Who has the authority to establish, maintain, modify, or discontinue all internet activities pertaining to the HydroDog System?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
merce, and these platforms will be managed by our designated web designers.
You are not permitted to promote your HydroDog Business or use any of the Marks in any manner on any social or networking websites, such as Facebook, LinkedIn or X, without our prior written consent. We will provide you with access to branded social media pages, handles, and assets, which you are required to update regularly. We alone may establish, maintain, modify or discontinue all internet activities pertaining to the System, including through the use of a page or profile on a social media website such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X or Snapchat. You must comply with our System standards regarding the use of social media in your HydroDog Business's operation, including prohibitions on your and the Business's employees posting or blogging comments about the Business or the System, other than on a website or social media platform established or authorized by us ("social media" includes personal blogs, common social networks like Facebook and Instagram, professional networks like LinkedIn, live-blogging tools like X, virtual worlds, file, audio and video-sharing sites, and other similar social networking or media sites or tools). We will provide access to branded social media pages/handles/assets, and you must update these regularly. We reserve the right to conduct collective/national campaigns via local social media on your behalf. In addition, only we may respond to reviews of HydroDog businesses that are posted on Yelp, TripAdvisor and similar Websites. (Franchise Agreement, Section 12.10)
Computer Systems and POS System
You must acquire and use in developing and operating your HydroDog Business a computer system consisting of the computer services, components, equipment, computer hardware, telecommunications equipment or services, point-of-sale system, the software used in connection with the Business Management System and other operating or communications software that we designate or require for use by HydroDog Businesses (collectively, the "Software") that we specify from time to time in the manner we designate (collectively, the "Computer System"). You must sign any standard license agreement or user agreement that may be required to use a system that we specify. You must use the required systems for service calls,
managing inventory, reporting Gross Sales and other information, training personnel, and other functions as we specify from time to time. You must ensure that your employees are adequately trained to use the systems and that they follow applicable policies.
You will have sole responsibility for the acquisition, operation, maintenance, and upgrading of the Computer System. You must use the Computer System for on-line reporting of sales, ordering supplies, keeping customer information, and reporting other information to us as required under the Franchise Agreement (collectively, the "Business Management System"). As of the date of this disclosure document, our mandatory hardware and software requirements for the Computer System include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) laptop or desktop personal computer (like a MAC Book Pro, HP, Dell etc. or equivalent), a network card, a most recent Microsoft or Apple operating system, Adobe Acrobat Reader (most recent version), the most recent Microsoft Office Suite or Apple equivalent and the POS software; (2) a monitor; and (3) a color printer, (4) iPad or Android tablet, and (5) compatible mobile phone. The Computer System must contain and you must be reasonably proficient with such computer software and internet programs that we designate for use from time to time, including: database, spreadsheet, financial, word processing, communications, e-mail and calendaring programs.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Hydrodog retains the exclusive authority to establish, maintain, modify, or discontinue all internet activities related to the Hydrodog system. This includes managing the brand's presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and Snapchat.
This means that as a franchisee, you are not allowed to promote your Hydrodog business or use any of the brand's trademarks on social media or networking sites without prior written consent from Hydrodog. Hydrodog will provide access to branded social media pages, handles, and assets, which franchisees are required to update regularly. Franchisees must also comply with Hydrodog's system standards regarding social media use, including restrictions on posting or blogging about the business or system, except on platforms authorized by Hydrodog.
Hydrodog also manages all websites associated with the brand through its web designers and retains all rights to electronic commerce. Franchisees are prohibited from establishing their own websites or selling products or services online using Hydrodog's trademarks without prior written approval. Hydrodog may require that a franchisee's online presence be limited to web pages established on Hydrodog's own website. Hydrodog also has the right to establish an intranet for secure communications between the company, its franchisees, and other relevant parties.