Where will disputes with Central Bark Doggy Day Care be arbitrated?
Central_Bark_Doggy_Day_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Provision | Section in franchise agreement, multi-unit franchise agreement, or other agreement | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mile radius of any CENTRAL BARK facility (same restrictions apply after transfer) | ||
| s. Modification of the agreement | FA - XXV. MUFA – 10.12 | No modifications except in writing, but We may change Operating Manual No modifications except in writing |
| t. Integration/merger clause | FA - XXV. MUFA – 10.12 | Only the terms of the Franchise Agreement are binding (subject to state law). Any other promises might not be enforceable. However, nothing in the Franchise Agreement or any related agreement is intended to disclaim our representations made in the Disclosure Document. Only the terms of the MUFA are binding (subject to state law). Any other promises might not be enforceable. However, nothing in the MUFA or any related agreement is intended to disclaim our representations made in the Disclosure Document. |
| u. Dispute resolution by arbitration or mediation | FA - XXX. and MUFA – 10.16 | We and you must arbitrate all disputes at a location within 50 miles of our or, as applicable, its successor’s or assign’s then- current principal place of business (currently Oakland Park, Florida) (subject to state law) |
Source: Item 17 — Renewal, Termination, Transfer, and Dispute Resolution (FDD pages 38–42)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Central Bark Doggy Day Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, disputes with the company must be arbitrated. The arbitration will take place within 50 miles of Central Bark Doggy Day Care's principal place of business, which is currently Oakland Park, Florida. This is subject to state law.
This means that if a franchisee has a dispute with Central Bark Doggy Day Care, they will be required to go through arbitration rather than directly filing a lawsuit in many cases. The location of the arbitration in Florida could present a significant cost and logistical burden for franchisees located outside of that area. Franchisees should consider these potential costs when evaluating the franchise opportunity.
It is common in the franchise industry for franchise agreements to include clauses requiring arbitration to resolve disputes. This is generally intended to be a faster and more cost-effective method of dispute resolution compared to litigation. However, franchisees should be aware of the potential implications of agreeing to arbitrate, including the limited scope of appeal and the potential for increased costs if the arbitration location is far from the franchisee's location.