Does the definition of 'Competitive Business' for Hydrodog include businesses that offer similar pet-related products?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The words "Competitive Business" refers to any business or facility that owns, operates, manages, grants, sells, offers or supports franchises or licenses to others to do so, any mobile, fixed, or internet or catalog based business or facility that provides pet grooming, pet care, pet products or services, or any other pet-related products and services that are identical, similar to, competitive with, or substitutable for the Products and Services offered by HydroDog Businesses, whether now existing or hereafter developed, excluding any HydroDog Business under a franchise agreement with us, or any other business that we, at our sole discretion, determine to be competitive.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 43–166)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the term "Competitive Business" is broadly defined. This definition is important for prospective franchisees as it outlines the types of businesses that Hydrodog would consider competitive, which could impact a franchisee's ability to engage in other ventures or activities.
The FDD states that a "Competitive Business" includes any business or facility that provides pet grooming, pet care, pet products, or services. This encompasses businesses that are mobile, fixed, internet-based, or catalog-based. The definition extends to any pet-related products and services that are identical, similar to, or competitive with the products and services offered by HydroDog Businesses.
This definition excludes existing Hydrodog franchises. However, Hydrodog retains the sole discretion to determine what other businesses it considers competitive. This broad definition and the discretionary power held by Hydrodog could limit a franchisee's ability to participate in other pet-related businesses, even if those businesses do not directly compete with the franchisee's Hydrodog operation. Franchisees should seek clarification from Hydrodog regarding specific activities or business ventures they may be considering to ensure they do not violate the competitive business restrictions outlined in the franchise agreement.