Who might conduct a PCI/DSS audit for a Canine Dimensions franchisee?
Canine_Dimensions Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee agrees to comply with the then-current Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards as those standards may be revised and modified by the PCI Security Standards Council, LLC (see www.pcisecuritystandards.org), or any successor organization or standards that Franchisor may reasonably specify.
Among other things, Franchisee agrees to implement the enhancements, security requirements, and other standards that the PCI Security Standards Council (or its successor) requires of a merchant that accepts payment by credit and/or debit cards.
Franchisee must demonstrate compliance upon reasonable request, which may include having an independent third-party Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) conduct a PCI/DSS audit.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Canine Dimensions' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee may be required to undergo a PCI/DSS audit conducted by an independent third-party Qualified Security Assessor (QSA). This requirement is triggered if Canine Dimensions requests the franchisee to demonstrate compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards.
This means that as a Canine Dimensions franchisee, you must be prepared to prove that your business meets the security standards for handling credit and debit card payments. The PCI Security Standards Council sets these standards, and Canine Dimensions may also specify additional requirements.
The audit, if required, would be at the franchisee's expense, as it would be conducted by an independent QSA. Therefore, prospective franchisees should factor in the potential cost of these audits when evaluating the financial aspects of investing in a Canine Dimensions franchise.