Top 5 Best Handheld Vacuums For Pet Hair in 2024

Matt Clayton

Did you know that cats and dogs can shed hundreds of thousands of hairs every day? No wonder pet hair seems to invade your home!

If you’re looking for that perfect compact vacuum to help you keep your home pet hair-free, then you’re in the right place! The expert team at PetHairPatrol knows everything about cleaning after pets.

Our test team did some extensive research and put the most popular handheld vacuums through vigorous TESTING in real pet homes. Using the products in real-life situations verified that not all handheld vacuums are capable of removing pet hair. Luckily, however,  there are a few that are up to the job.

Let's check out the Top 5 Best Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair:

Table of Contents
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    5 Best Handheld Vacuums For Pet Hair - Reviews

    Best Handheld Vacuum for Dog Hair and Cat Hair
    Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus
    Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus
    9.9
    Best Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair on Furniture and Stairs
    Bissell Pet Hair Eraser
    Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion
    9.8
    Best Portable Car Vacuum for Pet Hair in the Car
    BLACK+DECKER MAX Lithium Flex
    BLACK+DECKER MAX Lithium Flex
    9.7

    We select and review all products independently; However, we may earn a small commission on purchases made through our links at no extra cost to you.   Learn more.

    1. Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus (Best Overall)

    Editor's Choice

    A good-quality handheld pet vacuum with strong suction, powerful self-cleaning brush roll tool, and handy design. Easily wipes out pet hair and other pet-related messes. Check the latest price.

    Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus Cordless Handheld Vacuum, with XL Dust Cup, in Black

    This Shark handheld pet vacuum is a great choice for any pet owner looking for a compact yet powerful vacuum cleaner for those quick cleanups. The UltraCyclone picks up pet hair with no effort on all types of surfaces and helps you keep your home clean and pet hair-free.

    Let’s find out what makes it the best handheld vacuum for dog hair and cat hair:

    Performance and Ease of use

    The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus is a lightweight and compact pet hand vacuum that weighs only 2.8 pounds. Our test team loved how comfortable it was to hold and use, and the weight distribution is excellent for a portable pet hair vacuum that is used both up high and close to the floor.

    Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus Cordless Handheld Vacuum, with XL Dust Cup, in Black

    The cordless design lets you bring the suction power where you need it and enables vacuuming areas like the car seats, which are often covered in pet hair. Give it a try if you've been looking for the best portable car vacuum for pet hair on the market, it'll surprise you!

    According to the manual, the runtime is 10 minutes. However, it depends on the surface and tools you’re using. While testing this vacuum in real pet homes, our test team was happy to see the runtime range from 10 to 20 minutes. 

    What the test team also liked was that the Shark UltraCyclone is super simple to use and clean. All the pieces click into place without any problems, and the vacuum has an overall quality feel to it.

    This Shark vacuum for pet homes uses two powerful cyclonic air streams to create a strong suction that gives the vacuum the cleaning power it needs to pick up pet hair from all kinds of surfaces. It quickly sucks in even the toughest dirt like heavy sand or stubborn pet hair.

    Attachments

    Crevice tool – the vacuum comes with a narrow crevice tool we found is excellent for reaching that pet hair that hides in the crevices of your couch. It is also very helpful in vacuuming baseboards or picking up debris like cat litter or food pellets.

    The slimline design of the vacuum adds to its usability. Those areas that are hard to reach are no problem for this vacuum, which we found was a very useful feature when vacuuming your car or between and around furniture.

    Scrubbing brush – this brush with sturdy bristles is excellent for removing tougher dirt.

    A small shortcoming is the lack of a softer dusting brush for more delicate objects. It can be a useful tool if you want to use the vacuum for dusting. The UltraCyclone feels like it has been designed for tougher cleanups, and a dusting brush would add to the versatility.

