One of the best rabbit harnesses can help you provide your rabbit with enriching outdoor time without the worry of them escaping. When they aren't in their hutch or enclosure, rabbits enjoy running around, sniffing, and exploring and these activities are great for their mental health. If you don't have a suitable outdoor area, a harness can keep them close and secure, and you can enjoy some bonding time with your rabbit, too.
Rabbis need safe, spacious living areas and can benefit from one of the best rabbit runs in addition to the best outdoor rabbit hutch; but this isn’t possible for all rabbit owners. If your rabbit doesn't like wearing a harness, a run is a good, safe alternative that doesn't risk injuring them with sudden, jerking movements if they are startled, and is harder to chew through. However, if your rabbit is happy with harness time, we've pulled together a list of our favorite rabbit harnesses below.
The best rabbit harnesses 2024
Best overall rabbit harness
This great all-rounder that has everything you need in a harness. For starters, the Niteangel is soft, comfortable and sturdy, something that your bunny will definitely appreciate.
The design of the mesh body means that it is breathable, which helps your rabbit stay cool when it's in the harness. This prevents your rabbit becoming agitated and uncomfortable. The durable edge structure sees some neat double stitching that gives the harness its strength and helps stop your rabbit from nibbling the edges.
Reasons to buy: Breathable mesh body with double stitched edges, and available in seven colors.
Reasons to avoid: Sizes are smaller than expected and Velcro straps are not particularly strong.
Best budget rabbit harness
If you want a rabbit harness that offers comfort and value for money then this harness and leash combo from Kaytee is definitely worth a look. Made from a durable nylon, which can stand a good few washes, the harness sits around the upper body of your pet and has a combination of plastic buckles and velcro to give the right fit.
The straps aren’t as wide as other harnesses, but it has a couple of additional adjustable snap-in buckles that help secure and stabilise the harness when you are on the move. While the harness is available in three sizes (small, medium or large), it's not suited to the largest rabbit breeds (in which case one of the best cat harnesses might be more suitable).
Reasons to buy: Elastic leash, washable, adjustable and secure fit.
Reasons to avoid: For small rabbits only.
Best rabbit harness for fun style
This adjustable rabbit harness leash from Filhome is a standard-style vest harness but with added pizazz. You can choose from a smart blue star design or a cute pink flower design – and both harnesses having matching bow ties to up the style stakes.
First, it's worth noting that this vest-style harness only comes in one size. Made for small rabbits you need to measure to make sure it will fit your floppy-eared friend. It can accommodate rabbits with 9.4–11 inch necks, 9.8–12.6 inch chests and has a 3.9 inch back. Made from 100% cotton the vest is comfortable, breathable and washable to keep it looking good and fresh smelling.
Reasons to buy: Fun design and available in two colors.
Reasons to avoid: One size only .
Best strap-style rabbit harness
A strap harness might not have the frills and fancy add-ons that a vest harness brings, but it still has all the essential ingredients you need to get outside with your bunny.
This lightweight strap harness is made from a strong nylon that has a soft texture to give your rabbit that extra bit of comfort. It is designed to prevent neck strain when out walking, which will help your rabbit stay comfortable.
Reasons to buy: Made from soft and strong nylon, adjustable and quick to fit fit, lightweight and pack of two.
Reasons to avoid: Lacks any frills or padding.
Best for special occasions
If you're going to take your handsome rabbit to a special occasion where you can bring your favorite pet, you want them looking their best. This smart grey pinstripe design with decorative buttons and two faux pockets will give your rabbit a smart English gentleman look.
The suit is made from a soft and breathable cotton cloth fabric. The cotton lining helps to keep your rabbit cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It’s available in three sizes (small, medium or large), catering for neck sizes of 7–11.8in.
Reasons to buy: Stylish design, soft fabric and quick-release buckles.
Reasons to avoid: Leash attachment close to neck.
Best padded rabbit harness
If you are looking for a simple design with lots of extra padding to keep your rabbit comfortable, this harness might be the right choice. It only comes in one color and size, but if fully adjustable so you can adapt it to fit your rabbit.
If your bunny is prone to pulling, tugging or bolting when frightened, this harness distributes the pressure of those movements meaning there is no strain on particular points of your rabbit's body. The leash attachment is also further back, so there is no pressure on your rabbit's neck.
Reasons to buy: Distributes pressure, extra soft and padded, adjustable.
Reasons to avoid: Only one color.
How to choose the best rabbit harness
When choosing to opt for a harness for your rabbit, there are a number of things to consider before you click buy on your favorite option. Bunnies can be easily startled, or stressed, and if you have an anxious pet, adding a harness can further their discomfort. Before making a decision, we have a few tips for picking the perfect harness.
Dr. Godfrey explains that while rabbit harnesses allow you to keep control of your rabbit when you’re out and about, preventing them from getting into danger when spooked, harnesses can also present their own threat to your rabbit’s health and safety.
“Firstly, a poorly fitted or insufficiently padded harness can cause rubbing and damage to a rabbit’s fragile skin. Secondly, even when fitted well, many rabbits feel more anxious when wearing a harness and are less likely to show natural behaviors like digging, hopping, jumping, and playing.
“Other issues come from the fact that the harness is attached to you via a leash. The leash means that they can’t escape – which, of course, is the whole point. However, taking away a rabbit’s ability to flee to a safer place can be very distressing for them. Aside from this emotional distress, a harness and leash also pose a very real risk of physical injury if your rabbit spooks and tangles themself up."
Types of harness
There are two choices when it comes to rabbit harnesses – vest or strap. Both have their pros and cons so it's up to you to decide which you think works best for you and your cute little fur friend.
Vest harnesses are the more popular choice, because they are wide and soft and typically fit around a rabbit's body. This means they offer more support and are generally accepted as being the more comfortable option. Their size also means that they come in a wider variety of good-looking designs. However, if the material isn't mesh, it can become particularly uncomfortable for your rabbit, especially if its particularly hot outside.
Strap harnesses don’t have as much variety in the style stakes, typically you just have a color choice. But they are generally cheaper, easier to fit and are more adjustable. You just need to be a little more careful and gentle when using one.
Which size harness is right for your rabbit?
Choosing the right size harness is crucial to it working properly. Some options will include a handy size guide, but you'll still need to measure your bunny. Depending on the style of harness, this means measuring the size of your pet's chest, shoulders, shoulders and neck, which can be easier said than done with particularly active rabbits.
Ideally you want a fit that is firm, without digging into them. If you start harness training with your bunny when they're young, you'll also need to remember to change sizes as they grow, or you may accidentally injure them by forcing them into a harness that’s too small.
Is it right for your rabbit?
Not all rabbits will respond well to leash training, especially fearful or anxious bunnies. If you have the space to set up a secure outdoor run, this is likely to be a better option to ensure they aren't stressed. Some rabbits will also chew at their harness or leash, so if your bunny isn't reacting well to leash training, check out our guide to the best rabbit runs instead.
Dr. Hannah Godfrey MRCVS graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011. Although she initially worked in mixed practice treating all species, she found a love for small animal work and has worked exclusively with dogs and cats since 2014. She lives in Wales with her partner, son, and two cats (named Poppy and Ashton Kutcher), and writes comedy fiction in her spare time.
