An animal collar includes a neck strap with magnetic elements on the neck straps two opposite ends. The magnetic elements are configured to self align during installation and hold an encircling neck strap around an animals neck. In one embodiment, the magnetic elements are one or more pairs of magnets attached to the opposite ends of the neck strap. The poles of each magnet pair are aligned so the magnets in each pair attract. The neck strap also includes two perpendicularly and transversely aligned closed eyelets mounted on the opposite ends. When the opposite ends are placed side-by-side, the magnetic elements are aligned and forced together and the two eyelets are side by side and parallel. A leash clip can then be attached to the two eyelets to hold them together when walking. When the leash clip is disconnected, the magnetic elements are configured to separate when a light force is exerted on the neck strap. An optional connector is provided that holds the two eyelets together when the leash clip is not used.
