What is Pet Play?

Pet play is a form of roleplaying where one or more participants takes on the persona of an animal. Often referred to as puppy play, kitten play, or pony play depending on the type of animal, pet play involves mimicking the movements, behaviors, and mannerisms of the chosen creature.

Consenting Adults Roleplaying

It is important to note that pet play is a voluntary activity between consenting adults. No real animals are involved. Participants take on a pet role consensually for entertainment, escapism or sexual gratification.

Pet play is considered a form of BDSM, or bondage/discipline, dominance/submission, and sadism/masochism. However, not all pet play relationships involve bondage, discipline or sadomasochism. Some enjoy the escape of becoming an animal without sexual or painful elements.

Taking on an Alter Persona

To engage in pet play, participants take on an alternate persona as their animal. For example:

• A puppy player may crawl on hands and knees, pant, bark, and wag their “tail.”
• A kitten player meows, rubs against their master, and plays with string.
• A pony player wears a harness bit, pulls a cart, and whinnies.

Players mimic pets' mannerisms based on their own interpretation. Some adhere strictly to realistic animal behaviors, while others take creative license.

Costumes and Accessories

To really get into character, pet players use costumes and accessories. Common gear includes:

• Collars and leashes
• Ears and tails
• Masks or hoods with animal features
• Knee pads to mimic paw hands
• Butt plug tails
• Harnesses, bits, or saddles
• Pet bowls for eating
• Bones, cat toys, or pony gear
• Puppy pads, litter boxes, or cages

Costumes range from minimal (such as ears and a tail) to elaborate fursuits covering the body. Players may also modify their voices, gestures, and vocabulary.

Common Types of Pet Play

While any animal can inspire roleplay, the most common types of pet play include:

Puppy Play

One partner takes the role of puppy while the other acts as handler/trainer/owner. Play may involve obedience training, commands, puppy noises, costumes, collars, etc.

Kitten Play

One partner becomes a kitten, often acting frisky, playful, meowing and mischievous. Kittens show submission to their owner and earn “treats.” Costumes include ears, tails and collars.

Pony Play

Pony players take on traits of ponies, horses or donkeys. Harnesses, bits, saddles and butt plugs with faux tails allow them to be “ridden” by their trainer/owner. They may pull carts or carriages.

Other Animals

Some opt for more exotic animals like wolves, bears, cows, or dinosaurs! Costumes and accessories match the creature. Behaviors mimic the animal's movements.

Motivations for Pet Play

So why engage in this type of roleplaying? Participants are drawn to pet play for diverse reasons:

Power Exchange

The owner/pet dynamic enacts a consensual power exchange. The pet voluntarily gives up control and agency to submit to their caring owner.

Escape and Relaxation

Letting go of human pressures to inhabit an animal persona can be deeply relaxing. It allows an escape from the stresses of normal life.

Sensory Enjoyment

Textures like fur, leather, latex, and gear like kneepads or hooves provide sensual tactile stimulation for some.

Sexual Gratification

Some couples engage in pet play strictly for sexual enjoyment. The taboo appeals to certain kinks and fetishes.

Spiritual Experience

Pet play allows some players to deepen their connection with animal spirits or totems. The animal self is embraced.

Creativity and Play

Many enjoy simply expressing their creativity and imagination by portraying an animal character.

Important Considerations

Pet play can be an enjoyable escapist experience. But like any sexual activity, it requires clear communication, consent, safety precautions and aftercare:

• Discuss desires, boundaries and expectations beforehand - Agree on what activities, gear and personas feel comfortable for all. Determine if sex is involved.
• Establish clear start and end signals - These safe words allow the submissive to halt the scene if needed. Respect signals immediately.
• Activities should only involve consenting adult humans - Bestiality is unethical and illegal. Keep activities imaginary.
• Use common sense with costumes and gear - Avoid anything that restricts breathing or circulation. Never leave someone alone when restrained.
• Establish trust and care for each other’s wellbeing - The dom/owner has responsibility for the sub/pet's health and safety. Check in often.
• Provide aftercare following intense scenes - Comfort, hydrate, remove any restraints, provide blankets, tend to any marks or soreness.

Is Pet Play Right for You?

Pet play allows participants to temporarily inhabit an imagined persona for entertainment, escape or intimacy. With proper precautions, it can be an enriching experience. But like any sexual activity, assess whether it fits your values, interests and relationship style. Not everyone feels comfortable embracing an animal role, and that is perfectly okay. Partners should discuss desires openly, without judgment, to decide if experimenting with this kink appeals to you both.

The key is maintaining clear consent, trust, care and communication every step of the way in this, or any, romantic encounter. When embraced responsibly between caring partners, pet play can be an imaginative adventure.