    Self-cleaning Pet Power Brush – The best part of this vacuum is definitely the motorized Pet Power Brush. It is a powerful brush roll tool with blades that prevent pet hair from wrapping around the brush while it engages the surface securely to lift up tough dirt, including persistent pet hair, dust, dander, and heavier debris like sand and soil. In our tests, the vacuum picked up even long dog hair and prevented any tangling. Combined with other feathers, it is by far the best handheld dog hair vacuum in the market.

    Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus Cordless Handheld Vacuum, with XL Dust Cup, in Black

    The rubber blades not only ensure a tangle-free cleaning experience, but they also efficiently grab dirt and hair from any surface. This brush roll attachment is the most powerful one we’ve seen in our tests and is the main reason the Shark UltraCyclone does such a great job.

    A Bristled Motorized Pet Brush is available as an add-on as is a wand and cleaning head combination for cleaning bare floors.

    Filtration

    The cyclonic airflow is also used as a pre-motor filter. Because the larger dirt and debris are filtered already at this stage, the motor and filter are protected and have a longer life.

    HEPA filters are usually preferred in pet homes with allergies, but the non-HEPA cloth filter in this vacuum does a good job of removing dust and dirt from the exhaust air.

    You can rinse the cloth filter under running water and place it back in the vacuum once it has dried completely. A washable filter means you will be saving in maintenance costs because it doesn’t need to be changed as often.

    The CleanTouch dirt ejector allows you to empty the dirt cup quickly and hygienically without having to pull the pet hair out of the cup with your fingers. Disposing of the dirt is quick and straightforward.

    What We Like

    + Powerful cyclonic suction
    + Excellent performance on many surfaces
    + Lightweight with a slimline design
    + Crevice tool and scrubbing brush included
    + Powerful self-cleaning Pet Power Brush
    + Add-ons available
    + Hands-free dirt ejector
    + Washable filter

    What We Dislike

    - No dusting brush included
    - No HEPA filter
    - We would love a longer runtime

    Bottom Line

    The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus is an excellent choice for a handheld pet vacuum. It has powerful suction and excellent attachments for removing pet hair efficiently.

    It's not only a powerful handheld vacuum for pet hair, but also highly functional for other messes too: it quickly picks up spilled kibble in the kitchen or dirt from the hallway rugs.

    The practical and lightweight design with a hygienic dirt ejector, good-sized dirt cup, and a washable filter make this vacuum a perfect tool for those small daily cleanups in pet homes.

    2. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum (Best for pet hair on furniture and stairs)

    An efficient and user-friendly handheld vacuum cleaner for pet homes. Practical design with fantastic attachments for cleaning up pet messes, plus a huge dirt cup to fit all the pet hair it picks up. Check the latest price.

    Check the latest price.

    An affordable yet adaptable and functional handheld vacuum that helps you keep your house tidy despite the messy pets. Lightweight and easy-to-use design make daily cleanups less of a chore.

    Performance and ease of use

    The cordless Pet Hair Eraser from Bissell is a compact and lightweight vacuum at only 3 pounds. It has an ergonomically designed easy-grip handle with switches conveniently at your fingertips...

    Because of its lightness, this portable pet hair vacuum is easy to maneuver around furniture and floors – anything from floor to ceiling. And it’s cordless, so you don’t have to worry about plugging it in.

    The 0.7-liter dirt container is huge for a handheld vacuum, meaning it will be a good fit for pet owners with pets that have long hair. There is no doubt it is one of the best handheld dog hair vacuums on the market. 

    The dirt cup is easy to detach for emptying, and you can rinse it with water. This vacuum also has a dual filter with a washable filter screen to protect the paper filter from being clogged by dirt and pet hair. We wish the filter itself were washable, but hey, that’s a pretty small flaw.

    The 3-stage filtration system does not include a HEPA filter, but the pleated filter, together with the filter screen, does a good job of removing dust and dirt from the air.

    The detachable motorized foot offers a good strong suction and keeps the vacuum running for 17 minutes on average, depending on the tools you use.

    With strong suction and three useful attachments, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser cordless handheld vacuum is well worth its price.

