Check in with the suit of your choice every 30 minutes or so to make sure they’re staying hydrated. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the magic and forget how dehydrated one is becoming.
Talk with the fursuiter(s) you will represent. Find out what their visibility is like. Ask their fursuit name and… don’t assume the species of the suit. 😼 Find out if they will talk with the public, and if not, learn their character a bit so you can chat with the kids/parents.
Fursuits can see large poles and walls, but unusually tall curbs/steps are our bane. Lend a hand here. Also look out for waist-high or lower obstacles, such as sidewalk signs, fire hydrants (ouch), etc.
Be aware of small children in the blindspots of the fursuit (immediately in front, anywhere to the side or behind). Stop the child, or the fursuiter, to avoid kick-the-kid.
And, to belabor the point: Let the performer know when someone wants a photo-op, and where to look. People tend to stand in the periphery, which is the hardest to see.
It can also be quite hard to hear in a fursuit! Tapping the shoulder, or waving to gain attention can help. You may need to get close. If the suit doesn’t talk and you need a detailed response, lean in for a hug to give them an opportunity to reply privately.
Speaking of kids, sometimes parents try to force them to interact. Feel free to let the parents know it’s OK if the child doesn’t want to get close.
Tap the fursuiter on the shoulder if they need to pay attention (group has moved on, someone wants a photo op, etc.)
If you spot a kid with a chocolate ice cream cone racing up for a hug, feel free to step between and say something.