Best Vacuum for Pet Hair, Complete Guide

By William | August 30, 2018

Is your home a hairy mess?? Help has arrived! Find the Best Vacuum for Pet Hair – HERE! 

Best Recommendations, Updated for 2020

In this guide I will be addressing the issues of dealing with pet hair in your home and how to select the best vacuum cleaner to remove it.

Does this sound familiar: You share your home with pets that shed their fur. You vacuum your house regularly but you never feel like it’s really clean?  If your like many pet owners you feel frustrated when you still find pet hair in your carpet, hard floors, and everywhere else in your home after cleaning.  If that describes how you feel after running your vacuum cleaner then keep on reading.

Pet Hair Vacuum in Name Only!

Until recently manufactures designed their vacuum cleaner models mostly for just cleaning up common dirt, dust, and debris. You might call them general purpose or generic vacs.  Quite often the product name implies that it is suited for pets. They throw in a couple of unique tools to remove hair from the sofa or stairs and call it a “Pet Vacuum.”

That may work OK for some pet owners with a cat or small dog with short fur but what about those who have large or multiple pets that shed large quantities of hair? It takes a machine with specialized features to deal with it effectively plus some well-designated pet tools.

The Pet Hair Challenge!

The main challenge is dealing with all the pet hair that ends up on the floor. When hair lands on carpet it gets trampled down and entwined in the pile.  It requires mechanical agitation to dig it out and powerful suction to lift it into the dirt reservoir.

Then of course there are the clumps of fur that show up on hard floors. That presents a different challenge.

Hair clumps take up a lot of volume and can easily clog a generic, or general purpose vacuum. The most efficient machine should have adequately large air ways and a large dirt reservoir.  This will enable it to accommodate the extra volume of hair and dirt.

Tangle Free, Anti Hair Wrap Technology for Long Hair

A dog with long fur such as a Collie presents yet another problem. Long hair strands will quickly get tangled around a spinning brush and requires a specialized mechanism to remove it. The alternative is you can remove it by hand. Yuck!

Tangle free, anti hair wrap technology is not a new concept, however in the last couple years there have been significant improvements.  There are now multiple vacuum manufactures offering products with highly effective anti-hair wrap features.

Large Debris Issue

Most pets I have ever met are messy. They drop their food on the floor and chew up toys and shoes that also ends up on the floor. The average vacuum struggles to pick up large debris on either carpet or hard floors unless it has unique design features.  Otherwise, it just gets pushed around the floor.  This issue is often referred to as plowing.

Plowing is the result of the front edge of the floor nozzle not having enough clearance to allow large debris to pass under to be sucked into the machine.  Consequently, the operator must tilt the vacuum back to lift the floor nozzle enough to pick up the larger debris.

Several manufactures have developed unique and effective solutions for dealing with large debris.

Adequate Filtration

Pets shed more than just their fur. Pet dander is another important issue that must be considered, especially if you or someone in your house suffers with respiratory issues. Pet dander attracts dust mites which leave behind feces that can trigger an allergic event.  That alone is reason enough to make sure your new vacuum has adequate filtration. With out it, those and other allergens get recirculated back into the air you breathe.

A well-designed vacuum will have a HEPA Filter and a Sealed Filtration System. This will ensure that every dangerous particulate down to .3 microns is trapped in the machine and doesn’t end up in your lungs.

The Good News for Pet Owners!

The good news is that pet friendly vacuums have evolved to a state-of-the-art level since you bought that old clunker lurking in your closet.  Because of the steady increase of households with pets, manufactures have responded to the demand by designing products specifically intended for pet owners.

TRIVIA: It is estimated that 44% of all households in the US have at least one dog, and 35% have at least one cat. That’s a lot of messy hair to deal with!

RECOMMENDATIONS

I have put together a selection of different types of vacuums that include Upright, Canister, Stick, Cord-Free, Robotic, Handheld that I believe represent the very best currently available for dealing with pet hair.

Each one has unique features and characteristics that make it a “best fit” for different floor types, pet breeds, and owner requirements. These products have been extensively researched and reviewed to make sure you will have the best experience possible!

Best Vacuum for Pet Hair Overall

Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean Vacuum

Who it’s Made For?

