Am I required to cooperate with Central Bark Doggy Day Care during inspections of my Central Bark Doggy Day Care franchise?
Central_Bark_Doggy_Day_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee agrees to maintain the premises in a condition and appearance consistent with the image of a Central Bark Facility as an attractive, clean and efficiently operated canine care facility offering day care, boarding services, grooming services, training, and a specialty retail boutique for dogs. Franchisee agrees to effect such maintenance of the Franchised Business and such modifications and additions to its layout, decor and general theme as Franchisor requires to maintain its condition, appearance, efficient operation, ambience and overall image, including, without limitation, replacement of worn out or obsolete fixtures, equipment, flooring, signs and lighting fixtures, repair of the interior and exterior, and periodic cleaning and redecorating. If at any time, in Franchisor's reasonable judgment, the general state of repair, appearance or cleanliness of the premises (including parking areas), or its fixtures, equipment, flooring, signs or lighting fixtures, does not meet Franchisor's standards, Franchisor so shall notify Franchisee and specify the action that Franchisee must take to correct such deficiency. If Franchisee fails or refuses, within ten (10) days after receiving such notice, to initiate and thereafter continue in good faith and with due diligence a bona fide program to complete such required maintenance, Franchisor shall have
the right (in addition to its rights under Section XV hereof), but not the obligation, to enter upon the premises and effect such maintenance on behalf and at the expense of Franchisee.
Franchisee shall, at its expense, upgrade and/or remodel the Franchise Location during the term of this Agreement pursuant to plans and specifications provided by Franchisor. Franchisor's representatives shall be allowed to supervise any construction, repair or refixturing in connection with such upgrading or remodeling.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 53–106)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document outlines the franchisee's responsibilities regarding the condition and appearance of their Central Bark Doggy Day Care facility. Franchisees must maintain their premises to meet Central Bark's standards, ensuring it is attractive, clean, and efficiently operated. This includes regular maintenance, modifications, and updates to the facility's layout, decor, and general theme as required by the franchisor. Franchisees are responsible for replacing worn-out fixtures, equipment, flooring, signs, and lighting, as well as repairing the interior and exterior and undertaking periodic cleaning and redecorating.
Central Bark Doggy Day Care has the right to notify franchisees of any deficiencies in the premises' condition, appearance, or cleanliness, specifying the actions needed to correct them. If a franchisee fails to initiate and diligently pursue the required maintenance within ten days of receiving notice, Central Bark has the right, but not the obligation, to enter the premises and perform the maintenance at the franchisee's expense. Furthermore, franchisees are required to upgrade or remodel their locations according to the franchisor's plans and specifications, and Central Bark's representatives are allowed to supervise any construction, repair, or refixturing related to these upgrades or remodels.
Therefore, as a Central Bark Doggy Day Care franchisee, you are expected to cooperate with the franchisor by adhering to their standards for facility maintenance and appearance, allowing supervision of upgrades and remodels, and addressing any deficiencies identified by the franchisor in a timely manner. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in Central Bark taking corrective action at your expense.