Petplay is the kind of roleplay where one party is treated as a literal pet, while the other acts as the owner. The range of petplay can span from very soft, wholesome roleplay to something closer to sexual slavery, and any varying degree in-between.

The most basic gear requirements are a collar and a leash. Everything else comes down to enthusiasm, consent, and additional gear for extra spicy sessions. A lovely, bushy tail butt plug might just complete the look!

One of the many aspects of petplay is the extensive conversation between the parties before the collar is even on, where rules, conditions and boundaries are discussed and agreed upon. Questions like duration of the session, what the limits are, feeding, moving, bondage, clothing, speech, and mannerisms, should be talked about before-hand.

Once that's done, petplay can begin!

For shorter sessions (up to a few hours, or until the owner reaches orgasm), certain aspects don't need much forethought, but for anything long-term, it is fundamental. There's no right or wrong way to do petplay, as you make the rules of the game together, for everyone's enjoyment.

Anyone who's ever come across petplay content probably wondered if this can go on for longer periods of time. Longer, as in 24/7, full-time, completely devoted to this interesting sexual dynamic. There's been some real-life content made of this on OF, but as with any social media, they only post the highlights.

The truth is that yes, petplay can be done as a permanent thing, as long as you respect other people's consent. Walking your pet while they’re naked and on all fours in a public setting sounds hot, but this grossly breaches the social trust of other people who most likely do not wish to be implicated into your kinks. Doubly so for children. While that holds true, a simple collar around the pet's neck is often deemed a fashion statement, rather than a public humiliation kink, specially if there is an outdoors collar just for these occasions. Consider that people might treat the pet wildly different, depending whether or not they know what the collar means. Some might see it as an opportunity for a free-for-all, and both parties should agree if that is hot or not.

Speaking of which, a collar can be anything that is agreed upon to act as one – from light chokers and necklaces, to simple leather BDSM collars, to actual collars for dogs. There are key differences in collars, and research should be done about which collar fits best. Additionally, the collar acts as a strong symbol, and putting the collar on the pet may help them transition from "human" to "pet" mindset.

One of the general rules that can be implemented is that the pet always has to be below the owner – in other words, if the owner is sitting on the couch, the pet should sit next to the owner's feet. This is also where a leash can come in handy. Tying up a pet on a very short leash to a chair, or even the owner's ankle, will force the pet to remain low (or right where they should be).

The pet may or may not be able to use thumbs, or even fingers. A simple tape around the hand to keep them in place, covered with soft gloves or paws, will surely be a constant reminder to the pet of how dependent they actually are on the owner for basic, life-sustaining tasks. Be warned though – the pet will eventually stop feeling their hands, and that's the owner's cue to release them from their paws, otherwise there is substantial risk of permanent damage.

A fun aspect of long-term petplay is feeding. A bowl on the floor is a tempting idea for any owner, as the pet will likely squirm around with their butts up in the air as they try to eat, but the owner must consider how feasible certain foods are for human jaws to be consumed. A kind owner may cut up the pizza into smaller pieces to help their pet replenish their energy, though at the same time, it might be enticing to see them struggle with a whole slice, more so if the pet cannot use their hands.

Another thing that eventually comes up is going to the bathroom. Toilet duty might be completely up to the discretion and privacy of the pet (so the hands are free), which would also give the pet a small mental break while doing their business, or the owner might take it upon themselves to control that aspect as well. It might not be sexy for a lot of people, but it is one of those things that should be discussed before.

Lastly, the difference between a pet and a sexual slave is in the details. A slave mostly acts as a sex toy, someone who's given up their dignity to feel truly freed from human obligations, and wants to achieve the ultimate carnal pleasure of pleasing the Master, whereas a pet is to be treated as a puppy or a kitten. Constant stimulation from the owner is necessary, be it in the form of wholesome head pats or giving them something special to "play" with.

Most importantly, be safe and have fun! Petplay dynamic is quite a unique one, as it allows humiliation and dehumanization on a whole different level than other kinks, but also offers the freedom to add another layer to a relationship that cannot be achieved otherwise. Remember to be respectful of the pet's limits (both physical and mental), and to provide enough care for their needs so both of you can be happy, fulfilled and sexually satisfied.

If you feel I've missed some stuff or would like to see me expand on certain points, please contact me on Twitter @KinimaWrites