Veterinary Receptionist

Job Description

Position Summary


The Veterinary Receptionist is the first point of contact for clients and plays an important role in creating a welcoming, professional, and organized experience for both pets and their owners. This position is responsible for answering phones, scheduling appointments, checking clients in and out, maintaining accurate records, processing payments, and supporting smooth communication between clients, doctors, technicians, and management.


The ideal candidate is friendly, dependable, detail-oriented, able to multitask in a fast-paced environment, and comfortable working with both people and animals.

Key Responsibilities


Greet clients and patients warmly as they enter the clinic.


Answer multi-line phones professionally and direct calls appropriately.


Schedule appointments, surgeries, and technician visits as needed.


Check clients in and out accurately and efficiently.


Verify and update client and patient information in the practice management system.


Collect payments, provide invoices, and discuss balances when appropriate.


Communicate basic clinic policies, appointment requirements, vaccine requirements, and service information.


Monitor the lobby and help ensure clients and pets are comfortable while waiting.


Relay messages between clients, doctors, technicians, and management clearly and accurately.


Maintain confidentiality of client, patient, and staff information.


Handle client concerns with patience, professionalism, and empathy.


Keep the front desk and reception area clean, organized, and stocked.


Assist with reminder calls, follow-up calls, emails, and other client communication.


Support the veterinary team with additional administrative duties as needed.

Required Qualifications


High school diploma or equivalent.


Strong customer service and communication skills.


Ability to multitask and remain calm in a busy environment.


Basic computer skills and ability to learn veterinary software.


Professional phone etiquette.


Strong attention to detail.


Dependable, punctual, and team-oriented.


Flexible schedule that includes some Saturdays each month.


Comfortable working around dogs, cats, and other animals.


Ability to handle emotional situations with compassion and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications


Previous veterinary clinic, medical office, or customer service experience.


Knowledge of basic veterinary terminology, vaccines, prescriptions, and common procedures.


Cash handling or payment processing experience.

Physical Requirements


Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and reach throughout the shift.


Ability to lift or assist with small animals or supplies as needed.


Comfortable working in an environment with animal noise, odors, hair, and occasional stressful situations.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal Veterinary Receptionist is compassionate, organized, and professional. They enjoy helping people, love animals, communicate clearly, and understand the importance of providing excellent client service while supporting the veterinary team. They are able to stay positive under pressure and help create a welcoming environment for every client and pet who enters the clinic.

National Veterinary Associates (NVA) is a leading North American pet health care company with nearly 1,300 locations spanning general practice veterinary hospitals, Ethos emergency and specialty hospitals, and pet resorts and equine veterinary care. With approximately 40,000 team members, we care for pets and support pet families in communities across the United States and Canada. Our purpose is to give pets and the people who love them more quality years together, and our mission is to make care more personal, easy and accessible while advancing medicine and care across every stage of life. Across NVA, we support our teams with the resources, expertise and opportunities they need to deliver exceptional care and help shape the future of veterinary and pet care.


Purpose : Give pets and the people who love them more quality years together


Mission : Transform the pet family experience to be personal, easy and accessible, while advancing medicine and care across every stage of life.


Values : Care Deeply, Do What's Right, One Team, Own It, Shape What's Next


One NVA: Bringing General Practice & Ethos Together


NVA is built to make care personal, easy and accessible, while advancing medicine across every stage of a pet's life.


At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here's what to expect when interacting with us:

- We'll always reach out via verified LinkedIn profiles or emails ending in @nva.com


- We may also contact you via text message from an identified NVA representative for recruiting-related communication


- All job opportunities and applications are hosted on our official careers site: careers.nva.com


- There is no cost or confidential information required to apply or be considered for a position

If you have any doubts about a communication, feel free to visit our careers page to verify authenticity or email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Thank you for exploring opportunities at NVA!

NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.