Does Zoomin Groomin require franchisees to participate in a local or regional advertising cooperative?

According to Zoomin Groomin's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are not required to participate in a local or regional advertising cooperative. However, Zoomin Groomin does have a Franchisee Advisory Council (FAC) composed of franchisees that may advise them on operational and advertising policy. Zoomin Groomin selects the members of this council, and the FAC serves in an advisory capacity only, with Zoomin Groomin retaining the power to form, change, or dissolve the advertising council.

While participation in a cooperative is not mandatory, franchisees are required to contribute 2% of their gross revenues to Zoomin Groomin's Advertising Fund. According to the document, in the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, 100% of the Advertising Fund was spent on social media, text messages, other media placement, and marketing overhead. The FDD states that these advertising fees are not used to solicit new franchise sales.

Zoomin Groomin also recommends that franchisees spend between $500 and $5,000 on initial advertising, which includes local advertising and promotion for the first three months of operation. Additionally, they recommend a minimum spend of $1,200 per year on local advertising. Franchisees also have the option to create their own advertising materials, but these must be submitted to Zoomin Groomin for written approval, which must adhere to federal, state and local law. If approval is not received within 14 days of submission, the materials are deemed disapproved.