Is an employee of a Canine Dimensions franchisee allowed to use equipment for personal purposes?
Canine_Dimensions Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee and each of the owners of any equity interest in Franchisee (the "Owners"), jointly and severally, will indemnify and defend Canine Dimensions Franchising, LLC (the "Indemnified Parties") against all Losses and Expenses arising from the operation or condition of any part of the Franchised Business or its site, the conduct of business, and any acts or omissions of Franchisee or its employees, agents, or contractors, including the collection or use of Customer Information; the infringement or alleged infringement by Franchisee or any Owners of any patent, trademark, copyright, or other proprietary right owned by third parties, unless arising from authorized use of the Marks in compliance with this Agreement; the violation or breach by Franchisee or any Owners of any applicable laws; Franchisee's failure to obtain and maintain required insurance coverage; libel, slander, or defamation of the Indemnified Parties, the System, or any other Franchisee by Franchisee or any Owners; the violation or breach by Franchisee or its Affiliates or Owners of any warranty, representation, agreement, or obligation in this Agreement or other agreements with the Indemnified Parties; acts, errors, or omissions of Franchisee, its Affiliates, Owners, and their respective owners, officers, employees, agents, and representatives in connection with the Franchised Business; any encumbrances, liens, assessments, levies, charges, demands for payment, taxes, or other liabilities imposed on Franchisor due to payments under this Agreement; and any claim that Franchisor and Franchisee are joint employers of Franchisee's employees or personnel.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the FDD does not explicitly state whether an employee of a Canine Dimensions franchisee is allowed to use equipment for personal purposes. However, the document does state that the franchisee can be held liable for the acts or omissions of its employees.
Item 18.3 in the FDD states that the franchisee will indemnify and defend Canine Dimensions Franchising, LLC against all losses and expenses arising from the operation or condition of the franchised business, the conduct of business, and any acts or omissions of the franchisee or its employees, agents, or contractors. This suggests that the franchisee is responsible for the actions of their employees while operating the business.
Prospective franchisees should seek clarification from the franchisor regarding the specific policies on employee use of equipment for personal purposes to ensure compliance and avoid potential liabilities. It would be prudent to incorporate clear guidelines into employee training and operational manuals to mitigate risks associated with equipment misuse.