Don’t be fooled into thinking that your dog is the only pet that you can take out for a walk. Rabbit owners who want to take their floppy-eared friend for a hop around need to have the right equipment to do so. And this means choosing the best rabbit harness.
However, making your choice can prove to be more than a little challenging. First, you need to find a harness that they are comfortable with. Otherwise, they won’t want to wear it. But you also need one that is entirely safe as you don’t want to put your rabbit at risk of choking. Don’t just focus on the way it looks.
To help you in the task of choosing, we have handpicked some of our favorite rabbit harnesses for you to choose from, along with a breakdown of each of their key features. So, let’s hop to it!
The Best Rabbit Harness
At the top of the list, we have this soft bunny harness, which is also adjustable to help ensure their total comfort. Its large size makes it suitable for bigger pets, but there are other sizes available as well. The material is padded to ensure your bunny’s comfort, and it is also made of mesh to help it stay nice and breathable.
As for the leash, it is fully elasticated to allow your rabbit to hop free, but still gives you the control to reign them in when you need to. Make sure that you measure your rabbit properly before settling on the right size of harness to avoid disappointment.
Adjustable at stomach and chest
Easy control with the elastic leash
Made from a durable mesh material
Secures with Velcro and clips
- Brand: Niteangel
- Weight: 2.4 ounces
The mesh material that this soft harness is made from is comfortably padded to help your pet get used to wearing it. The elastic leash extends to 120 cm to give your rabbit some leeway to hop around as they would like.
Bear in mind that this harness is designed for small rabbits between 3lbs and 6lbs and a stomach circumference between 25 and 32cm. Make sure that you get the scales and tape measure out before purchase.
Mesh padding helps to ensure comfort
Made of hard-wearing mesh material
Additional nylon strap for security
Made for smaller rabbits
- Brand: Calunce
- Model: A101201
- Weight: 2.4 ounces
The third one on our list is a more affordable option if you are on a tighter budget. The adjustable straps have Velcro to secure your pet in place. Its small size means that it is best suited to dwarf rabbits, but make sure that you measure your hopping pal before purchase to avoid having to send it back.
A six-foot rabbit leash is also included in the set, with elasticity to help stop injuries while you are walking your rabbit. On the downside, there are many reports of stronger rabbits – and those who are a little bigger -being able to break free of the harness without too much trouble.
Comfort harness with Velcro straps
Comes with stretchy leash
Snap buckle for added security
Elasticity to help stop injuries
- Brand: Kaytee
- Model: 100079521
- Weight: 0.8 ounces
This cute pink harness even comes with its own bowtie, so your rabbit will be hopping around in style! Even though it is stylish, it is also practical. It is made of a breathable mesh fabric and is soft enough to not put any strain on your rabbit’s neck.
The clip and Velcro style of the harness makes it easy enough to put on and take off as you need. It is suitable for all sorts of different outdoor activities, so the two of you can have fun without you feeling like your little bunny is going to get away from you!
Made of breathable mesh fabric
Easy to put on and take off
Comfort harness to reduce tugging
Comes with an elastic leash
- Brand: PERSUPER
- Weight: 2.4 ounces
As we have talked about all along, it is so important that you choose a harness that is soft and breathable. This one possesses both of the essential characteristics. You can adjust it as needed around the chest and belly areas.
As for the bunny leash, it is fully elasticated to offer the level of control that you are looking for. A range of different colors are available, so your bunny can look highly stylish – no matter where you decide to bring them!
Specially designed for smaller rabbits of 4 lbs and under
Made of hard-wearing mesh and nylon
Adjustable at the chest and stomach areas
Extra snap buckles for security
- Brand: Trixie
- Model: 61513
- Weight: 1 pounds
If you are looking for the best rabbit leash which has a much simpler design, this one comes in a one-piece design, which gives you a high level of control when it comes to adjusting the size to suit your pet properly. It has been specifically designed for rabbits rather than any other type of pet. One of its main advantages is that you don’t have to worry about measuring your rabbit and getting the size right. The black color is simple but gives a high level of visibility on most rabbits (except black ones, of course!).
One-piece harness and lead
Specially for rabbits
Easily adjustable as necessary
- Brand: Coastal
- Model: FBA_130-RAB BLACK
- Weight: 0.8 ounces
Four different colors are available of this rabbit harness and leash, which is designed to not put a lot of strain on your rabbit’s body. The leash is made of elastic nylon, ensuring that you don’t accidentally tug them too hard and cause discomfort.
You don’t want to risk your fluffy friend overheating when you are out and about. This one is made of highly breathable material that makes it suitable for a range of different weather conditions. The hook and loop are strong enough to ensure that your rabbit doesn’t easily break free of the harness and go off on their own!
Soft harness with elastic leash
Easy to put on and take off
Breathable and softly padded materials
Strong hook and loop
- Brand: Pettom
- Weight: 3 ounces
In this set, you get two harnesses of different colors. Both are made of high-quality nylon and have a soft texture that makes them great for days out in the sun together. There is also a bell to ensure that your bunny doesn’t get away from you. The design of this harness is breathable to help stop your pet from overheating, which can be a problem with some of the vest designs. It is easy to use and the snaps have a quick-release function.
