You may love the idea of taking your pet or homestead rabbit with you on a walk. And for this, you would need some kind of rabbit harness or rabbit collar and a leash.
But before you purchase and use a rabbit harness, collar or leash, check out these best practices first!
If used properly, rabbit harnesses, collars and leashes can be used with some, but not all, rabbits. There are many risks involved with thinking of training your rabbit to use a harness or collar, and all owners must be receptive to the reactions of each individual bunny. Forcing a harness or collar may result in serious injury or even death of your rabbit.
Using A Rabbit Harness or Collar Is Not Out Of The Question,
But There Are Important Factors And Guidelines To Follow
To Ensure The Safety And Health Of Your Bunnies
The most important facts to realize are:
- Rabbits naturally have very thin and weak necks.
This means their neck cannot support much weight, and harnesses and collars can easily damage a rabbits neck, back and related nerves.
- Rabbits are easily scared and tend to bolt when frightened
A harness or collar, especially when used with a leash, will prohibit this naturally fast movement which can ultimately result in serious injury or even death.
- No two rabbits are the same.
You may have a bunny that absolutely will not put on a harness or collar and another that doesn’t have any issues with them. That is okay! Do not force anything upon your bunnies.
Harness For Rabbit
Let’s first take a detailed look at harnesses for rabbits and if harnesses are bad for rabbits.
What Is A Rabbit Harness? Can Bunnies Wear Harness
A rabbit harness is a fitted, almost vest-like apparatus that is usually made of soft fabric. Many harnesses have reinforced materials such as plastic or cardboard inside to give structure.
A rabbit harness is worn by inserting the bunny’s head into the neck hole and their front paws into two separate foot holes and then securing the harness across their shoulders and/or upper back. Many harnesses use velcro, buckles, or even a zipper as the securing agent.
This kind of rabbit harness is very similar to the dog harnesses that we are all accustomed to seeing. But, read on – we can not treat our bunnies like dogs. Rabbits are built differently than dogs.
Can I Put A Harness On My Rabbit?
Putting a harness on your bunny is not out of the question.
In fact, a harness is a slightly more secure and safe option if you are wanting to secure your rabbit in some way because the harness holds your rabbit across their entire chest, shoulders, and upper back.
This automatically affords a fit that many rabbits will find pretty comfortable.
Is It Safe To Put A Harness On A Rabbit?
If you take the time to introduce a new harness to your rabbit patiently, and don’t make the mistake of treating your rabbit like a dog, you will most likely find that a harness is completely safe to use.
What Type Of Harness Is Best For A Rabbit?
There are two primary types of rabbit harnesses.
The first is the strap harness. These harnesses are very much like small dog harnesses that involve thin, interlocking or sewn straps that create wide paw and neck loops. Your rabbit must step into this harness and it must then be secured by a buckle over their shoulders/upper back.
When investing in a strap harness, be aware of these important factors:
- You must measure the strap harness and your rabbit so that you get one which will fit properly and comfortably. Ill-fitting strap harnesses result in rubbing, tangled paws, sore necks and backs, and other injuries if used long term.
- Strap harnesses can easily get caught on objects. This will stress your rabbit and encourage them to bolt against the harness and leash, which will result in serious bodily injury or even death.
The second common form of rabbit harness is the vest harness. These have the same basic structure of a strap harness but have a soft fabric shell.
This shell affords more support and security to some rabbits, yet it remains critical that you measure your rabbit to ensure you get the right size vest. An ill-fitting vest harness will result in paw, neck and back pain!
In addition, vest harnesses don’t usually get caught on things as easily, as the outer fabric of the vest is usually smooth. However, a vest on a hot day, especially a dark colored vest, may make your rabbit too hot. Recall that rabbits do not sweat or pant and are susceptible to overheating in hot climates.
How To Fit A Rabbit Harness
A well fitting rabbit harness should not squeeze the neck, paws, or torso of your bunny. Many harnesses have basic measurement guides which is a great starting point!
You should never force your rabbit into a harness. Instead, familiarize each rabbit with the harness and coax them near it with lots of natural treats like little pieces of carrot or pumpkin and gentle petting.
They will soon allow you to wrap the harness around them without fear. Test out a new harness by making sure your rabbit looks and acts comfortable in it, can breathe normally in it, and by checking that one finger can slide between the rabbit and the harness.
This may take some time, we encourage you to be patient with this process!
Rabbit Leash Harness
Rabbit harnesses will have a metal or fabric loop between the shoulders of your rabbit where you can clip a leash. This allows you to remain connected to your rabbit when they roam inside or outside. But don’t be tempted to treat your rabbit like a dog!
