Veterinary Receptionist

Coon Rapids • Coon Rapids, MN

17d • Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Receptionist is the first point of contact for clients and patients and helps create a positive, welcoming experience. The primary goal is to fill the client schedule by turning incoming calls and inquiries into booked appointments, supporting access to veterinary care and client engagement. The receptionist also educates clients about services and preventive care, encourages repeat visits, and builds client loyalty.

The role includes greeting clients, managing calls and appointment scheduling, making proactive reminder calls, handling patient intake and discharge, maintaining accurate medical charts, and helping coordinate patient flow with the veterinary team. Additional duties include cashiering, daily cash-drawer reconciliation, opening and closing procedures, client education about the online pharmacy, and keeping the reception area clean and inviting. The receptionist may also learn basic veterinary technical skills, including animal restraint and laboratory duties.

This position is performed onsite at a hospital or offsite event location; remote work is not available. The work environment may include pet-related sounds and smells, limited space, and exposure to animals that may bite or scratch, biological hazards, and medications. Schedule flexibility may be required, including shifts of 10 or more hours, weekends, evenings, and holidays. The listed salary range is $18–$22.

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 through communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving.
• 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 PIM and scheduling systems.
• Experience handling dogs, cats, and exotic animals.
• Typing speed of at least 40 words per minute.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office products such as Word and Excel, and email systems.
• Strong customer-service focus and ability to adapt to individual client needs.
• Professional, empathetic phone demeanor and effective communication skills.
• Ability to work onsite at a hospital or offsite event location; remote work is not available.
• Flexibility to work shifts of 10 or more hours, weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Ability to lift 25 or more 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 positively and create a friendly, welcoming experience by phone and in person.
• Manage incoming calls, address client needs, and schedule appointments to support optimal veterinary care.
• Convert more than 20% of incoming new-client calls into scheduled appointments.
• Promote Care Companion Plans and other services, educating clients about preventive care options.
• Make weekly proactive reminder calls to clients who are due or overdue for services and book appointments in accordance with the Client Reminder SOP.
• Perform patient intake and discharge and support smooth transitions from calls to appointments and in-person care.
• Educate clients about and encourage use of the client-facing online pharmacy.
• Handle cashier duties, reconcile the cash drawer daily, and complete opening and closing processes.
• Maintain accurate patient medical charts and thorough documentation.
• Coordinate with the veterinary team to streamline patient flow and improve the client experience.
• Keep the reception area clean and inviting.
• Provide professional, empathetic customer service and resolve client complaints proactively.
• Follow OSHA standards and company policies to maintain a safe, compliant workplace.
• Learn basic veterinary technical skills, such as animal restraint and laboratory duties.
• Take on other responsibilities as assigned to support team success and call-to-appointment conversion.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED