If I cease to operate my Zoomin Groomin franchised business, what is one of my obligations?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
Source: Item 9 — 01. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (FDD pages 68–156)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Zoomin Groomin FDD, for a period of two years after the expiration or termination of the Franchise Agreement, a franchisee is restricted from unfairly competing with Zoomin Groomin. This non-compete clause applies within the franchisee's original territory or within 25 miles of its boundaries, as well as within 25 miles of any other Zoomin Groomin outlet. This restriction remains in effect even if the franchisee sells their Zoomin Groomin franchise business.
In practical terms, this means that if a franchisee decides to leave the Zoomin Groomin system, they cannot immediately open a competing mobile pet grooming business or work for a competitor in the same geographic area. This is a standard practice in franchising to protect the brand and the investment of other franchisees. The definition of "unfair competition" includes owning, operating, or having any interest in a business that offers mobile pet grooming or related pet products and services, or assisting anyone else in doing so.
Additionally, for two years post-termination or expiration, the franchisee is prohibited from soliciting the patronage of any customer who was served by their Zoomin Groomin franchise during the last 24 months of operation. This prevents a former franchisee from leveraging the customer relationships they built under the Zoomin Groomin brand to start a competing business. The franchisee must also avoid any intentional conduct that could harm the Franchise Business's relationships with existing clients or vendors during this restricted period.
These restrictions are designed to protect Zoomin Groomin's business interests and the interests of its other franchisees. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these non-compete and non-solicitation clauses before entering into a franchise agreement, as they can significantly impact their ability to work in the same industry after leaving the Zoomin Groomin system.