    Attachments

    As one of the best handheld hoovers for pet hair, this hand vac comes with three attachments:

    • a motorized brush roll,
    • an upholstery tool, and
    • a crevice tool.

    These three attachments provide some excellent versatility and allow you to take care of all kinds of small messes no matter what the surface and kind of dirt vacuumed.

    That's why our testing team pick this Bissell vacuum as the best handheld vacuum for pet hair on furniture, couch and mutiple hard or soft surfaces.

    Check the latest price.

    The brush roll is especially useful at thoroughly cleaning fabrics from dust, dander, and pet hair embedded in them. 

    The crevice tool enables you to reach small crevices or vacuum debris such as scattered cat litter and pet food from the floor.

    You also get the upholstery tool, which has a felt edge that attracts pet hair. This attachment you can use for more delicate fabrics that don’t particularly need the power of the brush roll.

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    What We Like

    +  Cordless with a good 17 min runtime
    +  Powerful motor for strong suction
    +  Lightweight and easy to use
    +  Motorized brush removes pet hair
    +  Crevice tool for difficult-to-reach areas
    +  Upholstery tool with a felt edge to attract pet hair
    +  3-stage filtration system with washable screen
    +  Huge 0.7-liter dirt bin
    +  Easy to empty

    What We Dislike

    -  Filter itself is not washable
    -  No HEPA filter

    Bottom Line

    The Pet Hair Eraser cordless hand vacuum from Bissell is a functional tool for any pet owner wanting a compact vacuum for small pet-related cleanups.

    With this portable pet hair vacuum, you can expect well-known Bissell quality and some nice features for a pet home. The dirt cup is huge to fit all the pet hair picked up by the highly efficient brush roll tool, and the two other attachments enable you to clean all the above-floor areas with ease.

    It is a simple yet adaptable and practical vacuum for all those pet-related cleanups and much more.

    Our rating

    3. BLACK+DECKER MAX Lithium Flex (Best for pet hair in the car)

    A powerful handheld pet hair vacuum with strong suction, innovative design, and clever attachments that enable you to clean your home from floor to ceiling. A compact powerhouse that will wipe out that pet hair.  Check the latest price here.

     

    BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum with Floor Head and Pet Hair Brush (BDH2020FLFH)

    The Black+Decker MAX Lithium Flex is an excellent handheld vacuum for pet homes because like dog hair and other pet hair, this vacuum will go everywhere. The innovative design and handy attachments allow you to use it on all surfaces of your home, which is pretty rare for a vacuum of this size.

    Performance and Ease of Use

    What makes this vacuum the best portable car vacuum for pet hair is the powerful suction combined with usability and adaptability. The 20V lithium-ion battery provides a strong suction that is capable of picking up even the most persistent cat and dog hair, and because of the smart design, you can use this vacuum on all surfaces...

    The lightweight and portable set-up enables you to carry the vacuum everywhere while also using all kinds of attachments. As one of the best pet dustbusters, this vacuum is not just for picking up a few crumbs in the kitchen; you can use it for cleaning anything from floors and furniture to curtains and vents.

    The 20-minute runtime of this Black+Decker dustbuster pet hair vacuum is pretty good for a vacuum of this size, and without the hassle with a power cord, you can use this vacuum all around your house and also in your car, where many pet owners definitely need help battling that pet hair.

    The dirt din has a large capacity of 0.5 liters, which is great for owners of pets that shed a lot. Because the bin is large, pet hair won’t fill it up and block the suction while cleaning. The container is easy to empty and washable, which means easy maintenance.

    The cyclonic action feature separates hair and dirt from the air, after which it is guided through a pleated filter. The filter is not a HEPA filter, but it does provide clean exhaust air, and it’s washable, which saves you the cost of replacing filters.

    Although pet owners find this vacuum very capable and give it excellent ratings, some users have reported issues with the battery. However, as one of the best handheld hoover manufacturers for pet hair, Black+Decker is known for its high-quality products, and they do offer a 2-year limited warranty, so if you do find yourself with a faulty vacuum, you can just ask for a replacement.

