Does Central Bark Doggy Day Care use a Multi-Unit Franchise Agreement?
Central_Bark_Doggy_Day_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
pproved location and may not relocate without our prior written consent, which we will not unreasonably withhold. Relocation requests are subject to our approval process and a mutually agreed-upon timeline. You may not engage in catalog, internet, or other direct marketing without our written consent. You do not have an option, right of first refusal, or similar right to acquire additional franchises in or near your Designated Area. We do not currently operate or plan to operate a competing business under a different trademark, but we are not required to compensate you if we do so.
Multi-Unit Franchise Agreement
Under the MUFA, you will not receive an exclusive territory. You may face competition from other franchisees, from outlets that we own, or from other channels of distribution or competitive brands that we control. You may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other brands and distribution channels we control. However, while the MUFA and all related Franchise Agreements remain in effect and you are in compliance, we will not establish or license another CENTRAL BARK facility within your Multi-Unit Territory, except as described below.
The Multi-Unit Territory will be described in Addendum 1 to the MUFA and may be defined by zip codes, municipal boundaries, or natural or man-made features. The size and configuration of the territory will be determined by us based on factors such as demographics, traffic patterns, competition, your operational capacity, site availability, and other economic and market factors and will be mutually agreed upon before signing the MUFA. Your exclusivity is not conditioned on sales performance, but failure to meet your Development Schedule constitutes a material breach and may result in termination of the MUFA. Upon expiration or termination of the MUFA, your territorial rights end, and your rights will be limited to any CENTRAL BARK facilities you continue to operate under valid Franchise Agreements.
We and our affiliates retain the right to: (1) use and license the Marks and CENTRAL BARK system outside your Multi-Unit Territory; (2) use or license other marks for different operations, including within your Multi-Unit Territory;
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 53)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Yes, according to Central Bark Doggy Day Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, they offer a Multi-Unit Franchise Agreement (MUFA). This agreement grants the franchisee the right and obligation to open multiple Central Bark Doggy Day Care facilities within a defined Multi-unit Territory. Each facility will then be operated under an individual Franchise Agreement. The Multi-Unit Territory is detailed in Addendum 1 of the MUFA and can be defined by zip codes, municipal boundaries, or other features. The franchisor determines the territory size based on factors like demographics and competition.
The 2025 FDD specifies that under a MUFA, franchisees do not receive an exclusive territory and may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other distribution channels controlled by Central Bark Doggy Day Care. However, while the MUFA and related Franchise Agreements are in effect and the franchisee is compliant, Central Bark Doggy Day Care will not establish or license another Central Bark Doggy Day Care facility within the Multi-Unit Territory, with some exceptions. Failure to meet the development schedule outlined in the MUFA constitutes a material breach and may lead to termination of the agreement.
The initial fees associated with a MUFA include a multi-unit rights fee, calculated as $15,000 multiplied by the number of Central Bark Doggy Day Care facilities the franchisee agrees to develop, minus one. For example, a typical MUFA involving two to five facilities would result in a multi-unit rights fee ranging from $15,000 to $75,000. Additionally, the franchisee will sign a Franchise Agreement for the first facility and pay an initial franchise fee of $55,000. For each subsequent facility, a credit of $15,000 from the multi-unit rights fee will be applied toward the $35,000 initial franchise fee due upon signing each additional Franchise Agreement.