Caring Canines Volunteers - NY & NJ Sites

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. 

Locations 

• 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, please visit our website. 

Who We’re Looking For  

• Age 18+ 

• 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 Qualifications 

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.