A retractable pet leash such as, for example, for dogs, is provided. The retractable pet leash includes a hollow housing configured to be held by a hand of a user. A spool member may be disposed within the housing and arranged to rotate about an axis to release or retract an elongated leash element wrapped about the spool member. The spool member may be rotatably biased to retract the leash element within the housing. At least one grippable pressure element may be disposed on the housing to releasably engage the spool to slow and/or stop rotation of the spool when the user squeezes the housing. The elongated leash element may have an attachment portion at an end thereof to be coupled to a collar or harness on an animal.
