What exactly is Petplay?

"What exactly is Petplay?" was written for BDSMforyou.nl by Mistress Moriah.

Into puppy or doggy play? Or maybe you feel much more like a bunny or a kitty? All perfectly fine! And it all falls under petplay. Petplay is one of the many possibilities within the BDSM world, in which participants take on the role of an animal. This can range from imitating behaviour and sounds to wearing specific accessories that characterise the animal. It is a way to explore and express certain aspects of yourself, and it can include both sexual and non-sexual elements.​ It all depends on what you prefer.

What exactly is Petplay?

Petplay is about taking on an animal role, in which the participant identifies with a specific animal and imitates its behaviour. This can range from imitating sounds to adopting physical postures and behaviours that are characteristic of the chosen animal. It is a form of escapism that allows participants to let go of their human worries and surrender completely to their animal alter ego.​

The choice of animal is personal and can vary depending on the characteristics the participant identifies with. Common choices are:​

• Dogs (Puppy Play): Known for their loyalty and playfulness.

• Cats (Kitten Play): Independent and graceful.

• Rabbits: Soft and shy.

The choice depends on personal preference and the traits you want to explore or emphasise.​

What is the deeper layer beneath the experience?

Petplay offers the opportunity to detach from your human identity and surrender to an alternative persona. This can be therapeutic, reduce stress and promote a sense of freedom. For some it is a way to let go of control and surrender to a dominant partner, while for others it is about exploring new aspects of their personality.​

What do you need for this / what can you buy for it?

There are various accessories available that can enrich the petplay experience:​

• Masks: For example an adjustable leather dog mask, available from Bol.com.

• Tails: Often attached to a belt or worn as a plug.

• Ears: Headbands with animal ears, such as rabbit or cat ears.

• Gags: Bits, silicone bones for the dogs.

• Harnesses: There are specific harnesses available for pony play.

• Leads and collars: Perfect for doggies and puppies!

• Paws: Gloves or socks that imitate the paws of the chosen animal.​

How many people enjoy this? Are there any figures?

Although exact figures are hard to come by, research and community surveys point to a growing popularity of petplay, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. A 2019 study of 733 participants showed that about 60% were gay men, with a majority between 18 and 30 years old. In addition, 90.9% said they owned petplay-related equipment, such as masks and harnesses.

Is Petplay the same as Animalplay?

Pet play focuses on role play in which someone takes on the role of a pet (such as a puppy, kitten or bunny). It is often about the dynamic between “owner” and “pet”. The emphasis is usually on the relational aspect - think obedience, care, attention, affection or playfulness. It is often tender and playful, but it can also carry a substantial D/s charge.

Animalplay is a somewhat broader term and can also include animals you wouldn't readily keep as a pet. Think of a pig, a horse, or even fantasy creatures such as a dragon can play a role. It can be rawer, more instinctive and more primal. Animal play is less tied to the caring dynamic of 'owner and pet', and so can also be more about instincts, in other words more animalistic.

In summary:

• Petplay = more focused on pets, care and submission.

• Animalplay = broader, can also be wild, mythical or primal.

Difference between puppy play and doggy play?

Puppy play

A pup behaves playfully and a little bit naughty. It is about behaviour, body language, energy. Barking, playing with balls, learning to wear leashes, cuddling, crawling, licking, sometimes even training or obedience games. The emphasis is on role play, surrender and often also on the relationship between the ‘pup’ and the handler.

Puppy play is often non-sexual - it is about freedom, playfulness, trust and surrender. Although it can also have an erotic charge, depending on the players.

Doggy play

Doggy play usually occurs in combination with sexual fantasies. It mostly refers to the ‘doggy style’ sex position (you know: on hands and knees, bum in the air) or to role play with a more explicitly sexual angle in which someone behaves like a ‘dog’, but in a sexual way.

Doggy play is therefore much more focused on sex, dominance and lust than on long-term role play or a mental experience. Think: ears on, tail plug in, panting, maybe a bit of grumbling (“sit!”, “stay!”), but ultimately it is about penetration, sex or a hardcore experience.

Mistress Moriah

Source

Text: Mrs Moriah
Photography: 123rf.com