Review: LEGO 41741 Dog Rescue Van

January 19, 2023 | 4

Following on from my review of 41732 Downtown Flower and Design Stores and preview of 2023 LEGO Friends sets, let’s take a look at one of the smaller sets in the wave, 41741 Dog Rescue Van which is now available online, or on Amazon.

It’s a cute little set that not only explores Animal Rescue themes, which is a big part of the first half Friends 2023 sets, but also introduces new main character Nova, and how she meets her adorable dog, Pickle, which zooms around thanks to a dog wheelchair.

The set boasts plenty of playability, and sets the stage for us to get to know a bit more about Nova, whose interests also include video games, and is a bit of an internet celebrity streamer.

Special thanks to the LEGO Group for sending this set for review.

LEGO 41741 Dog Rescue Van Set Details

Set Name: Dog Rescue Van
Set number: 41741
Pieces: 300
Minidolls: 2
Animals: 1 (Pickle, the Wheelchair Dog)
Retail Price: US$29.99 / AU$44.99 / £24.99 / €29.99 / CAD$39.99
Theme: Friends
Release Date: 1 January 2023

First thing’s first, here’s a look at the sticker sheet. They’re all fairly large, and reasonably easy to apply, and feature the signature playful and colourful graphic design language of LEGO Friends.

There are 2 minidolls, and one animal included in the set, with Dr Marlon who operates the Dog Rescue Van, Nova and Pickle.

Nova’s t-shirt shows off her love of gaming, with a pixelised ghost design that also seems to be a homage to the Twitch logo, a nod to the world’s largest platform for streaming games online.

Here’s a look at their backs.

Nova’s new hairpiece, which is made out of hard plastic, as opposed to older-style rubbery Friends wigs is a really nice new element, and very stylish.

One of the biggest new innovations introduced in 2023 LEGO Friends sets is that in some sets, the minidolls come with two heads, which feature alternate expressions.

In this set, we have one with Nova grinning, but also one that has a sad, concerned expression. It’s really neat, and I love the ability to switch up Nova’s expressions, which will go a long way in setting up scenes, and improve roleplaying, as minidolls can now “emote” and respond to things.

The star of the set is undoubtedly Pickle, who is being rescued and cared for. As you can see, Pickle has a sad expression on his face. More expressive animals are a new innovation in the 2023 LEGO Friends reboot, and I like just how much more emotion is able to be conveyed here.

Unfortunately, Pickle has trouble walking, and relies on a dog wheelchair for mobility. The wheelchair straps are fused to the body, and the wheels are regular skateboard wheels that clip in beneath.

It’s super adorable, and more importantly increases the diversity and representation of animals, recognising that some animals require mobility aids to move around.

I like to think that the design and concept for Pickle was inspired by the viral video of a boy who made a wheelchair for a disabled dog out of LEGO from 4 years ago!

Another refined innovation is more storytelling through the instruction manuals. At specific steps, after completing a major part of the build are these little circular scenes which illustrate the significance of the builds, to help prompt younger kids of the stories contained within the sets.

Here’s the completed set, which consists of the Dog Rescue Van, and a small bus shelter.

Next to the bus shelter is a cardboard box which pickle calls home. It’s quite a sad scene, complete with a “fragile” sticker on it, and does seem to suggest that Pickle’s old owners abandoned him – maybe because he looked different, and wasn’t like other dogs, so he’s found himself a roadside box for shelter.

There’s a sign that says no dogs are allowed, presumably because they keep pooping everywhere, and a stickered poster of another missing dog. And yes, there’s also a piece of dog poop and a coral bin!

Nova of course discovers Pickle as she walks by, and they both immediately form a connection.

There’s a small play feature built into the box, where you push a button, which “launches” Pickle out from the box towards Nova!

Nova doesn’t really know what to do, but thankfully there’s an advertisement on the bus shelter bench with the phone number 555-DOG for the Heartlake City Pet Rescue service, which she dials immediately.

Here’s also a look at the new printed phone tile, which has some weird creature casting magic spells. It looks like a video game. Could it be an Easter Egg and teaser to an upcoming LEGO theme?

