Pets of HOMA

Meet Sam, the Scottish Highland Straight. He, Roman, and Julia, come all the way from the cold of Novosibirsk in Siberia. The family has now chosen HOMA Phuket Town as their new home. Usually a playful character, during this photoshoot Sam was a little shy due to a sudden change of environment. Back In Novosibirsk, Sam enjoys going to the grooming salon every 3 months to maintain his fabulous fur. Since moving to Phuket, Roman and Julia have been trying to do the grooming themselves and are still on the lookout for a good groomer who can get along with Sam. So if you have any recommendations for a good cat groomer close to HOMA, please let Roman and Julia know. What is Sam like? While Roman and Julia work as software engineers during the day, like most cats, Sam spends his time laying on the sofa doing nothing. On other days, Sam likes to walk around on the balcony and hunt for flies and birds as well as enjoy the Samkong neighborhood view. We’ve also been told that Sam absolutely loves sour cream and that he is ready to sell his soul to get a taste. Sam was born in September and is now almost 2 years old. Since he is the only child in the family, he gets spoiled with an abundance of toys. His favorite is an old plush fish that he brought with him from Russia to give him comfort. But when he is stressed (as he was in this photo shoot), he’ll take out his anger on his scratch and spin toy. At the end of the day, as Sam prepares himself for bed, he likes to rapidly change his mood from being a cute fluffball to an absolute demon in a span of a few seconds. A well-rounded experience at HOMA “HOMA is exactly what we were looking for, a pet-friendly place with good service and a great community all in one.” For Sam and his family, HOMA has been a really good fit. The co-living complex has everything they need, from a coworking space for Roman to work on projects, an authentic rooftop Italian restaurant for a couples romantic dinner, to a pet-friendly environment for Sam. Roman and Julia also love to spend their time visiting local attractions such as Chillva Night Market and Andamanda Water Park as well as exploring different islands around Phuket. Initially, they plan to stay at HOMA for just 6 months but are looking to extend their stay further. Looking for a place to live and work? Join the HOMA tribe and experience daily fitness classes, enjoy the longest rooftop pool in Phuket, and get work done at our co-working space on-site! #PetsofHOMA If you’re interested in participating in our pet photoshoot like this one, feel free to reach out to us at marketing@homa.co

When talking about pets, current pet owners will immediately know that one of the best feelings in the world is coming home to a loyal companion after a stressful day at work. Our furry friends help us recover from emotional fatigue and make us forget about all our problems (even just for a little while). This emotional impact pets have on humans can also be utilized to uplift employees within a work environment. With that said, major companies like Amazon, Google, and Salesforce have already adopted a pet-friendly workplace as many studies have shown that having pets around decreases your levels of stress-related hormones, lowers blood pressure, and boosts your mood. In this article, we’ll be talking about why having a pet-friendly work environment is beneficial for your company. Benefits of pets at the workplace Having pets around in the workplace not only offers benefits for the employees but for the employers too. Spending too much time on a project or having back-to-back meetings can cause workplace stress which leads to a tense atmosphere for the company. Pets, especially dogs and cats, can contribute to factors that positively affect the workplace setting. Here are 4 reasons why it is beneficial to have a pet-friendly workplace; 1. Pets help reduce stress and boost morale Pets, especially dogs and cats can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Studies have shown that having social interactions with animals and pets helps lower cortisol levels (your body’s main stress hormone) and in turn, releases oxytocin which is a stress-reducing hormone. Therefore, introducing a pet policy that allows your employees to bring their pets with them to the office can decrease stress levels for all employees in the workplace and consequently, has a positive effect on the office morale. 2. Pets increase teamwork and social engagement As mentioned above, pets are an effective way of making people smile and lightening the mood, especially in stressful situations. Not only do they help boost workplace morale but pets can be the ultimate source to promote prosocial behavior, making people connect and engage with each other more. A research article from Central Michigan University found that pets in a workplace often act as an icebreaker and encourage more interaction among employees. This has a positive effect on the workplace as people automatically feel more cooperative which ultimately leads to better teamwork. After all, better communication leads to more trust which is essential in a work environment. 3. Pets help stimulate productivity Having pets around is a natural reminder for people to pause and take a break from the project they are involved in. A USC report suggests that spending too much time on a project can actually decrease productivity and cause unnecessary stress. This is where pets come in as the unsung hero; bringing pets to work most likely will lead employees to take regular physical and mental breaks. Whether it is going on for a short walk or just a little playtime, temporary breaks allow people to clear their minds and come back feeling more refreshed. While some (outdated) companies see this as a counterproductive measure, having pets around is actually beneficial for workers to increase productivity. 4. Pets improve employee Retention All the factors mentioned above all point to one thing; job satisfaction. We start to see major companies adopt policies that aim to make the work environment more welcoming and relaxed. Allowing employees to bring their pets to work contributes to this by creating a safe space for employees. It is a fundamental concept that when employees are happier with their work environment, they are less likely to leave. A stress-free individual not only produces better work but they are less likely to be absent and in turn, companies benefit from a better retention rate. Considerations for having pets at work While having pets in the workplace is beneficial, there are also considerations that should be taken into account when doing so. Employers should ensure a healthy environment for pets and employees alike. Here are some common courtesy pet owners should follow before bringing their pets in; With that said, HOMA is the first multi-living complex in Phuket Town that provides a pet-friendly environment for all our guests in combination with a true work-from-home experience. Explore our room types and book your next workation with us, and don’t forget to bring your pets along!

