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

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shark | Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner | LED Headlights | Removable Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair | Crevice Tool & Pet Multi-Tool Included | 40min Runtime | For Carpet & Hard Floors | Grey | IX141

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,472
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
33837 reviews

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.

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.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,472
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
33837 reviews

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

Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum, Nickel/Blue

Rating
9.6
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
1422 reviews

Suction Power
Transforms the cleaning experience with its powerful suction and maneuverability.
Battery Life
Cordless feature adds convenience and makes cleaning hassle-free.
Weight and Ergonomics
Lightweight and easy to use, even for those with back problems.

The Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum stands out as a powerful and versatile option for handling pet hair. With 60% more power and up to 60 minutes of battery life, it offers ample suction and endurance for thorough cleaning sessions. It features three power modes: Auto for balanced performance, Eco for extended battery life, and Boost for intensive cleaning. The LCD screen provides useful information such as power mode, maintenance alerts, and remaining run time, which enhances user convenience. Weighing 6.6 pounds, it is relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver.

The vacuum can convert to a handheld model, making it practical for cleaning stairs, cars, and upholstery where pet hair often accumulates. It comes with multiple attachments, including a Motorbar cleaner head that de-tangles long hair and pet hair, and a Hair screw tool designed specifically for fast and efficient pet hair removal. The advanced whole-machine filtration system captures 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, ensuring that expelled air is cleaner.

However, the dustbin capacity is 0.2 gallons, which might require frequent emptying during heavy cleaning tasks. The vacuum’s high price point might also be a consideration for some users. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Dyson V11 Origin is well-equipped to meet the needs of pet owners looking for a reliable and effective handheld vacuum.

Rating
9.6
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
1422 reviews

Suction Power
Transforms the cleaning experience with its powerful suction and maneuverability.
Battery Life
Cordless feature adds convenience and makes cleaning hassle-free.
Weight and Ergonomics
Lightweight and easy to use, even for those with back problems.
#3

Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum, Silver/Nickel

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
2606 reviews

Suction Power
The suction power is impressive — it picked up dirt and pet hair from both carpets and hard floors with ease.
Battery Life
The battery doesn't last super long on full blast, but it charges back up fast and is super powerful.
Weight and Ergonomics
The lightweight and sleek design makes cleaning much less of a chore.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachments included are really helpful, especially the dusting brush for tricky spots and the crevice tool for cleaning between furniture.
Filtration System
The HEPA filtration system has made a noticeable difference in air quality, trapping allergens and dust effectively.

The Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum is a strong choice for pet owners looking for a handheld vacuum. One of its primary advantages is its powerful suction, designed to handle pet hair effectively. The Motorbar cleaner head and Hair screw tool are particularly notable for their ability to deep clean various floor types and de-tangle long hair and pet hair during use, making it especially handy for homes with pets. Additionally, the vacuum offers up to 40 minutes of battery life, which is sufficient for most cleaning sessions but may require recharging for extended uses.

The lightweight and ergonomic design ensures that it is easy to maneuver and use in different areas of the home, including stairs and upholstery, due to its ability to convert into a handheld vacuum. It comes with several attachments, such as a mini soft dusting brush, crevice tool, and wall docking station, adding to its versatility and ease of use. The advanced whole-machine filtration system is another plus, capturing 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is beneficial for maintaining cleaner air in your home.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The dustbin capacity of 0.14 gallons is relatively small, meaning it will need frequent emptying, especially in homes with multiple pets. Additionally, the vacuum's noise level of 70 dB might be a bit loud for some users. Lastly, while the vacuum is portable and includes a long-lasting lithium-ion battery, it does require a full charge prior to initial use and periodic charging thereafter. The Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum is an effective and versatile option for pet hair removal, though its small dustbin and noise level might be points to consider.

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
2606 reviews

Suction Power
The suction power is impressive — it picked up dirt and pet hair from both carpets and hard floors with ease.
Battery Life
The battery doesn't last super long on full blast, but it charges back up fast and is super powerful.
Weight and Ergonomics
The lightweight and sleek design makes cleaning much less of a chore.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachments included are really helpful, especially the dusting brush for tricky spots and the crevice tool for cleaning between furniture.
Filtration System
The HEPA filtration system has made a noticeable difference in air quality, trapping allergens and dust effectively.

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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