According to the Hydrodog FDD, what document does this rider amend?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The Summary column of Item 17 rows (f) and (g) of this disclosure document and Section 16.2 of the Franchise Agreement are amended to add that the Franchisor's ability to terminate the Franchise Agreement and/or any related agreement is subject to state law.
The Summary column of Item 17 row (m) of this disclosure document and Section 15.3 of the Franchise Agreement are amended to remove the requirement that the Franchisor have the right to approve the material terms as a condition to transfer.
The Summary column of Item 17 row (p) of this disclosure document and Sections 15.5 and 15.6 of the Franchise Agreement are amended to provide franchisee with 6 months (or 180 days) to transfer the business in the event of death or disability. Further, the Franchisor shall agree to deal in good faith pursuant to RCW 19.100.180(1).
The Summary column of Item 17 row (u) of this disclosure document is amended to read as follows:
"Franchise or an ownership interest in you must be assigned to an approved buyer within 3 months and must be run by a trained manager during the period prior to the assignment. You will have 6 months to transfer the HydroDog Business. Assignment is subject to our right of first refusal."
The first sentence of Section 18.4 of the Franchise Agreement shall be amended in part to provide that the franchisee shall not be required to indemnify the franchisor or its affiliates for the negligent acts or omissions of the franchisor or its affiliates.
Section 21 of the Franchise Agreement will be subject to the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, RCW 19.100, and the rules adopted thereunder.
RCW 19.100.180 may supersede the franchise agreement in your relationship with the franchisor including the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise. There may also be court decisions which may supersede the franchise agreement in your relationship with the franchisor including the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise.
In any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 43–166)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Hydrodog Franchise Disclosure Document, the rider amends both Item 17 of the disclosure document and specific sections of the Franchise Agreement. Specifically, the summary column of Item 17 rows (f), (g), (m), (p), and (u) are amended, along with Sections 15.3, 15.5, 15.6, 16.2, 18.4 and 21 of the Franchise Agreement.
These amendments cover various aspects of the franchise relationship. For example, the franchisor's ability to terminate the Franchise Agreement is subject to state law. The requirement for the franchisor to approve material terms as a condition to transfer is removed. Franchisees are provided with six months (or 180 days) to transfer the business in the event of death or disability, and the franchisor must deal in good faith. The franchisee is not required to indemnify the franchisor for the negligent acts or omissions of the franchisor or its affiliates. Section 21 of the Franchise Agreement will be subject to the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, RCW 19.100, and the rules adopted thereunder.
Prospective Hydrodog franchisees should carefully review these amendments to understand their rights and obligations under the Franchise Agreement. It is important to note that state laws, particularly RCW 19.100, and court decisions may supersede the franchise agreement in areas such as termination and renewal. Additionally, any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington must occur in Washington or a mutually agreed-upon location.