Receptionist – Weekend

About the Role

You’ll be the first point of contact for clients arriving at Vets Now Coventry during emergency situations, whether they’re calling ahead or walking through the door with a poorly pet. This weekend-only position (every other Saturday 12:00–20:00 and Sunday 08:00–20:00, plus a fair share of bank holidays) offers a genuine work-life balance for those seeking predictable hours outside their week.

The role combines warm client care with efficient administration—you’ll greet clients, answer calls, book emergency appointments, process payments, and keep the veterinary team updated on patients arriving or clients requiring support. You’ll act as the vital liaison between worried pet owners and the clinical team, offering reassurance when pets need care most.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the initial point of contact for emergency clients—in person and by phone—during busy weekend shifts
• Greet all clients warmly, answer calls promptly, and book appointments efficiently
• Handle financial transactions accurately and professionally
• Manage administrative duties to keep the clinic running smoothly
• Provide veterinary staff with timely updates on patients en route and clients needing assistance
• Be a friendly, reassuring presence for anxious pet owners during emergency situations

Requirements

• Excellent communication and customer service skills—the ability to remain calm and compassionate under pressure
• Reliable and punctual, committed to your weekend rota
• Competent with administrative tasks and financial handling
• A genuine passion for supporting both pets and their owners
• No specific prior veterinary experience required

Benefits

• Work-life balance: Every other weekend only; your weekdays are completely free
• Leave: 7 weeks pro rata annual leave, plus your birthday as a paid day off
• Professional development: £780 CPD allowance pro rata and 10 hours paid CPD annually
• Health & wellbeing: Cash Health Plan provided by Simply Health; up to 50% discounted staff pet care
• Rewards: Vets Now For You gateway offering discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers
• Pension: UK Standard Pension contributions (5% Employee/3% Employer)
• Support: Family-friendly policies including sick pay, maternity, paternity, and adoption pay schemes
• Additional perks: Paid volunteering days; death in service benefit of two times annual salary

About the Practice

Vets Now Coventry is part of the UK’s leading emergency pet care provider. The organisation operates 60+ dedicated out-of-hours clinics and two 24/7 pet emergency hospitals, delivering trusted services to over 1,700 veterinary practices nationwide. The Coventry team is highly skilled in emergency care and works in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Vets Now is a Disability Confident Employer and actively welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those from diverse and minority groups. Reasonable adjustments are provided throughout the recruitment process.