Some ferret owners prefer to keep their furry indoors at all times, while others prefer to take their ferrets on walks for extra exercise and mental stimulation. What ferret owner are you?
Whether you want to take your ferret on walks or are simply preparing for when you need to take your ferret to the vet, you are going to want to get a ferret harness. Ferret harnesses are a matter of safety, so you want to make sure that you pick the right one.
You will also find below a guide to the ten best ferret harnesses for you to consider to give your ferret a bowl of fresh air. We are also going to go over everything that you need to know to pick out a ferret harness.
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10 Best Ferret Harnesses Available in The Market Today
For a very reasonable price, this set comes with both the harness and the lead so that with just one purchase, you will be ready to take your ferret out and about on walks. It comes in a variety of colors (red, black, green, and royal blue), so you can pick out the one that you like best.
It is made of nylon, so you can trust that it is sturdy (though if you are not paying attention, your ferret could chew through it.)
One of the best things about this product is that it is designed specifically to fit a ferret’s unique anatomy. It is also fully adjustable, so you can be confident that it will fit your ferret, whether your ferret is on the smaller end of things or the larger.
Finally, the harness comes together with snap buttons. These buttons make it easy to put on and take off the harness whenever you need to, but they are secure enough to keep your ferret inside whenever you need.
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Comes in a set with both the harness and leash
- Made out of sturdy nylon and comes on and off easily with snaps
- If your ferret really wants to, he may be able to wiggle out of it
The reason most people love this harness and leash is the angel wings on the back. Ferrets are already super cute creatures, and putting little wings on their back only makes them even more adorable. Beyond the adorable nature, it is important to consider the safety features.
While it is advertised as a harness, this is more of a vest than an actual harness. Some vests are too big or do not fit in a way that really secures the ferret, but the Margelo Ferret Harness and Leash are much slimmer than most other ferret vests.
It is adjustable and clasps around the shoulders rather than at the back or chest, which gives it some of the security of the H-harness. However, it can take some getting used to
It comes in two colors: red and blue, and it is made out of soft cotton and sturdy nylon. The fabric is secure, but it is still breathable, which makes it a great option even in the summer.
- Adorable angel wings for your ferret’s back
- Secures around the shoulders, which gives it more security than most vests
- It is made of secure but still breathable fabric
- It can be an adjustment to get used to the clasps at the shoulders
The Rypet Small Animal Harness and Leash is a great option if you are wanting a little added decoration, but not something quite as big as the angel wings in the last harness. On the back of all the different colored vests is a small, checkered bow that will give your ferret quite the dapper look.
It is another vest-style harness, which means it is not as secure as some other harnesses like the H-style harness. It is adjustable with two velcro pieces that are in the front of the legs and the other that are around the torso. However, the velcro is not as secure as some other clasps, so you should have your ferret spend some time in the harness around the house first to make sure your ferret is snugly trapped inside.
It is made out of mesh fabric that is both very comfortable and breathable. There is also a ring on the back which is the ideal spot for walking a ferret (or any animal, really) on a harness. There is also a bell for added safety, but it is on the leash rather than the harness, which can be inconvenient.
- Mesh fabric is very breathable
- The small checkered bow is an adorable look
- Comes in three sizes so you can get one that you know will fit properly
- Velcro is not as secure or adjustable as many other clasps
The PETCO Deluxe Ferret Harness and Lead is another harness that is designed specifically for the unique shape of a ferret. It is made of extremely sturdy and adjustable material.
The straps go around both the tummy and around the neck of the ferret to make sure that your ferret is both snuggly secured to your lead and comfortable. It is also designed to be both light and breathable in a variety of seasonal and weather conditions.
It is extremely adjustable, so you can adjust it to fit your ferret no matter if your ferret is on the bigger end or, the smaller end. It is a secure harness; however, the skinny straps are not as comfortable as some other types of harnesses, such as mesh or vest harnesses.
