a vacuum with a larger dustbin to reduce the frequency of emptying.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system captures and traps dust, allergens, and pet dander, preventing them from being released back into the air. This is especially important for households with allergy sufferers. Look for vacuums with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, as they can capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. If you or anyone in your household has allergies, a vacuum with a HEPA filter is highly recommended. For general use, a good quality filter will still help maintain cleaner air in your home.

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