Former Rite Aid location on Main Line to be transformed into luxury pet resort.
A new luxury pet hotel is set to debut in Wayne, Pennsylvania, revitalizing a former Rite Aid location on the 600 block of West Lancaster Avenue. The K9 Resorts facility will begin operations later this summer, marking an expansion of the North Jersey-based chain known for its high-quality boarding and daycare services for dogs.
This new establishment is part of a broader trend in the region, where numerous vacated Rite Aid stores have become prime candidates for conversion into various businesses, especially following the company’s second bankruptcy filing. The impending closure of all Rite Aid pharmacies underscores the need for innovative repurposing of these properties.
The renovation of the 15,000-square-foot facility is projected to exceed million, according to franchisee Christopher Kulp. The transformation aims to create an environment where dogs can play, eat, and relax comfortably. Kulp, who co-owns the Wayne location with his wife, Marnie, envisions a welcoming space that motivates dogs to eagerly enter the facility.
K9 Resorts is designed to cater to pet owners who seek extravagant experiences for their animals. For a daily rate starting around 0, guests can enjoy a “luxury suite,” a soundproof 8-by-8-foot room equipped with chew-proof dog beds and in-suite entertainment options, including HD televisions set to Animal Planet or “DogTV,” a channel specifically curated for canine enjoyment. More economical choices range from to per night, providing options for various budgets while ensuring cleanliness through hospital-grade products and advanced air filtration systems.
The resurgence in demand for pet care services, spurred by the pandemic and the subsequent rise in pet ownership, prompted the Kulps’ interest in joining the boarding industry. Their experiences with prior kennels—characterized by a lack of modern amenities and cleanliness—motivated them to explore a venture that promised superior accommodations for dogs.
The Wayne location’s strategic position near the Radnor Trail and neighboring shopping amenities makes it particularly appealing. The Kulps have committed to a five-year lease with two additional five-year extension options, intending to establish K9 Resorts as a staple in the community for at least 15 years.
Hiring is expected to commence in early August, with an opening projected around Labor Day, as they prepare to accept reservations a few weeks prior. K9 Resorts currently operates five other locations in the Philadelphia area, extending its reach and commitment to providing exceptional care to dogs and peace of mind to their owners.
