If you're not on tight a budget and you want a great vacuum. This is the one. It'll take care of pet hair and works on hardwood floors. Just make sure you raise the bristles.

The Bissell Powerforce Turbo one Editor's Pick on Compare The Brands: http://www.comparethebrands.com . This was in the bagless vacuum cleaner category. Good luck in your search!

Yeah, I second gobear's recommendation. My Dyson was one of the best purchases I've ever made. If it's too pricey, you can always get the base model and buy attachments later as needed.

Saw this light-weighted vacuum at my friend's home. She's a cat lover (with 3 cats - two with long fur) and highly recommends this.

I own this vacuum. It does a good job picking up the hair but there is a catch. You will need an air compressor or other high pressure air device to clean the cannister after each use. The tiny holes at the top clog and the only way to get them cleared is to blow them out. I contacted Dyson to find out if this was normal. Their response...YES. I would recommend saving a few hundred dollars and going with one of the look alikes.

The key is to sprinkle that arm and hammer pet hair remover stuff...it will make any vacuum a million times more effective! they sell it at target, just ask, they'll know what you're talking about.