The pet owner with a home 1300 sq. ft. or larger with mostly carpet and has one or multiple pets that shed large quantities of hair.

Why I Recommend the Dyson Ball Animal 2:

After all the vacuums I have investigated I am convinced the Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum deserves top honors. It is a full-size upright Bagless vacuum with full-size overall cleaning performance.

Dyson has re-engineered the Animal 2 to produce suction tested to ASTM F558 at the cleaner head. That’s the strongest suction of any upright currently available! This improvement is especially important for pet owners who want a machine that will clean even the deepest embedded dirt and hair from carpet. And not just hair, but also the other things pets leave behind like pet dander and debris from shredded toys.  The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is powerful enough to extract loose dirt and crumbs from cracks in hard floors and along baseboards without the help of a brush bar.

Over-the-Top Suction

The motorized brush bar has shorter and stiffer nylon bristles than most uprights. This enables it to penetrate deeper into carpet pile for increased agitation. This feature and its over-the-top suction deliver unrivaled cleaning performance on short to long pile carpet. However, because there is no regulator, it is NOT suited for dense Ultra Plush Soft Carpet.

Dyson has equipped the Animal 2 with an Auto-Adjusting floor nozzle to maximize suction on all floor types. An On/Off Selector enables you to disengage the motorized brush bar for cleaning smooth and wood floors. The overwhelming suction alone does a good job removing dust and dirt. Even large debris such as dried pet food and cereal is easily cleaned.

Large Capacity

Another feature that makes this vacuum especially suited for dealing with large volumes of dirt and pet hair is a .50 gallon Dirt Cup. The press of a button is all it takes to releases the trap door for more hygienic emptying.

A 35 foot power cord coupled with the 15 foot stretch hose gives the Animal 2 a 50 foot cleaning radius. That’s long enough to clean the largest areas without having to stop and switch receptacles.

HEPA-Level Filtration, a Must-Have Feature for Pet Owners!

This Dyson model features a Sealed Whole-Machine HEPA Filtration System that captures up to 99.97% of pet dander, dust mites, pollen, and all allergy-causing particulates as tiny as .3 microns. If you or someone in your family suffers with respiratory issues this will help minimize their exposure. The HEPA and pre-motor filters are washable for greater economy.

The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is a versatile vacuum cleaner. Release the handle with one hand and it can be used as a Wand for cleaning the dirt and pet hair from over-head areas such as shelves and ceiling fans. Or, snap on the Tangle-free Turbine tool to clean upholstery and the pet hair that gets trampled into the carpet on your stairs. The 15 ft. Stretch Hose enables you to reach a full flight of up to 11 stair steps.

Take a Minute to Watch this Cool VIDEO!

Features

• Designed to last up to 10 years
• Auto-Adjusting Floor Nozzle provides maximum cleaning performance
• Easy Release Wand & Hose for above-floor and under furniture cleaning
• Hygienic Dirt Bin Emptying for less mess
• Whole-Machine HEPA Filtration assures allergy-friendly cleaning
• Dyson Ball™ Steering Technology enables almost effortless maneuvering
• Includes: Tangle Free Turbine Tool, Combination Tool, Stair Tool, Articulating Hard floor Tool, Carbon Fiber Soft Dusting Brush, Mattress Tool, Reach Under Tool, Multi Angle Brush, and Tool bag
• Dyson 5 Year Warranty

Bottom Line

If your home is medium to large size with mostly carpet and you have large or multiple pets the Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum is a very practical option. Not having to buy bags or filters helps cut down on the overall operating expense.

Its unsurpassed suction and Dyson quality distinguish it as “Best Overall.” This machine will deliver the cleaning performance and versatility necessary to rid your home of pet hair, dirt, and debris.

The HEPA-Level filtration is a huge benefit for anyone who suffers from allergies or just wants to minimize exposure to unhealthy dust.

Negative Issues

The only issues I have with this vacuum model is the 17.3 lb. weight which makes it a questionable choice for multi-floored homes. Also, it does not have an Auto-Rewind feature which would be very helpful.

Overall, the Dyson Ball Animal is currently the best overall bagless upright vacuum for pet hair! And if you’re like most Dyson owners you will be very pleased with this product!