    Attachments

    The 4-foot flexible hose is a fantastic feature because it allows you to reach all those tight spots easily. You don’t have to lift up the entire vacuum when cleaning areas up high, and it will enable you to turn this handheld dog hair vacuum into a portable canister vacuum for vacuuming floors, carpets, and stairs.

    BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum with Floor Head and Pet Hair Brush (BDH2020FLFH)

    This unique design is something pet owners will find highly useful because the Stick Vacuum Attachment with the pivoting floor head enables you to do that quick cleanup for not just above-floor areas and furniture but also floors carpets too. You don’t have to lug out the huge upright vacuum if you just want to tidy up quickly.

    Of course, to get a thorough cleanup on your plush high-pile carpets, you will need to use your full-sized vacuum. But when compared to other handheld vacuums, the Black+Decker Flex dustbuster pet hair vacuum does offer pretty amazing versatility. It will easily get to those hard-to-reach areas and make sure every inch of your home is kept clean.

    You also get a convenient charging base (that will store all the tools as well), a flip-up dusting brush, a crevice tool, and, of course, a pet hair attachment.

    We would love to see this best pet dustbuster with a motorized brush roll tool for pet hair, but the rubberized pet hair attachment combined with strong suction does offer excellent performance when cleaning furniture, pet beds, and other such areas.

    What We Like

    + Powerful motor for strong suction
    + Lightweight at 3.2 pounds
    + 20-minute fade-free runtime
    + Innovative design that offers adaptability
    + Exceptional adaptability with the extension hose
    + Excellent attachments
    + Rubberized pet hair tool
    + Comes with a wand and floor head
    + Large washable 0.5-liter dirt cup
    + Washable filter
    + Great vacuum for the car

    What We Dislike

    - No HEPA filter
    - No motorized brush roll tool

    Bottom Line

    The Black+Decker MAX Lithium Flex is a big vacuum in a small body. It is compact and portable, but it is also easily converted to adapt to larger cleanups than just picking up a few spills in the kitchen.

    Unlike most handheld vacuums, the Flex dustbuster pet hair vacuum has an extension hose you can use with the wand and floor head. With this feature, you can clean not only above-floor surfaces but floors and hard-to-reach corners as well – basically everywhere where you can find that annoying pet hair. It is the best pet hair vacuum for cars and other areas that need an adaptable vacuum.

    The runtime is good for a vacuum in this price range, and the set of attachments is great as well. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and it handles pet hair well. What else do you need?

    The Black+Decker Flex is not just a handheld vacuum, it is a versatile and multi-functional vacuum with smart design. And it’s always ready to tackle messes – big or small.

    Our rating

    4. Bissell CleanView Deluxe (Best for removing pet hair from bedding)

    A highly popular handheld pet hair vacuum for upholstery, bedding, and other fabrics. This compact and affordable yet powerful vacuum is the updated version of one of the all-time bestselling pet hair vacuums. Check the latest price.

    Bissell Cleanview Deluxe Corded Handheld Vacuum, 47R51

    If you are looking for a small but powerful handheld vacuum for pet hair on your bedding, furniture and carpeted stairs, this vacuum is a great choice. It performs reasonably well on other small jobs too, though it's mainly aimed for vacuuming fabrics.
    Hose and additional attachments add to the adaptability of this vacuum, making it an excellent choice for cleaning cars as well.

    Performance and ease of use

    This hand vac has an ergonomic and compact design combined with a low weight, which makes it easy to use and handle. This dustbuster  pet hair vacuum is corded, which can be a pro or a con depending on your preferences. Luckily the 18-foot cord offers a broad reach and strong suction if you just have power outlets in crucial locations.

    This corded Bissell Pet Hair Eraser has a HEPA filter and a washable dirt cup. There is also a washable filter screen to separate pet hair and larger debris and to keep them from clogging the filter. The screen protects the filter from dirt lengthening the lifespan of the replaceable HEPA filter.

