Curious to know more about pet play? This unique form of roleplay sees a person take on the persona of an animal. At Skokka, it’s a niche that we’ve seen grow in popularity in recent years and something many clients enquire about as a service. This week, we explore the world of animal roleplay, the appeal and how you can safely explore it.
What is Pet Play?
Pet play is a type of roleplaying where one or more participants embody the traits of a specific animal, such as a puppy, kitten, pony, or others, while another participant, typically known as the ‘handler’ or ’owner,’ interacts with them as if they were actually that animal. In this dynamic, the ‘pet’ embraces the characteristics, behaviors, and sometimes the movements of their chosen animal. For instance, a puppy play enthusiast might pant, bark, and act playful, while a handler may reinforce commands, offer rewards, or set boundaries.
While animal roleplay is often part of the BDSM (Bondage, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, and Masochism) community, it’s not inherently sexual. For some, pet play is about escapism, or bonding in a playful way that doesn’t always involve intimacy. People tend to approach it with different motivations and desires.
Why Do People Engage in Pet Play?
So, why would someone want to pretend to be an animal? The answer varies from person to person, but here are some of the most common reasons:
Escapism: Roleplay allows people to temporarily escape their responsibilities and embrace a mindset free from worry and responsibility. Pet play can serve as a therapeutic way to let go of anxieties.
Bonding: For people in a relationship, this kind of roleplay can strengthen emotional connections. The pet and handler roles encourage trust, playfulness, and communication. It’s a fun way to reinforce dynamics within a relationship, with one partner taking a nurturing or controlling role and the other embracing submission or playful energy.
Self-Expression: Pet play can offer a creative outlet for people to express parts of themselves they may not feel comfortable showing in other settings. By embodying the traits of an animal, they can unleash a different side of their personality, whether it’s submissive, dominant, playful, or even silly.
Sensory Satisfaction: Many pet players find comfort and pleasure in the tactile experience. Wearing ears, tails, collars, and harnesses can add to the physical experience, making them feel more connected to their ‘pet’ or animal side.
The Different Types of Animal Roleplay
Pet play or animal roleplay is a broad term that can cover a wide variety of animal roles, each with its own set of behaviors and expectations. Here are some of the most popular types:
- Puppy Play: One of the most popular forms of pet play, where the participant behaves like a dog or puppy. This often includes barking, wagging tails, playfulness, and sometimes even specific breeds of behavior. Puppy play can be high-energy and playful, with a focus on companionship, loyalty, and bonding.
- Kitten Play: As the name suggests, kitten play involves acting like a cat. Kittens are known for being independent, curious, and sometimes playful. Kitten play often includes purring, rubbing, grooming, and sometimes an aloof attitude. Cat ears, tails, and collars are common accessories for those interested in this type.
- Pony Play: Pony play takes things to a different level, often requiring specific gear like saddles, reins, and sometimes carts or riding crops. Participants enjoy being ‘trained’ to walk, trot, or perform as a pony. This type of pet play can be physically demanding but also rewarding for those who enjoy discipline and precision.
- Other Animals: Some people may identify with other animals such as foxes, wolves, or bunnies. Each type brings its own unique behaviors and personality traits to the play experience. People might choose an animal they feel resonates with their personality or a fantasy they’d like to explore.
Key Components and Props
If you’re interested in trying pet play, there are a few basic items and practices that can help you get started. Start by researching:
Collars: Often, pets wear collars to signify their role and sometimes their connection to their handler. This is one of the most iconic symbols in animal roleplay, representing belonging and commitment.
Ears and Tails: Ears and tails, which can be worn as headbands, attached to clothing, or in some cases through sex toys, can make the experience feel more immersive.
Leashes and Harnesses: For those in a submissive role, a leash can add an extra layer of control and trust. Harnesses or body restraints are also popular for creating the feeling of being ‘handled’ or directed by a partner.
Toys: Depending on the type of pet play, different toys can enhance the experience. Balls, squeaky toys and feather wands are some of the most popular options.
Behavior Training: Training is often a key element in pet play, especially for those who enjoy power dynamics. A handler may train their ‘pet’ to follow commands or perform specific actions. This process can add depth to the pet and handler dynamic and reinforce a sense of trust and obedience.
How to Approach Responsibly
Like any form of roleplay, pet play should always be consensual and respectful. Ensure that you talk openly with your partner about boundaries and expectations. Clear communication is essential to making this work safely. Be sure to hydrate and take regular breaks, and even stretch before getting into character. What many don’t know is that animal roleplay can be extremely physically demanding, with prolonged crawling on all fours, or jumping around, for example.
Ready to Explore?
Looking to explore more pet play and animal roleplay? Take a look at the beautiful women offering this service here. As professional handlers, they can’t wait to have some fun with you. Don’t forget to take a look at our Instagram page for more information.