 

Best Pet Hair Vacuum for Whole-House Cleaning

Shark Rotator TruePet Bagless Vacuum (NV752)

Who it’s Made For?

The pet owner with a medium to large home with carpet and hard floors and wants Whole-House Cleaning capability.

Why I Recommend the Shark NV752: 

The Shark Rotator TruePet (NV752) is a Full-Size Bagless Upright that has multiple unique features for delivering exceptional cleaning performance on almost any surface, ceiling to floor wall-to-wall.

Exceptional Versatility

One of the most distinguishing features of this vacuum is the Lift-Away capability. This feature is a major bonus for pet owners because it allows you to use the NV752 as a handy portable vacuum.

Or, you can place the chassis in the Caddy and use it as a Canister vacuum.

Use the attachments for Above-Floor cleaning to reach difficult areas such as ceiling fans, blinds, and shelves. The TruePet NV752 has the ability to morph into whatever tool you need to address almost any cleaning situation you will run across in your home.

Sealed HEPA-Level Filtration System

SharkNinja designed the TruePet NV752 with a Sealed HEPA-Level Filtration System that eliminates any allergy-causing particulates from being blown back into the air you breathe. Allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, dust mite feces, pollen, spores as tiny as .3 microns are trapped in the cleanable HEPA filter. This feature makes the NV752 one of the most Allergy-Friendly vacuums for pet owners available.

Watch This Helpful Customer Review VIDEO!

Features

• Motor-Powered Lift-Away technology
• Swivel Steering for almost effortless maneuverability
• No-Loss of Suction Power
• Genie Hard Floor Attachment for Excellent Bare-Floor Cleaning uses Cleanable Microfiber Pads
• HEPA-Level Complete Sealed Filtration Technology traps 99.9% of Allergens w/ Reusable Filter
• Includes: Upholstery Pet Tool, Dusting Brush Attachment, Caddy for Canister, Bag for Accessories, BONUS: TruePet Mini Motor-Powered Brush Attachment delivers Full-Sized Vacuum Power that fits in your hand
• 5 Year Euro-Pro Manufacture Warranty

The Shark Rotator TruePet NV752 is currently the best whole-house vacuum available. Its ability to                                                                                                                                                     transform into different configurations to suit almost any cleaning situation makes this an exceptionally versatile vacuum cleaner.

A Sealed HEPA Filtering System is especially desirable for anyone in the household with respiratory issues.

Negative Issues

It’s a little bit lighter than the Dyson Ball Animal 2 at 15.4 lbs. The Dirt Cup has a capacity of 1.5 dry quarts compared to the Dyson Animal 2 at 2.0 dry quarts.

Unfortunately the NV752 does not have an Auto Cord Rewind which would be very difficult to incorporate with the lift-away feature.

Bottom Line

If you are a pet owner and require a high quality vacuum cleaner that is capable of addressing just about any type of cleaning situation in your home, the Shark TruePet NV752 is the Best Whole-House Pet Hair Vacuum available!

 

Also SEE: More Bagless Upright Pet Hair Vacuums

Also SEE: Best Bag Vacuums for Pet Hair

 

Best CANISTER Vacuum for Pet Hair

SEBO 90641AM Airbelt D4 Premium Canister Vacuum

Who it’s Made For?

The pet lover with a home over 1500 sq.ft.who prefers the benefits of a bagged canister vacuum of high-end German quality and exceptional performance.

Why I Recommend the SEBO 90641AM Airbelt D4:

I picked this vacuum because its a Full-Size Canister Vacuum uniquely suited for larger homes with pets. This is a high-end vacuum for the family who is not concerned so much with price, but requires reliable performance and the convenience of a bagged canister vacuum.

The Preferred Option

Canister vacuums are the preferred option for homes that have a lot of hard floor square footage and the SEBO 90641AM Airbelt D4 can deliver just as good a cleaning performance on carpet also.

The D4 Commercial Quality Power head features 180 degree steer-ability making maneuvering in tight places almost effortless. It gobbles up the toughest messes of dirt and fur even from plush carpet.

