any specific brands or models? I'm looking for under 200 dollars, thanks
Unfortunately with vacuum cleaners as with all other things in life, you get what you pay for. You aren't going to find a good pet vacuum for that price, unless you find someone selling a used but still functional one. I own a Dyson DC17 Animal. It does a great job, but also will run you close to $500. My less expensive Bissel Pet Hair Eraser was repaired under warranty 3 times and died again right after the warranty expired. Plus, it didn't clean half as well as the Dyson even when it was working properly.
Yes, Washing machine................Soak your pet in soap water..........and then put him in washing machine...............and wash him........and do not put him in dryer.............just dry him outside in scorching heat of the Sun..............!!!!!!!!!!