Who is responsible for the costs associated with the online grooming training program for a Hydrodog franchise?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you are not already a dog groomer, you must hire a lead groomer (who must be approved by us in writing) and successfully complete our designated online grooming training program prior to Initial Training.
The cost of the online training program, including but not limited to registration fees, materials, equipment, travel and living expenses, shall be your sole responsibility.
These costs are non-refundable regardless of completion or success in the program.
If you are already a dog groomer, you must complete and pass a skills assessment administered by us prior to Initial Training.
Should you fail to meet our standards in the skills assessment (as determined by us in our sole discretion), you will be required to attend a dog grooming academy of our choosing at your expense prior to Initial Training.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 43–166)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is solely responsible for the costs associated with the online grooming training program. This program is required for individuals who are not already dog groomers and must be completed before the initial Hydrodog training.
The franchisee's responsibility extends to all costs related to the online training program. This includes, but is not limited to, registration fees, materials, equipment, and any travel and living expenses incurred during the training. These costs are non-refundable, regardless of whether the franchisee completes the program or succeeds in it.
If a franchisee is already a dog groomer, they must pass a skills assessment administered by Hydrodog prior to the initial training. If they fail to meet Hydrodog's standards in this assessment, they will be required to attend a dog grooming academy chosen by Hydrodog, at their own expense, before the initial training. This highlights the importance of either having prior grooming experience or being prepared to cover the costs of additional training to meet Hydrodog's standards.