How to Make a Hamster Harness

Hamsters have lots of energy and need to exercise to stay fit. Hamster wheels and balls are good toys, but it is also good to let hamsters run or walk free from the confinement of their cage or a ball. A small, custom-made harness allows you to walk your hamster outside its cage without the risk of losing your pet.

Things You'll Need

  • 60 inches of nylon leash or durable lightweight material or a used thin puppy leash (meant for small/toy breeds)
  • Measuring tape
  • Scissors
  • Thread and needle
  • Small rubber ring with round edges, like gonzo rings for sandals
  • Small plastic quick release/side release buckle (can be found on old cell phone straps)
  • Small plastic strap adjuster (can be found on old camera straps)
  • Small plastic hook clip or lanyard swivel clip
Show More

Instructions

  1. Making the Harness

    • 1

      Measure around the hamster's neck, just behind the ears and before the front legs. Measure around its chest and back, just behind the front legs. Write these figures down.

    • 2

      Measure the neck circumference and add 1/2 inch for sewing allowance on the leash. Cut the leash based on the measurement. This will be the neck loop.

    • 3

      Measure the chest circumference and add 1 inch for adjustment allowance and buckle placement on the leash. Cut the leash based on the measurement. This will be the chest strap.

    • 4

      Attach the small quick release buckle on the chest strap. Sew the ends of the strap to secure the buckle. It now looks like a small belt.

    • 5

      Insert one end of the neck strap through the rubber ring. Form a band by making the strap ends meet.

    • 6

      Sew the ends together to finish the neck loop.

    • 7

      Unfasten the chest strap and insert one end through the rubber ring. Insert the small strap adjuster through the strap and then fasten it again. The rubber ring now holds the neck loop and chest strap.

    • 8

      Attach the remaining leash to the small hook clip or lanyard swivel clip. Sew the tip back to the body as needed.

    • 9

      Measure 12 inches from the other end of the leash. Make a mark on the leash to indicate the 12-inch point.

    • 10

      Sew the tip of the leash to the 12-inch mark. You now have a hand strap for the hamster harness.

    • 11

      Check the straps to see that they are sewn well and have space for adjustment. Make more stitches as needed.

    • 12

      Cut any pieces of frayed material from the leash and straps.

    • 13

      Clip the leash through the rubber ring on the harness. You now have a hamster harness with a leash.

    Putting on the Harness

    • 14

      Detach the leash from the rubber ring temporarily to get it out of the way as you put on the harness.

    • 15

      Slip the smaller neck loop over the hamster's head and check the fit around the neck. Be gentle.

    • 16

      Unfasten the chest strap buckle.

    • 17

      Put the strap around the hamster's back and chest, just behind its front legs. Fasten the buckle.

    • 18

      Adjust the fit accordingly. Make sure the harness doesn't obstruct the hamster's breathing.

    • 19

      Insert the excess loop portions in the adjuster on the chest strap. Position the straps so that the quick release buckle and the rubber ring are at the center of the hamster's back.

    • 20

      Attach the leash to the rubber ring.

    • 21

      Check that the harness fits the hamster snugly and without hampering its movement.

    • 22

      Adjust the harness accordingly as the hamster grows or gains weight.