Veterinary Receptionist

About the Role

This is a permanent position based at PetMedics Veterinary Surgeons in Walkden, Manchester. You’ll work 31.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday with a share in the weekend rota. As a key member of the front-of-house team, you’ll be the first point of contact for clients and their pets, managing the flow of the practice while ensuring every interaction leaves a positive impression.

You’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment where communication skills are just as important as organisational ability. Whether you’re answering phones, greeting nervous pet owners, or processing payments, you’ll be supporting the clinical team and keeping clients feeling welcomed and valued throughout their visit.

Key Responsibilities

• Answer incoming calls promptly and schedule appointments efficiently
• Greet and register new clients, creating a warm first impression
• Respond professionally to client queries via phone, email, and face-to-face
• Process and manage insurance forms accurately
• Dispense medications as required by the practice
• Handle financial transactions and process payments efficiently
• Manage patient records using the in-house system
• Liaise with other veterinary practices to address patient needs
• Handle debt, refund, and lost property enquiries with sensitivity
• Provide empathy and emotional support to clients during distressing situations while maintaining professionalism

Requirements

• Previous experience as a receptionist (essential)
• Experience in a veterinary setting (desirable but not essential)
• Strong communication skills with genuine empathy
• Ability to handle emotional situations with resilience and grace
• Excellent customer service experience and public-facing skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database systems
• Positive attitude and strong teamwork abilities
• Right to Work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available for this role)

Benefits

• Competitive salary at the National Minimum Wage (from 1 April 2025)
• Generous 5-week annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Staff discounts on veterinary services and products
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Over 400 Mental Health First-Aiders available across the group
• Receptionist Careers Pathway offering structured professional development and courses to advance your skills and career progression within CVS
• Collaborative and supportive team environment

About the Practice

PetMedics Veterinary Surgeons is a first-opinion small animal practice located in Walkden, Manchester. Part of CVS Vets—one of the UK’s leading veterinary groups with over 500 practices and more than 8,000 professionals—the practice benefits from the resources and support of a large organisation while maintaining local community focus.

CVS Vets is committed to putting pets first and fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace where team members can be their true selves. The group celebrates diversity and empowers every member of staff to perform at their best, offering clear career pathways and genuine opportunities for professional growth across a network of practices nationwide.