In arbitration with Canine Dimensions, can I consolidate my arbitration proceeding with another arbitration proceeding involving Canine Dimensions and another party?
Canine_Dimensions Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee and Franchisor agree that arbitration will be conducted on an individual, not class-wide, basis, and that an arbitration proceeding instituted by either party cannot be consolidated with any other arbitration proceeding between Franchisor and any other person, corporation, limited liability company, or partnership.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Canine Dimensions' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are prohibited from consolidating their arbitration proceeding with any other arbitration proceeding involving Canine Dimensions and another party. The FDD states that arbitration will be conducted on an individual basis, not class-wide.
This means that if a franchisee has a dispute with Canine Dimensions that goes to arbitration, they must pursue it independently. They cannot join forces with other franchisees who have similar disputes to present a consolidated case. This limitation could potentially increase the costs and complexity for individual franchisees pursuing arbitration, as they will not be able to share resources or legal representation with others.
The inability to consolidate arbitration proceedings is a notable restriction for franchisees. It prevents collective action in dispute resolution, which could be a disadvantage when dealing with a larger entity like Canine Dimensions. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider this limitation and its potential impact on their ability to effectively resolve disputes with the franchisor.