Veterinary Receptionist

About the Role

Hawkedon & Homefield Vets is seeking a welcoming and organised Veterinary Receptionist to join their collaborative team on a part-time basis. Working 25 hours across a 5-day week, you’ll be the first point of contact for clients and their pets, setting the tone for a positive practice experience every single day. The role is based at their Hawkedon location in Bury St Edmunds, where the team prides itself on working together to deliver excellent care.

You’ll be the hub of client communication—answering phones with professionalism, managing appointments, processing payments, and supporting the clinical team with administrative tasks. Your ability to handle sensitive conversations around payments and insurance with discretion will be particularly valued, and you’ll work comfortably both as part of the team and independently when needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Greet clients and pets with warmth and professionalism
• Manage phone calls, emails, and appointment bookings
• Process payments and maintain accurate client records
• Handle debt control processes in line with practice procedures
• Process pet insurance claims, liaising between clients, insurers, and the clinical team
• Provide general administrative support to the clinical team

Requirements

• Approachable and courteous manner with excellent telephone skills
• Strong organisational abilities and problem-solving mindset
• Ability to handle sensitive conversations around payment and insurance with professionalism and discretion
• Comfortable working both as part of a team and independently, with resilience under pressure
• Previous veterinary industry experience is ideal but not essential

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £17,550 (depending on experience)
• 6.6 weeks annual leave, plus additional leave on your birthday
• Enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee wellbeing initiatives and non-accidental injury support
• Learning and development opportunities through the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Pawsome Benefits—reward gateway offering discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers
• Pension scheme
• Discounted staff pet care

About the Practice

Hawkedon & Homefield Vets is a two-site small animal practice serving Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding area. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, one of the UK’s largest veterinary groups, which provides access to extensive resources, professional development, and clinical support networks.

The team is known for their collaborative approach and commitment to delivering excellent standards of care. They treat dogs, cats, and small pets, and foster an inclusive environment where every team member contributes to a positive experience for clients and their animals.