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So, you have an adorable rabbit for a pet, and you’ve been wondering if you should start taking them outside for a walk. Dogs wear collars most of the time, which makes it easier to attach a leash for going on a walk. So, why not your rabbit?
Collars are unsafe for rabbits and you should never use one on your pet. Harnesses can be okay if you find the right one and ensure it fits your bunny correctly.
We’ll discuss why collars are dangerous for bunnies and what you can use instead. Your rabbit’s safety is what matters most.
What Is Wrong With Collars for Rabbits?
There are several reasons that collars are not recommended for your rabbit. First and most importantly, rabbits are easily startled, which can cause them to bolt suddenly. This can lead to your bunny pulling against your hold on the collar and injuring themselves.
Another reason collars are bad for bunnies is that they can easily injure your rabbit when they attempt to take them off. Most rabbits spend time trying to remove the collar and can accidentally get a foot or their mouth stuck inside it. If you aren’t around when this occurs, your bunny can become panicked, which can cause injuries.
Lastly, rabbits have sensitive and thinner skin around their necks, and a collar can wear away your rabbit’s fur around their neck and cause abrasions, particularly if the collar is a little tight.
For these reasons, a rabbit wearing a collar is a bad idea.
But What About Breakaway Collars?
We put breakaway collars on our cats and dogs to avoid the strangulation problem, so can it also work for rabbits?
Breakaway collars work by snapping open quickly when they get snagged. This prevents an animal from strangling. However, they are manufactured with the intended species in mind (usually cats) and are made in a way so that an average cat has enough strength to break open the collar. A rabbit might not be strong enough to remove it.
If a rabbit were strong enough to break open a collar, your bunny would also be at risk of escaping. If you are walking your rabbit and something startles them and they lunge away, the breakaway collar could snap open, allowing your rabbit to run away.
How Can I Provide Identification for My Rabbit?
If you’re thinking about using a collar so you can put identification on your rabbit, a better solution is microchipping. Your vet will insert the microchip with a needle under your rabbit’s skin between the shoulder blades. The procedure is usually painless and can cost $20 to $45, depending on where you get it done.
If your bunny gets outside and is picked up by someone who takes them to a veterinary clinic or humane society, they can scan your pet. The microchip will give them your information, and they can contact you to arrange for you to pick up your pet.
The cost of the microchip isn’t much more than a high-quality collar, and it’s a much better and safer option.
How About a Bell?
Some people might want the collar to have a bell on it, which can help them keep tabs on their bunny. However, a bell isn’t something that your rabbit will enjoy wearing. They have sensitive ears, and hearing a bell constantly ring while they move is annoying! It also won’t help you find them when they’re resting.
Your best bet is to have your bunny in a rabbit-safe room or part of the house and check in on them occasionally.
The 2 Kinds of Harnesses Suitable for Rabbits
Harnesses are a better option for your rabbit, but they shouldn’t be worn constantly. The harness should only be worn on your rabbit for walks or other outdoor activities. Harnesses should also only be considered an option for rabbits that are accustomed to them, as not all rabbits are used to them. If your rabbit isn’t comfortable with a harness, it should not be placed in one; instead, it should be placed in a secure pen when outdoors.
The harness must fit your rabbit, or it could escape or risk injury. If it’s too loose, your rabbit can either slip out of it, chew through it, or even get a foot stuck inside. If it’s too tight, it will stress your pet out and prove uncomfortable or may even lead to skin issues. You should be able to slip one to two fingers between the harness and your bunny.
There are two kinds of harnesses that are considered safe for your rabbit to wear.
1. H-Harness
The H-harness is one of the most popular harnesses for rabbit owners. It fits around your rabbit’s neck and waist, distributing the pressure along its body instead of just on its neck, like the collar. There are buckles at the neck and waist, which can enable you to tighten or loosen it, depending on your bunny.
2. Vest or Coat Harness
This harness looks exactly how it sounds: It fits like a little vest on your rabbit. Many of these harnesses are fastened with Velcro at the neck and waist (although some might come with snaps or buttons). Always double-check the fastenings, and if the buttons start to become loose or the Velcro starts to lose its stickiness, it’s time for a new harness.
Harnesses to Avoid
Figure-8 harnesses don’t properly support your rabbit around its back, neck, and underside, so they should be avoided. Shoulder harnesses should only be used by extremely calm, well-trained rabbits and are not advised for rabbits being introduced to a harness.
Walking Your Rabbit
If you’ve decided to start walking your bunny, there are a few considerations that you need to think about. First, not all rabbits will take to walking, and it shouldn’t be forced. They need to be comfortable wearing a harness first.
Second, you should be aware that it won’t really be a walk but rather more of a meandering. You need to follow your rabbit and never pull or drag them while they’re on a leash. A rabbit’s leash should be relatively long and not taut or short. It is best to introduce rabbits to leashes early on to ensure the odds of success.
If your rabbit becomes stressed during the walk, you should pick them up immediately, calm them down, and take them back home. All in all, walks aren’t necessary for your rabbit. Having them in a harness and leash while in an outdoor rabbit-safe area might be all they need.
Conclusion
Harnesses are okay for your rabbit to wear after training them. It will take time for your bunny to get used to wearing a harness, and even taking them outside might be scary for you both.
Always supervise them while in the harness and give them time to explore the outdoors. Always be alert and watch for any cats or dogs in the neighborhood or birds of prey coming from above.
Don’t forget to consider microchipping your bunny. It’s a much better option than a collar and will give you peace of mind.
Featured Image Credit: Shadura Andrey, Shutterstock