Finally, it does come in a variety of colors, but you do not get to pick which one you get.
- Designed for the unique shape of ferrets
- Made of sturdy and durable material
- Meant to be breathable and comfortable in a variety of weather conditions
- Not as comfortable as some of the other harnesses on the list
Ware ManufacCounturing is an extremely well-known and trustworthy brand, and the harness is designed specifically for ferrets. It is made of stylish and durable denim that clasps securely in two points. You can feel perfectly safe allowing your ferret to explore on the walk, knowing that he is secure and that the harness is machine washable.
Furthermore, if you decide to allow your ferret to free-roam in your yard, there is a bell on the harness. The bell will allow you to locate your ferret in your house or your yard whenever you need to.
The one thing to keep in mind is that the bucks are made out of plastic. While they are secure in the beginning, the plastic could start to wear with time. Whenever you put the harness on your ferret, always double-check that the buckles are still secure.
- The harness has a bell that will let you know where your ferret is whenever you need
- Made of denim that is both stylish and durable
- Easy to clean
- The plastic buckles can start to wear with time
The LXT&YY leash and harness set comes in two sizes: small and medium. Most ferrets will fit best into the small size, though some ferrets on the larger might need the medium-sized harness. Both sizes are adjustable and secure with 2 plastic buckles.
While the fabric is durable, it is not as secure as some other harnesses on this list that are specifically meant for ferrets. This means that if your ferret really wants to, he might be able to wiggle right out of it.
The harness does only come in one color, pink. But it is made of denim and has a soft plush lining, so your ferret will definitely be comfortable. In fact, it is so comfortable and cute that some people leave the harness on their ferret all the time. The bow makes it look like a little outfit, and the bell helps owners locate the ferret around their house.
- Made of comfortable materials
- Secures with 2 adjustable buckles
- The bell will help you locate your ferret inside and outside of your home
- Not as secure as some harnesses designed specifically for ferrets
The Gauterf harness is made for cats and puppies, but some people have had success using the XXS size with ferrets and other small animals.
It is not designed to fit a ferret’s unique shape, but the adjustable straps will allow you to secure it to your ferret. You should make sure that the harness fits your ferret snuggly before you take him outside on walks.
The only clasp is on the back, which does not give you the freedom to make as many adjustments as some other harnesses. However, there is velcro under the buckle for added security. There is also a reflective strip to help you keep your ferret safe at night.
- Adjustable straps to create a snug fit
- Velcro under buckle for added security
- Reflective strip for extra visibility at night
- Not designed specifically for ferrets
These harnesses come in a pack of two, which is perfect if you have more than one ferret or if you want a backup harness in case you lose one.
They are technically designed for rabbits, but the h-style harness with additional spine and belly straps are extremely secure and help prevent injury. In fact, this rabbit harness is more secure than many ferret harnesses. However, it is too short for some larger ferrets.
The harnesses are made out of high-quality nylon. It is a light and durable material that is comfortable for ferrets, even on long walks and in a variety of conditions. Finally, the buckles are made out of durable plastic, but they can wear with time.
- Comes in a two-pack in case you have multiple ferrets or need a backup
- A really secure h-style harness with additional spine and belly straps
- Made out of light, durable, and comfortable nylon
- It might be too short for some larger ferrets
- Made of a light, durable, and comfortable nylon
- It comes in a 2-pack
- Does not put too much pressure on your ferret’s body or neck
- The lead is very skinny, so your ferret might be able to chew through it
Living World Small Animal Harness and Leash is meant to be used with any small animal, but it is fully adjustable, so you can make it fit snuggly around your ferret’s unique body.
The harness itself is made of mesh that is light, breathable, and comfortable whether it is hot or cold outside.
The fastener and clasp are also designed to be durable, but they are only meant to attach the leash. The harness itself is slip-on, which does mean that your ferret could potentially slip out.