Large Capacity and Hospital-Grade Filtration

A huge 1.5 Gallon Filter Bag with Built-In Hygiene Flap eliminates harmful dust particles from escaping when changing. Plus, a hospital-grade (S-Class) exhaust filter make the SEBO 90641AM Airbelt D4 a smart choice for the most sensitive person with allergies.

NOTE: The S-Class standard for filters is to be able to trap in excess of 99.9% of particulates as small as 0.3 microns in dia. For comparison, a human hair is about 100 microns in diameter. The advantages of using a S-Class exhaust filter as opposed to a HEPA Filter is it allows for a less restrictive air flow that would inhibit suction, they last longer than HEPA filters, and they are less expensive.

A Bag Full Indicator lets you know when it’s finally time to change bags.

The Hose attachment has a 320 deg. turning radius to eliminate having to pull the canister every time you change directions. This might seem trivial but it really helps minimize fatigue from a day of cleaning.

Variable Suction

The Suction Power is controlled by a button located on the Ergonomic Wand Handle and a LED Indicator on the canister body to enable you to see the suction setting.  This makes the SEBO 90641AM Airbelt D4 a good choice if you have soft plush carpet in your home.

Premium quality tools include a horse hair hardwood floor brush. The SEBO 90641AM Airbelt D4 performs extremely well on wood and other hard floors.

Overhead and Above-Floor Cleaning

A Stainless Steel Telescoping Wand extends to allow a 5′ 3″ person easily reach ceiling fans as high as 9.4 feet.  Or, collapse the wand for easier cleaning of carpeted stairs.

A Designer Bumper encircles the canister body to protect your walls and furniture. Rubber coated swivel wheels protect wood floors.

Easy Brushroll Removal and Cleaning

Another huge feature that makes the SEBO 90641AM Airbelt D4 an outstanding vacuum is the easy to remove brushroll.  This feature makes it so much easier to clean. If you have pets with long fur this is a feature you don’t want to be without!

The high quality attachments store conveniently in the rear of the canister body.

The Perfect Choice for Large Homes

A 50 foot cleaning range and an Auto-Retracting power cord make it the perfect choice for large homes.

As you would expect from a vacuum of this caliber it is very quiet to operate.

Take a Minute to Watch this Cool VIDEO Demo!

Bottom Line

A 5 Year Sebo Manufacturer’s Warranty gives you piece of mind. SEBO vacuums are renowned for lasting for decades! The Customer Reviews are through the roof on this vacuum!

As you would expect, the price tag for a machine of this quality is high. However, when you consider lesser quality vacuums that require replacing after a few short years, a SEBO vacuum is designed to last over 15 years with proper maintenance. So the actual cost-per-year is roughly about the same as with buying a “disposable” vacuum.  And just as important,the cleaning performance is superior. Another huge bonus is that your carpets to last longer.

If you are a person who demands the highest quality and reliability in a product I believe the SEBO 90641AM Airbelt D4 Premium Canister Vacuum is arguably the Best Bagged CANISTER Vacuum currently available!

 

SEE More Canister Vacuums for Pet Hair

 

Best Stick Vacuum for Cleaning Pet Hair

BISSELL PowerEdge Pet Hard Floor Corded Vacuum, 81L2A

Who it’s Made For?

Anyone with pets who wants a cheap solution for cleaning pet messes from hard floors.

Why I Recommend the BISSELL PowerEdge Pet 81L2A:

The reason I picked this unique looking stick vac is it has proven extremely effective for cleaning dirt, hair, and large debris from hard floors where cats and dogs usually dine.

Large Pet Debris

Traditional vacuums use a straight floor nozzle design which is OK for dirt and dust but it pushes large debris such as Puppy Chow or Kibble & Bits along in front like a plow.  The 81L2A utilized a V-Shape nozzle that scoops the debris along forcing it toward the center where it is sucked in to the suction holes.  It may look ugly but it sure solves the problem!

Although it was introduced several years ago it has remained a top seller.

Powerful Suction for Hard Floor Surfaces

The BISSELL PowerEdge Pet Stick does not have a motor driven brush.  The suction is powerful enough to suck up any dirt or debris from hard surfaces.

Large wheels with rubber protect expensive wood floors and swivel steering makes it easy to maneuver around food and water dishes.

An Easy-Empty dirt cup makes for easy disposal of the dirt.

