General

Why is PCSA going out of business?
Like many businesses, PCSA has been experiencing difficult financial times the past few years. These difficulties have been exaggerated by several other factors including, but not limited to past CEO performance, employee turnover, poor contracts and, recently, a lawsuit from a hotel company for cancellation of last year's Expo. It would take the association several years of financial success to recover from the current situation - in other words, paying for the ills of the past rather than serving the needs of the industry. This is why the Board made the difficult decision, and the right one, to reorganize under an entirely different company. This gives us the best opportunity for future success and service to the industry.

Who is starting the new organization and why?
A group of passionate volunteers, namely owners of kennels and pet care services companies, as well as industry suppliers, has banded together under the auspices of "Friends of Pet Care," to define a new organizational structure and raise the necessary start-up monies in order to become successful. Many of the current Board of Directors and several others are involved in this effort. To become involved, go to www.friendsofpetcare.com.

Where will the new organization be located?
We anticipate that the new organization will be organized and operated out of the SmithBucklin offices in Chicago, Illinois.

Will the new organization have the same leadership?
Some current PCSA directors plan to continue in their capacity under the new organization, and there are other industry leaders who have joined in the effort to serve the new organization.

Will the new organization have the same services as PCSA?
Certainly, the goal is to continue to provide many products and services that PCSA members viewed as valuable. There is an industry survey to determine additional unmet needs. It is possible that the new organization can acquire the assets of PCSA and continue the services as they were; however, this is not necessarily the goal. We feel that our management company brings best of class practices in the areas of membership growth and development, event planning, education, certification and accreditation services, governance, finance, technology and publications services.

Why should I support this new organization?
You should support this organization because it will bring people in the pet care services industry together throughout the year so they can learn and network with each other in an effort to stay informed on the newest techniques, most effective solutions and emerging trends that will help grow their businesses. The business model being developed is sound and proven within other successful industries. Rarely is there an unsuccessful association in a successful industry. We have hired good association managers, have a lot of passion from facility owners and are seeking the support of the vendor community.

My facility distributes the "Let's Talk About Series" to clients; can we continue to use this resource?
As a PCSA member, this series was a benefit, and you can continue to distribute it to clients with credit given to PCSA as content creator.

Can I keep the PCSA sticker & certificates displayed in my facility and links to PCSA on my Web site?
The sticker you received from PCSA demonstrates to customers that you support your industry and its association. While PCSA will no longer exist, you can determine whether to display your support of the industry in this manner. As for the Web site, it will likely be shut down once the bankruptcy has been filed. It would be recommended to remove this link from your site.

When will the existing PCSA Web site shutdown?
The Web site is likely to be shut down once the bankruptcy becomes official, which may even be within the next several days. Please refer to www.friendsofpetcare.com for the time being. This is a temporary Web site for members of the pet care services industry to remain connected while a new organization is established.

Membership

What's going to happen with my membership dues?
Unfortunately, PCSA is not able to refund any dues or order payments, as this can be construed as preferential payments to insiders. However, it is the intention of the founders of the new organization to honor those members who joined or renewed their PCSA membership September 1, 2024 or later. For members whose membership anniversary dates are January through August 31, 2010, the new organization will be asking you to join.

I'm a Lifetime Member. What will happen to my membership with the new organization?
Unfortunately, your lifetime membership in PCSA will expire when the association officially closes. However, it is the intention of the founders of the new organization to honor Lifetime Members of PCSA in some fashion, perhaps with a nominal administrative reinstatement fee.

Certification

I paid for materials and/or test and have not received them. What's going to happen?
The current staff that is working diligently to close down PCSA is fulfilling any Level I, II or III order requests. PCSA is not accepting any new orders.

What's happening with the certification program?
The current certification program will go dormant until it is determined what happens to the assets of PCSA. However, those forming the new organization feel that a much improved certification program can be established, as SmithBucklin employs people trained in the certification and accreditation fields that will lend their expertise to the process. We also feel the certifications can be administered more efficiently through advanced technology.

Will the new association honor my CKO designation?
Yes. It is the intention to honor all current individuals who have earned their CKO.

As an Institutional Member, we rely on the certification books for our programming; what's going to happen?
Current orders of certification materials have ceased. We are hopeful that the new organization will be able to provide similar materials and continue this program in a similar fashion.

Accreditation

How long until the accreditation program is operational?
The accreditation program has been suspended and will remain dormant as PCSA closes down.

I paid for accreditation and my workbook is in process or waiting for inspection. What's going to happen?
Unfortunately, because PCSA will cease to exist, there will be no value in achieving the accreditation until it is recognized by another viable organization.

Will the new association honor my accreditation?
It is the intention of those forming the new organization to honor current accredited organizations and, in fact, re-introduce the program. It is expected that many of the current requirements of the accreditation program will remain intact, and that the process for achieving the accreditation itself will be improved.

Publications

What's the status of the magazine? Will there be another one?
The January/February issue of Pet Services Journal will be PCSA's last issue. The new organization is exploring the feasibility and need for establishing a new industry magazine.

I paid for advertising in PSJ or Boarderline; what is going to happen?
All advertisements that have been paid should have already been honored, as PCSA bills once the publication has been produced. Advertisers that have insertion orders and contracts for advertisements in future issues will not be billed, as no publications will be produced.

Expo

Will there be an Expo this year?
An Expo is one of the critical elements necessary in forming the new organization. It is important for the industry to have at least one opportunity for people to gather in one place on an annual basis, to exchange information, share ideas and techniques and learn from each other.

Ethics

Will there be an ethics program? If so, what will it look like?
One of the roles of any industry organization is to raise the bar for the entire industry. We fully expect that the ethics program will continue should a new organization be established.