As far as the lead goes, it is made out of polyester, which means that it is still durable while remaining light enough to not weigh down your ferret.
- Fully adjustable so it can fit securely to your ferret’s body
- Mesh is breathable, so your ferret will be comfortable in hot and cold temperatures
- The fastener for the lead is durable and easy to use
- Slip-on harness means that your ferret could slip out of it
Can Ferrets Really Be Leashed Trained?
The short answer to the question is yes; most ferrets can be taught to walk on a leash. Ferrets are naturally very intelligent and inquisitive creatures, so they absolutely love having the time to play and explore outside while on walks. While it does take a lot of patience and persistence to teach a ferret to walk safely on a leash, it is entirely possible.
Some ferret owners prefer not to take their ferrets outside on walks. There are some very real concerns like fleas, ticks, escape, and injury that some owners prefer to avoid the risk of entirely. However, training your ferret to walk on a leash can still be helpful even if your ferret is a strictly indoor pet. It can make traveling with your ferret or vet visits a lot easier.
How Do You Leash Train A Ferret?
When you go to leash train a ferret, you want to do so in stages to make sure that your ferret is safe. To start, you want to get your ferret used to the harness and walk on a leash inside the house. This way, you can make sure your ferret cannot escape in a controlled environment, and you are not introducing your ferret to too many new things all at once.
If your ferret is resistant to the harness, you can give him a special treat whenever you put it on so that your ferret connects the harness to positive experiences.
Once your ferret is used to wearing the harness and walking on the leash inside, you can move on to walking outside with your ferret. Once again, you are going to want to use lots of treats to teach your ferret that walking on a leash is a positive experience. Remember to only reward your ferret when he is walking properly on the leash, not when he is pulling and being difficult.
Things You Need to Consider Before Buying A Harness
1. Is The Harness Escape Proof?
It does not take owning a ferret long to figure out that they are interested in exploring everything and anything around them. This is especially true when you start taking them out on walks, and because ferrets are such good escape artists, you are going to need a harness that will keep your furry friend secure and safe.
Generally speaking, the best kind of harness to keep your ferrets securely leashed is an H harness. H harnesses are made out of two connected loops: one of which goes around the neck and the other that goes around the front legs and waist. It is generally impossible for your ferret to slip out of an H harness.
2. Is The Ferret Harness Safe?
A common problem with dogs is that they pull too hard on their leash and end up choking or even injuring themselves. Ferrets can also get too excited when out on walks which can result in the same problems.
If your ferret has a pulling problem, you want to ensure that it is tight enough for you to maintain control but does not put any excess pressure on your ferret’s throat.
3. Is The Harness The Right Size?
Getting a harness that is the correct size for your ferret is really important both for your ferret’s comfort and safety. If your ferret is either large or especially small, the standard ferret harness might not fit.
However, if this is the case, you should look for an extra small or large ferret harness rather than getting harnesses designed for other animals like dogs and cats. These other harnesses are generally not designed to keep a ferret’s twisty and slim body secure.
Are Ferret Harnesses Generally Safe?
One of the most important things, whenever you are taking your ferret out on a walk, is that you are sure that your ferret is safe.
The good news is that ferret harnesses are safe as long as you make sure it has the right features. First of all, you want to avoid any breakaway harnesses. While they sound positive as they are advertised to eliminate choking hazards, your ferret getting away and running into the street or down a drain is a lot more dangerous than your ferret pulling too hard.
You also want to make sure that your ferret is securely clasped. Generally speaking, velcro, buckles, and clasps are three of the safest methods of securing a harness.
As long as you make sure that the harness you buy is secure and meant to keep a ferret’s unique body on a leash, they are perfectly safe.
Are Collars Safe For Ferrets?
No, collars are not a safe tool to use when taking your ferret on walks outside of the house. Most ferrets can easily slip in and out of collars which can be extremely dangerous. That is the whole point of harnesses, to secure your ferret in more places so that he cannot slip out.