When you inspect the bottom of the floor nozzle you can see how the air flow is balanced across the entire width so it will clean dirt from the edges.

Check Out this Cool VIDEO!

 Bottom Line

If you’re tired of the messes your pets make on your hard floors the BISSELL PowerEdge Pet 81L2A is definitely one of the best stick vacuums available for less than $100.

 

Best Handheld Pet Hair Vacuum 

Shark Pet-Perfect Cord Free Hand Vacuum (LV801)

Who it’s Made For?

Anyone with cats and dogs that needs an everyday quick fix solution for removing pet hair from furniture, stairs, car mats & seats, and floors.

Why I Recommend the Shark Pet-Perfect (LV801):

I advocate this new battery-powered hand vacuum by SharkNinja because it fills the gaps left by a full-size corded vacuum.

Who wants to go to the trouble of pulling out the full-sized pet vacuum and un-wrap the cord just to deal with some spilled Puppy Chow or Kitty Litter? Or, carry it outside to clean the fur out of the car after taking Fido to the vet?

The Perfect Tool for Managing Pet Hair and Messes!

A powerful handheld cord-free vacuum like the LV801 is the perfect tool for quickly dealing with those everyday messes those four-legged family members make.  Instead of hauling out your full-size vacuum its so much easier to grab the LV801 and make the mess go away!

There are other excellent cord-free hand vacs such as the Dyson V7 Trigger which has more refinements and more capacity. But, it’s also larger and costs about 3 times as much as the LV801.

Motorized Pet Brush

The Shark Pet-Perfect (LV801) features the convenience of bagless and has a Detachable Motorized Pet Brush that really gobbles up hair and dirt from upholstery, stairs, car seats and floors. Use the direct suction for whisking away dried pet food and cereal on the kitchen floor. Snap on the crevice tool to reach the dirt hiding between couch pillows or other tight areas.

You can expect about 20 minutes of operating time before the LV801 requires recharging.

Watch this VIDEO of the Older Pet-Perfect II!

Bottom Line

If you need a handy helper to keep up with the day-to-day messes your cat or dog makes you will love the Shark Pet-Perfect (LV801). Once you experience the practical utility of this excellent hand vacuum you will wonder how you ever survived without one.

For the price, the LV801 is definitely one of the best Handheld Vacuum for Pet owners!

 

Best Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair

iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Pet Vacuum 

Who it’s Made For?

The pet lover with a small to large house who wants the extra level of clean only a robotic vacuum can provide.

Why I Recommend the iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum:

I picked the iRobot Roomba 675 for several important reasons: it has proven itself over time to perform the duties you expect from a robot vacuum. It has all the features necessary to help keep your home free from the constant buildup of dirt and hair that is unavoidable with pet ownership.

Supplemental Cleaning with Minimal Participation!

It should be obvious that a robot vacuum is not a substitute for a full-size vacuum. However, a well-designed robotic vacuum can supplement your overall floor cleaning with minimal participation from you.

Pets don’t have a schedule for shedding hair or making a mess. It’s an almost constant thing! This is where a robotic vacuum can be a huge help: It will continuously  patrol your floors, cleaning up the day-to-day dirt and hair generated by pets. This translates into a cleaner house when you come home from your job and less work when it comes to house cleaning.

Motor-Powered Dual Brushes for Carpet

Not only will the iRobot Romba 675 help keep your smooth hard floors clean, it has motor-powered dual brushes that clean dirt and hair from carpet tool

The iRobot Roomba 650 Robot Pet Vacuum utilizes a patented, 3-Stage Cleaning System that easily picks up dust, hair and large debris such as cereal. You can program the iRobot Roomba 675 to carry out its mission when it’s convenient for you.  Preset the unit to clean up to 7 times per week.

Latest Solid State Technology

As you would expect from a highly sophisticated machine like the Romba 675, it’s outfitted with the latest solid state technology.  Patented Dirt Detect Sensors enable it to recognize areas of concentrated dirt to provide additional cleaning where it’s needed most.

A full array of Smart Sensors enables the Romba 675 to process over 60 decisions Per Second.  On every patrol it adapts to your changing home so it will thoroughly clean your floors. A special sensor prevents it from dropping off of stairs or other high places.

