Veterinary Receptionist

About the Role

You’ll be the first point of contact for clients and their beloved pets at Earlswood Veterinary Hospital, a leading RCVS-accredited small animal practice in Belfast. This full-time permanent role involves welcoming clients, managing the appointment schedule, handling telephone inquiries, dispensing medications, processing payments, and maintaining an immaculate, inviting reception area. You’ll work a 40-hour week on a rota basis including early and late shifts, plus Saturday mornings—but you’ll be part of a vibrant team of receptionists who understand the importance of work-life balance.

Client care is at the heart of this position. You’ll be the hub of the practice, communicating between clients and clinical staff, ensuring every interaction—from booking through to follow-up—exceeds expectations. Think of yourself as the front-of-house champion, creating an emotional bridge during what may be stressful or worrying times for pet owners.

Key Responsibilities

• Welcome clients and their pets with genuine warmth and enthusiasm
• Answer phones, book and manage appointments efficiently
• Dispense medications and process payments accurately
• Maintain the waiting area to the highest standards of cleanliness and comfort
• Relay client queries to veterinary surgeons and nurses, then communicate responses back professionally
• Support the wider Client Care Team in delivering exceptional customer service throughout the entire client journey
• Handle daily administrative tasks as required

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience in a client-facing role
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, especially during stressful or emotional situations
• Strong telephone manner (may be tested at interview)
• Computer literacy and proficiency with practice management systems
• A caring, can-do attitude with genuine compassion for clients and their pets
• Veterinary practice experience desirable but not essential

Benefits

• Competitive salary: up to £26,000 per annum
• 6.6 weeks annual leave
• Additional annual leave on your birthday
• Enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Cycle to work scheme
• Non-accidental injury support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Pawsome Benefits reward gateway offering discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers
• Pension scheme
• Discounted staff pet care
• Wellbeing initiatives and support

About the Practice

Earlswood Veterinary Hospital is a leading RCVS-accredited general and referral small animal veterinary practice serving Belfast and the surrounding area. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, a major veterinary group operating across the UK and Ireland. The hospital treats dogs, cats, and small pets, and is committed to delivering the highest possible standard of care across every aspect of the client journey.

Located at 193 Belmont Road in Belfast, the practice brings together a vibrant and enthusiastic clinical and support team dedicated to excellent patient care and client communication.