So you're new to pet play, or maybe this is your first time stepping out into the wider community. Either way, you're a social animal! You want to meet other furry, feathered, and scaly critters!

You go to classes, play parties, munches - maybe even a leather bar or two - but you can't quite "get into it" as completely as you want to. However, there's one thing you haven't tried yet:

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A mosh.

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The perfect place to let one's inner animal romp free. Covered in thick mats and toys, full of pets wrestling and playing with each other as well as with Handlers. It's the only place around specifically designed just for pet play. Just for you!

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But if you've never been to a mosh before, how do you act? How can you be Safe, Sane, and Consensual once your human inhibitions fall away and you're fully in pet headspace?
And if you're a Handler - what the F*%! do you do?!

Never fear. We've compiled some tips and guidelines to help you be successful when you come to our next mosh!

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Gear

What NOT to Wear
Yeah, we're starting a little negative. Sorry. But safety is important! Please don't wear anything that could get caught, damaged, or hurt someone else. This typically includes anything with sharp spikes, lots of zippers, or loose chains. 1/4in or under is ideal for studs. Chain collars are fine if you're careful; if you have spikes on your hood, wear with caution or consider taking it off during active play. Watches, belts, and jewelry can get caught - body jewelry can be protected with medical tape.

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Comfort is key, but not too loose-fitting!
Latex, rubber, and even neoprene bodysuits can cause excessive sweating, and they can tear while you're roughhousing. Wrestling singlets, spandex, shorts, jockstraps, sports bras - these are all good options. You want something you can move in, but avoid anything that's excessively baggy. Wouldn't want it to get caught or ripped!
At our mosh, you CAN be naked! But be sure to negotiate touch and be Risk-Aware of accidental contact that could occur during active play.

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Protection
Knee pads and paw mitts (or MMA fingerless padded gloves) are absolute essentials if you are going to be engaging in active play. Be aware that your knee pads will probably slide while you're playing - make sure a Handler or one of the mosh volunteers can keep an eye on this for you. Knee pads with straps tend to cut into the skin, which can be dangerous - sleeve designs are best.

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Footwear
You will find different moshes have different rules for this, depending on their floor. We ask that you be either barefoot or in socks to prevent damaging our mats.

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Tails
We allow both insertable and non-insertable tails (some moshes will only allow non-insertable). If you choose to wear an insertable tail, a butt plug harness (Mr. S Leather sells these) is a good idea to make sure it doesn't fall out. And have a Handler aware of how long you've had it in so you don't experience discomfort later. Non-insertable tails are our recommendation, but play at your risk level.

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Water & Treats

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
It's easy to forget about drinking water when you're caught up in play. However, when you're romping around in gear for hours, it's very easy to become dehydrated. We have water at our moshes which you can drink either from cups or dog bowls with straws (so you can drink with your hood on) - please make sure you use one or both of these options, or bring your own water/bowl.

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HANDLERS! Ways to Check if Your Pet Needs Water: 

- Gently pinch the skin on their arm or stomach. If it takes longer than 3 seconds to return to normal, your pet needs water.
- Hold your pet's finger above their heart and press the nail bed until it turns white. When you let go, if it takes a long time to return to normal, your pet needs water.
- If your pet's skin is coated with a thin film of sweat, especially under their gear, your pet needs water.
- If your pet hasn't had a drink in a while, they might need water. Offer water regularly.

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Be Aware of Dietary Restrictions
Some pets can have an allergic reaction to treat residue left on a toy that was in another pet's mouth. If you are allergic to something, please notify the mosh hosts so we can prevent this. Likewise, if you are bringing a treat to share, please let us know so we can ask the other pets if they have an allergy. And be aware of a pet's allergies and other dietary restrictions before feeding them treats! If you must give them a treat while they are already in headspace, take out a few different options and let them choose the treat they would like.

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Treat Ideas
We provide treats at our mosh :)
But if you go to a mosh that does not, a good mix of sweet and savory is always ideal. Many pets like sweets such as scooby snacks, mini marshmallows, cookies, and cereal, but others will enjoy savory snacks like granola bites, chicken biscuits, crackers jerky, and goldfish. Bone-shaped watermelon can be great for outdoor moshes, since it is also hydrating. Be creative!

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Toys

Ideal Toys
We provide clean toys at our mosh, but in case you want to bring your own- The best toys are soft, easy to clean, and gentle on the teeth. Cheap dollar store and puppy (as opposed to adult dog) toys are usually not made very sturdy, so are kinder to human pet mouths. Empty water bottles are good, and balls to be pushed around but not carried in the mouth can be plenty fun. Be wary of peeling paint, sharp edges, or any potential choking hazards.

Toys will of course vary from animal to animal - kittens like laser pointers, feathers, and balls with bells they can bat around; other pets might want a stuffed animal to cuddle, or an object to hoard. Think about your pet identity and what you might like to play with!

If you use our toys or are sharing toys, please don't put them in your mouth! That can lead to non-consensual fluid exchange!

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Tug Toys
The human mouth is not built to tug like a bio-dog's mouth, so we do not recommend tugging with your teeth. Use your paws instead. We don't want you to pull your teeth out! Then you can't bite anyone anymore! ;)

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Cleanliness
Toys get dirty. They might have invisible traces of blood from biting or tugging. Make sure you wash your toys regularly. 

