Can All Dogs Unleashed unreasonably withhold consent to a transfer of the franchise?
All_Dogs_Unleashed Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisor will not unreasonably withhold its consent to a transfer, but may condition its consent on satisfaction of any or all of the following:
- 12.4.1.
You shall have requested consent in writing and delivered to Franchisor a copy of the proposed transfer agreements, including sale terms, at least 30 days prior to the proposed transfer, and Franchisor has determined, in its sole and reasonable discretion, that the terms of the sale will not materially and adversely affect the post transfer viability of the Franchised Business.
- 12.4.2.
The transferee shall demonstrate to Franchisor's satisfaction that the transferee meets Franchisor's then-current educational, managerial and business standards; possesses a good moral
character, business reputation and credit rating; has the aptitude and ability to operate the Franchised Business; and has sufficient equity capital to operate the Franchised;
- 12.4.3.
All of your accrued monetary obligations and all other outstanding obligations to Franchisor, its Affiliates, and third-party suppliers shall be up to date, fully paid and satisfied, and you must be in full compliance with this Agreement and any other agreements between you and Franchisor, its Affiliates and your suppliers;
- 12.4.4.
You or the transferee shall have agreed to refurbish the Commercial Training Facility premises so that it meets Franchisor's image requirements for a new ALL DOGS UNLEASHED Facility;
- 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;
- 12.4.6.
You or the transferee shall have paid the applicable Transfer Fee in the amount set forth in the Summary Pages and reimburse Franchisor for all reasonable costs and expenses it incurred (including its attorneys' fees) in facilitating the transfer;
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 49–158)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All Dogs Unleashed's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor will not unreasonably withhold consent to a transfer of the franchise. However, All Dogs Unleashed may condition its consent on the satisfaction of several requirements.
These conditions include the franchisee requesting consent in writing at least 30 days before the proposed transfer, along with delivering a copy of the proposed transfer agreements that include sale terms. All Dogs Unleashed must determine, in its sole and reasonable discretion, that the sale terms will not materially and adversely affect the post-transfer viability of the franchised business. The transferee must also demonstrate that they meet All Dogs Unleashed's then-current educational, managerial, and business standards, possess a good moral character, business reputation, and credit rating, have the aptitude and ability to operate the franchised business, and have sufficient equity capital to operate the franchised business.
Additional conditions include ensuring all accrued monetary obligations and outstanding obligations to All Dogs Unleashed, its affiliates, and third-party suppliers are up to date, fully paid, and satisfied. The franchisee must be in full compliance with the Franchise Agreement and any other agreements. The franchisee or transferee must agree to refurbish the Commercial Training Facility premises to meet All Dogs Unleashed's image requirements for a new facility. The franchisee and each owner must execute a general release of any and all claims against All Dogs Unleashed and its affiliates. Finally, the franchisee or transferee must pay the applicable transfer fee and reimburse All Dogs Unleashed for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred in facilitating the transfer, including attorney's fees.
These stipulations are fairly standard in franchising. They protect All Dogs Unleashed's brand by ensuring that any new franchisee meets their operational and financial standards, has no legal disputes with the company, and that the physical location maintains a consistent brand image. A prospective franchisee should carefully consider these conditions and ensure they can meet them before attempting to transfer their franchise.