Foster Friendly Workplace™
Get certified as an employer that supports employees who foster animals. Attract talent, boost morale, and save lives.
Why Foster Friendly Matters
The Problem
Austin's shelters are at capacity. The #1 solution is more foster homes. But many potential fosters worry about work conflicts: vet appointments, emergencies, bringing a pet to the office.
Workplace policies directly impact whether employees can foster. A supportive employer removes barriers that prevent people from helping.
The Opportunity
Companies that support fostering see real benefits:
- ✓Attract talent who value CSR
- ✓Boost employee morale and engagement
- ✓Differentiate your employer brand
- ✓Earn recognition and positive PR
Certification Levels
Certified
Requirements:
- •Allow pets in office (or remote-friendly)
- •Flexible scheduling for vet appointments
- •Internal communication about fostering
Benefits:
- ✓Foster Friendly Workplace badge
- ✓Listing on our partner directory
- ✓Social media recognition
Silver
Requirements:
- •All Certified requirements, plus:
- •Foster supply stipend or reimbursement
- •Paid time off for foster emergencies
- •Host foster info session annually
Benefits:
- ✓Everything in Certified, plus:
- ✓Featured case study
- ✓Priority volunteer event scheduling
- ✓Quarterly impact reports
Gold
Requirements:
- •All Silver requirements, plus:
- •Dedicated foster support budget
- •Foster mentor program
- •Corporate matching for foster expenses
Benefits:
- ✓Everything in Silver, plus:
- ✓Press release announcement
- ✓Speaking opportunity at events
- ✓Annual recognition award
The Badge
Certified companies receive a digital badge to display on:
- • Career pages and job postings
- • Company website
- • Social media profiles
- • Email signatures
- • Office signage
Apply for Certification
Tell us about your company and current policies. We'll help you understand which level you qualify for and what steps to take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost for certification?
No! Certification is free. We want to remove all barriers to companies supporting foster care. We simply ask that you maintain your commitment to the certification requirements.
How long does certification last?
Certification is valid for one year. We'll reach out annually to confirm your policies are still in place and renew your certification.
Can remote companies be certified?
Absolutely! Remote-friendly workplaces are inherently foster-friendly. We'll work with you to identify other ways to support employee fosters, like supply stipends or flexible scheduling.
What if we don't meet all requirements yet?
Apply anyway! We'll help you understand what changes would be needed and can provide resources to help you make the case internally. Many companies start at Certified and work toward Silver or Gold.