How to Make a Flat Pet

Flat Bentley with the Hill's Pets representatives' Flat Pets.

   One of the great things about the BlogPaws conference is that it is a pet-friendly event.  Deciding whether to bring your pet to the three-day event is sometimes difficult.  You need to ask yourself if they are well behaved in crowds, around other animals, and can you control them while attending sessions.  I must say last year’s pets were all on their best behavior.

   Since we were flying to the conference, we knew Bentley wasn’t joining us. He will NOT travel in cargo.  As we have discussed before; cargo has no snack or beverage cart, no in-flight movie, no micro-toilet, and no Basset Hound!  He passed the “cabin-size” requirements about 30 pounds ago.

   I started feeling sad that all of these other cool dogs and cats would be there and I wouldn’t have Bentley.  I turned to BlogPaws for the answer.  Quite a few people that couldn’t travel with their pets had bought or made something called a “Flat Pet.”  What in the world is a Flat Pet?  I’m so glad that you asked.

   A Flat Pet is a stand-up cut out of your best friend.  There are several online sites where you can order a ready-made Flat Pet.  Prices range from $50 to $200.  I found one for around $50 and some over $200 on various sites.  When you’re saving for the conference and there are a few must-haves, the Flat Pet expense can be tricky.  We came up with what I think turned out to be a perfect solution.  The best thing about it is the entire project cost less than $20.  

Here is how we did it.

Materials: photo of your pet, custom yard sign, Exacto Knife, cardboard, glue, tape

Step One: Take a front view photograph of your pet sitting or standing.  Your picture needs to include their entire front body.  Don’t cut off the feet or the tops of the ears.  It might be creepy just to carry around a big head at the conference.

Step Two: Measure your pet in the same position as in the photo.  You can adjust the size of your photo on the yard sign template at your favorite printing website.  I had to rotate Bentley’s photo, so I could get the correct height.  You want to make your Flat Pet as close to the actual size of your pet as possible.  *If you have a Great Dane, you should probably downsize it.  You don’t want to be toting a billboard around the entire time.  Once you’re happy with the preview, place your order and wait.  *You don’t need to order the optional metal stakes.

Step Three: When your yard sign arrives, it is time to turn your yard sign into your Flat Pet.  You will need an Exacto knife and a steady hand.  Prepare your cutting area by placing a hard thick surface under the sign.  Exacto knives are extremely sharp and can cut into the bottom surface.  S-l-o-w-l-y cut along the outline of your pet. Brush off any “splinters” or rough edges.  

Step Four: Your last step is to make your pet sit.  It’s easy and you don’t have to bribe your Flat Pet with treats.  We used a box to make ours, but any thick cardboard will work.  Cut out a shape as shown in the photo.  Carefully make a straight fold in your stand.  Attach your bent straight fold to the back of the Flat Pet with “temporary” tape to test its stability. 

   Adjust the stand as necessary until your pet is sitting proudly.  You don’t want Ruff or Fluffy to fall over, so make certain that it tilts slightly back.  Mark the spot where you want to glue your stand and remove the tape.  Use strong glue and for extra security; add adhesive tape.  *I brought the tape to conference in case of an accident.

That's it!

   Pack your Flat Pet in a cardboard folder.  We made ours from a box and held it closed with rubber bands.  I placed him in the bottom of my luggage and he arrived unscathed. 

   It wasn’t the same as having Bentley with us, but it was the next best thing.  We took photos and had a great time with our Flat Bentley.  This year, we are bringing the real boy.  I hope he is as well behaved as my Flat Pet!

 Flat Pet Bentley with our friends,

The Cascadian Nomads at BlogPaws 2014.

                

  * I want to invite all of the citizens of Blogville who aren’t already members of the BlogPaws Community to join us.  It is another great group of bloggers helping and working together.  Just sign up and start making more pet loving friends. Click here to say hello. 

  * If you haven’t ordered your BlogPaws conference ticket, now is the time. Click here.  The three-day educational experience will surely be a sell-out.  You can use my ambassador’s code to save 10% on your ticket price.  

BP15-Amb-Melissa -10.  #Nashville, here we come!

   *The line-up of keynote speakers is stellar.  Each session will have something outstanding to offer.  You can meet them and follow their social media by visiting here. 

   *If you are wondering what will fill your time at this year’s conference, click here for a tentative schedule.  You’ll be amazed at how much goes on in such a short amount of time.  

   *The best way to stay up on everything that is happening at Blogpaws is to sign up for their newsletter.  You get tips, links, and access to a free ebook when you sign up. 
   

*Disclaimer: I used VistaPrint for my yard sign.  Price and quality will vary depending on the printing service you select. I have no affiliation with VistaPrint.