Does the total estimated initial investment range for a Hydrodog franchise include the cost of the Hydrodog vehicle?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT**
| Type of Expenditure (1) | Estimated Amount or Estimated Low ‒ High Range | Method Of Payment | When Due | To Whom Payment is To Be Made | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee (2) | $40,000 | $40,000 | Lump Sum | At the time of signing Franchise Agreement | Us | |
| HydroDog Vehicle(3) | $1,000 (leased) $105,000 (purchased) | $2,500 (leased) $155,000 (purchased) | Monthly | Monthly | Approved Supplier | |
| HydroDog Vehicle Delivery(3) | $0 | $5,000 | Lump Sum | By agreement with us or dealer | Third Party | |
| Grand Opening Marketing (Per HydroDog Vehicle) (4) | $5,000 | $5,000 | Lump Sum | At least 60-days before opening | Us | |
| Initial Tool Package (5) | $0 | $2,500 | Lump Sum | At the time of signing Franchise Agreement | Us | |
| Construction, Improvements for home office | $0 | $1,000 | As Agreed | By agreement with provider | Lessors, Contractors, Subs | |
| Professional Fees | $0 | $3,500 | As Agreed | By agreement | Third Parties | |
| (lawyer, accountant, etc.) | with provider | |||||
| Computer System | $0 | $1,500 | Lump Sum or As Agreed | By agreement with provider | Third Parties | |
| Office Equipment | $0 | $2,500 | Lump Sum or As Agreed | By agreement with provider | Third Parties | |
| Utility Deposits | $0 | $750 | Lump Sum | As Incurred | Third Parties | |
| Insurance (monthly premium) | $250 | $750 | Lump Sum or As Agreed | As Incurred | Third Parties | |
| State and local business licenses, permits, filing fees, etc. | $300 | $700 | As Required | As Incurred | Third Parties | |
| Grooming School costs (6) | $0 | $20,000 | As Agreed | By agreement with provider | Third parties | |
| Initial Training Fee (7) | $5,000 | $5,000 | Lump Sum/As required | As Incurred | Us | |
| Additional Funds - 3 | $0 | $50,000 | As | As Incurred | Third Parties | |
| months (8) | Incurred | |||||
| TOTAL ESTIMATED | $51,550 | $140,700 | ||||
| INITIAL | ||||||
| INVESTMENT (with | ||||||
| leased HydroDog | ||||||
| Vehicle) (9) |
| Type of Expenditure (1) | Estimated Amount or Estimated Low ‒ High Range | Method Of Payment | When Due | To Whom Payment is To Be Made | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOTAL ESTIMATED | $155,550 | $293,200 | |||
| INITIAL | |||||
| INVESTMENT (with | |||||
| purchased HydroDog | |||||
| Vehicle) (9) |
NOTES:
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 16–18)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the total estimated initial investment does include the cost of the Hydrodog vehicle, with different totals depending on whether the vehicle is leased or purchased. The FDD provides a breakdown of the estimated initial investment, including specific line items for the Hydrodog vehicle.
The table in Item 7 outlines the various costs associated with starting a Hydrodog franchise. For the HydroDog Vehicle itself, the estimated cost is $1,000 to $2,500 if leased, and $105,000 to $155,000 if purchased. There is also a HydroDog Vehicle Delivery cost of $0 to $5,000. The total estimated initial investment ranges from $51,550 to $140,700 when leasing the HydroDog Vehicle. When purchasing the HydroDog Vehicle, the total estimated initial investment ranges from $155,550 to $293,200.
These figures are estimates and can vary. The document notes that total costs to begin operations may be more or less than specified, depending on factors like staff size, anticipated business volume, and the area of operation. Hydrodog requires franchisees to maintain one HydroDog Vehicle for every 100,000 in population within their territory, and additional vehicles must be added within specified timeframes to avoid defaulting on the Franchise Agreement. Prospective franchisees should carefully review these figures with a business advisor to assess the financial implications for their specific circumstances.