Frequntly Asked Questions (FAQ) for the Dog and Pony weekend

Q. I've never done this before. Will I be over my head?

One purpose of the weekend is to welcome people who are curious about, or new to animal role play. The events do not assume any prior experience

Q. Is this just for dogs and ponies?

Nope. "Dog and Pony" is just an expression. We've had over 30 species represented. It's quite a menagerie. At first it was just pets and domestic animals. Now it includes grazers, fierce animals, and some even more exotic and fanciful creatures. Be all the critter you can be.

And of course many of our attendees stay human - as admirers, handlers, trainers, owners, etc.

Q. Is this a Show?

No. The phrase "Dog and Pony Show" is just a play on words. This is a party, an immersive environment. There's no difference between audience and spectators, because we're all part of the event. It's ok just to watch, but watch as a participant, not an outsider.

We usually now refer to it as the "Dog and Pony Weekend".

Q. What should I wear?

You can wear anything you like. Some people arrive in their party clothes. Many people change clothes when they arrive for the party, some remain in street clothes.

Those becoming animals have a wide range of options, from token symbols, like kitty ears, to elaborate costumes. Styles range from realistic, to abstract, to cartoon, to artistic. It's all good.

Those acting as handlers might wear cowboy, or lion tamer, or English riding, or outdoorsy, or military, or many other options.

And admirers wear whatever they want. We also get a range of fetish, leather, and BDSM garb, unrelated to animal role play. The indoor parties and classes are clothing optional, and some people will get comfortable this way. In any case, wear what will be fun for you.

Q. What should I bring?

You'll need the door fee and photo ID to prove you're over 18.

You might also want to bring animal toys. E.g. cat toys, such as a laser pointer.

Do not get out a cell phone while indoors.

Q. Parking?

Usually there is street parking available within a block. There are also several pay lots within two blocks, for example behind the pizza place across from Citadel. These are not always supervised. There is an indoor lot at the Holiday Inn, one block away at 50 Eighth St (between Market and Mission). Access via Ninth to Market onto Eighth.

Street parking is free after 6pm. It is metered until then. Many places south of Folsom are free on weekends. This is a short walk.

Don't leave anything visible or valuable in a vehicle.

Street parking on Sunday is free.

Q. Can I take pictures?

No photography indoors. No photography without the explicit permission of everyone in the picture.

Q. What about Littles?

Especially at the Saturday night party, we have quite a few "littles" - adults who like to do "age play", becoming children for the evening. Kidz love critters. And critters love kidz.

Q. Am I going to be able to do regular BDSM play at the party nights?

The focus is animal role play, broadly defined. However, these are open parties, many fetishists and BDSM players show up as well. The mix usually works very well for everyone.

Q. If I attend, will I be expected to participate, or get naked, or have sex?

No, the same expectations we have for any party apply - you do what you feel comfortable doing, and don't feel obligated to do more. Maybe you'd prefer to get hot and bothered, and then take that energy home with you. That works, too, as long as energy at the party remains additive. No "lookie loo" or "wanker" energy welcome.

Q. What if I just want to watch the animals?

Watching the animals, and interacting with them - thowing balls, giving scritches, etc - is wonderful. That's a wonderful way to participate. However, just like Burning Man, this is a "No Spectators" event, in the sense that if you're here, you're part of the party.

It's good to watch in a relaxed, playful way. It's not OK to stare, oogle, or demand. At parties, watching the activities of others can be very hot, and there is a certain amount of symbiosis between exhibitionists and voyeurs. But watching is done respectfully, without intruding, or gawking, or becoming an energy vampire.

If someone's behavior becomes intrusive on the play of others, or makes others feel uncomfortable or unsafe - even if that behavior is "just watching" - they may be asked to leave.

Q. Are there volunteer opportunities for Dog and Pony, the way there are for other BDSM/fetish parties?

Why, yes, and we're so glad you asked.

Dog N Pony relies on its enthusiastic and responsible volunteers to help make wonderful events happen. While there are some differences to the party itself, and a slight difference to some of the work required, for the most part, the same type of volunteer opportunities exist.

Our monitors are slightly different, as the emphasis shifts from facilitating safe SM play, to providing a safe erotic environment - making sure everyone feels safe in the space.

If you are interested in working a volunteer shift, please see our Call for Volunteers.

Q. What are the logistics at the Citadel party?

First you find the place. Outside SF Citadel, there's no signage, only a street number and leather pride flag.

The doorperson or front desk may ask to see an ID to prove you're at least 18, and will offer you a set of rules to read. The front desk will ask you to sign that you agree to the rules. They accept your fee, and check your membership or require you to buy one ($10/year), or be a guest of an attending member. That's the only money you'll need - there are no hidden costs.

You go through a leather curtain, and there's a changing area with (free) lockers. Use any available locker (optional, bring your own lock).

Q. How will the space be setup?

At Citadel, on the ground floor is a large social area, with couches and mingling space. Snacks are provided, but you should eat a full meal before arriving. The kitchen area is off limits.

The music is kept at a level for easy conversation.

Beyond the couches is the upstairs play area, set up as a show ring. Most of the time this is open for practice. This is a good place to meet up with experienced folk.

At the back are two unisex toilets and stairs to the basement. There is another stairs at the front.

The entire downstairs is playspace, with cages, romp space, and padded areas. There are also slings, a padded bench, padded tables, medical tables, cage, and other fantasy furniture.

No spectator talking in the downstairs areas.

The lighting downstairs is more subdued than upstairs, but you can still see what and who you're doing.

Q. Do I have to join tribe.net or fetlife.com?

We'd prefer that you join one or both of our mailing lists, on tribe.net or Yahoo, but we don't require it. Last-minute and detailed announcements will usually appear only on these lists.

Q. Do I have to RSVP?

RSVPs not needed for the classes or parties. They help for the dinners, so we reserve enough spaces.

Q. What about Citadel membership?

Membership is not required for the classes, dinners, or Sunday outing.

In order to enter the Friday or Saturday evening party, you must have a current Citadel membership. It's a private, membership club. Membership is $10/year, or $5/weekend. You can join at the door. One member can bring up to three guests.

If you can't find your membership card, the front desk has a master list.

Q. What about bringing guests?

One Citadel member can bring up to three guests with them. So if four of you arrive as a group, you can buy a single membership.

If you bring a guest, you're responsible for their behavior. Only bring someone who you know will fit into the party atmosphere.

We'd prefer that all attendees join our mailing list(s) individually.

Q. What about other, non-DnP parties at SF Citadel?

More general information about attending events at SF Citadel can be found at edukink.org/articles/first_parties

Check back again. This list expands as more questions are asked.