    Attachments

    This updated version of the popular Bissell Pet Hair Eraser vacuum has two added attachments and a hose making it more adaptable compared to the previous version. It may not be the most versatile handheld vacuum, but for small messes your pet makes, this is an excellent choice.

    The Flexible Contour Nozzle is made of rubber which attracts pet hair and pulls it up from fabrics for the suction to pick up. This feature is praised by numerous pet owners using this product.

    You also have a hose-adapter nozzle and a 2-foot hose which allows you to reach those awkward places like between appliances or under the car seats. There are also two tools you can attach to the hose making it even more versatile.

    The wide-mouth tool is excellent for picking up larger debris like spilled pet food, and the crevice tool allows you to reach those tight spaces. 

    These attachments combined with a powerful suction do a good job in picking up sand, grass, pet food and such. With the capability to handle pet hair as well as other small messes, the Bissell Cleanview Deluxe is a popular choice for many pet owners.

    What We Like

    +  Compact size and easy to maneuver
    +  Strong suction and powerful motor
    +  Rubber nozzle is excellent at removing pet hair
    +  Hose-adapter nozzle and a 2-foot hose

    +  Wide-mouth tool and crevice tool
    +  Lightweight
    +  HEPA filter
    +  18-foot cord
    +  Dirt cup easily emptied and washed

    What We Dislike

    -  Mainly designed for removing pet hair from fabrics and therefore lacks some versatility
    -  Small dirt container
    -  Corded

    Bottom Line

    The Bissell CleanView Deluxe is a corded handheld vacuum designed for small cleanups in pet homes. It is an ideal choice for anyone looking for an appliance that can remove pet hair from upholstery and bedding.

    The CleanView Deluxe is easily maneuvered across the furniture effectively picking up pet hair. With a change of attachments, it is ready to pick up for example scattered food pellets, wood shavings, sand, and dirt, making it a handy tool for cleaning up after the messes your pets make.

    Combine all this with a very low price point, and you have yourself an excellent vacuum for small cleaning jobs.

    Our rating

    5. Holife 7kPa Handheld Vacuum (Best for cat litter)

    A popular handheld vacuum with excellent reviews. Perfect for small cleanups like scattered cat litter, spilled kibble, or mud on the hallway floor. The price-quality ratio is fantastic, with all the essential features combined in a compact package at a reasonable price. Check the latest price.

     

    This vacuum is one of our top picks because it has strong suction for picking up pet hair and other dirt, and a good-sized dirt cup to hold it. It’s lightweight, it has a long runtime, and the dirt cup is easy to empty.

    This vacuum even cleans up liquids which can be useful if you need to spot clean carpets with liquid detergents after your pet has had an accident inside.

    Performance and Ease of use

    The 100W motor provides a strong 7000 PA cyclonic suction, which is powerful enough to pick up even heavier debris like large food pellets and small pieces of gravel...

    The features make it quick and easy to clean up scattered cat litter, dirt brought inside by your pet, or spilled pet food with this vacuum. 

    This Holife handheld vacuum comes with a 2200 mAh battery that provides up to 30 minutes of battery life.

    It’s cordless, which makes it convenient for quick cleanups, and it takes 2-3 hours for it to charge fully, which is pretty standard for handheld vacuums.

    Because the vacuum is cordless and lightweight, it offers excellent usability and convenience in cleaning. The handle is ergonomic, and users compliment the vacuum on its easy-to-use design.

    The vacuum is easily emptied by releasing the dust cup, taking out the filter, and pouring the contents into the trash bin. The dirt bin is washable, as is the filter. If you're looking for the best handheld vacuum for cat litter, just give it a try and you'll love it.

    The washable HEPA filter is perfect for pet homes with allergies. Not only does this high-quality filter remove 99,97% of small particles such as pet dander and other allergens, but it also keeps the maintenance cost low by not having to be replaced very often.

    Although the suction is strong, the Holife vacuum produces only 78dB. This noise reduction feature is great for pet owners because vacuuming often causes stress to sensitive pets.

