What do you need for pet play?
The gag is you don’t need much. For most people, pet play is primarily about headspace—a shift into a simpler, more instinct-driven mode where the world feels closer, softer, and a lot less complicated. Gear can help you stay there, but it’s not a requirement to start.
What you do need is boring in the best way: consent, communication, and a safe environment. Everything else is optional but nice to have!
The non-negotiables
Consent + boundaries: what’s okay, what’s not, and what “stop” looks like (words, gestures, tapping out).
A safe space: physically (no hazards) and socially (no surprise grabbing, no boundary pushing).
Aftercare / decompression: water, a snack, a breather, a check-in. Even playful scenes can hit harder than you expect.
Comfort basics: something you can move in, something you can kneel in, and the ability to take breaks.
Gear that helps
Toys
Toys are the easiest “instant pup” button. Go soft and human-safe.
Best picks: plush toys, soft tug toys, squeakers, balls meant for gentle play.
Avoid: anything that’s hard enough to mess with teeth/jaw, or anything sharp/splintery.
Pro tip: if it’s shared, keep it clean. (Nobody wants mystery slobber.)
Knee pads
Not glamorous, extremely useful.
A basic set from a hardware store can make the difference between “this is fun” and “why do my knees hate me.”
Even if you’re not crawling much, they’re great for events and play spaces where the floor is unforgiving.
Tails
Tails are pure vibe. They can instantly anchor headspace and make the whole thing feel more “real.”
Styles range from furry to leather to rubber, and wear options vary.
Hard rule: never pull someone’s tail. Ever. If you wouldn’t grab someone by their spine, don’t do it to their tail.
Hoods / muzzles
These can be a powerful headspace tool because they reduce “human mode” and increase the feeling of being a pet/creature.
Muzzles can encourage nonverbal communication and limit human speech.
Hoods often feel less restrictive and can be highly customized to the pet/creature vibe.
Safety expectation: gear should never compromise breathing, comfort, or the ability to communicate a stop. If it’s uncomfortable or unsafe, it’s not “part of the scene,” it’s just a bad idea.
Treats (for pups and handlers/trainers)
Treats can be a fun reward system and a simple way to reinforce play.
Treats can be candies, small snacks, or whatever the pup likes.
Always ask first (and ask about allergies/diet restrictions). Treats should never be a surprise.
For non-pets:
Check-in habits: “Do you want interaction?” “Any limits?” “Praise or no praise?”
Water + breaks: you’re often the “human brain” in the moment—act like it.
Consent-first interaction: no grabbing leashes, no surprise commands, no touching gear without permission.
Reward tools (optional): treats, praise, a toy for fetch/tug (only if the pup wants it).
Aftercare: a calm reset, reassurance, and a debrief if needed.
Pet play is not a free-for-all. Being “the human” in the dynamic usually means you’re also the one responsible for keeping things respectful and grounded.
Where to find gear?
You can build a great kit slowly. Start with what helps your headspace and safety and ignore the rest until you actually want it. Do not make the mistake of going overboard and spending a bunch of money on something you’re unsure of!
Below are some commonly mentioned places that members in our community get their gear from:
General leather/neoprene/rubber gear
Twin Cities Leather
Mr. S Leather
Black Wolf Leather (Well Kept Pet)
North Bound Leather
Leather Masters
Rough Trade Leather
Scrap Yard Leather
Hood tools / custom design
Mr. S Puppy Hood Design Tool (Tailspace.net)
Rubber-focused
Latex Catfish
Fetishak
Tails
Square Peg
OxBalls
Boots
Mr. S Leather
Dr. Martens
Fetishak (rubber)
Gender-affirming Clothes
Rainbow Closet (by appointment only)