Take a Moment to Watch this Amazing VIDEO Demo!

Bottom Line

The iRobot Roomba 675 has harnessed the amazing robotic technology to help make being a pet lover easier. You don’t need to be an I.T. person to set-up the 675 cleaning schedule. If you can program an alarm clock you can program the Roomba 675!

This robot vacuum automatically recharges itself after each patrol. The only actual work you will need to do is to empty the dirt reservoir when it’s full. Waa La! What could be easier!

There are so many really good robotic vacuums available but the iRobot Roomba 675 has proven itself to be a top performer. Just take a look at all the positive customer reviews.

It’s not cheap but you will quickly forget about the price once you experience the time and work it will save you every week so you can enjoy more time with your pets.

 

Best Cord-Free Vacuum for Long Pet Hair

Shark Rocket Pet Pro Cordless (IZ162H)

Who it’s Made For?

The pet owner who has long hair or a pet with long hair and wants to be able to clean the house without having to stop to remove tangled hair.

Why I Recommend the Shark Rocket Pet Pro Cordless IZ162H:

This vacuum features patented Anti-Hair Wrap Technology that actively eliminates long hair from becoming entangled around the brush roll. It produces 181 Watts of suction power that easily removes pet hair from all floor types.

SharkNinja has long tradition for creating thoughtfully designed, high quality vacuum cleaners.The Shark Rocket Pet Pro Cordless IZ162H was developed especially for those of us who happen to have long hair or a pet that sheds long hair. Other manufactures of vacuums have tried to address this issue with marginal success, but Shark’s Anti-Hair Wrap Technology really works.

CleanTouch™ Dirt Ejector System

Another issue that creates frequent complaints from pet owners is  emptying the dust cup. Clumps of pet hair tend to get stuck and won’t fall out without digging it out with your fingers or a stick.  Not very hygienic!

The Shark Rocket Pet Pro Cordless (IZ162H) addresses that problem with their patented new CleanTouch™ Dirt Ejector System.

This design upgrade amounts to a high-capacity dust cup designed to handle those long cleaning sessions and holds lots of dirt, dust, and hair before emptying. And when it is time to empty, simply press the Knob and watch those yucky clumps fall into the trash can without touching it.  Instead of depending on gravity to get the job done it utilizes the mechanical action that forces the clumps of dirt out. This system is so much more hygienic and saves time as well.

Dirt Engage™ Technology

A frustrating issue some pet owners have is that long hair tends to get wrapped around the motor-powered roller. Previously, the operator had to stop vacuuming and clip and pull the strands of hair off the roller before continuing vacuuming.

SharkNinja solved that problem with their new Self-cleaning brushroll with Dirt Engage™ technology that eliminates Hair Wrap!

Better Deep Cleaning Performance

Not only does this advanced feature eliminate hair wrap, it is designed to dig deeper into carpet pile for a complete clean. And when it comes to cleaning up the large debris pets leave around the floor, the Dirt Engage™ Cleaning Head handles that easily.

With most vacuums large debris, such as dried pet food and shredded pet toys, tend to get plowed ahead of the floor brush. Or, some of it gets scattered across the room. The Dirt Engage™ system is designed to gobble up large debris from hard floors and on carpet as well without scattering all over the room you are trying to clean.

Features

• Powerful 181 Watts of Suction Power handles pet hair and dirt easily
• Dirt Engage™ Cleaning Head directly engages floors and removes deeply embedded debris and pet hair from carpet.
• Anti-Hair Wrap Technology eliminates having to untangle long hair from brushroll
• CleanTouch™ Dirt Ejector System eliminates having to reach into dust cup to remove clumps of hair
• Bright LED Headlamps show you where the dirt is hiding
• Anti-Allergen Complete Seal HEPA-Level Filtration traps 99.9% of allergy-triggering pet dander, dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and dust mite feces as tiny as 0.3 microns
• Up to 40 Minutes of Runtime in Standard Mode (measured at the hand vacuum intake)
• Converts to Powerful Handheld Vacuum for above-floor cleaning
• Removable Battery Pack can be charged in or out of vacuum unit
• Included: Pet Multi-Tool, Crevice Tool, Wall Mount, and Charger
• 5 Year Limited Warranty

Check Out this Brief Demo VIDEO!

