NY- Caring Canines Volunteer

Job details

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.

Role Overview:

The mission of the Caring Canines is to enhance the quality of life for MSKCC patients through the therapeutic benefits of a Visiting Therapy Animal Program.

Volunteers in this role will provide visits to patients, caregivers, and staff throughout the facility in our NY locations.

Key Qualifications:

Handler Qualifications: 

• Must be at least 18 years old. 

• Must have a registered therapy dog.  

• Must 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 a former or current MSK patient, must be out of active treatment for at least one year. 

Canine Qualifications:

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 Requirements: takes 4 - 6 weeks on average      

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

• Reference check: 2-3 references

• Background check & drug screen (*18 years and older)

• Medical Clearance: COVID-19, flu and other immunizations are mandatory for volunteers, no exceptions. Medical Clearance is at the expense of the applicant.

• Handlers will be asked to provide medical and immunization records from their veterinarian. 

If a candidate fails to follow up or complete the above requirements after 30 days, the application may be rejected.  

Please note that the Volunteer Department does not oversee internships, educational programs, or shadowing opportunities. Our program provides long-term opportunities supporting patients and staff.    

Core Skills:

• Reliable

• Great communicator

• Compassionate

• Proactive

Pay Range: $0.00 - $10,000,000.00

FSLA Status: Non-Exempt

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.