Abstract: An animal or child harness suitable for pets such as dogs, cats or monkeys or for small children, has a panel of flexible material shaped to pass around the underneath of the body of the animal or child from one side to the other and to extend over a substantial part of the length of the body in a front to rear direction. Front releasable securing devices extend from opposite sides of the panel adjacent the front for passing laterally across the top of the body of the animal or child behind the neck. Rear releasable securing devices extend from opposite sides of the panel adjacent the rear for passing laterally across the top of the body of the animal or child near the rear. A strap extends between the forward releasable securing devices and the rear releasable securing devices so as to extend above the back of the animal or child in a front to rear direction.