Does All Dogs Unleashed's consent to a transfer waive any claims it may have against the transferring party?
All_Dogs_Unleashed Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 12.4.5.
You and each Owner shall have executed a general release, in a form satisfactory to Franchisor, of any and all claims against Franchisor and its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, managers, members, agents and employees in their corporate and individual capacities, including, without limitation, claims arising under federal, state and local laws, rules and ordinances; provided, however, that any release will not be inconsistent with any state law regulating franchising;
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 49–158)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All Dogs Unleashed's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wants to transfer their franchise, All Dogs Unleashed requires that the franchisee and each owner execute a general release of any and all claims against All Dogs Unleashed and its affiliates. This release must be in a form satisfactory to All Dogs Unleashed and covers claims arising under federal, state, and local laws, rules, and ordinances.
This means that as a condition of approving the transfer, All Dogs Unleashed requires the franchisee to waive any existing or potential legal claims they may have against the company. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising to ensure a clean break and avoid future disputes after the transfer is complete.
However, the FDD states that this release will not be inconsistent with any state law regulating franchising. This caveat is important because some state franchise laws may restrict the scope or enforceability of such releases, protecting franchisees from being forced to waive certain rights. Therefore, a prospective All Dogs Unleashed franchisee should consult with a legal professional to understand the implications of this release in their specific state and ensure their rights are protected during the transfer process.