Veterinary Receptionist

About the Role

Village Vet Cottenham is a small, welcoming RCVS-accredited practice serving the local community with a personal, caring approach to small animal care. You’ll be the first point of contact for clients and their pets, setting the tone for every visit and playing a vital part in the client experience.

This permanent part-time role offers 19.42 hours per week with a flexible rota: Monday and Tuesday 3–7.15pm, Thursday 8.30am–1pm, and Friday alternating between 8.30am–1pm and 3–7.15pm. You’ll also work 1:6 Saturdays (9am–5pm) at the group’s 24-hour hospital in Milton, plus one bank holiday per year at the same location. The rota is primarily based at Cottenham with occasional shifts at Longstanton, giving you variety and stability.

Key Responsibilities

• Welcome clients and their pets warmly and professionally, creating a positive first impression
• Manage appointment bookings efficiently and proactively fill gaps in the daily schedule
• Answer and make calls to clients, insurance companies, and other veterinary practices
• Maintain accurate client and patient records with meticulous attention to detail
• Process payments, discuss fees, and follow up on outstanding accounts
• Provide administrative support across the practice, including managing the diary and financial procedures
• Support banking duties in line with practice procedures
• Maintain excellent communication with referring vets, colleagues, and neighbouring branches
• Keep consultation rooms and waiting areas clean and welcoming throughout the day
• Assist with stock rotation, replenishment, and pharmacy management—unpacking deliveries and monitoring environmental temperatures
• Work collaboratively with the veterinary team to uphold high standards of client care

Requirements

• Previous experience in a customer-facing role
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organisational, administrative, and time-management abilities
• High attention to detail and a professional approach
• Confident using IT systems (Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel) with ability to learn new systems quickly
• Proactive, positive mindset with strong team focus
• Able to work efficiently during busy and quieter periods, including lone working
• Highly motivated to deliver excellent service
• Veterinary practice experience desirable but not essential

Benefits

• 5 weeks’ holiday plus bank holidays and birthday leave
• Life assurance and enhanced sickness pay
• Enhanced equal family leave
• Employer contribution pension scheme
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme and Cycle to Work scheme
• Staff discount schemes
• Wellness programme including Employee Assistance Programme, eyecare vouchers, and free annual flu jab
• Career progression opportunities

About the Practice

Village Vet Cottenham is a well-established, RCVS-accredited small animal primary care practice operating across London, Hertfordshire, and Cambridgeshire. The practice is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. Linnaeus operates a network of primary care practices alongside a 24-hour continuous care hospital supported by highly qualified specialists and general practice staff.

At Linnaeus, the focus is on creating a better world for pets by first creating a better world for people. With over 6,000 Associates, the company prioritises inclusive culture, professional development, and comprehensive wellbeing support—physical and mental health. You’ll have access to a vast network of specialists, worldwide development opportunities, and an easily accessible wellness package designed to help you perform at your best.