A veterinary receptionist handles basic tasks such as answering phones, greeting customers, and managing office functions. They must also be comfortable with animals and may assist with basic animal tasks. No special education is needed, but customer service experience and basic skills are required.
A veterinary receptionist is a receptionist who works in a veterinarian’s or “veterinarian’s” office. Like any other receptionist, a veterinary receptionist must be able to handle basic tasks such as answering phones, opening mail, and managing rudimentary office functions. Since a receptionist at a veterinarian’s office also works with animals, he or she must generally also be familiar and comfortable with cats, dogs, and other household pets.
While the duties associated with being a veterinary receptionist vary from office to office, most veterinary receptionists perform the same basic tasks. These tasks include greeting customers, answering phone calls, and setting appointments. In many offices, veterinary receptionists also need to collect payments from clients before they leave the office and check people in for appointments.
It can be helpful for a veterinary receptionist to have a rudimentary understanding of the types of care pets need. For example, when a client calls to schedule a vaccination appointment for a cat, it can be helpful if the receptionist can provide the client with instructions such as the types of vaccinations the cat will be receiving or the steps the pet owner needs to take. before bringing the animal. Additionally, when calls are received, the receptionist must be able to direct the pet owner to the appropriate person who can provide the owner with answers to their questions.
In addition to dealing with clients, many veterinary receptionists also manage the day-to-day paperwork that helps the office function. This may include ordering office supplies, opening mail, sending reminder cards to patients about appointments, or otherwise assisting the veterinarian with daily tasks. While larger veterinary practices may have a manager or other assistants who fulfill these functions, many practices are small and the receptionist fulfills these functions.
Since animals are often present in a veterinary office, a veterinary receptionist must have at least a basic degree of comfort when it comes to dealing with animals. A veterinary receptionist in some offices will help weigh an animal when the animal first arrives for a checkup. The receptionist can also check on pets that are recovering from procedures at various points in the day, in case the veterinary technician or vet gets busy.
Although the veterinary receptionist does not provide medical assistance to animals and is not qualified to do so, he or she may walk pets that are in the office and recovering from various medical treatments. The receptionist may also be called on occasionally to help a veterinarian get an animal in or out of a cage or perform other basic animal tasks. Therefore, this is not an appropriate job for anyone who is not comfortable coming into contact with domestic animals.
Generally, no special education or skills are needed to become a veterinary receptionist other than the basic skills needed to become a receptionist. These skills might include customer service experience, familiarity with answering phones or making appointments, or typing. Additional qualifications, such as a degree in a related field, can also help differentiate a veterinary receptionist from other candidates during the hiring process.
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