Off Leash PDX

Safety

What we do to keep the night safe, and what you can do for yourself and your friends.

For how we expect everyone to treat each other, see the code of conduct.

What we do

Sound

Hearing damage is permanent, so we keep an eye on volume all night.

• We run a calibrated SPL (sound pressure level) meter at the booth from doors to close.
• We track noise exposure over the whole night against NIOSH's recommended limit, which is stricter than the legal workplace standard. At dance-floor volume you hit it fast, so wear the earplugs.
• Every DJ knows the limit before their set, and staff will ask them to turn it down if levels run high.
• We hand out free earplugs, and we set aside a quieter space where you can give your ears a rest whenever the venue has room for one.

Heat and fursuits

• When we have a fursuit lounge, it has fans running and stays open all night. It's a place to take your head off out of sight, cool down, and drink something.
• Staff check on the lounge and the dance floor through the night, and we'll check in with anyone who looks like they're overheating.

Water

• Free water is available all night.
• Bring an empty water bottle to refill.

People on the floor

• Off Leash staff are on the floor all night. The venue section below says what we're wearing. Find any of us if you need something.
• Venue security works alongside us.
• We have a basic first aid kit on site.

The venue

• We walk the venue before doors to check that exits are clear and marked.
• Accessibility details for each venue, including step-free entry, are further down.

What you can do

Before you go

• Check the venue section for whether you can leave and come back. Some venues don't allow re-entry, and some stop it before the night ends.
• If you can't come back in, bring everything you'll need for the night: medication, cooling gear, a charged phone, and a plan for getting home.

Protect your ears

• Wear earplugs, even if they're foam ones from the door. Earplugs made for concerts turn the volume down without muffling the music.
• Don't stand right next to the speakers or lean on them.
• Take a few minutes away from the speakers every hour or so, in the quiet space or the lounge.
• Ringing, muffled hearing, or ear pain means you've had too much. Take a longer break.

Take suit breaks

• Plan on taking your head off in the lounge at least once an hour, and more often if you're dancing hard.
• Drink water before you suit up and every time you take a break.
• Wear cooling gear if you have it, like a fan in your head or a cooling vest.
• Dizziness, a headache, nausea, cramps, or feeling confused are signs of heat exhaustion. Get out of suit, cool down, and tell staff. If someone stops sweating, collapses, or can't think straight, that's an emergency: call 911 and get staff.

Drinking

• Eat a real meal before you come. Not every venue sells food or lets you bring your own, so check below.
• Have a glass of water between drinks.
• Watch your drink and don't leave it unattended. If it tastes off or you feel suddenly much drunker than you should, tell staff or security right away.
• Plan your ride home before you start drinking, and don't drive impaired.

Look out for each other

• Come with friends if you can, agree on a meeting spot, and check in on each other through the night.
• Suiters, bring a handler, especially for the line and for going outside.
• If someone looks unwell or out of it, ask if they're okay, and get staff if they're not.
• When you arrive, take a look at where the exits are.
• Get home safe. Walk with a friend or wait inside for your ride, and text someone when you're home.

If something goes wrong

• In an emergency: call 911, then find staff or security.
• Need help after you leave? See the local resources below.
• Someone is unwell, overheated, or may be overdosing: get staff right away. You won't get in trouble with us for getting someone help.
• Anything else: find anyone on staff, or email [email protected] after the event. More in the code of conduct.

Back to the event

Updated Oct 21, 2026