Are there any exceptions to the General Release Agreement for Dog Haus franchisees, and if so, what are they?
Dog_Haus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
This Release Agreement does not apply with respect to claims arising under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, RCW 19.100, and the rules adopted thereunder.
However, to the extent required by applicable law, all rights you enjoy and any causes of action arising in your favor from the provisions of Article 33 of the General Business Law of the State of New York and the regulations issued thereunder shall remain in force; it being the intent of this proviso that the nonwaiver provisions of General Business Law Sections 687.4 and 687.5 be satisfied.
No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgement signed or agreed to by a franchise in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
A General Release will cover future consequences of acts, omissions events and circumstances predating the date of the General Release, but will not release, in advance, future acts, omissions or events which have not occurred at the time the General Release is executed.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 87–328)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dog Haus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the General Release Agreement includes specific exceptions. The release does not apply to claims arising under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, RCW 19.100, and its associated rules. Additionally, franchisees in New York State retain all rights and causes of action arising from Article 33 of the General Business Law of the State of New York and its regulations, particularly concerning the nonwaiver provisions of Sections 687.4 and 687.5.
Furthermore, the agreement ensures that no statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a franchisee can waive claims under applicable state franchise laws, including fraud in the inducement, or disclaim reliance on statements made by Dog Haus. This provision supersedes any conflicting terms in other documents related to the franchise agreement. The General Release covers future consequences of past acts but does not release future acts that have not yet occurred when the release is executed.
These exceptions protect franchisees by preserving their rights under specific state laws and preventing them from unknowingly waiving legal claims. Prospective Dog Haus franchisees should be aware of these protections, especially if they are located in Washington or New York, as these provisions ensure that certain legal rights remain enforceable despite the General Release Agreement.