What does the Initial Training Fee for a Hydrodog franchise cover?

According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial training fee covers the expenses Hydrodog incurs while providing training to the franchisee. The estimated cost for this fee is between $5,000. If a franchisee chooses to bring additional trainees, they will incur an additional initial training fee per person. The franchisee is responsible for their own travel and living expenses during training. Any training required beyond the initial training will be at the franchisee's expense and will incur additional fees.

Prior to initial training, if a franchisee does not have at least 5 years of grooming experience and/or is not a certified groomer, they must pay Hydrodog $2,500 for an Initial Tools Package. This package will be customized for each franchisee based on the tools needed. If the franchisee is not already a dog groomer, they must hire a lead groomer and complete Hydrodog's designated online grooming training program, which is estimated to range between $1,000 and $3,000. If the franchisee is already a dog groomer, they must complete and pass a skills assessment administered by Hydrodog prior to initial training. If they fail to meet Hydrodog's standards in the skills assessment, they will be required to attend a dog grooming academy of Hydrodog's choosing at their own expense prior to initial training.

The initial investment table shows that the Initial Training Fee is a lump sum payment due as incurred to Hydrodog. The table also shows that Grooming School costs could range up to $20,000, payable to third parties by agreement with the provider.