Are Zoomin Groomin franchisees subject to a covenant not to compete?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
8.6.Non-Compete and No Solicitation
A. Unfair Competition During the Term
You will not unfairly compete with us at any time during the Term of this Agreement by, directly or indirectly, owning, operating, or having any interest in any competitive business and you will not directly or indirectly assist anyone in competition with us (collectively, the "Restricted Activities") within the United States or its territories. For avoidance of doubt, a competitive business is one that offers mobile pet grooming or related pet products and services.
B. Unfair Competition After the Term
You will not unfairly compete with us for a period of two (2) years after expiration or termination of this Agreement in the Territory or within twenty-five (25) miles of the boundaries of the Territory or 25 miles of any other Zoomin Groomin outlet by engaging in any Restricted Activities. This restriction applies even if you sell your Franchise Business.
C. No Solicitation
You will not, for a period of two years after expiration or termination of this Agreement, in the Territory or within 25 miles of the boundaries of your Territory, directly or indirectly solicit the patronage of any customer served by your prior Franchised Business during the last 24 months that you were a franchisee, or such shorter time as you were a franchisee, for the purpose of offering such person or entity, for a fee or charge, pet grooming or related pet products and services.
D. Disparagement
During the Restricted Period, you will avoid intentional conduct that leads any existing Client or vendor to modify their relationship to the harm of the Franchise Business.
8.7.Purchase of Business Assets on Non-Renewal or Termination
Source: Item 15 — **OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISED BUSINESS (FDD page 37)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Yes, according to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Zoomin Groomin franchisees are subject to both in-term and post-term non-compete covenants. During the term of the Franchise Agreement, franchisees cannot directly or indirectly engage in offering approved products and services outside of their Zoomin Groomin franchise within the United States or its territories. This means a franchisee is restricted from operating a competing business that offers mobile pet grooming or related pet products and services, or assisting anyone else in doing so.
After the franchise agreement expires or terminates, the franchisee is restricted from unfairly competing with Zoomin Groomin for two years. This post-term non-compete applies within the franchisee's territory or within 25 miles of its boundaries, or within 25 miles of any other Zoomin Groomin outlet. The restriction includes engaging in any restricted activities, even if the franchisee sells their franchise business.
Additionally, for two years after the agreement ends, franchisees are prohibited from soliciting the patronage of any customer served by their prior franchised business during the last 24 months of operation, within their territory or 25 miles of its boundaries. This prevents franchisees from actively taking Zoomin Groomin customers to a competing business. Franchisees must also avoid intentional conduct that harms the Franchise Business's relationships with existing clients or vendors during the restricted period.
These non-compete and non-solicitation clauses are fairly standard in franchising to protect the brand's market share, customer relationships, and confidential business information. Prospective Zoomin Groomin franchisees should carefully consider the scope and duration of these restrictions, as they could impact their ability to work in the pet grooming industry after leaving the Zoomin Groomin system.