Animal role play amongst adults isn’t dressing up as tigers and crawling around on all fours. It may include dressing up and being on all fours, but it’s fair to say it’s pretty different from kindergarten!
Animal play can take different approaches, with everyone having a different spin on it. There’s a whole range of reasons why someone might want to try animal role play. Whether it’s to connect with the more primal urges of sex. Or just to try something fun to shake things up in the bedroom.
Understanding why people enjoy animal role play can be difficult to an outsider. Given it’s a pretty quirky fetish, there are a lot of different attitudes to it. Thankfully there’s also no shortage of people willing to discuss this furry fetish.
BDSM kink – Pet Play
Pet play is a sub category of BDSM. In which the dominant partner is the ‘owner’ while the submissive partner is a ‘pet.’ Common choices include dogs or cats with the associated accessories being used as fetish pet clothing.
Somebody who chooses to role play as a ‘pet’ or becomes a ‘human pet’ will likely have the following in their wardrobe:
- A collar (either of the BDSM variety with a D ring attachment for leads or even a large dog collar from a pet shop.)
- Leash – for being walked around, obviously.
- Harness – as kinky or dog like as they prefer.
- Butt plug tail
- Food & water bowls – because pets tend to eat on the floor or be hand fed by their owner.
- Treats – sexual or edible, their choice.
- Crate/cage/kennel – as part of discipline or even normal sleeping quarters, some pet play features a dog crate.
- Toys – sex toys or toys to play with during animal role play.
- Leather fetish clothing – anything tight and black
- Latex fetish clothing – giant walking condom alert.
- Dog/cat suits designed to look like a real animal
- Ears/nose accessories
- Masks – often worn by more dedicated animal role players.
- Paws/feet – booties again meant to get into character.
Why does pet play appeal? It allows the sub to behave in a primal way which is free of human expectations. Crawling on all fours can be liberating for those keen on pet play while it allows for an easy domination scenario. The owner is able to exert authority over a pet who needs to be ‘trained.’
The owner may take their pet on walks, play ‘training games’ or degrade them. Reverting to animalistic behaviour sometimes encourages rough play too. Misbehaviour allows the owner to punish their pet and reward them accordingly. Literally taking doggie style to a whole new level.
Pony play is another sub-category of animal role play. As you might guess, it revolves around people who pretend to be ponies. This fetish has more kit than other pet play scenarios as it allows for bridles, saddles, head wear and riding crops.
How does animal play work?
There are different ways to engage in animal play. It’s a flexible BDSM role play which can be tailored to the preferences of the individual. Some people may only engage in animal role play for short periods of time. Taking on animal characteristics and dressing up as animals during the session.
Animal play has different levels with more extreme activities as you progress. Pet activities usually aim to please the owner for rewards. A large element of animal role play is around discipline, obedience, degradation and humiliation.
For committed animal roleplayers, they might try dressing like animals in public. Or go out to fetish events where they can interact socially and play with other pets and owners. Animal play doesn’t necessarily connect to bestiality however for some people, they view it as a kink which allows them to explore bestial fantasies.
People who become aroused when acting as animals are known as autozoophiles. Those who prefer acting as animals may choose to live 24/7 as a furry. This can link into the idea of having 24/7 BDSM relationships with ownership being highly valued amongst those in the fetish scene.
Why do people like animal role play?
Animal play might also connect to doraphilia which is a fetish for people who are aroused by fur and wearing furs. As well as linking in with furry fetishes where people like to roleplay anthromorphic characters and become ‘furries.’
Animal play can provide an escape from human expectations and be liberating as players take on another persona. Some pets like to be petted/held by their owners as a kitty/puppy. While others may connect spiritually to the animal role they perform or favour the power exchange.
Nearly all pet play involves a dominant/submissive dynamic which is common within BDSM relationships. Animal play is a fetish kink which is growing in popularity as society becomes more aware of it.