The Disciplines
Pet Play / Dehumanisation
Pet play is consensual animal roleplay; for some, it also includes the fantasy of temporarily stepping away from their human identity.
What are pet play and dehumanisation?
Pet play is a form of consensual roleplay in which someone adopts an animal persona, such as a puppy or kitten. Another person may take the role of handler, owner or caretaker. The appeal can be playful, affectionate, submissive or a mixture of these.
For some, pet play also includes dehumanisation: the agreed fantasy of being treated as a pet rather than as a person during the roleplay. That is not an essential part of pet play. Roles, language and boundaries should be agreed in advance, with a clear way for anyone involved to pause or stop.