Made of superior quality nylon
Lightweight design
Quick-release snaps
Breathable to suit all outdoor activities
- Brand: PERSUPER
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
This rabbit leash is both simple and stylish, which makes it a popular choice amongst a lot of different pet owners. As always, you need to measure your pet properly to ensure that you get one of the right size. But you are protected by a 100% satisfaction guarantee in case something should go wrong along the way. A small bell is also included to ensure that you can tell where your rabbit is – even when they try to disappear in some plants.
Includes rabbit harness and leash
Small bell included
Satisfaction guarantee
- Brand: KLOUD City
- Model: KC-0740
- Weight: 0.32 ounces
Our last choice on the list is this one, which comes with its very own bowtie! More practically, three different sizes are available, and the mesh harness is designed in a soft enough material to ensure your pet’s comfort. You can secure it easily using the Velcro straps. It is designed to be suitable for a range of different weather types, helping to ensure that your furry friend doesn’t suffer from overheating.
Mesh harness reduces strain on your rabbit’s body
Soft padding increases comfort
Velcro straps are easy to secure
Designed to be suitable for all weather conditions
- Brand: Hypeety
- Weight: 1.4 ounces
Best Rabbit Harness Buying Guide & FAQ
The next section covers the buying guide and FAQs. This is to clear up any queries that you may still be having about rabbit harnesses, which are admittedly are still not all that common amongst bunny owners. But there are a host of advantages that are worth mentioning, and we have also given an overview of how you can teach your rabbit to get used to wearing a harness, which is something that doesn’t necessarily come naturally.
What to Look for in a Rabbit Harness
There are plenty of good rabbit harnesses out there, but there are also some not so good ones too. To be able to differentiate between the two, you need to know some of the key features that you should be looking out for. So, these are what we are going to discuss in more detail in the following section.
- Comfort
Rabbits are creatures that can startle and scare easy, and their comfort is so important when they are wearing a leash. So, you need to ensure that the harness is made of high-quality material that puts comfort first. It should not grip or pinch at their body, but rather contour to their natural shape in a way that makes the feel entirely comfortable and at ease. Look out for soft padding that fits around their stomach and neck area. Remember, you need to get the size and adjustments right. It should fit snugly without restricting your rabbit’s movements and it shouldn’t make them feel constricted in any way.
- Flexibility
The next important quality that is worth mentioning is flexibility. This means that it is adjustable to fit the specific size of your rabbit rather than being too rigid. Also, look out for a leash that stretches. This gives your rabbit a degree of freedom to roam around as they would like, but also gives you the control to rein them in if you need to. This is especially important in stopping your pet from getting into potentially dangerous situations. After all, rabbits are a small pet and natural prey of larger animals like dogs.
- Durability
Another highly important quality in a rabbit leash is durability. There is no point in a leash that allows your fluffy friend to be able to jump out of it with no problems at all. Not only will this mean that it is not effective, but it also could potentially put your rabbit in danger, which is the exact opposite reason why you invested in the leash in the first place. Also, if the leash is not durable, you are going to have to replace it much sooner than you would have liked.
- Ease of Use
Rabbits are creatures that often don’t like to sit still if they can help it. So, if you can put on and take off the leash with fewer problems, this certainly makes your life a lot easier. Velcro and clips make the harness easier to attach and detach as you need to.
- Size
The size is so important when choosing the right bunny harness. It shouldn’t be so tight that it restricts their movements in any way, causing them to get caught. A good harness should offer a full range of motions, while still giving you the control to keep them out of harm’s way. Ultimately, the whole point of a harness is that it minimizes the potential for injury that your rabbit can suffer from.
Benefits of a Rabbit Leash
The next thing that you are likely to be wondering is why you would want to take your rabbit out on a leash in the first place. Well, there are a few main benefits, which we want to discuss in a little more detail in the following section.
- Explore New Areas
You wouldn’t like it all that much if you were cooped up indoors all day long. But with a rabbit harness, the two of you can explore new areas together. Of course, you will always need to ensure that there is nothing that is going to potentially put your pet in harm’s way.
- Keep Them Safe
If you take your rabbit outdoors with a harness, it is more likely that they are going to run into some sort of danger. You always have control over your rabbit and you can direct them elsewhere if you feel like they are going to run into some sort of difficulties.
Different Types of Rabbit Harnesses
There are a couple of different rabbit harnesses to choose between, so you need to have some more information about both before making your mind up.
- H-Harness
First up, we have the H-harness, which gets its name from the letter that it resembles when it is laid down. There will be two buckles around the neck and waist areas. These should be adjustable to fir your rabbit. A piece connected to the buckles will allow strain to be taken from the leash. Avoid buying one that is designed for a different animal as it may well not fit your rabbit in the proper way that it is supposed to.
