Abstract: An apparatus for tethering an animal is disclosed. The apparatus has a leash housing, a retractor assembly contained within the leash housing, a tether with a first end connected to the retractor assembly and a second end extensible through a leash connector cavity opening disposed in the leash housing and connected to a leash connector, and at least one leash connector release that is capable of being depressed by a leash connector cavity wall when the leash connector is retracted into the leash connector cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for housing an animal includes a top portion wherein an upper flange is disposed along the lower edge of the bottom portion. A locking member is movably mounted to the upper flange. The apparatus may also include a bottom portion wherein a lower flange is disposed along the upper bottom edge of the bottom portion. The locking member engages with the lower flange when the locking member is in the outwardly extending locking orientation, which is at least partially defined by the locking member structured to engage at least a portion of the lower flange in an abutting relation to prevent detachment of the bottom portion from the top portion while disposed in the outwardly extending locking orientation. The apparatus may include a biasing mechanism structured to normally dispose and maintain the locking member in the outwardly extending locking orientation.

Abstract: A latch has a hook, with a free end and a gate end; a gate; a latch opening; a release; a retaining magnet; and a repulse. The release is activated to move the latch into a disengaged position. The repulse may act to maintain the latch in an engaged position. The retaining magnet is captured in the hook. The latch opening is a void between the free end and the gate end. The gate is retractably attached to the gate end. The gate extends across the latch opening when in the engaged position. The gate is retracted toward the gate end when in the disengaged position.