Animal Hospital Receptionist

Blue Cross UK; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 16,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

An animal welfare organization based in London is seeking a compassionate Receptionist to join their team. This role involves providing exceptional customer service, managing administrative tasks, and welcoming clients to the hospital. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills and experience in a busy customer service environment. This position offers a chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their owners, supporting them during challenging times. The role requires availability for a mix of full-time and part-time shifts.

Benefits

38 days holiday increasing to 43 with service

Physical and mental wellbeing support programs

Free access to GP services

Health cash plan

Employee assistance programme

Enhanced pension scheme

Professional fees paid

Life assurance

Discount on pet insurance

Recognition scheme

Annual volunteer days

Qualifications

• Experience working in a busy customer service role.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and web-based platforms.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide warm and compassionate customer service.
• Handle administrative duties to support hospital operations.
• Serve as the first point of contact for visitors and callers.

Skills

Customer service experience

Strong communication skills

IT literacy with MS Office

Organisational skills

Job description

Job Title: Receptionist at Blue Cross

• Contract: Permanent, full time/part time
• Salary: £26,872 per annum pro rata (25.5 hours £16,316 per annum) plus £3,954 London Weighting Allowance per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Location: Victoria Animal Hospital, London, SW1V 1QQ
• Closing date: 21st January 2026
• Interview date: W/C 2nd February 2026

At Blue Cross, animal welfare is at the heart of everything we do. Our animal hospitals and pet care clinics provide vital veterinary treatment to sick and injured pets, especially when their owners are unable to afford private veterinary fees. By joining us, you’ll be playing a meaningful part in ensuring pets receive the care they need at some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

About the role

Our reception team play a key role in the effective delivery of our services and in ensuring the best outcome for our patients and their owners by providing the highest level of customer service in a busy animal hospital. They are the link between our clients and the veterinary team and build relationships with clients, their pets, and all members of the hospital teams.

As a Receptionist at our Blue Cross veterinary hospital, you will be the first point of contact for visitors and callers, ensuring a warm, compassionate, and friendly welcome that leaves a positive first impression.

In addition to providing excellent customer service, you will play a crucial role in offering administrative support and collaborating with our dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

Your warm and compassionate welcome sets the tone for all interactions at our hospital, contributing to the overall atmosphere of care and support. By providing administrative support, you ensure the smooth operation of our hospital, allowing our veterinary team to focus on delivering high-quality care to animals in need.

Working pattern

We have 3 roles available, two full time contracts working 42 hours per week and one part time contract working 25.5 hours per week on a rota basis, including late shifts, weekends and bank holidays. Due to the nature our work supporting animal welfare, there may be occasions when additional hours are required to meet service demands.

About you

You’ll be a warm, approachable and compassionate individual with excellent communication skills and a strong commitment to inclusive and client focussed care. You’ll be confident working in a busy reception environment, supported by good numerical skills and strong attention to detail.

Working in an animal hospital can be emotionally challenging where you’ll regularly support clients who are distressed or facing difficult decisions about their pets. You’ll understand the importance of empathy and patience and you’ll have the resilience to stay calm under pressure, adapt quickly to changing priorities, and manage challenging situations.

If you’re passionate about animal welfare, enjoy helping people at their time of need and want to be part of a supportive, purpose driven team - we’d love to hear from you!

Knowledge, Skills, And Experience

• Experience of working in a busy customer service role.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• IT literate with MS Office and web-based databases and platforms.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

How to apply

Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date. Our interview process will include a competency based interview and practical assessment which provides the opportunity to experience what it is like to work as a receptionist in our animal hospitals. These interviews will be held in person at our Victoria animal hospital therefore online interviews cannot be guaranteed.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.

Blue Cross benefits

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today. In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.

Our generous benefits package includes:

• Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
• Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
• Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family
• Health cash plan
• Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
• Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support.
• Life assurance
• 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Recognition scheme
• Annual volunteer days
• Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers

To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website