Roleplay

What is Pet Play?

By Juno Park · Community and identity writer

Also known as: petplay, kitten play, pup play

In depth

Roleplay and power exchange meet in pet play. The 'pet' slips into animal mannerisms and headspace while a 'handler' or 'owner' cares for and directs them. Gear like ears, tails, collars and hoods deepens the immersion, though none of it is required.

How it works

Partners pick a pet type and a dynamic, then agree on rules and rewards. Non-verbal safe signals get a lot of use here, since the pet may not be speaking while in scene.

That is the definition. Doing it is a longer subject, and it has its own page: the full guide to pet play covers practice, variations and where beginners get caught out.

Safety

Set up a non-verbal safe signal, like dropping a toy or tapping out, for moments when speech is off-limits. Watch for overheating inside hoods or gear.