diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/simple_animal/simple_animal.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/simple_animal/simple_animal.dm
index bb84eccc66b..9a638ce3a80 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/simple_animal/simple_animal.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/simple_animal/simple_animal.dm
@@ -668,7 +668,7 @@
 					if(!can_collar || collar)
 						return
 					var/obj/item/clothing/accessory/petcollar/C = usr.get_active_hand()
-					if(!C)
+					if(!istype(C))
 						usr.visible_message("[usr] rubs [src]'s neck.","<span class='notice'>You rub [src]'s neck for a moment.</span>")
 						return
 					usr.drop_item()