Does the Washington Addendum apply to all Zoomin Groomin franchise agreements?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The provisions of this Addendum form an integral part of, are incorporated into, and modify the Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement, and all related agreements regardless of anything to the contrary contained therein. This Addendum applies if: (a) the offer to sell a franchise is accepted in Washington; (b) the purchaser of the franchise is a resident of Washington; and/or (c) the franchised business that is the subject of the sale is to be located or operated, wholly or partly, 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 Zoomin Groomin's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Washington Addendum does not apply to all franchise agreements. Instead, it applies specifically when certain conditions are met related to the location of the franchise or the franchisee.
The Washington Addendum becomes an integral part of the franchise agreement if (a) the offer to sell a Zoomin Groomin franchise is accepted in Washington, (b) the purchaser of the franchise is a resident of Washington, or (c) the franchised Zoomin Groomin business will be located or operated, either wholly or partly, in Washington. This means that if none of these conditions are met, the addendum would not be applicable.
Several specific provisions within the Zoomin Groomin franchise agreement are modified by the Washington Addendum to comply with Washington state law. These modifications cover areas such as indemnification, attorneys' fees, noncompetition covenants, and nonsolicitation agreements. For example, the addendum modifies indemnification clauses so that a franchisee is not required to indemnify Zoomin Groomin for losses caused by Zoomin Groomin's own negligence or misconduct. Similarly, noncompetition covenants are subject to specific earnings thresholds for employees and independent contractors, as dictated by Washington law. Franchisees should carefully review the Washington Addendum to understand how it alters the standard franchise agreement within the state.