The new Shark Rocket Pet Pro Cordless (IZ162H) represents a meaningful break-through owners of pets with long hair. Its cleaning performance is outstanding on both carpet and hard floors. Features such as the Dirt Engage™ Cleaning Head and the CleanTouch™ Dirt Ejector System eliminate two major complaints when dealing with shed hair from pets and humans.

A Removable Battery Pack allows you to charge both in and out of the vacuum unit. And, SharkNinja backs their Rocket Pet Pro Cordless (IZ162H) with an industry-leading 5 Year Warranty.

Bottom Line

As usual, the engineers at SharkNinja have been listening to their customers and delivered a product to address their needs. The Rocket Pet Pro Cordless (IZ162H) is currently one of the best battery powered stick vacuums designed especially for the pet owner.

I would like to have seen Shark include a Mini-Motorized Tool for this model for cleaning upholstery and pet bedding.  Using the floor nozzle in the handheld mode works great on carpeted stairs.

In my experience I have never regretted recommending a SharkNinja product and the (IZ162H) is no exception. This is a fine cord-free stick vacuum that will save you time and make cleaning up after your pets long hair so much easier!

 

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Hair Vacuums!

Question:

What qualifies you as an authority on vacuum cleaners?

Answer: I spent years in the floor care industry as an independent floor care technician. I completed the specified training to receive IICRC certification. I also received comprehensive training for cleaning hardwood flooring.

The very first step of doing a high quality carpet cleaning job is to thoroughly vacuum the carpet.  This activity gave me countless hours to observe how vacuum cleaners function and which ones work best. Being able to observe the type of vacuum cleaner a customer uses and the condition of their carpet is also a great teaching tool.

A willingness to extensively research and review floor care products is also important!  A commitment to help people make a wise decision so they end up with a good experience is the most important qualification of all.

Question:

Why does it require a special kind of vacuum for cleaning pet hair?

Answer: Hair can get trampled into carpet pile making it more difficult to remove than common dirt and dust. That’s why it’s important that the product you select has powerful suction and a motor-powered floor brush. Also, hair is light in weight and has a lot of surface area for its size making it easy to blow or float around the house.

Even though a pet may only occupy a limited area its fur can end up on almost every surface in your house.  This requires special tools to remove it effectively. Also, pet hair tends to take up a lot of space so a vacuum with a large capacity dirt reservoir is important.

Question:

How important is a HEPA Filter when selecting a vacuum for pet hair?

Answer: In addition to shedding fur, pets also shed dander that can trigger allergy symptoms in many people who are sensitive. Other allergens such as pollen and mold are unavoidable in any home. That’s why a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA Filter can trap those allergens and prevent them from blowing back into the air you breathe.

More importantly, a vacuum with a Sealed HEPA-Level Filtration System should be selected.  This will eliminates any of those harmful particulates leaking around the filter.  Also Read “Filtration -Allergies and other Respiratory Issues”

Question:

Should I buy a vacuum that won’t tangle pet hair in the spinning floor brush?

Answer: Most vacuums that feature a motor-powered brush role large enough in diameter that prevents most pet hair from wrapping all the way around it. Long-haired breeds such as an Afghan Hound or a Bernese Mountain Dog can present a problem. Some pet hair vacuums feature a slot along the brushroll to make it easy to snip any tangled hair.

Some newer models feature a mechanism that clears or cuts tangled hair by pressing a pedal.

Question:

What type of vacuum is best, an Upright or Canister?

Answer: It totally depends on your own unique situation. Either type vacuum has advantages and disadvantages. I generally recommend an UPRIGHT Vacuum if your home is mostly carpet with medium to thick or plush long pile.

Above-floor cleaning is accomplished by deploying a detachable stretch or expansion hose connected to a wand with the appropriate attachment.  They can, however, be difficult to carry up or down stairs if your house is multi-level.

I recommend a CANISTER Vacuum for the home owner who has mostly smooth or hard floors. A canister vacuum equipped with a motorized floor brush can work just as well as an upright for cleaning carpet. A canister vacuum is easier to maneuver and requires less hand, arm, and shoulder strength making it a better choice for a physically challenged or elderly person.

