HydroDog traces its origins to 1994, when Anthony Amos—formerly a professional rugby player—launched a mobile dog-washing service in Australia. What started as a single grooming unit quickly evolved into a larger mobile grooming concept as demand grew.

Its convenience-focused model helped the brand expand rapidly throughout Australia and New Zealand. HydroDog later moved into the U.S. market and created HydroDog, LLC, which now operates out of Clearwater, Florida, serving as the company’s headquarters.

The franchise began offering mobile grooming opportunities to U.S. entrepreneurs in 2018, giving owners the ability to run their own branded grooming vehicles.

Today, HydroDog provides a variety of pet-care services, including customized grooming for different breeds, standard bathing, nail trimming, ear and eye cleaning, and flea or tick treatments.

Because everything is delivered through a mobile unit, the franchise stands out by bringing high-quality grooming directly to customers’ homes, eliminating salon trips for both pets and owners.

Training

The HydroDog franchise provides a structured and multi-faceted training program to ensure franchisees are fully prepared to operate their mobile grooming business. Here are the main training programs:

1. Initial Training – HydroDog Academy: Franchisees and one additional trainee must complete the “HydroDog Academy” before opening. This includes both classroom and on-the-job training, which must be finished at least 30 days before launch. A non-refundable Initial Training Fee of $5,000 per trainee applies.
2. Ongoing and Refresher Training: HydroDog may require franchisees or previously trained owners to attend periodic refresher or extended training courses. These are conducted at times and locations designated by the franchisor and are aimed at reinforcing operational standards.
3. Additional On-Site Training: If the franchisee requests or if HydroDog mandates further training within the franchise territory, an additional fee—capped at $400 per trainer per day—plus travel and living expenses is charged. Half of the fee is payable at the time of scheduling, with the balance due shortly after.
4. Pre-Opening and Operational Activities: Franchisees must engage in all activities needed to operate the business, including compliance with local or state training requirements if applicable. They are also responsible for all personal and trainee travel, lodging, and related expenses during training.

Territory Protection

The HydroDog franchise grants franchisees a defined geographic territory, but it is not considered exclusive. Each territory is outlined in Exhibit “A” of the Franchise Agreement and is defined using standard geographic markers such as county or postal zones.

Franchisees are not protected from competition outside their territory and may face competitive pressure from other HydroDog operations, including those owned or authorized by the franchisor.

However, HydroDog does agree not to operate or license other mobile or fixed-location HydroDog businesses within a franchisee’s defined territory. This provides a degree of operational security within that area.