If you are looking to get your ferret a collar for around the house to hold any tags or a bell, a collar can be perfectly safe. However, you will want to get a breakaway collar to prevent choking if your ferret ever gets caught on something.
How Do You Put A Harness On A Ferret?
Whenever you go to put a harness on your ferret, you. are going to want to read the directions that came with it and follow them closely. Different harnesses will come with different instructions, but generally, they all require putting the straps or loops around the legs and arms and then securing them into place with a buckle or velcro.
Whenever you put on your ferret’s harness you want to be careful you do so correctly. If you make it too tight or put it on the wrong way, it could cut off your ferret’s circulation or lead to injury. On the other hand, if you make it too loose or do not secure it correctly, your ferret could wiggle out and escape.
If, when you go to put on a new ferret harness, you have any safety concerns, you can always reach out to your vet. They will be able to tell you if the exact harness you have is safe and even show you how to properly secure it if necessary.
How Tight Should A Ferret Harness Be?
How tight you make your ferret’s harness is really a key part of making sure that your ferret is safe when you are out and about. Generally, all of the loose straps will have some sort of adjustment feature so you can adjust how tight it is. If it is still too tight or too loose when you have adjusted it as far as possible, it is better to wait and get a new harness rather than using a harness that does not fit properly.
With most other animals, you have probably heard the rule that collars and harnesses should be tight enough that you can fit two fingers under them, but not three. However, ferrets need their harnesses to be tighter than that because their slim bodies can easily contort and slip out if you can fit two fingers underneath. For ferrets, you want to be able to slip one finger underneath to guarantee that it will not cut off circulation or cause choking, but no more.
If you have a collar that you just use around the house, it can be a bit looser than the harness because it is not meant to keep your ferret secure. If your ferret does end up slipping out of a collar, it is okay because you are not using the collar as a safety device.
Can I Use A Cat Harness on a Ferret?
For a lot of ferret things, you can use a cat or other animal alternatives. For instance, there is a lot of cat foods that you can use as a substitute for ferret foods. You can also use some cat litter and litter boxes as a substitute for ferret litter and litter boxes.
However, the same is not true for harnesses. Because harnesses are an issue of safety, you want to get one that will hold a ferret securely on walks. Cats and ferrets have very different bodies, so a harness designed for a cat’s body will not hold a ferret secure.
Can I Make My Own Harnesses?
The answer to this is Yes, but it also depends on how good you are at DIY projects! There are some people that make their own ferret harnesses that are perfectly safe. However, if you use the wrong materials or do not secure them correctly, it could put your ferret at risk for escaping or injury.
If you do decide to make your own harness, you should stick to a harness that you know is secure and simple, like an H harness. You should also test it out inside before using it outside when the risks are higher.
Contents
- 10 Best Ferret Harnesses Available in The Market Today
- 1. Marshall Pet Products Harness & Lead
- 2. Capkomi Ferret Harness and Leash
- 3. RYPET Small Animal Harness and Leash
- 4. PETCO Deluxe Ferret Harness and Lead
- 5. Ware ManufacCounturing Harness-N-Leash
- 6. LXT&YY Small Animal Outdoor Walking Vest Harness and Leash Set
- 7. Gauterf Cat and Puppy Harness and Leash Set
- 8. PerSuper 2 Pack Small Pet Harness
- 9. SATINIOR Small Pet Harness and Leash
- 10. Living World Small Animal Harness and Leash
- Can Ferrets Really Be Leashed Trained?
- How Do You Leash Train A Ferret?
- Things You Need to Consider Before Buying A Harness
- Are Ferret Harnesses Generally Safe?
- Are Collars Safe For Ferrets?
- How Do You Put A Harness On A Ferret?
- How Tight Should A Ferret Harness Be?
- Can I Use A Cat Harness on a Ferret?
- Can I Make My Own Harnesses?