    Attachments

    What we love about this vacuum is the fact that in addition to vacuuming dry dirt and debris, it can also clean up liquids. With the special liquid nozzle called the Rubber Jar Tool, the hand vac can vacuum up to 100ml in one go.

    This feature is useful for pet owners that want to use their hand vac for spot-cleaning carpets after their pet had an accident or cleaning up spilled water and other wet messes.

    The vacuum also comes with

    • a crevice tool for tight corners and narrow spaces
    • a dusting brush for dusting surfaces and delicate objects

    We would like to see a motorized brush roll tool for pet hair as well, but understandably that would quickly affect the pricing. Because the vacuum doesn't have this tool included, it is not ideal for pet hair, but it can be the best handheld vacuum for cat litter and other dry messes.

    That being said, the dusting brush and strong suction are able to clean pet hair well, and numerous users give this vacuum excellent ratings as a pet hair vacuum.

    Finally, the vacuum comes with a charging base, which keeps the vacuum at hand and ready to go at all times.

    What We Like

    Strong suction
    + 30-minute runtime
    + Large dirt cup
    + Lightweight
    + Dry and wet vacuuming
    + Noise reduction
    + Fast charging

    What We Dislike

    - No brush roll attachment

    Bottom Line

    This Holife 7kPa handheld vacuum is a top-rated handheld vacuum for pets. It's not ideal for pet hair, but because it's so versatile in many ways and it does pick up pet hair pretty well, it definitely deserves its place in the top 5.

    Users give this vacuum excellent ratings and highly praising reviews. It’s not a top-end product, as you probably figured out by the very reasonable pricing. Still, if you’re looking for a reliable product with all the necessary features and a moderate price, this is the one to go with.

    Our rating

    Best Handheld Pet Vacuum Comparison Chart

    Rating 9.9/10 9.8/10 9.7/10 9.6/10 9.6/10
    In Short Powerful suction and easy to use design. Perfect for pet hair with a self- cleaning motorized brush roll and a dirt ejector. Practical design with great attachments for cleanign pet hair and other pet-related messes. Another adaptable vacuum for multiple surfaces and areas, but lacks a motorized brush roll, A bit awkward in design but great for removing pet hair from bedding and upholstered furrniture. Not ideal for pet hair, but a functional all-around vacuum for cat litter and other pet messes.
    Washable Dirt Cup
    Cordless Corded with 18-foot cord
    Run time 10 minutes 15 minutes 20 minutes N/A 30 minutes
    Attachments Scrubbing brush; Crevice tool; Motorized brush roll Motorized brush; Crevice tool; Upholstery tool Extension hose; Extension Wand; Floor head; Crevice/Brush Tool; Pet Hair Tool Flexible rubber nozzle; Wide mouth tool; Crevice tool; 2-foot hose Wet Tool; Crevice tool; Dusting brush
    Filtration Washable fabric filter Washable 3-stage filtration mesh/pleated/foam Washable pleated filter Non: sealed HEPA filtration with washable filter screens Washable fabric fiter
    Dirt Cup Capacity 0.45 Qt 0.7L 0.5L 0.8L 0.6L
    Dimensions 20.8x 3.8x 4.3 4.5x 16x 6.8 14.4x 10.7x 6.5 10x 5x 8 16.1x 4.3x 4.3
    Weight 2.8 pounds 3 pounds 3.2 pounds 4.65 pounds 3.3 pounds
    Warranty 2-year limited warranty 2-year limited warranty 2-year limited warranty 1-year limited warranty 1-year limited warranty

    Buying Guide – How to Choose a Handheld Pet Hair Vacuum?

    There are many handheld vacuums available... but here's the thing: only a few work well when it comes to removing pet hair. To help you out, we've listed 7 key elements you should keep your eye on:

    1. Attachments

    • Functional attachments are probably the most crucial feature in a good pet hair vacuum.

