Caring Canines Volunteers - NY & NJ Sites

About Us:

The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe.

• Before You Apply
• To ensure this opportunity is a good fit, please watch our volunteer Pre-Orientation video for essential program information. Review the opportunity description and scheduling details below carefully before submitting your application.

Location s

We are looking for Caring Canines teams for our New York & New Jersey sites:

NY: Manhattan, Westchester, Commack, & Nassau

NJ: Basking Ridge, Bergen - Montvale, & Monmouth - Middletown

Please indicate which locations you are applying for in your application.

• Volunteer Opportunity
• The mission of Caring Canines is to enhance the patient experience through the therapeutic benefits of a Visiting Therapy Animal Program. Our Caring Canine teams visit more than 9,000 patients each year, bringing comfort and cheer to patients, caregivers, and staff wherever they go!

Volunteers in this role will provide canine visits to patients, caregivers, and staff throughout the facility in our New York and New Jersey locations . For more details on our program , p lease visit our website .

Who We’re Looking For

Age 1 8 +

Have a registered therapy dog

Can commit to a weekly shift for a minimum of 6 months. Volunteers are expected to be reliable in attending their scheduled shifts. Caring Canine shifts are about 1.5 hours .

If you are a former or current MSK patient, you must be out of active treatment for at least one year

Reliable, excellent interpersonal skills, and compassionate

Friendly and comfortable engaging with patients, families, and staff

Canine Quali fications

In order to volunteer at MSK, all canines must be up to date on the following vaccinations:

Rabies

Distemper/Parvo

Bordetella

Leptospirosis

All canines must have a negative fecal test performed within the last 12 months

Canines cannot eat a raw diet

Canines must be bathed within 24-48 hours of visiting

Onboarding Process (average 4–6 weeks)

If selected, complete an onsite evaluation with our Caring Canine Consultant . The selection process is based on the needs of the specific site and applicant qualifications .

2–3 reference checks

Background check & drug screen

Medical clearance (flu and other immunizations required ; at applicant’s expense)

Handlers will be asked to provide medical and immunization records from their canine’s veterinarian

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*To stay active in the program, onboarding must be completed within 4- 6 weeks . If your application is pending any onboarding tasks for 30+ days, your application may be rejected.

• Please Note
• This is an unpaid volunteer role. The Volunteer Department does not oversee paid employment, internships, shadowing, or educational programs. Our program provides meaningful, long-term opportunities to support patients and staff.

Closing :

At MSK, we believe in fair, competitive pay that reflects your job, experience, and skills.

MSK is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.