Bunnies cannot be pulled or led on the leash because their neck and back are NOT strong enough to support that force.
Rather, always keep the leash slack and be sure to clear the area of surprises so that your bunny doesn’t bolt while on the leash.
There you have it, the topic of bunny harnesses covered! Now, let’s take a look at rabbit collars, and why we at Hobby Farm Heaven do NOT recommend them.
Collar For Rabbit
A collar for bunnies is not a good idea, for a multitude of reasons. The primary reason is the anatomy of rabbits themselves.
Rabbits naturally have very thin and delicate necks. They lack a lot of muscle in this area which leaves what muscles there are easily strained and the thin neck bones that easily break. In fact, predator animals often deliver death to their rabbit prey by biting this tender area.
Can A Rabbit Wear A Collar
If you’ve asked yourself ‘Can rabbits wear collars?’ you’re right to question this. Many rabbit owners choose to invest in collars because they are a cute touch or because they want to have their rabbit on a leash for a time.
The bottom line is that a well-fitting collar isn’t likely to disturb your rabbit too much if it is just nibbling grass outside for a bit, as long as your rabbit is comfortable in the collar and acts normally.
However, attempting to walk or have your rabbit on a leash when using a rabbit collar is NOT a good idea.
Are Collars Safe For Rabbits?
The issue with rabbit collars is that there is only one point of contact with the rabbit: the neck!
As mentioned, rabbits’ necks are extremely vulnerable to injury and keeping a collar on or using a rabbit leash with a rabbit collar can quickly lead to neck pain, injuries, and more. Moreover, don’t try to tighten the collar too much, as rabbits’ thin necks can be deceiving and you can choke or slowly suffocate your rabbit with a tight collar.
If you do choose to try out a collar on your bunny, do so sparingly and do not keep the collar on your rabbit all day!
Should Rabbits Wear Collars
The questions of should and can rabbits wear a collar truly depends upon the rabbit. We at Hobby Farm Heaven recognize that many rabbits will be okay with the use of a collar for a few hours a day while others staunchly refuse to have a collar put on.
If your bunnies appear adverse to a collar, then please pass on this little accessory, it is not worth the risk!
We also never recommend using a rabbit collar with a leash, as this poses too much of a threat to rabbits’ delicate necks.
Rabbit Harnesses and Rabbit Collars: Common Mistakes
Many rabbit owners go astray when they imagine that they can:
- Take their rabbits on regular walks
Rabbits are prey animals and are naturally disposed to bolting when feeling frightened.This results in catastrophe as the harness and collars prevent this fast body movement and, if a leash is involved, the rabbit can end up snapping its own neck due to the pressure around their neck from the harness or collar.
- Pull on their rabbit using the harness
Again, rabbits’ necks are very thin and lack substantial muscle groups. Any pressure or pulling will quickly result in a broken bone and or nerve damage.
- Leave the rabbit harness on the bunny all the time
Rabbits are not meant to have something resting or rubbing on their neck at all times. Harnesses or collars left on too long can result in painful rubbing, hair loss, aches, and bad posture.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Can Rabbits Wear Collars
Can Bunnies Wear Clothes?
We never recommend putting clothes on your rabbits. Extra layers will throw off their natural homeostasis and restrictive materials will really stress your rabbit.
Can Rabbits Wear Flea Collars?
Using a flea collar with your rabbit is not the best idea as this sometimes heavy and often restricting collar can stress and injure them because it must be worn long-term in order to be effective.
Remember to chat with your local vet about safe ways to guard your rabbits from fleas if they spend a lot of time outdoors!
Here is a very helpful video:
Lennon The Bunny on Harnesses and Collars for Bunnies
Additionally, this very helpful video provides a classic example of
Training A Rabbit To A Harness.
The experienced professional animal trainer is at ease and patiently applies repetition and treats, as rewards. She builds acceptance, obedience and familiarity along with the rabbit’s understanding of how it is to behave. This is the proper way to train and condition just about any domestic animal.
Final Thoughts on Can A Rabbit Wear A Collar
The rabbit community as a whole is very divided when it comes to using or not using harnesses and collars for bunnies. We support the reality that aligns with the natural biology and habits of rabbits.
Long-term harnesses, collars and leashes are never beneficial and will definitely be detrimental to your rabbits.
However, short-term use of properly fitting harnesses, collars and rabbit leashes with a bunny that doesn’t seem stressed or bothered by them is okay!
It is critical to always remember to clear the area you plan to take your rabbit from surprises or threats, that will keep both them and you relaxed and happy!