My family consists of myself, my husband, our two children, four adult cats, one kitten and our dog who thinks that he’s a cat. We also live in a small condo. As you can imagine hair is everywhere!
I am not exactly a fan of cleaning. I know some people enjoy it and find it relaxing. Not me. No way. That will never happen. I loathe cleaning.
I try and clean ever other day, give or take (I admit I get lazy sometimes). I know it’s time to vacuum when I see “tumbleweeds” rolling across the kitchen and dining room floors. Tumbleweeds are what we call the little clumps of pet hair that form into little balls and roll across the hardwood floor and tiles. They always seem to end up under the dining room table or under the heating unit. When I see the tumbleweeds I know it’s time to vacuum… again!
A few years ago we purchased a vacuum specifically made to handle pet hair. When we came across that vacuum we were excited. It was great to have a vacuum that was going to help us keep the pet hair from taking over home. It wasn’t a “cheap” vacuum ($$$). Although it was out of our budget we purchased it anyway. We knew we needed to have something for the pet hair.
The excitement was short lived. 
The new vacuum seemed nice the first time we used it. That was the first, last and only time it impressed us. After the initial use we realized that the vacuum was nothing special. It was no better then the vacuum we had prior to purchasing this special pet hair vacuum. To add to our disappointment we had to have the vacuum serviced three months after we purchased it. It seems like we have to replace something or have it serviced a few times per year. Sadly this was the worst vacuum we’ve ever owned.
We’ve toyed with the idea of a new vacuum but we never got around to researching other vacuums. We’ve been using the so-called pet hair vacuum that we regret buying. Not only is is heavy, emptying out the canister is a major production. You have to twist it in the middle and pull it out, often releasing dust and debris right back into the air so it can settle back into the carpet we just vacuumed. I’m always fighting with the canister. I can get it off OK, I just have a hard time getting it on the right way so both pieces fit snuggly together. Not to sound lazy (it’s NOT a laziness issue), but I’d often leave the vacuum out for my husband to empty the canister. He seemed to have an easier time with it. I guess the vacuum liked him better then it did me. Perhaps I hurt it’s feelings all those times I grumbled about it and said not-so-nice things about it.
For a few years I have had a crush on the Dyson vacuums, most especially the ball vacuums. I watch the commercials on TV and dream of having a vacuum just like that. The ball seems to make it move effortlessly across the floor, unlike having to lug around the heavy monster of a vacuum like we have. For me, a Dyson vacuum would be the “ultimate” vacuum. It was a dream of mine to own one.
Dreams DO come true! I am now the very happy owner of the new Dyson Animal D41 ball vacuum cleaner, specifically made with pet hair in mind.
I was a bit jaded over the idea of vacuums made especially for pet hair because of our negative experience with the other pet hair vacuum. But this is a Dyson. Dyson’s look like the ultimate in vacuum cleaners. I suddenly had hope again.
I was thrilled when the vacuum arrived. I was a bit concerned that the delivery company ripped open the side of the box. I was worried that something might have fallen out, or worst yet, the vacuum was broken.
The vacuum arrived requiring some assembly. I couldn’t wait to put it together. I had to do some volunteer work when the vacuum arrived but the very moment I got back home I tore into the Dyson box to put the vacuum together. I couldn’t wait to put it to the test.
I had just vacuumed the day before with our other so-called pet hair vacuum. Using the Dyson Animal D41 I picked a small area of my living room (roughly 5′ x 5′) and vacuumed. Keep in mind I JUST vacuumed the day before. Check out what the Dyson Animal D41 pulled up from what I ASSUMED was a clean carpet.
All together now…EWWWWWWW!!!!!
The gray powder is stuff we sprinkle on the carpet to make it smell fresh and pet odor free. I THOUGHT the other vacuum was sucking it all up out of the carpet. Apparently it wasn’t sucking any of it out of the carpet. There is no way that could have been hiding in my carpet. In fact I didn’t really use much of that powdered stuff the day before because we were running out of it. I’m guessing the Dyson Animal D41 pulled up carpet powder that has been sitting in my carpet for who knows how long. Gross! Gross! Gross!
Check out the pet hair too. I JUST vacuumed the day before! Not only that the area I vacuumed is not a “high traffic area” for my pets.
Lesson learned – no more powdered carpet stuff! Apparently it doesn’t leave your carpet, even if you think you vacuumed it up.
My husband actually couldn’t wait to try the Dyson either. He’s seen how the ball vacuums effortlessly glide around the carpet in commercials. He wanted to see for himself it they really do move that well.
My husband was pleasantly surprised. He commented on how easy the vacuum is to use. He also said that he likes that he is able to reach areas that our other vacuum can’t reach because of it’s size.
I had to laugh because as my husband was vacuuming the living room to try out the Dyson Animal D41 I was following him around impatiently waiting for my turn. Am I crazy? I actually WANT to vacuum? Ha Ha. 
Our living room carpet does not look messy or dirty. In fact it looks pretty clean (the carpet – the rest of my home is a disarray because I’m purging our home of non-needed things).
Not to gross you out anymore but look what the Dyson Animal D41 sucked out of what appears to be a clean carpet.
The canister is filled with a gray’ish colored powder (carpet powder that was once WHITE!) topped off with pet hair. I guess the powder stays at the bottom because it’s heavier then the pet hair.
