Who should a Dog Haus franchisee consult with when establishing employment policies?
Dog_Haus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You and you alone will be solely responsible for all hiring and employment decisions and functions relating to the Franchised Restaurant, including those related to hiring, firing, training, establishing remuneration, compliance with wage and hour requirements, personnel policies, benefits, recordkeeping, supervision and discipline of employees, regardless of whether you have received advice from us on these subjects or not. Any guidance we may give you regarding employment policies should be considered merely examples. You will be responsible for establishing and implementing your own employment policies, and should do so in consultation with local legal counsel experienced in employment law.
Source: Item 15 — OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS (FDD pages 61–62)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dog Haus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, while the franchisor may offer guidance, franchisees are ultimately responsible for establishing and implementing their own employment policies. Dog Haus recommends that franchisees consult with local legal counsel experienced in employment law to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Franchisees have autonomy over employment decisions, including hiring, firing, training, and setting remuneration, as well as ensuring compliance with wage and hour laws.
Dog Haus emphasizes that the franchisor's advice on employment policies serves merely as examples. Franchisees must take the initiative to create policies that align with their specific business needs and legal obligations. This includes maintaining proper recordkeeping, supervising employees effectively, and implementing disciplinary procedures.
This approach reflects a common practice in franchising, where franchisees operate as independent business owners responsible for their own employees. By consulting with local legal counsel, Dog Haus franchisees can mitigate the risk of legal issues and ensure fair and compliant employment practices. This also allows the franchisee to tailor their policies to the specific requirements of their location and workforce.