Where must disputes with Canine Dimensions be submitted for arbitration?
Canine_Dimensions Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Provision | Section in Franchise Agreement | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| (g) Prior to the date of transfer, your transferee must complete our training program to our satisfaction. | ||
| n. Franchisor's right of first refusal to acquire franchisee's business | Section 13.5 | We can match any bona fide written offer for your Franchised Business. |
| o. Franchisor's option to | Section 15.4 | Upon expiration or termination, we can buy your personal property, |
| purchase franchisee's | fixtures, equipment, and inventory related to your Franchised | |
| business | Business. | |
| p. Death or disability of franchisee | Section 13.6 | Within thirty (30) days of death or disability, the Franchise must be operated by a person who has been approved by us and passed our Initial Training Program. The Franchise must be transferred to an approved individual or entity within 6 months of death or incapacity. We must approve all transfers. |
| q. Non-competition | Article 16 | You must not be in a competing business anywhere and must not |
| covenants during the term of | attempt to divert customers of your Franchised Business to any | |
| the franchise | competitive business. | |
| r. Non-competition covenants after the franchise is terminated or expires | Article 16 | You may not divert business to any competitor or employ or contract with any of our or another franchisee's personnel. In addition, for two years after termination or expiration, you may not have any involvement in a competing business within: (a) 30 miles of your Protected Territory; or (b) 50 miles of any Canine Dimensions Business. |
| s. Modification of the | Article 21 | Changes to the Franchise Agreement must be made in writing and |
| agreement | agreed to by both parties. | |
| t. Integration/merger clause | Article 21 | Only the terms of the Franchise Agreement are binding (subject to state law). Nothing in the agreement or in any related agreement is intended to disclaim the representations we made in the Franchise Disclosure Document. Any representations or promises outside the Franchise Disclosure Document and Franchise Agreement may not be enforceable. |
| u. Dispute resolution by arbitration or mediation | Article 23 | Subject to federal and your state's law, all disputes, except as explicitly listed in the Franchise Agreement, must be submitted to non-binding mediation in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. If unsuccessful, the dispute must be submitted to arbitration within five miles of our headquarters in Florida. |
| v. Choice of forum | Article 24 | Florida (subject to applicable state law). |
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 28–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Canine Dimensions's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, dispute resolution involves mediation and arbitration. Except for specific exceptions listed in the Franchise Agreement, all disputes must first go through non-binding mediation following the American Arbitration Association's commercial arbitration rules. If mediation is unsuccessful, the dispute must be submitted to arbitration within five miles of Canine Dimensions's headquarters in Florida.
This means that if a franchisee has a dispute with Canine Dimensions, they will likely need to travel to Florida for arbitration, which could involve significant travel costs and legal fees. The location of arbitration is important because it dictates where legal proceedings will occur, potentially favoring Canine Dimensions due to its proximity.
It is also important to note that the choice of forum for other legal matters is also Florida, as stated in the FDD. Prospective franchisees should consider the implications of these clauses, especially if they live far from Florida, and seek legal counsel to understand their rights and obligations regarding dispute resolution.