- Vest Harness
Another popular design is the vest harness style, which is specially made for smaller animals. It wraps around your rabbit fully, which makes it difficult for them to escape. Usually, it will fasten together using Velcro around the neck and waist. There are sometimes other fastening devices, but whatever the case, you need to make sure that all of these are properly tightened and secured.
- Shoulder Harness
Alternatively, you could look for a harness that comes in a shoulder design. This is great for bunnies who are naturally reluctant to straps and loops. Essentially, it looks a bit like a horse harness with connecting straps across the chest front, removing pressure away from the neck and transferring it to the shoulders where the leash attaches.
Tips for Walking Your Rabbit on a Bunny Harness
While some rabbits will take to wearing a bunny harness with no real issues, others will not be nearly as receptive. You are going to need to demonstrate a lot of patience, but if you have a rabbit who simply doesn’t enjoy the practice, you shouldn’t force them. Before you can walk them on a harness, you need to have built up a close relationship with your pet. You can do this by spending time together, playing games, and other similar bonding activities.
Before you fasten on the leash, you should allow your rabbit to get used to it by sniffing it. You can then try putting the harness on, but not doing up the buckles. Do this over a period of days. If your rabbit continues to struggle, it may simply not be right for them. If your rabbit does not resist, you can then try doing the buckles up. Soon, they should ignore the harness and continue running around as they wish. You can then attach the leash and try gently redirecting them from time to time.
The final step involves going outdoors and allowing your rabbit to roam around. However, you should always have their safety at the forefront of your mind. Avoid allowing them to go into the trees, bushes, or anywhere else where the leash may get trapped and they feel distressed.
Best Rabbit Harness FAQ:
Q: How do I measure my rabbit for a harness?
A: Measuring your rabbit accurately is an important step in ensuring that you choose a harness that is the right size, and one that isn’t simply going to slip off. You will need a flexible tape measure that you can comfortably wrap around them. Measure carefully across their breast area towards one finger width behind their front leg. Your rabbit should be sitting during all this rather than laying on the ground. Next, you will need to measure the circumference of their belly area. You will also need to take a neck measurement.
Remember, you should be able to place one or two fingers between the neck and waist straps. If the harness is too loose, your bunny is going to be able to slip out of it with no issues. However, too tight and it can scare your rabbit.
Q: How do I train my rabbit to walk on a harness?
A: Rabbit harnesses are a great way to let your pet enjoy the outside world under supervision. However, you will need to train them to get used to it. Putting a leash on a rabbit is different to putting one on a dog. They have a smaller bone structure and are more likely to get scared by things around them – a fact that is especially true if they happen to encounter any larger animals along the way.
First, you need to get your rabbit used to the harness before you think about taking them outside. When they face anything unfamiliar, they are likely to be a little wary of it. Start by putting it on indoors and walking your rabbit around the house while they are wearing it. You should also take the time to rabbit-proof your house beforehand. You are going to need to exercise a bit of patience when you are getting your bunny used to a leash. Some will take to it straight away, while others will need a little more encouragement.
Some rabbits are receptive to food rewards, so you can try offering them treats as an incentive to keep going. Bear in mind that this is most likely to work during the morning hours. Other rabbits are more receptive to touching. For these ones, you should try to keep them calm by speaking in a soothing voice and petting them from time to time. Take your cues from your rabbit. If they seem extremely reluctant to wear the harness, take it off and try again the next day rather than forcing them to wear something that they are clearly uncomfortable with. Try using the harness without the leash to begin with.
Get your rabbit used to the leash indoors before you decide to take them outside – at least three days back to back is a good rule of thumb. Do everything gently and never yank the harness too hard as this could upset your rabbit.
While age isn’t necessarily going to hold you back from leash training your rabbit, older rabbits can find things more difficult as they could be suffering from arthritis or some other issues that are limiting their mobility. If you try leash training a young rabbit, you need to bear in mind that you will need to adjust the size as they grow, so this is another obstacle which can make things a little trickier. Contrary to what you may think, it is not necessarily easier to leash train a young rabbit than a full-grown rabbit. In fact, the latter may have a longer attention span.
Q: Is a bunny leash safe?
A: A bunny leash is generally safe for your rabbit. However, you need to take a few precautions. You need to ensure that your outdoor area is safe for your rabbit. If you are planning on taking them further afield, you should be especially wary of anything that is going to upset your rabbit like other animals, dangerous plants, changing weather conditions, and extreme temperatures. You should keep your rabbit out of the hot sun as much as possible, as they don’t have the same ability to cool themselves down like other pets. And the number one rule is that you should never leave your rabbit on a leash unsupervised as this puts them in a potentially dangerous situation.
Our Top Pick
To round things off, here’s a recap of our favorite product on the list. It comes in a large size that makes it suitable for bigger pets, but there are other sizes available. You can adjust it at the chest and stomach, and there is also another nylon strap with a snap buckle. The material used is durable mesh, helping to maximize breathability. And it also helps to prevent excessive gripping or rubbing.
Sources:
- Pippa Elliott, MRCVS, How to Walk a Rabbit, WikiHow
- Cheryl Lock, Can You Leash Train a Rabbit?, PetMD