    The number one most important attachment for all pet owners is the motorized brush roll. It is the most effective tool for picking up pet hair regardless of the surface. To clean upholstery and carpets thoroughly, it is recommended to have this type of attachment.

    A crevice tool, dusting brush, or a hose will, of course, add to how efficient the vacuum is on different surfaces. To find out which attachments come with each handheld vacuum, have a look at our detailed comparison table above.

    2. Suction power

    • For a vacuum to remove pet hair well, it needs to have sufficient suction power.

    All of the top 5 handheld vacuums we have picked out are strong handheld vacuums for pet hair, and  have proven their capabilities with hair and all other small cleanups.

    You can choose any of the five vacuum cleaners, and it will have a powerful motor to give it an excellent rating at cleaning performance.

    white handheld vacuum

    3. Price

    • As powerful motors and functional attachments of a handheld pet vacuum are expensive to manufacture, better-performing vacuums tend to be pricier.

    But that is not to say an affordable vacuum with just the bare essentials wouldn't be the best choice considering your individual needs.

    We have chosen vacuums at different price points to suit all budgets and needs, but all of the top 5 handheld vacuums have a valid price point, and they will offer good value for your investment.

    You should think about your cleaning needs and figure out which vacuum fits those needs the best. What it comes down to is that if you buy a cheap vacuum that doesn't meet your requirements, it won't be doing you much good, and it will be a waste of your money.

    4. Size

    • When it comes to handheld models, size does matter. Smaller and lighter dustbuster pet hair vacuums will be more convenient to use.

    If you have limited storage space or you need the vacuum to be very light and easily maneuvered, just check our comparison chart to find the smallest and most lightweight models.

    5. Corded or Cordless

    • Depends entirely on your preferences.

    If you have power outlets in every room and you are comfortable in changing outlets between vacuuming, then you will get constant power without having to worry about the battery running out by choosing a corded vacuum cleaner.

    On the other hand, all of the cordless pet hair vacuums we have picked have sufficient runtime for small cleaning jobs, and having a cordless vacuum gives you the freedom to vacuum around your house and car without worrying about power outlets.

    6. Filter

    All of the top 5 handheld vacuums we have introduced have very different filtering systems and filters, but they all blow out clean and fresh exhaust air.

    Look for a washable filter that can be replaced to cut your costs in the future, and find out if filters can be replaced easily.

    filter for dyson shark pet hair

    Most affordable handheld vacuums do not have HEPA filtering, but they still do a good job of cleaning out the exhaust air.

    If you or your family members have allergies and you want a pet hair vacuum with sealed HEPA filtration to provide extremely clean air free of allergens, you should have a look at the Dyson V6 Mattress handheld vacuum.

    It is an excellent choice for a pet hair vacuum with many amazing features and top-class performance with pet hair, but it just barely didn't make our top 5 because of its high price point. It is a high-quality handheld vacuum, and it should be your number one choice if you need HEPA filtering to protect the health of your family.

    7. Surfaces

    • Have a look at the attachments to figure out which handheld pet vacuum you will get the most out of.

    If you are looking to vacuum upholstered furniture, car seats, or stairs, then a motorized brush roll tool is a must-have. On the other hand, if you want to use your hand vacuum for floors too, then you need a wand and cleaning head as well.

    Check out our comparison table to figure out which vacuum has the perfect tools for the surfaces you need to clean in your home.

    best handheld vacuum for pet hair

    Our Top Pick – Best hand vacuum for pet hair

    All the vacuums we chose for our top 5 do an excellent job with pet hair, but there was one that stood out with an easy-to-use design and good performance. Although our test team could see themselves using any of these top products, the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus was everyone's number one choice for their own home.

    What we learned from testing handheld vacuums is that there are many popular products on the market that have been engineered to pick up debris, but they lack the tools for removing pet hair. Great products, but not for pet homes.

    Luckily there are a few handheld vacuums, though, that provide the cleaning results we wanted to see for different pet-related messes– Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus being the top dog in the category. It has a good 10-minute runtime combined with a washable filter, an extra-large dirt cup, and a self-cleaning motorized brush roll attachment for stubborn pet hair. Perfect, said our test team.

