To what extent is a Zoomin Groomin franchisee obligated to indemnify the franchisor for losses or liabilities?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Any provision in the franchise agreement or related agreements requiring the franchisee to indemnify, reimburse, defend, or hold harmless the franchisor or other parties is hereby modified such that the franchisee has no obligation to indemnify, reimburse, defend, or hold harmless the franchisor or any other indemnified party for losses or liabilities to the extent that they are caused by the indemnified party's negligence, willful misconduct, strict liability, or fraud.
Source: Item 17 — g. of the Disclosure Document is modified to state that, in addition to the grounds for immediate termination specified in Item 17.h., the franchisor can terminate upon written notice and a 60 day opportunity to cure for a breach of the Franchise Agreement. (FDD pages 51–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Zoomin Groomin's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee's obligation to indemnify the franchisor is limited. The standard indemnification clause in the franchise agreement is modified to protect the franchisee.
Specifically, a Zoomin Groomin franchisee is not required to indemnify, reimburse, defend, or hold harmless the franchisor or any other indemnified party for losses or liabilities if those losses or liabilities are caused by the indemnified party's negligence, willful misconduct, strict liability, or fraud. This modification ensures that franchisees are not responsible for the franchisor's own actions or failures.
This is a beneficial provision for prospective Zoomin Groomin franchisees, as it prevents them from being held liable for issues arising from the franchisor's conduct. Franchise agreements often contain indemnification clauses, but this modification provides a significant layer of protection for the franchisee, shifting the responsibility for certain liabilities back to the franchisor where the franchisor's actions are the cause.