As request, this document is being written about common misconceptions that revolve around the area of pet play within the BDSM community.

#1 PET PLAY MEANS BEASTIALITY

No, no, no. Not even close! Most participants in pet play keep everything nonsexual. We don’t come anywhere close to screwing animals. There are some specific types of ponies within pony play that are specific to sexual play (look up breeding pony and pleasure pony).

#2 PET PLAY IS ALWAYS ABOUT HUMILIATION

I like to see pet play as one big room. On one half of the room, you have humiliation, and the other half, you have a persona. For the humiliation side, those in a Dom-sub relationship will have their sub go into their “pet” state, but only on command. It is often used as a tool for discipline or punishment. Those on this side are sometimes forced to vocalize on command. Then we have the other side of the room. This is the persona side (as I like to call it). For these people who partcipate in pet play, it’s often seen as a more comfortable way to express your own “inner self”. The pets go into their role willingly (without being told to), and when you can pet play as humiliation for them, they might take offense to it (many people who I’ve talked to in the pet play community who choose to go into their pet persona without being commanded to by their Dom agree with this notion).

#3 ALL PETS ARE EITHER CATS OR DOGS

Nope, no animal is off limits for the pet in an Owner-pet BDSM relationship. Some animals I’ve heard of within the Owner-pet relationship: horses/ponies, cats/kittens, dogs/puppies/wolves/coyotes, cows, foxes, and fish (rare, but I have heard of this). “Mythical” creatures are also a free for all.

#4 PEOPLE INTERESTED IN PET PLAY ARE FURRIES

Nope. It is true that those who particuipate in the furry fandom can be involved in the BDSM community (and those involved in the BDSM community can be involved in the furry fandom community), it’s not always the case. The two can go together, but the two can also be totally separate. It should be noted that a very small percentage of those in the furry fandom community actually have sex or sex-like activities while in their fur suits.

#5 YOU NEED A COLLAR TO BE A ‘PROPER’ PET

A collar is never needed in a BDSM relationship.  Many people feel more comfortable with a collar (or a piece of jewlery to symbolize a collar), but many feel just as good without one. Some people have a large “collar ceremony” for their subs, while others just treat it as a casual gift. There’s different types of collars within the BDSM community (though typical pet collars found in the pet section of stores are acceptable as well, espicially within the pet play community).

#6 YOU NEED CERTAIN KINDS OF EQUIPMENT/TOYS

There’s certain types equipment and toys that are very expensive (I’ve seen tail plugs go for 150+ US dollars). Other gear is more affordable. You don’t need any type of clothing, equipment, or toys to “truly” be whatever part your trying to play. If you have aany allergies, let your partner(s) know in advance. If you suffer from any mental or physical health conditions, let them known in advance (clauterphobia, TMJ, etc….). This way, you can avoid injuring yourself (or worse, death). Before indulging in the use of any kind of play, use of toys/equipment, PLEASE do all the research you can and have a safety plan, in case something goes horribly wrong.

#7 ONLY CERTAIN TYPE OF PEOPLE CAN INDULGE IN PET PLAY/BDSM

The beauty and fun of BDSM is that anyone can participate in any form of play. The only reason why you wouldn’t be able to participate is due to personal limits, mental/physical health, phobias, allergies, etc… which should be respected and observed.

#8 PETS EAT PET FOOD IN PET PLAY

Every document I’ve read about pet play recommends people DO NOT feed their human pets pet food. The reason? We have different nutritional needs from other animals (dogs, cats, horses, cows, etc…). For this reason, avoid pet brand food and instead, feed your human pet a type of food that LOOKS like pet food (cereal, ice cream, oat meal, etc…).

#9 PEOPLE HAVE ANIMAL FETISHES INVOLVED IN PET PLAY

Majority of people within the pet play community DO NOT have an animal fetish. Many people feel like they might be connected to a certain animal spirituality, or just have a favorite animal that they like to act as. Point is, just because someone enjoys participating in pet play, don’t assume any sexual play is there (pet play is NOT inheritantly sexual).

#10 PET PLAY IS ALL ABOUT SEXY ANIMAL OUTFITS

Nope. Many pets enjoy wearing animal-like accessories (tails, ears, “claws”, collars, etc…). For some, just a collar is enough. However, some love going full-out with their outfits (or hardly any clothes). It’s an individuals preference for what they like to wear during a pet play session.

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Original Post Found Here : http://bdsmlibraryxo.tumblr.com/post/121284668110/pet-play-misconceptions