Meet Lucky, the white labrador. Originally from Sweden, Lars and Irene took her into their family at just 10 weeks old. Currently at 4 years young, Lucky experienced her first flight from Europe straight to the tropical island of Phuket. I was told that she was very well-behaved throughout the journey. Before moving here, Lucky was able to enjoy the nice cool weather of Sweden. Her favorite activities include playing in the snow, long walks in the forest, swimming in lakes, and foraging for raspberries, strawberries, black currants, and blackberries. A true nature lover by heart. In their spare time, Lars and Irene like to take Lucky out for walkies. They’ve now found their favorite walking spot, at King Rama 9 park. What is Lucky like? Lucky is described as a very easy-going dog who’s always happy. This sweet girl loves running behind a ball, being the center of attention, and eating all kinds of foods – her favorites are bananas, apples, watermelon, and carrots. Every time Lucky is around people, she puts on her happy face to let them know that giving pets and scratches are welcome. When hearing her name being called, she gets very excited and will come close and ask politely to get a pat on her head. Here at HOMA, she is a fan favorite among guests and staff alike. Needless to say, meeting Lucky throughout the property will instantly brighten up your day. About Lars and Irene Lars is from the Netherlands, and Irene is from China, but they have lived mostly in Sweden and China. The couple has extensive years of experience working in the hotel industry in various positions. In China, they both worked in and opened several hotels and resorts. Lars is looking forward to starting all over in Phuket but in the meantime, a well-earned vacation is needed. They spend their time discovering local attractions in Phuket Town, dining out, taking Lucky for walks, swimming, playing golf, exercising, traveling, and cooking. Apart from all this, Lars aspires to continue doing good for society by helping local charities and assisting the community in rebuilding infrastructures. He has past experience supporting good causes in China as well as rebuilding schools in less fortunate areas. His great sense of community is deeply inspired by his late father who used to work for the Red Cross and Rotary after retirement. Their experience at HOMA “When you decide to move overseas, it’s exciting at first, but then you start to worry about where you can live with a dog, that was a bit tricky.” When the family was in search of pet-friendly apartments in Phuket to accommodate Lucky, they found a recommendation for HOMA in a Facebook group and decided to give it a try. Their transition from Sweden to Phuket was smoothened with the help of all HOMA staff. “For us, it is really all the people working for HOMA – everyone is so kind and helpful.” Now, Lucky enjoys morning walks around the property and in the community garden. All of us at HOMA hope that Lucky and her family will stay with us for the long run. “We have been fortunate enough to travel the world and stay and work in mostly 5-star hotels, so we know a good-run business, and HOMA is a very good, well-run machine.” – Lars A message to the HOMA Team Everyone has been very courteous, kind, and helpful. We have had interactions with reception, housekeeping, engineering, security, sales, marketing, reservations, restaurant, pool, and the management – great team, keep up the excellent work. Looking for a pet-friendly place to live and work? Join the HOMA tribe and experience daily fitness classes, enjoy the longest rooftop pool in Phuket, and get work done at our co-working space on-site! #PetsofHOMA

Meet Huba the 8-year-old Pumi Hungarian Shepard. He and the Kertész family come all the way from Hungary. From once a street dog in the Hungarian countryside, Huba now lives with his loving family on the tropical island of Phuket. What is Huba like? Underneath all the scruff, Huba is very sweet, calm, and patient. He is described as the perfect family dog and is always looking to safeguard his younger siblings. In his spare time, he loves to spend time barking at other dogs from the balcony as well as learning new tricks. Despite disliking being on a leash, his mommy claims that when hot dogs are involved, Huba instantly becomes a grade A student at agility and obedience training. His favorite tricks include; sitting, giving handshakes, and standing on two feet. Good job Huba! Don’t forget to say hi or share your hot dogs with Huba when you meet him around the HOMA community gardens. #PetsofHOMA

Meet Odin the West Highland White Terrier. He and Tatiana come all the way from Russia. The pair have been enjoying their stay at HOMA through the pet-friendly facilities provided. Odin is described as a super friendly dog that is always wagging his tail but sometimes he needs a little bit of time to trust strangers (don’t we all?!). What is Odin like? Being only just 5 and a half years old, Odin is still quite young but often acts super old and grumpy. While Tatiana works as a freelancer during the day, she has plenty of time to take Odin out for walks around the complex and neighborhood. In a couple of months, Odin will turn 6 years old (that’s 40 years old in human years!) so he isn’t too keen on long walks but loves a fun swim session. While Odin is a super smart dog, he can be equally stubborn at times. He has mastered all the tricks that will get him treats including giving high fives, standing, sitting, and staying down. After all the hard work, he loves getting rewarded with mangoes and papayas. Luckily for him, there are plenty in Thailand. Apart from all this, he’s always down to play a game of fetch with his favorite tennis ball and is currently the best ball catcher at HOMA. Don’t forget to say hi to Odin when you see him around the complex, most likely in the HOMA community garden as he enjoys marking his territory there. “Homa is about comfort and hospitality. We’re happy to be here! Homa is home for now.” – Tatiana #PetsofHOMA

