All Canadian Pet Services Network, also known as ACPSN has started out as a much needed professional organization for Canadian pet sitters. Lots of work and effort was put into it, many people volunteered their time and efforts to help put this together so that every one would benefit. While a number of people were involved and regional representatives for the organization were appointed, the person at the head of ACPSN and in control of it all was the official founder, Lara Willis of Toronto, On.
Starting at the beginning of 2009 members began reporting that they have submitted money for renewals of their membership and have had not received their renewal packages and had no response from Lara and the ACPSN. Certain members began reporting that their calls were answered and they were told that Lara has been suffering from personal problems as well as her internet connection has been not working (she is located downtown Toronto), hence the delays.
By May, more and more members voiced their concern over attempting to contact ACPSN and never getting any sort of a reply. At this point regional representatives for ACPSN concerned over the state of things have began contacting Lara to offer their help in running the organization but were told their assistance was not needed. An official statement from the ACPSN was issued in the members area of the website apologizing for the delays, promising all issues were resolved, and if there were any member left in need of clarifications they should contact through a provided email address. Members however continued to report they have made payments weeks prior, had attempted to make contact and still hadn't received replies.
By June, the local representatives themselves were unable to get a hold of Lara. ACPSN traditionally attends Woofstock, a Toronto based dog festival. Members planned to attend so that they could get answers face to face from Lara at the festival. Members instead were met by Lara's husband Jamie Willis, who also took it upon himself to send out a very angry and insulting email condemning any form of criticism of the organization by it's membership. People were also upset that while excuses have been made not to communicate with upset members, ACPSN had plenty of time to organize a "cool doggies" wadding pool station at the festival.
At this point some members have been unsuccessfully trying to reach Lara since January. Local reps were now also unable to get any replies from Lara. It was reported that some of the members had taken this matter to small claims court. Talks began about creating a new organization to take over the abandoned duties of ACPSN. Any continuous offers to help run and organize ACPSN have been ignored or denied by Lara.
The website is still operational and unknowing members continue to send in money either for new or renewed memberships only to learn about this whole mess after the fact. The situation has remained unchanged. The numerous excuses of personal problems and promises or resolutions continue from Lara any time some one does manage to reach her. As of October 2009 Lara has reportedly closed all communications with any of her regional reps.
PLEASE!!! DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY TO THIS WOMAN!! ALL MONEYS SENT TO THE ACPSN GO DIRECTLY TO LARA, WHO IS THE SOLE PROPRIETOR OF ACPSN AND WHO AT THIS POINT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SCAMMER!!
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Joy at Paws Personal Pet Care
Newmarket,Ontario,
Canada
I wish I know about this.. they took my money
#2Consumer Comment
Tue, January 26, 2010
I have reciently become a member of the All Canadian Pet Services Network. They took my money as a member in October of 2009. I recieved an email that assured me I would get my Membership kit. I was to send in my logo anything else I would need for the Add that should appear. I emailed Lara Willis several times over the last 4 months asking for help.. I didn't see my add in the listing editor and wanted to see it. I have called many times and the ACPSN mailbox is full. I feel ripped-off. I am new to this business and need help and thought I would get it here by joining this association. I read from this report that there has been problems well before I joined. Yet she still took my money. After several attempts I did a search on Lara Willis's name and found this report. I am not sure where to go from there. All in all I am loosing $70.00. I want my money back! Someone need to take over this association and get her out. Anyone out there can help me? thanks..