Veterinary Receptionist

WellHaven Pet Health•Tumwater, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Receptionist is the first point of contact for clients and helps create a positive, welcoming experience. The role focuses on converting incoming calls into scheduled appointments, educating clients about services and preventive care, and building relationships that encourage repeat visits. Receptionists support access to veterinary care by filling the client schedule and coordinating smooth transitions from calls to in-person appointments. The position also includes patient intake and discharge, maintaining accurate medical charts, supporting client use of the online pharmacy, handling cashier duties, and coordinating with the veterinary team. The receptionist helps keep the reception area clean and inviting and may learn basic veterinary technical skills, including animal restraint and laboratory duties. The role is performed onsite at a hospital or offsite event location; remote work is not available. The work environment may include pet-related sounds, smells, and space constraints, as well as possible exposure to animals that may bite or scratch, biological hazards, and medications. Scheduling may include shifts of 10 or more hours, weekends, evenings, and holidays. The stated salary range is $17.13–$23.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 1 year of customer service experience.
At least 1 year of experience working with computers, including typing, email, and other software.
Ability to convert incoming client calls into scheduled appointments using communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to multitask accurately in a fast-paced environment and remain calm during high call volumes.
Ability to learn and use computer software systems, including practice information management and scheduling systems.
Experience handling dogs, cats, and exotic animals.
Typing speed of at least 40 words per minute.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including Word and Excel, and email systems.
Strong customer service focus and ability to adapt to individual client needs.
Excellent phone demeanor and effective communication skills, including the ability to respond empathetically to different client emotions and needs.
Ability to work onsite; remote work is not available.
Flexibility to work schedules that may include shifts of 10 or more hours, weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Ability to lift more than 25 pounds and perform physical activities such as standing, walking, and reaching.

Nice To Haves

Front desk or call center experience in a fast-paced environment.
Veterinary experience.

Responsibilities

Greet clients and patients in a positive, friendly manner when they call or arrive.
Manage incoming calls, address client needs, and schedule appointments to support access to veterinary care.
Convert more than 20% of incoming new-client calls into scheduled appointments.
Promote Care Companion Plans and practice services, educating clients about preventive care options.
Make weekly proactive reminder calls to clients who are due or overdue for services, with the goal of booking appointments.
Perform patient intake and discharge and support smooth transitions from calls to appointments and in-person care.
Educate clients about and support use of the client-facing online pharmacy.
Handle cashier duties, reconcile the cash drawer daily, and complete opening and closing processes.
Maintain accurate medical charts and thorough patient documentation.
Work with the veterinary team to streamline patient flow and improve the client experience.
Keep the reception area clean and inviting.
Provide attentive, professional, empathetic service and proactively resolve client complaints.
Follow OSHA standards and company policies to maintain a safe, compliant working environment.
Learn basic veterinary technical skills, such as animal restraint and laboratory duties.
Take on other responsibilities as assigned to support team success and improve call-to-conversion efficiency.