Hawai'i's newest dog care facility, di Ventus Dog Hotel & Spa, is at 923 Ke'eau-moku St., an area usually known for its night life. The one-story reddish-brown building was once a financial institution, but now it's home to a cage-free dog care facility.

JUST LIKE HOME

The main room is a large, comfortable living room with white and black tile floors. Doggie art lines the walls.

Among potted palms, the soft-green cotton and black leather loveseats are arranged throughout the living area. The coffee table and large plasma television add a homey touch.

Dogs snooze on the loveseats, enjoying the comfortable air-conditioned climate. "The Dog Whisperer" is playing on TV. The windows are tinted to keep bright light from disrupting the peaceful surroundings.

The mood in the living area is laid back. There is no barking or displays of manic behavior.

NOT HOUSEBROKEN? NO PROBLEM

Di Ventus is different from other pet care facilities because it does not require animals to be spayed or neutered, housebroken or trained. The staff of 12 welcomes all dogs.

There are indoor and outdoor bathroom facilities to keep everyone comfortable. The indoor bathroom has puppy pads on the floor, tucked away in a private corner. The outside area has sand, grass and gravel, whatever they prefer.

Dogs in heat are kept in another room, away from the main living area to keep the peace.

Detailed records are kept on every dog. Kaleigh Meyer, manager, said, "We keep a daily log: when they ate, if they didn't, how many times they went to the bathroom. We also classify our dogs by colored leashes so the staff knows their traits. Some are chewers, others are markers, some may have separation anxiety."

AT YOUR CONVENIENCE

Di Ventus is open 24 hours a day, and owners can drop off and pick up their pets at all hours. Kenji Takahashi, vice president, said, "We had an owner a while back whose family member was rushed to the hospital. They dropped the dog off at midnight and picked up their dog several days later. We are able to help our clients at any time."

Norine Wong of Makiki takes her miniature fox terrier, Taiyo, there every other week. "I work full time and they cater to my baby's needs. The space is large where he can run around, sit on the couches or play with the other dogs.

"It's well worth the money, because he's happy and it's also conveniently located."

TRAINING PROVIDED

Some dogs may need training, which di Ventus provides. Kosei Inoue, executive director and dog school principal, is an animal behaviorist. "We call him the Japanese version of the 'Dog Whisperer,' " Takahashi said.

Mitzi Simonelli, a psychologist and professor at Chaminade University, takes her boxer, Harley, to di Ventus twice a week. After four months, she says, Harley has been transformed. "Harley's problem was every time he would get near another dog, he'd want to play, because he has a lot of energy. Kosei worked with him from the beginning. After the sixth visit, his behavior changed. Harley is a whole different dog and he loves going there!

"It is the best dog place I've ever seen. The staff is so talented. Your dog is always learning the whole time. I can't recommend it highly enough," said Simonelli.

OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED

Basic grooming services are provided: nail clipping, shampooing and ear cleaning.

Also available is a special microbubble machine from Japan that cleans without soap. Using negative ions, the bubbles remove dirt and particles from the dog's coat. Takahashi noticed that skin problems usually clear up after several treatments.

In a few months, they'll offer services of an elite groomer from Japan specializing in fancy scissors cuts.

HALF OFF DAY CARE AND BOARDING

Takahashi understands the recession is affecting everyone. Di Ventus has a special offer for August and September: receive 50 percent off day care and boarding. For a list of services and prices, see www.diventus dog.com/ or call 983-3855.

Although the Web site does say there is a $100 annual membership fee, Takahashi says he is waiving this fee indefinitely.

Animal lover Leslie Kawamoto has been with The Advertiser for 19 years, or 133 dog years. Check out her blog at www.HonoluluAdvertiser.com/Blogs.