Meet Tom Yum, the 2 months old chihuahua from Bangkok. He has settled in nicely in Phuket with his loving family, Anton and Anna. The artistic couple from Russia have been traveling around the world for the past 4 years and now, they have an additional member who can join them on their adventures. During the day, Anton and Anna focus on their creative work while Tom Yum is kept busy with his mountain of new toys. His favorite pick of the bunch is the fluffy duck and loves begging to get up on the bed because it is forbidden. Since he is still young, we won’t be seeing much of Tom Yum around the HOMA facility just yet. Once he receives all the required vaccinations, we will surely see this brave young Chihuahua more often. What is Tom Yum like? Without a doubt, Tom Yum is the smallest pup at HOMA but has the biggest heart. Unlike many smaller dog breeds, Tom Yum is super friendly and is always in the mood to meet new people. He is very brave and loves to explore new places. Within just two weeks of training, he can already sit, give his paw, and is quickly developing different personalities every single day. Luckily for us, we got to witness his first jump off the bed during this photoshoot. Good job Tom Yum! Anton and Anna work as an architect & graphic designer and discovered HOMA through social media. They were looking for pet-friendly accommodation that caters to their digital nomad needs. One thing that the couple was considering when finding a new home in Phuket is a friendly community living concept, that’s why they decided to stay at HOMA. We provide a true work-from-home experience through our co-working space as well as offer community events on a weekly basis. Looking for a place to live and work? Join the HOMA tribe and experience daily fitness classes, enjoy the longest rooftop pool in Phuket, and get work done at our co-working space on-site! #PetsofHOMA

Meet Marty, the 1-year-old chestnut brown Mini Maltipoo. He and Anastasiia come from Yekaterinburg, a city east of the Ural Mountains in Russia. He is described as a very sociable pup who is comfortable and confident when meeting new people. When it comes to other dogs, Marty is equally friendly especially when they are the same size. Marty also has an honors degree from a dog training school back in Russia by mastering all advanced tricks including; spinning, rolling, lying, jumping, paw, and giving hi-fives. The most impressive part? No special treats are usually involved! While Anastasiia teaches online rhythmic gymnastics during the day, Marty helps keep a lookout on the balcony just to ensure everything is safe and sound. He likes to bark at kids that pass by the apartment as it’s his way to ‘protect the house’. When off duty, he loves to steal socks from his owners and hides them around the house. What is Marty like? Marty is the symbol of a free spirit that loves to travel and hates being kept on a leash. He is a great travel companion as he enjoys exploring new places whether it is a trip to cafes, restaurants, or running free at the beach. When traveling somewhere by car, his travel sense tingles as he jumps straight onto the seat and is well-behaved; showing an attitude of “I’m ready! We can head off!”. When heading home, he gets equally excited, no matter if he’s been away for 5 minutes or 3 hours. At the end of the day, his sleeping mechanism involves having sudden zoomies by digging into the floor or sofa very quickly with his paws, then spinning around, and finally falling asleep. Twice a month, he will go to the salon and get a fresh trim. His hair is always looking healthy and rarely falls out which makes him hypoallergenic. He also has no strong dog smell which is very comfy for his owners. Marty enjoys Thailand’s climate because he doesn’t need extra accessories like coats that protect them from the harsh cold in Russia. This way he can always show off his fresh cut. Anastasiia discovered HOMA through social media when she was browsing for pet-friendly places in Phuket which have now become their home. Marty loves to roam around the complex in the community gardens but his favorite place is on the sofa in the lobby area. So you better behave when around HOMA’s entrance because Marty is always keeping an eye on you. Marty will soon turn 2 on the 17th of July so don’t forget to say happy birthday and share Bully Sticks (his favorite snack) with him. Also, don’t forget to give him a follow on Instagram (@marty_maltipoo_) to stay up to date with his adventures! #PetsofHOMA

Yulia and Sandra (more commonly known as Sanya) come all the way from Russia. After only a few weeks at HOMA Phuket Town, the pair has settled in quite nicely. How do we know this? Because Sanya has already found a playmate with a neighboring cat just a couple of doors down. What is Sanya like? Sanya is a Turkish Angora with short hair and is known to be quite talkative. Despite looking very delicate in her fluffy white coat, Sanya actually has many dog-like characteristics. She’s described to be very comfortable around people and loves to play. During the day, Yulia works remotely in the IT field while Sanya spends her time trying to get Yulia’s attention to play fetch with her favorite plush toys. While most cats are more comfortable staying in their home environment, Sanya loves to go on walks and is always curious to explore new places. If you’re walking around the complex during the afternoon, you will most likely find her in her favorite spot, the HOMA parking lot. In July, Sanya will turn 2 years old! Don’t forget to say Happy Birthday when you see her in the HOMA common areas. She’s easy to spot in her bright red harness. #PetsofHOMA