Veterinary Receptionist

About the Role

You’ll be the first point of contact for clients at Avondale Vets, a welcoming small animal practice nestled in rural Strathaven, a historic market town close to the River Avon. This is a part-time permanent role offering 36.75 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 07:45–19:15, plus a manageable 1:2 Saturday rota, 08:30–12:00). You’ll work in a genuinely spacious, well-designed practice with five consulting rooms, a cafe, and some of the best views—creating an environment where both clients and the team thrive.

This role is about more than just scheduling appointments; you’ll orchestrate the entire client journey, from the moment they walk through the door to follow-up care. You’ll be the glue that keeps the practice running smoothly, working closely with both clinical and non-clinical colleagues to ensure every interaction leaves clients feeling heard, valued, and confident in their pet’s care.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional customer service in person and over the phone, setting the tone for every client interaction
• Manage appointment scheduling and keep the diary flowing smoothly throughout the day
• Handle client enquiries, emails, and post with professionalism and care
• Greet and assist clients, ensuring they feel welcome and supported
• Support safe dispensing and handling of medications
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the practice facilities
• Manage banking, cash reconciliation, and stock control
• Contribute to team meetings and support continuous improvement initiatives

Requirements

• Excellent communication skills and a genuinely professional, welcoming manner
• Experience in a customer-facing role with proven attention to detail and service focus
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks effectively in a busy environment without losing your calm
• A collaborative mindset—you work well with colleagues and are happy to support across the practice
• Proactive attitude with genuine openness to feedback and learning

Benefits

• 6.6 weeks’ annual leave (full-time equivalent)
• Additional paid leave for your birthday
• Leave accrual increases with length of service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies: maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Pension scheme
• Discounted staff pet care
• Voluntary benefits: select from a range tailored to suit your lifestyle
• Access to discounts and cashback with hundreds of participating retailers

About the Practice

Avondale Vets is part of IVC Evidensia, the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group comprising over 900 practices and referral hospitals. The practice itself is a welcoming small animal clinic treating dogs, cats, small pets, and exotic animals (rabbit and chicken friendly). Located in a rural setting on the outskirts of Strathaven, the practice benefits from modern facilities including five consulting rooms, dental X-ray, ECG, and laparoscopic equipment.

IVC Evidensia is committed to building careers without limits. The organisation invests in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, creating environments where teams grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment at every stage of their career. The practice itself is known as a genuinely desirable place to work, with a spacious waiting room, large meeting room, and a cafe within the adjacent agricultural centre.