As a HydroDog franchisee, am I required to identify myself as the independent owner of my HydroDog Business?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
8.2 Limitations on Your Use of Marks. You agree to use the Marks as the sole trade identification of your HydroDog Business, provided that you shall identify yourself as the independent owner of your HydroDog Business in a manner acceptable to us.
18.1 Independent Contractors. You and we understand and agree that this Agreement does not create a fiduciary relationship between you and us, that we and you are and will be independent contractors and that nothing in this Agreement is intended to make either you or us a general or special agent, joint venturer, partner or employee of the other for any purpose. You agree to conspicuously identify yourself in all dealings with customers, suppliers, public officials, Business personnel and others as the owner of your HydroDog Business under a Franchise we have granted and to place such notices of independent ownership on such forms, business cards, stationery and advertising and other materials as we may require from time-to-time. If you do not do so, we may place the notices and accomplish the foregoing as we see fit, and you must reimburse us for doing so.
18.2 No Liability for Acts of Other Party. You agree not to employ any of the Marks in signing any contract or applying for any license or permit, or in a manner that may result in our liability
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 43–166)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to HydroDog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, you are required to identify yourself as the independent owner of your HydroDog business. Specifically, you must identify yourself as the owner of your HydroDog business in all dealings with customers, suppliers, public officials, business personnel, and others. This disclosure must be conspicuous.
HydroDog also requires you to place notices of independent ownership on forms, business cards, stationery, advertising, and other materials as they may require from time to time. If you fail to do so, HydroDog has the right to place the notices themselves and charge you for the costs incurred.
This requirement reinforces that you are an independent contractor and not an agent, joint venturer, partner, or employee of HydroDog. It also clarifies that neither you nor HydroDog are liable for the debts, agreements, or representations made by the other party unless expressly authorized in writing. This protects HydroDog from liabilities arising from your business operations.