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Physical Health

Medical Conditions
Make your Handler and/or the mosh staff aware of any medical conditions, injuries, or health concerns that could affect your play. If you take medication, have an inhaler, an EpiPen, or anything else, give it to your Handler or a member of the mosh staff so someone has it for you if it is needed. 

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Take Breaks!!!
We know it's fun to romp around for hours with your fellow critters. However, make sure you're taking some time to rest. There are plenty of cozy, comfy places for you to do so :)

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If you become injured, STOP!
If you or your Handler notice you are bleeding or injured, please stop moshing. Treat the wound before returning to play - we have a first-aid kit on site. If you need further care, we will call you an ambulance or arrange immediate travel to the nearest hospital. 

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Pet-to-Pet Interaction

Posture
Body language and posture is everything when it comes to interacting with other pets while in the mosh area. After all, most pets go non-verbal while in headspace! If you notice an open posture, eyes up and alert, bouncing on one's front paws, or bowing down in a typical dog "play" gesture - these are all good signs that the pet is excited and willing to play. If their posture seems closed with their eyes down, they probably do not want to play. 

These insights are attributed to a class taught by Pup Havok 

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Use body language to ask for interaction 
Not every pet will want to interact with you, and that is okay! Simply being in the space does not automatically signify consent. Roll a toy towards the pet you want to play with, or use your pet's body language and voice (bark, growl, yip, meow, etc.). If the other animal engages, that's a "Yes." If they turn away, shake their head, or otherwise do not engage, that's a "No." 

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Play Safely!
Watch the other animal's body language while you are playing. If they yelp in pain or roll onto their back, you're probably being too rough! Even in your animal headspace, you need to check in or slow down. Similarly, if a mosh staff member asks you to calm your play down, you need to do so. You may be playing too rough for other pets in your immediate area or running the risk of damaging property in the space. 

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Sexual Play   
Our mosh has room (the Purple Pleasure Den) where sex is allowed - as with the rest of the space, BEING THERE DOES NOT SIGNIFY CONSENT. You must ask and negotiate all sexual play, even with someone who is already in that area. 

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Handlers

Negotiate before play
Whenever possible, talk and negotiate with the pet you'd like to play with before they get into headspace. Discuss what activities they are interested in, how long they'd like to engage, allergies/health conditions/etc. This is the safest way to go. However, we know that sometimes you might find yourself in a sea of pets already moshing in headspace. If so... 

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Approach them like real animals 
You wouldn't run up to a strange animal and grab them by the scruff, would you? Well, then don't do it to a human animal. Think of it like approaching a real animal for the first time - say hello, hold out your hand to sniff or offer a toy, watch the reaction. If the animal turns away, backs off, or does not approach, they do not want to interact with you. If they rub against you, bring you a toy, nuzzle, etc., they want to interact. Bear in mind, wanting to play fetch does NOT necessarily mean they also want to cuddle or anything else. You must treat each new activity like a completely new negotiation. 

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Don't touch collars, leashes, or other gear without permission   
You don't know if this human animal is owned, or what their boundaries are. Do not leash someone without their permission, do not grab their harness or collar without their permission, do not touch their gear without their permission. 

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If a pet has a Handler/Owner
Ask that Handler's permission to pet, play with, or otherwise interact with their human animal. They will tell you what that animal's boundaries are, as well as if they are okay with you engaging with their pet.

Take Responsibility
If you have negotiated to be a certain pet's Handler, that means you are responsible for their safety and well-being. Watch over them to make sure they're hydrated, fed, unharmed, rested, and having a good time. This is your primary purpose as a Handler. If you notice that a pet you are not handling and do not know needs help or water, alert a member of the mosh staff.

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Get down on those mats!
Not all moshes will allow this, but we are happy to see Handlers getting down on the mats with the pets. Just make sure you are not wearing shoes, always asking for play, ensuring consent, and not playing too rough. You can also play from the couches we have stationed around the mats. 

Wristband Guide

Consent Wristbands
When you enter our main mosh space, you will see a table with different colored wristbands with symbols written on them. This is our Consent Wristband Station, and is there for you and others to help signal your desired play participation level! You may change your color at any time.

Here is the guide, which will also be posted at the table:
 

• Green / "Circle" = Open to Negotiate Play

• Yellow / "Star" = Unsure About Play / Wait for Me to Approach

• Orange / "Check Mark" = Only Play with Friends I know Today

• Blue / "Heart" = Need Consent or Permission from Someone Before Playing

• Red / "X" = Not Open to Play

Staff Wristbands / Markers
Our staff's wristbands GLOW, making us easy to identify!
 

• A RED wristband = general staff, available for any and all questions

• A BLUE wristband = DM! Here to keep you safe, approve edge play scenes, and watch for consent

• An EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL BANDANA = Emotional Support Animal, here to help attendees feel safe and welcomed. Approach them to have someone to talk to, ask questions, get help meeting others, or if you're feeling nervous

And Now, MOST IMPORTANTLY...

Relax, be yourself, and have fun. You'll do just fine :)