In Indiana, can Dog Haus substantially modify the franchise agreement without the franchisee's written consent?

Based on the 2025 Dog Haus Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement contains restrictions on transfer, stating that the agreement may not be assigned by the franchisee without the prior written consent of the franchisor. The franchisee is also prohibited from amending, modifying, or altering the lease during the term of the agreement without the franchisor's prior written consent. The franchisee must provide the franchisor with at least thirty (30) days' prior written notice of any proposed amendment, modification, alteration, extension, or renewal of the lease. This indicates that while the franchisee cannot unilaterally make changes, the franchisor's consent is required for certain modifications.

However, the FDD excerpts provided do not explicitly address whether Dog Haus can unilaterally modify the franchise agreement itself without the franchisee's written consent. The document focuses more on the franchisee's obligations and restrictions regarding transferring the agreement or modifying the lease. There are mentions of the franchisor's rights and options in the event of a lease termination or default by the franchisee, but these do not directly relate to the franchisor's ability to change the franchise agreement terms.

Therefore, a prospective Dog Haus franchisee in Indiana should carefully review the franchise agreement to understand the specific clauses regarding modifications and amendments. It would be prudent to seek clarification from the franchisor regarding their ability to make unilateral changes to the agreement and under what circumstances such changes could occur. Understanding these terms is crucial for protecting the franchisee's interests and ensuring a clear understanding of the contractual obligations.