Is a Hydrodog franchisee allowed to market outside their territory?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may serve customers from any location, except that you may not market outside your Territory.
You may not directly or indirectly market, solicit or perform any Services in another franchisee's Territory.
If you wish to perform services within the Territory of another franchisee (the "Other Designated Territory"), you must first seek written permission from the franchisee whose Other Designated Territory contains the prospective client's principal residence or location (the "Other Franchisee").
We must also receive a copy of the written request, and shall approve or disapprove any such request in writing.
Neither we nor the Other Franchisee is under any obligation or duty to grant you permission to perform Services in the Other Designated Territory.
If you are granted permission to perform services to clients in the Other Designated Territory by both the Other Franchisee and us, you may service the client as long as you are able to perform the services according to the standards as described in the Operations Manual and any applicable addendum.
If you are not granted permission from either the Other Franchisee or us, you may not service the customer in the Other Designated Territory.
If you nevertheless service the client in the Other Designated Territory, or fail to provide written notice to the Other Franchisee and we as required by this Section, you shall be in violation of this Agreement.
You shall not advertise or use the Marks in any fashion on the Internet or via other means of advertising through telecommunication without our express written consent.
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD pages 35–36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Hydrodog FDD, franchisees are generally restricted from marketing outside of their designated territory. The FDD states that franchisees "may not market outside your Territory." There are specific procedures to follow if a franchisee wishes to provide services in another franchisee's territory. The franchisee must obtain written permission from both the other franchisee and Hydrodog itself. Hydrodog retains the right to approve or disapprove such requests. If permission is granted by both parties, the franchisee must maintain service standards as outlined in the operations manual.
If a Hydrodog franchisee violates these rules by servicing a client in another franchisee's territory without proper permission or notification, it is considered a breach of the Franchise Agreement.
Hydrodog also restricts internet and telecommunications advertising without express written consent. This means that franchisees need to be very careful about their online marketing and ensure it is geographically targeted correctly and complies with Hydrodog's guidelines. Franchisees should seek clarification from Hydrodog regarding any specific marketing activities they plan to undertake to ensure they remain compliant with the franchise agreement.