The All Canadian Pet Services Network announced today that it is instituting a new “Practice Committee” to oversee issues such as complaints filed against professional pet care members, and issues arising from the practice of member companies.

The All Canadian Pet Services network, founded in 2004, is the only Canada based and exclusively Canadian professional association for pet sitters and dog walkers. To retain membership in ACPSN, a pet care provider must adhere to a code of conduct called the “Professional Standards”, which sets guidelines for safe and responsible care of animals and ethical business conduct among members.

With an increase in awareness of the pet care profession arising from recent publicity of dog walkers and their business practices, ACPSN founder Lara Willis decided it was time to promote professionalism and accountability among members.

“It is very difficult for an organization to supervise member practices and to dictate how a business should operate, but at the same time there should be accountability in a profession which is otherwise unregulated.”

The new Practice Committee program continues to rely on the feedback from pet parents and community members about how businesses are conducting themselves while providing service. ACPSN has had a confidential feedback process since 2005, but only recently has there been an increase in awareness among pet parents as to the proper use of the system.

“Pet parents need to understand that, in order for this system to work, they are the ones that need to implement it in their practice”. Ms. Willis indicates that, of the dozens of feedback comments that are received each month, only a small percentage of those are actually negative. “When I receive 20 messages that members of ACPSN provide quality care and are highly recommended, it is reinforcement that we are doing something right in our approach. Even more satisfying is the fact that over 50% of the negative feedback received is about companies who are not members of ACPSN.”

Those figures still aren’t enough. “Pet parents need the resources to make informed choices about the professionals they hire, and associations need to protect the consumer of their services, not just their financial bottom-line. By not holding one member accountable for their actions, they are doing a disservice to all members of the profession. My goal is to eliminate the negative feedback altogether.”

The Practice Committee reviews concerns and renders decisions based on information provided by the pet parent. All concerns and their outcomes are kept confidential, with the resolutions being based on the individual needs of a member, not punitive in nature. “It does not serve the industry well to simply brush off complaints, nor to react harshly. The goal is to educate professionals so that they can improve their services.”

The Practice Committee is a natural extension of another ACPSN program – the “Smiling Pets” Client Satisfaction Survey program – a confidential survey in which pet parents can rate the quality of care received. Members who participate in the program are rewarded for their ongoing participation, and receive summarized reports of the feedback received.

At present, the Practice Committee consists of Ms. Willis, founder of ACPSN, the four Regional Representatives for the Association – Cindy Arsenault, Karin Howland, Kristin Schumacher and Sharon Steinman - and Practice Committee members Erika Talerico and Carolyn MacDonald. More information on the Practice Committee and the All Canadian Pet Services Network can be found on their web site at www.acpsn.com.

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The All Canadian Pet Services Network is a professional organization for pet sitters and dog walkers across Canada. Through our unique programs, and focus on professionalism, education and advocacy within the pet care industry, ACPSN offers pet parents the opportunity to benefit from excellence in pet care. Our interactive web site gives the pet parent the control they deserve in choosing a companion for their beloved animals.

For more information about the All Canadian Pet Services Network, our mission, and our members, please visit www.acpsn.com, or contact Lara Willis, President and Founder, at lara.willis@acpsn.com