What is the geographic scope of the competitive restriction for a Hydrodog franchisee relative to other HydroDog Businesses under construction?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
dentiality. You will (a) not use the Confidential Information in any other business or capacity; (b) maintain the absolute confidentiality of the Confidential Information during and after the term of the Franchise Agreement and your employment by, or association with, us; (c) not make unauthorized copies of any portion of the Confidential Information disclosed in written form; and (d) comply with all procedures we prescribe from time to time to prevent unauthorized use or disclosure of the Confidential Information.
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- Competitive Restrictions. During the time that you are associated with us, as an employee or independent contractor and for a period of two (2) years following the termination of such association, unless we and the Franchisor otherwise permit in writing and except on our behalf, you will not:
- (a) have any direct or indirect interest (e.g., through a spouse or child) as a disclosed or beneficial owner, investor, partner, director, officer, employee, consultant, member, manager, representative, or agent or in any other capacity in any business or facility owning, operating,
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 43–166)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, during the time that you are associated with Hydrodog, as an employee or independent contractor and for a period of two years following the termination of such association, you will not have any direct or indirect interest in any Competitive Business operating within twenty-five (25) miles of any other HydroDog Business or its Territory in operation or under construction on the later of the effective date of the termination or expiration of your employment or the date on which you comply with such restrictions. This restriction applies unless Hydrodog and the Franchisor otherwise permit in writing and except on their behalf.
In practical terms, this means that after you leave Hydrodog, you cannot be involved with a competing pet business within a 25-mile radius of an existing or planned Hydrodog location. This restriction lasts for two years. The restriction applies if you were an employee or independent contractor.
This restriction is in place to protect Hydrodog's market and prevent former associates from using confidential information or relationships gained during their time with Hydrodog to unfairly compete. Franchisees should carefully consider the implications of this restriction, especially if they plan to remain in the pet industry after leaving the Hydrodog system. It is important to note that Hydrodog can waive this restriction in writing.