Best Pet Harnesses

Our best dog harness picks give both large and small dogs a comfortable, choke-free outdoor experience. Ruffwear’s Front Range harness got top marks for large dogs.

PetSafe 3-in-1 Dog Harness is great for owners of small dogs, who might appreciate the back handle for better control of little barkers.

Have a kitty? The Kitty Holster cat holster wrangles even the most experienced escape artist, with no leash clips or straps to catch on fluffy, delicate fur and skin.

Ruffwear’s no-pull harness is hand-washable for those times when the muddy creek is just a little too tempting. Reflective trim on the Front Range Harness keeps your pooch visible on dark sidewalks. You’ll also enjoy the small pocket, perfect for slipping in a few treats, dog tags, or even a poop bag (hey, it pays to be prepared). The only real downside is the lack of seat belt restraint options.

The PetSafe 3-in-1 is can also double as a pet vehicle safety harness for dogs who love to come along for the ride. While some customers do complain that the buckles on the harnesses break, PetSafe promises prompt customer service. One of the reasons this is a top pick for best dog harness is that if you’ve got a chewer who eats through straps, PetSafe offers replacements for a nominal fee.

Kitty Holster receives lots of positive Amazon reviews from cat owners. The lightweight, cotton-lined cat harness is also comfortable without straps or clips that can get caught on delicate hair or skin. The one downside is that the velcro closures don’t allow much adjustment and may not accommodate oversized-cats.

If you’ve got a new little bundle of fur, this Puppia soft dog harness is for you. Puppia Authentic RiteFit is a step-in dog harness that adjusts at the neck and is perfect for growing puppies who fall in-between sizes.

Two quick-release buckles mean you can get your wiggling puppy free quickly. The breathable mesh on the Puppia soft dog harness is also ideal for dogs who play hard and need to cool down fast.

When you’re training a dog not to lunge or to stop sniffing every fire hydrant, PetSafe’s Gentle Leader can be a dog owner’s best friend. This head collar leads your doggo by the nose, literally. 

While it only has options for front clips and very few bells and whistles, this head collar flaunts the same comfortable straps as PetSafe’s other pet harnesses and won’t rub sensitive noses.

These types of collars can be easy to escape, so make sure to use a backup leash and collar.

We highly recommend this pet harness from Rabbitgoo if you’ve got a serious puller who can knock you off your feet in a heartbeat. It has dual leash clips, adjustable straps, a top handle, and a quick-release buckle for ease of use and better pet control. Padded and made of breathable mesh, this harness has reflective strips that’ll keep you and your pooch safe on nighttime excursions.

Before you jump paws first into buying a harness for your fur baby, it pays to consider the following. Evaluate the needs of both you and your favorite four-footed friend to choose a harness that’ll go the extra mile.

The size of your pet determines whether you’ll want the dog leash to clip on the front or back of the harness. Front leads are better for a big dog who pulls from their chest, while smaller dogs do best with back leads that won’t get tangled under their little paws. Certain breeds also have special considerations, like pugs with flat faces who frequently choke. They need straps or vests cut lower to avoid any pressure near the neck or upper chest.

Weather and seasonal temps may affect the kind of harness you’d prefer to invest in for your furry family member. Breathable mesh lining and lightweight cotton are best for warmer climates. Pet owners who live in locales where rain is frequent need something water-resistant and washable for traipsing through puddles and muddy grass.

Walking habits will also help you determine what other safety gear for dogs you should consider. If you hit the trails with pups in tow, you’ll want a rugged harness with padding that’ll stand up to hours of trekking across uneven terrain. Joggers should look for harnesses that accommodate carabiners or offer clips with a broader range of motion. And if you’re a night walker or jogger, reflective material is an essential safety measure for both you and your four-legged companion.

The behavior you’re trying to address dictates the kind of pet collar or harness you should use. While an easy walk harness will minimize pulling, dogs who lunge would benefit more from head collars or front leads. Additionally, many pet owners might scoff at the idea of cat harnesses, but they’re a great training tool for frisky felines.

We didn’t want to lead you astray, so we combed carefully through pet expert advice, customer reviews, and product specifications. As pet owners who consider our furry friends part of the family, we looked for the features that mattered to us like safety and comfort. The products that got our paw of approval had a pet-centric approach, a track record of positive feedback on Trustpilot and Amazon, and a commitment to safety. Dig into our full methodology here.

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