Veterinary Receptionist

CVS Veterinary Group; Tavistock; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 17,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks’ annual leave (pro rata)

Staff discount on vet bills

EAP for wellbeing

Job summary

CVS Vets is seeking a Veterinary Receptionist for Westmoor Veterinary Centre in Tavistock. The role focuses on welcoming clients, booking appointments, handling inquiries, and managing payments in a busy small-animal practice.

You’ll join a team that emphasizes pet-first care, open communication, and high-quality client service, with a 25-hour week and a pay scale aligned to national wage guidelines. Training and career progression are available.

Qualifications

• Experience as a receptionist is essential; veterinary setting is a bonus.
• Strong communication and empathy when dealing with clients and pets.
• Outstanding customer service and professional interactions with the public.

Responsibilities

• Manage communications: handle calls and schedule appointments.
• Respond to queries via phone, email, and in person with professionalism.
• Welcome and register new clients with a warm demeanor.
• Process insurance forms and manage payments.
• Distribute medications as required and handle cash transactions.
• Provide emotional support to clients while staying professional.
• Use the in-house system to organize patient records.
• Coordinate with other practices for patient needs and queries.
• Handle debt and refunds calls as needed.
• Ensure clients feel welcomed and valued at the practice.

Skills

Reception experience

Customer service

Communication

Empathy

MS Office

Education

No formal qualification required

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database systems

Job description

Join Our Team as a Veterinary Receptionist!

Are you ready to put pets first? At CVS Vets, we make pets a priority every day!

We're on the lookout for a dynamic and passionate animal enthusiast to step into the role of a Veterinary Receptionist at Westmoor Veterinary Centre.

Location:

Tavistock

Contract:

Permanent

Hours:

25 per week

Salary:

£8.00 - £12.71 per hour, depending on age and in accordance with National Minimum Wage legislation

Shift Pattern:

4 week rotation with 1 in 4 Saturdays 8:30am-1:30pm

Week 1:
Monday 7:45 - 6pm
Tuesday Off
Wednesday Off
Friday 10:00 - 19:15
Saturday 8:30-1:30

Week 2:
Monday 7:45 - 6pm
Tuesday 11:00 - 19.15
Wednesday 9:00 - 16:00
Thursday Off
Friday 7:45 - 17:00
Saturday Off

Week 3:
Monday 7:45 - 6pm
Tuesday Off
Wednesday Off
Thursday 10:30-18:30
Friday 10:00 - 19:15
Saturday Off

Week 4:
Monday 7:45 - 6pm
Tuesday 13:00 - 18:00
Wednesday Off
Thursday 9:00 - 17:00
Friday Off
Saturday Off

Discover Our Practice:

Established in the 1920, we are a small animal practice in Tavistock. Our friendly and experienced veterinary team provide the highest quality of veterinary care, surgery and treatment - along with regular check-ups and routine procedures. Our practice offers a caring, family feel to ensure that our clients and their pets receive a personal and friendly service.

We are open 6 days a week, including overnight hospital care, with access to a dedicated, 24 hour emergency care service.

We are proud to offer a full range of first-opinion services, home visits, as well as referrals for dermatology, and keyhole surgery.

Practice Website Link:

Westmoor Veterinary Centre, Tavistock | CVS Vets

About CVS Vets:

Joining a CVS Vets-owned practice is more than just starting a job-it's the beginning of a rewarding career with one of the UK's leading veterinary groups.

Our mission is simple yet meaningful: to provide the best possible care for animals, and this dedication guides everything we do.

With a network of over 500 practices and more than 8,000 devoted professionals, you'll become part of a supportive community focused on one goal: putting pets first.

If you're looking for a role where your skills truly matter and your future is bright with possibilities, CVS Vets is the perfect place for you.

About the Role:

• Manage Communication: Handle incoming calls and schedule appointments efficiently
• Inquiries Resolution: Respond to queries via phone, email, and in-person interactions with professionalism
• Client Reception: Greet and register new clients, ensuring a warm welcome
• Insurance Management: Process and manage insurance forms adeptly
• Medication Distribution: Dispense medications as required
• Financial Transactions: Process payments accurately and efficiently
• Emotional Support: Provide empathy and understanding to clients during distressing times, while maintaining professionalism
• System Utilisation: Organise patients using the in-house system efficiently
• Inter-practice Communication: Liaise with veterinary practices to address patient needs and queries
• Debt and Refund Management: Make necessary phone calls regarding debts, belongings, and refunds
• Client Care: Above all, ensure that every client feels welcomed and valued at our practice

Who We're Looking For:

• Previous experience as a Receptionist is a must; experience in a veterinary setting is a bonus!
• Resilience and the ability to handle emotional situations with grace
• Strong communication skills paired with genuine empathy
• Outstanding customer service skills and experience with the public
• Positive attitude and superior teamwork abilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database systems

Our Offer to You:

We understand that benefits matter. Here are just a few of the perks you'll enjoy:

• Salary aligned with the National Minimum Wage
• Five weeks' annual leave (pro rata) per annum, plus bank holidays
• Long Service Award - employees receive an extra day of annual leave for each year of service (up to 5 additional days)
• Staff discount scheme on Veterinary bills and care
• Staff discount on Animed Direct, our online dispensary, where you can benefit from discounts on pet medicines, products and food
• Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing support
• And lots more, as part of our commitment to help you feel recognised, supported and appreciated!

Our innovative Receptionist Careers Pathway offers a clear, structured path to develop your skills and grow within CVS. With a range of courses, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence to deliver top-tier client service and advance your career with us.

CVS is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their true selves, celebrating diversity and empowering each team member to perform at their best.

We're committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve.

Please note: We can only accept applications from candidates with the Right to Work in the UK, as we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for clinical support roles due to Home Office criteria.