Does the Dog Haus franchise agreement address dispute resolution through mediation?

According to Dog Haus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement does address dispute resolution through mediation. The FDD states that any dispute must first be attempted through mediation, which will occur in Los Angeles, California. This mediation must be completed within 45 days following the date either party first gives notice of mediation, unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

The fees and expenses of the mediator will be shared equally between Dog Haus and the franchisee. If mediation is unsuccessful in resolving the dispute, all unresolved claims will be submitted to binding arbitration, also in Los Angeles, California. The fees and expenses of the arbitrator will also be shared equally, subject to applicable state law.

This clause is fairly standard in franchise agreements, as it encourages parties to resolve disputes amicably and efficiently before resorting to costly and time-consuming litigation. By requiring mediation first, Dog Haus and its franchisees have an opportunity to find common ground and preserve their business relationship. The 45-day timeframe for mediation provides a structured approach to the process, preventing it from dragging on indefinitely. The agreement also specifies that the location for both mediation and arbitration is Los Angeles, California, which may present a cost challenge for franchisees located outside of California.