We emptied the canister in the garbage and we were disgusted by what we saw. In fact we really don’t know what it is! It’s just a big, gray, powdery mass with hair.
My husband poked at the mass a bit and it almost seemed like it exploded. The dust, dirt, dander, powder (whatever it is!) sort of fell down into the garbage some more while the hair stayed on top.
This is JUST from my living room. My living room that appeared to be clean on the surface. Ugh! That just grosses me out.
By the way, you can click on any photo to make it larger for a better view.
The Dyson Animal D41 is so powerful that it’s able to suck out stuff that has been so deeply embedded in our carpet that our other vacuum cleaner couldn’t even touch it. I even joked with my husband that the Dyson Animal D41 is so powerful it’s sucking up stuff from our downstairs neighbor’s carpet too. Ha Ha.
Aside from the very impressive sucking power I also LOVE how the vacuum is so light weight and easy to use and maneuver around the room. The ball really makes a world of difference in just how easy it is to use the vacuum. I think once you’ve tried a ball vacuum you’ll never go back to a traditional vacuum ever again. It makes vacuuming so incredibly easy and effortless. As an added bonus I am able to vacuum quicker too.
One of my favorite features is the one touch dispensing of the canister. Instead of having to unscrew the canister and fight with it to get it back on, the Dyson Animal D41 canister easily lifts off in ONE PIECE. Our other pet hair vacuum has a canister that opens in half, releasing the dust and dander back into the carpet. With the Dyson Animal canister we simply snap it off the main vacuum, carry it to the garbage can, press one easy button and the waste falls out from the bottom. The canister easily snaps right back into the vacuum too.
I also love that you are able to clean out the filters yourself. No more having to run to Sears every other month to buy new filters. Not only is that time consuming it’s also expensive. The Dyson Animal D41 allows you to clean the filters out yourself. It might be a bit more work then simply replacing them, but it’s worth it to same the time and money.
The Dyson Animal D41 also comes with several handy attachments. My favorite is the mini turbine head. It’s perfect for sucking up the pet hair off the furniture. Even though our pets are not really allowed on the couch and chair they go on there when we are not looking. Out cough is new and I’d like to keep it looking that way as long as possible. The min turbine head gently rolls across the surface of the furniture pulling up pet hair and dander quickly and easily.
Another favorite thing about the Dyson Animal D41 is that it has a 5 year warranty. I love that! Just make sure you submit your warrenty information ASAP to make sure you are covered. My husband made sure to do it the very day we received the vacuum.
I know some people like to know all the nitty gritty details and specs. I figured rather then include them in the review you can learn everything you need to know about the Dyson Animal D41 on the official Dyson web page, http://www.dyson.com/vacuums/ball/dc41_upright_vacuum.asp.
You can also follow Dyson on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/Dyson.
My thoughts about the Dyson Animal D41? In case it hasn’t shown in this post I L♥VE IT! This is BY FAR the best vacuum I have ever used. I love everything about it. The ease of use, it’s light weight, it has handy attachments and it can suck out dirt that has been deeply embedded into your carpet.
This is my first Dyson product (I have been eyeing their fans too) and I am already a huge fan. If all their products are made as exceptionally well as the Dyson Animal D41, then I am going to be a life long repeat customer.
Look for the Dyson Animal D41 at a retail store near you. For more information about Dyon products please visit www.Dyson.com.
Kimberly
*I received a free product sample in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.
Although my little dachshund has short hair, he sheds like no one’s business. I’ll have to look into this Dyson.
Thanks for the review.
We have the older version of the Dyson Animal and two black labs – we LOVE that thing! We have had it for over five years now…at least and it still works great!
I’m going to tell my friend to read your great review. She will love this.
Amazing what the Dyson picks up! I rescue cats (only one at a time though) and my husband and I are allergic. Sounds like we need a Dyson!
(love your cat names, I am a big Star Wars fan and named one of my rescue cats Shmi (Anakin’s mom’s name in the prequels.)
Great review!
I did “ewwww” but I’m amazed by how much it picks up!! We have a Dyson but I def think we need the Animal Dyson!
Just bought ours off of http://www.hsn.com. Makes it a little more affordable when it’s broken down into 5 $100 payments instead of one $500 payment. Search the net for HSN coupons and you can get another 15% off. Ended up getting ours for 524 instead of 599!
Okay, wow. EWWWWWWW is totally right, that’s crazy that the Dyson was able to get all that up after you had just vacuumed. We used to have a dog and could never get the hair off of everywhere, but this sounds like it would have actually done the trick… I’m going to send people I know with pets over to see this because this machine sounds like one they all need!
HOLY ICK!! that is gross and what’s so awesome is dYSON clean
out your carpets and now it’s out of your home. I love DYSON my father in lawn owns one and they are simply marvelous.
We have had the Dyson pet vacuum for nearly 4 years and can’t live without it. We have 4 cats and 2 dogs and there’s no way on earth the other vacuums would stand up to all that hair.
GREAT reveiw! Very thorough. We’ve been considering getting this exact vacuum and your review helps. It’s not in the budget quite yet. I especially like that mini turbine head and the fact that it’s so lightweight.
I’ve been wanting this exact model and your review makes me want it even more. Great review! Very thorough and informative. I really like the fact that it’s lightweight and I also like that mini turbine head.
following this blog on GFC