Veterinary Receptionist

About the Role

Bridge Veterinary Centre is looking for a Veterinary Receptionist to join its Hartlepool team on a permanent basis. The role is full-time at 40 hours per week, with shifts across Monday to Friday between 08.00 and 19.00. A job share will also be considered.

This is a busy, people-facing role where you'll be helping pets and clients feel supported from the moment they arrive or call. The practice says pets are a priority every day, and this role reflects that with a mix of reception, communication and client care duties.

Key Responsibilities

• Answer incoming calls and book appointments
• Respond to questions by phone, email and in person
• Greet and register new clients
• Process insurance forms
• Dispense medications as required
• Handle payments accurately
• Support clients with empathy during difficult moments
• Use the in-house system to organise patients
• Liaise with veterinary practices about patient needs and queries
• Follow up on debts, belongings and refunds when needed
• Make sure every client feels welcomed and valued

Requirements

• Previous experience as a receptionist or in another demanding, client-focused role is essential
• Experience in a veterinary setting is a bonus
• You should be resilient and able to handle emotional situations with kindness and professionalism
• Strong communication skills and genuine empathy are important
• Outstanding customer service skills and experience dealing with the public are required
• A positive attitude and strong teamwork skills are needed
• You should be comfortable using Microsoft Office and database systems
• You must have the Right to Work in the UK

Benefits

• Salary aligned with National Minimum Wage, with rates stated as £12.71 per hour for those aged 21 and over, and £10.85 per hour for those aged 18 to 20
• Five weeks' annual leave pro rata, plus bank holidays
• Staff discount on veterinary bills and care
• Staff discount on Animed Direct, including pet medicines, products and food
• Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing support
• Receptionist Careers Pathway with courses to help develop skills and progress within CVS

About the Practice

The role is based at Bridge Veterinary Centre in Hartlepool, which is part of CVS Vets. The advert also links to the practice page on the CVS Vets website, and describes CVS as one of the UK's leading veterinary groups with a network of more than 500 practices and over 8,000 professionals.

The practice sits within the First Opinion department and is located at Vicarage Gardens, 13 Stockton Road, Hartlepool, TS25 1TU. The advert also notes that CVS Vets is committed to an inclusive workplace and reflects the diverse communities it serves.