Veterinary Receptionist

Onion River Animal Hospital is seeking a dedicated and client-focused Veterinary Receptionist to join our team. This position is open to candidates who bring strong transferable experience from adjacent fields, including human medical or dental offices, urgent care clinics, emergency services, or high-volume hospitality and customer service environments.

We are looking for a professional who demonstrates composure under pressure, a genuine affinity for animals, and the interpersonal skills to support clients across a wide range of experiences — including those that are emotionally demanding. Veterinary-specific knowledge is not required; comprehensive onboarding and training will be provided.

What to Expect

As you join our mission, expect to be supported in your work and home life with:

• A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and a 401(k) plan for full-time employees
• Structured onboarding and mentorship covering veterinary workflows, software, and medical terminology
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee pet discount because we know your pets are family, too.

Salary: $18 - $22 per hour, determined by the candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications.

Schedule: This is a full-time position offering a consistent, set schedule of four 10-hour shifts per week. The hospital is open Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, and Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Responsibilities

• Greet and check in clients and patients at the front desk, collect intake information, and confirm appointment details in a professional and welcoming manner
• Answer and manage a multi-line telephone system, directing calls and responding to inquiries regarding scheduling, services, and general information
• Perform client check-out, including payment processing, posting charges, and scheduling future appointments
• Provide composed and compassionate customer service to clients experiencing anxiety, distress, or difficult news regarding their pet's health
• Perform accurate data entry and maintain organized records in the practice management system following onboarding and training
• Communicate effectively with clinical staff to relay messages, flag urgent situations, and support efficient daily operations
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming reception and waiting area

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in a front desk, receptionist, or customer service role in a medical, dental, urgent care, veterinary, or high-volume service environment
• Proven customer service skills with strong verbal and written communication, including active listening and conflict resolution
• Experience with appointment scheduling, multi-line phone systems, data entry, and payment processing or point-of-sale (POS)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; comfortable learning new software and workflows
• Reliable, punctual, and professional; ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Genuine affinity for animals and comfort working in a clinical setting

Experience in a veterinary clinic, animal care facility, or medical office; familiarity with veterinary or medical terminology; or PIMS software experience (Cornerstone, Avimark, ImproMed, eVetPractice, or ezyVet) is considered a strong asset.

About Onion River Animal Hospital

Located in the heart of Central Vermont, Onion River Animal Hospital has proudly served Montpelier, Berlin, Barre, and surrounding towns for over 35 years. We are an AAHA Accredited practice and the first Fear Free Certified Practice in Vermont, offering high-quality, progressive, and compassionate veterinary care tailored to each family’s needs.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing, state-of-the-art facility with a team of progressive veterinarians and a skilled staff of 33 technical and client service professionals. We offer a supportive environment that encourages career growth, along with a competitive compensation and benefits package.

If you’re looking for a rewarding career in a practice that values work-life balance and a positive, team-oriented culture, we’d love for you to join our fantastic team at Onion River Animal Hospital!

We are dedicated to establishing a culture that celebrates all forms of diversity and allows us to be an inclusive service provider in this community.

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