Do you like to go for a walk with your pet? It is crucial to equip your cat or dog with a comfortable harness for outdoor adventures. An adequately sized harness keeps the pet in your control and safe while outdoor activities. They can also safely participate in outdoor recreational activities.

There are different types of harnesses available, but getting the right one brings comfort and safety. If you have wasted lots of money on the wrong style and size of harness, this guide is for you. Let's dive into details to learn about different harnesses.

Factors to Consider while Selecting a Harness

Cats' and dogs' harnesses are almost similar, with a few differences, such as size. Whether you are selecting a dog's harness or a cat's harness, here are a few factors that you need to keep in mind to land the best suitable one. 

Pet’s Size and Temperament

First of all, consider your dog's or cat's breed, weight, and character to determine the perfect size of the harness. The harness is not one size fits all. There are different sizes for different dogs. A loose harness will not grip a dog and keep it on the verge of accident. Moreover, if it is too tight will be painful and uncomfortable for your pet.

Material

It is one of the crucial considerations to ensure the form grip and comfort. Therefore, select the harness that is excellently constructed with durable material that can endure the bites and pushes off the pet. Select the harness which has the ability to endure the wear and tear of outdoor adventures. Among all, the harness of nylon and polyester construction is the best option as it is lightweight, strong, and convenient to clean.

Safety Features

Pet safety should be above all. When it comes to the safety and security of animals, there is no long list of precautionary measures. However, you can add a protective shield with safety features such as reflective stripes to make the pet's movement visible even in the dark. You can also look for the harness with the feature of a breakaway buckle. It will release the pet under severe pressure to avoid injury.

Easy to Use

The harness should not have a complex design that makes it inconvenient to wear. Get a harness that is easy to use, clean, put on, and take off, especially when you are new to a pet, and the pet is not aware of the harness. The adjustable and easy-to-wear straps make the process convenient for both you and your pet.

How to Measure the Pet for Harness?

Now you know the main factors to keep in mind while selecting the best harness for your pet, but among all, size matters the most. If you do not get the perfectly sized harness, no other factor can fill the gap. With loose harnesses, your animal will run away, whereas, with tight harnesses, it will feel pain or uncomfortable.

While sizing the harness, measure the size of the chest as the harness sets around the chest. In order to measure the girth, make your pet stand up and wrap the measuring tape around the broadest part of the chest and use it to determine the size.

Knowing the weight also helps in deciding. Anyhow, just remember to put your fingers between the harness and the pet’s body to determine comfort.

Types of Harnesses for Cats and Dogs

When you look for the perfect harness for your cat or dog, hundreds of options pop up in front of you. Here are some of the most common and useful harnesses to consider in all seasons.

Step-In Harness

It is a common type of harness that you can find easily in different designs.  It is designed to be stepped into and secured around the pet's chest. The step-in harness usually has two openings for the front legs. These types are convenient to put on and suitable for small to medium-sized dogs and cats.

Vest Harness

Vest harnesses feature a wrap-around design that covers the pet's chest and back. They often have adjustable straps and buckles for a secure fit. Vest harnesses provide good support and distribute the pulling force more evenly, making them suitable for dogs of all sizes. If you are taking your pet for outdoor adventures, it can be a viable option.

H-Style Harness

This is a unique but effective harness. H-style harnesses have a design that forms an "H" shape across the pet's chest and back. They usually have adjustable straps and a ring. H-style harnesses offer good control and are commonly used for larger dogs. You can take your pet for an outdoor walk without fear of losing control.

No-Pull Harness

When your animal is aggressive and suddenly starts jumping, consider this harness to keep them safe. No-pull harnesses are specifically designed to discourage pulling behavior in dogs. They usually have a front attachment point on the chest instead of the back, redirecting the dog's pulling force to the side. This type of harness is useful for dogs.

Escape-Proof Harness

Do you have a sharp pet like a scapegoat? This harness is perfect for keeping them in control. Escape-proof harnesses are designed with additional security features to prevent pets from slipping out. They often have multiple straps, buckles, or a combination of a harness and a collar. These harnesses are particularly useful for cats and dogs that are skilled at escaping traditional harnesses.

Conclusion

The harness is a must-have accessory for pet owners to keep them in control. It brings ultimate ease to outdoor adventures. However, it can be equally troublesome if you do not select the perfect size and material. Consider the pet's size and select the harness accordingly for a firm grip and excellent control.