    Our Top Pick
    Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus

    Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus

    • Powerful cyclonic airflow for strong suction
    • Lightweight and easy to use
    • Self-cleaning Pet Power Brush
    • Extra-large dirt cup
    • Hygienic hands-free dirt ejector
    • Washable filter

    Why should I choose a handheld pet vacuum?

    First of all, if you have pets that shed, not any handheld vacuum cleaner will be up to to the job. That is why you need a small vacuum with the proper suction power, right tools, and suitable features. These qualities make the best handheld vacuum for pets.

    Secondly, there a many benefits of owning such a vacuum. With a handheld pet vacuum, you can:

    • take care of small cleanups like scattered cat litter or food pellets
    • keep your furniture pet hair-free
    • dust above-floor surfaces
    • keep high-traffic areas like the hallway clean
    • clean doorframes, vents, baseboards, fans, etc.
    • clean your car

    A lightweight hand vac with a practical design is a must-have addition to the cleaning gear in pet homes if you only have a bulkier vacuum. It is always at hand and ready to tackle quick cleanups with you. As a result, you'll have a more clean and fresh home.

    Recommended reading:
    Should I Get a Handheld Vacuum?
    What Can I Vacuum with a Handheld Vacuum Cleaner?
    How Long do Handheld Vacuums Last?

    Pro Tip:

    Not sure if the handheld is the ideal type of vacuum for you?

    Check out our listing of the recommended vacuums for homes with pets.

    FAQ

    The best cordless handheld vacuum for pet hair is the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus. It has a powerful self-cleaning motorized brush roll, a washable filter, and an extra-large dirt cup for pet hair. It is lightweight and easy to use on any surface, and it has a hygienic dirt eject system. It is our #1 recommendation for a handheld pet hair vacuum.

    The best handheld vacuum for stairs and pet hair is the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser. It is an easy-to-use and efficient hand vac with strong suction and a motorized brush roll tool that can thoroughly clean carpeted stairs. Because it has a compact and handy design combined with the brush roll tool, it is ideal for cleaning pet hair on stairs.

    The best handheld vacuum for pet hair on furniture is the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus. It has a powerful self-cleaning brush roll tool that effectively removes pet hair from upholstered furniture while preventing hair wrap around the brush. With the strong suction and the brush roll tool together, the vacuum ensures a thorough yet gentle cleaning for furniture.

    The best handheld vacuum for pet hair on the couch is the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus. It has strong suction and a powerful brush roll toll with a self-cleaning feature to keep your couch clean from dust, dirt, and pet hair.

    The best corded handheld vacuum for pet hair is the Shark Rocket Ultra-Light. We generally prefer cordless vacuums because they are more convenient. Still, if you prefer a corded hand vac, this vacuum is the best one. It has powerful suction combined with practical features and useful attachments that can remove pet hair.

    The best cordless handheld vacuum for pet hair is the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus. The 10-minute runtime is not the longest, but with the strong suction and sturdy self-cleaning brush roll tool, this vacuum effortlessly removes pet hair.

    The best pet hair vacuum for a car is the BLACK+DECKER MAX Lithium Flex. As a strong handheld vacuum for pet hair, it has very powerful suction. It also comes with a flexible hose, which helps you reach those hard-to-get-to crevices in your car. In addition to that, it has a rubberized pet hair tool to help you clean car seats and upholstery. That's why our testing team picked it as the best portable car vacuum for pet hair.

    Matt Clayton
    Matt Clayton
    Chief Editor & Founder of PetHairPatrol

    Matt is the founder of PetHairPatrol.com and has years of experience helping pet owners keep their homes clean. He's been featured in publications like Reader's Digest, Money, and BestLifeOnline. When this neat freak is not searching for better ways to get rid of pet hair, dander, and other messes pets leave behind, he's usually enjoying outdoors with his two (hairy) Goldens: Ben and Jerry. Read more.

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