Also, because of their smaller size canister vacuums are easier to carry up or down stairs.

Question:

What type of dirt disposal system is best, Bagged or Bagless?

Answer: Please Read “Bagged VS Bagless, Witch One is Best for You“

Question:

Can a Battery-Powered Stick Vacuum Replace a Full-Size Corded Vacuum for cleaning pet hair?

Answer: The best cord-free stick vacuums generate around 50 inches of water lift (a unit for measuring suction) whereas a full-size corded vacuum can produce up to 110 inches of water lift. That simply means even the best cordless has less than half the suction of an average corded vacuum.

Additionally, they do not have as wide a floor nozzle which requires more passes to clean a given area.  They generally have dirt cups only a fraction the capacity of a full-size corded machine requiring more frequent emptying.

The main advantage of a Cord-Free Stick vacuum is that they are extremely versatile and light-weight making them very easy to use. This virtue is highly desirable for pet owners who need to clean more often.  A good quality cordless stick vacuum makes a wonderful supplemental appliance for quick clean-ups.

Question:

Do I require a special type of Vacuum for cleaning pet hair from Ultra Plush Soft Carpet?

Answer: One of the most desirable characteristics of a vacuum cleaner is powerful suction. However, that can present a problem for cleaning the newer Ultra Plush Soft Carpets. Because of their denser pile, a vacuum cleaner will become “Suction Locked” making it almost impossible to push.

So, to avoid that problem, engineers are equipping certain models with Suction Regulators and larger wheels which solves the problem.

Question:

How important is it to clean or change or clean Filters often?

Answer: A vacuum cleaner is an air circulating machine. It captures the heavier dirt, dust, and debris in a bag or dust cup but the remaining fine dust is captured in the vacuum’s filters. If those filters become overly saturated with dust it restricts the air flow causing a reduction in suction and cleaning performance.

This restriction can cause the motor to strain. This condition not only diminishes the machine’s effectiveness, but it can also burn out an expensive motor. The best policy is to always follow the manufacture’s recommendation for cleaning or replacing the filters.

Question: 

What about Pet Odor and how do I deal with it?

Answer:  A veterinarian will tell you that pet odor is usually a result of yeast and bacteria that metabolize secretions in the form of skin oils. These secretions are transferred to the animal’s fur so when the fur is shed much of that odor ends up on your floors, transmitting that unpleasant aroma.

The best way for dealing with pet odor is to make sure your cat or dog is healthy and clean. When you vacuum up pet hair it can circulate the odor back into the air.

Some pet vacuums feature filters with activated charcoal that neutralizes pet odor.  They can be more expensive but are generally helpful.

A cheaper solution is to occasionally sprinkle baking soda around on the carpet.  That helps neutralize the odor before it gets to the vacuum cleaner.

A cling-free dryer sheet placed in the dust cup or bag can also help.  The best way to remove pet odor from the inside surfaces of your vacuum cleaner is to wash them with a solution of vinegar and water.

Question:

How important are Customer Reviews when selecting a vacuum cleaner?

Answer: An honest customer review can be quite helpful.  The problem is that some of them are not entirely honest.  I have discovered that a lot of negative reviews are a result of the customer not taking the time to read the Operator’s Manual to learn how their new product is designed to work most effectively.  This is especially important if your new vacuum is going to be used to clean up pet hair. The more complex models tend to get more of those type of negative reviews.

Another reason a particular model might get a bad review is because of a poor shipping experience.  Some of the less familiar manufactures stack the reviews for their product to help them compete.  eCommerce companies such as Amazon try to eliminate or prevent this common practice, but sometimes unscrupulous sellers still get away with it.

Best Policy

The best policy is to read all the reviews for a product and look for consistent pros or complaints.  Toss out the ones that are obviously not consistent with the overall picture.  An example would be if a majority of reviews praise a product’s cleaning performance, but a few complain otherwise – toss that review out.  This is an indication of operator error or someone not reading the Operator’s Manual.

Better yet, rely on this website to recommend products that have been carefully scrutinized and any reported issues verified.

Any further questions please post it in Comments Field below and I’ll do my best to give you an answer asa