A flirt pole constructed of a collapsible and/or telescopic pole with a long string or rope comprising a flexible material attached at a head of the pole via a fail-safe mechanism, and a lure, such as a toy that may entice the pet to chase, attached to the far end of the string or rope. The head may be safely snatched of the pole along with the rope and lure when a force exceeding a particular level is applied to the rope, lure, and on head of the pole.