I have owned the Dyson Animal for 3 years.  The service technician, when I called for a broken part (that was ENTIRELY my fault for breaking), was very professional and sent me a new piece free of charge. 

The Dyson has improved my allergy symptoms and overall health.  I have many friends who have "borrowed" it to do comparison studies with their own vacuum.  All of them have ended up purchasing a dyson of their own.

I am, however, not convinced that the Animal is any better than the standard Dyson.  It has more attachments, but most of them I have never used.  So, if you are a no-hassle...