I have a Dyson animal and I love it. It is the best vacuum I have ever had and I love it. I would highly recommend it. As for a steam cleaner I do not recommend the Shark. I had one that I loved. It lasted about 1 1/2 years and broke. My sister borrowed mine to try it out and loved it. Her daughter also bought one. All three were broken after 1 1/2 years or so. My sister and niece are clean freaks so they probably used theirs a lot. Me I don't clean like they do and mine didn't last that long. I have been told that the Reliable brand one is good but have not tried it yet.