It’s like Uber but for Pet Rescue. Up rolls Dr Marlon’s Dog Rescue Van, a bright yellow and blue van that also doubles as a mobile pet treatment clinic.

The colours are really bright and vibrant, as you’d expect from a LEGO Friends set, but nicely complement one another. And in classic Friends form, there’s a brick-built sign in the shape of a bone on the van roof.

The Dog Rescue Van doesn’t have any doors, but you can pop open the roof to place Dr. Marlon in the driver’s seat. I really like the paw printed cushions on the headrest.

The back section is also removable, revealing a secret compartment for a red crowbar. Maybe the designer is a fan of Half-Life?

The back pod then folds open to reveal a small mobile pet treatment unit! There aren’t any medical amenities here, which means that the van is mostly used for transport and providing comfort and relief to abandoned pets.

First thing’s first, there’s a small doggy bathtub, with some dog shampoo and a brush to freshen up any rescued dogs. Love the simple showerhead design here!

Over on the other side is a grooming section, with a bow, and some stickers of other accessories such as cleaning material and toys to entertain any rescued pets.

In the middle, Dr. Marlon and Nova discuss whether Pickle needs a new wheel for his wheelchair. There’s a funny poop illustration in the background as well – maybe a sign of how healthy a dog is!

Nova is there to help Dr. Marlon change Pickle’s wheel, replacing its black one with a much more stylish teal set of wheels. The teal (specifically dark turquoise) skateboard wheels are a brand new recolour found in 2023 LEGO Friends sets!

And all done, and Pickle has a new set of wheels to zoom about with. It also looks way more stylish and matches his sand blue wheelchair much better.

And last but not least, with Pickle all cleaned up, and with a new set of wheels, he can then enjoy some well-deserved doggy snacks!

What I liked:

• Fun set with plenty of playability and an engaging pet rescue story
• Pickle the Wheelchair dog is super cute
• Two heads are included with different expressions
• Gender-balanced Friends set

What I didn’t like: 

• Could maybe use more tools and accessories in the van
• Would be nice if there already was another animal in the van

Final Thoughts:

On the whole, this is a pretty fun LEGO Friends set which prioritised playability. The Dog Rescue Van makes for a great vehicle which also doubles as a “setting” which is quite ingenious.

Storytelling and setting up Nova meeting her dog Pickle is obviously the main offering here, but with 2 great minidolls, and some fun play features, this would be a pretty decent set for younger builders, especially if they love animals.

I really like the new innovations such as different heads with alternate expressions, and Pickle the wheelchair dog is also super cute. It is a little on the pricey side, so it would’ve been nice to get more accessories, or perhaps another dog riding in the van, but should this go on sale, it makes for a reasonably affordable way to pickup Nova and Pickle without breaking the bank.

Build [3] – Decent small-ish LEGO Friends build that’s suited for younger builders
Real Value [3] – A little pricey and would’ve been nice to get another dog or animal, but should go on discount often
Innovation [3] – Two heads, and the new Pickle wheelchair dog mould freshen the Friends formula up
Coolness [4] – Fun origin story for Nova and Pickle, and the fact that LEGO produced a wheelchair dog makes this pretty cool
Keepability [2] – Not a display piece, but the Dog Rescue Van is a fun little build that will complement other Friends set, especially 41727 Dog Rescue Center

Rating and score: 3/5 ★★★✰✰

Thanks for reading this review of 41741 Dog Rescue Van, and hope you enjoyed this look into the origins of Pickle meeting Nova. Up next, we’ll explore what happens after Pickle is rescued so keep an eye out for more 2023 LEGO Friends reviews!

If you plan on purchasing 41741 Dog Rescue Van, please consider using the affiliate links found in the post to support the blog, as I may receive a small commission with each purchase.

To get the latest LEGO news and LEGO Reviews straight in your inbox, subscribe via email, or you can also follow on Google News, or socials on Facebook, Instagram (@jayong28), Twitter or subscribe to the Jay’s Brick Blog Youtube channel.