What restrictions are placed on Zoomin Groomin regarding soliciting or hiring employees of the franchisor?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
RCW 49.62.060 prohibits a franchisor from restricting, restraining, or prohibiting a franchisee from (i) soliciting or hiring any employee of a franchisee of the same franchisor or (ii) soliciting or hiring any employee of the franchisor.
As a result, any
such provisions contained in the franchise agreement or elsewhere are void and unenforceable in Washington.
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 the 2025 Zoomin Groomin FDD, in Washington state, a franchisor cannot restrict a franchisee from soliciting or hiring any employee of a franchisee of the same franchisor, or from soliciting or hiring any employee of the franchisor. Therefore, any provisions in the franchise agreement that conflict with these limitations are void and unenforceable in Washington.
This addendum ensures that Zoomin Groomin franchisees in Washington are not unduly restricted in their ability to recruit and hire employees. This is particularly important in competitive labor markets where access to a wide pool of potential employees is crucial for business success.
For prospective Zoomin Groomin franchisees in Washington, this means they have the freedom to solicit and hire employees from other Zoomin Groomin locations or from the franchisor itself without fear of legal repercussions based on the franchise agreement. However, franchisees should still be aware of general employment laws and ethical considerations when recruiting employees.