Veterinary Receptionist

Fairview Heights Animal Clinic is seeking a dedicated and client-focused part-time Veterinary Receptionist to join our team. This position is open to candidates who bring strong transferable experience from adjacent fields, including human medical or dental offices, urgent care clinics, emergency services, or high-volume hospitality and customer service environments.

We are looking for a professional who demonstrates composure under pressure, a genuine affinity for animals, and the interpersonal skills to support clients across a wide range of experiences — including those that are emotionally demanding. Veterinary-specific knowledge is not required; comprehensive onboarding and training will be provided.

What to Expect

As you join our mission, expect to be supported in your work and home life with:

• 401(k) plan
• Structured onboarding and mentorship covering veterinary workflows, software, and medical terminology
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee pet discount because we know your pets are family, too.

Salary: $18 - $20 per hour, determined by the candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications.

Schedule: This is a part-time position averaging 20–30 hours per week. The anticipated schedule includes Wednesdays (7:30 AM–7:00 PM), Thursdays (7:30 AM–6:00 PM), and rotating Saturdays (7:30 AM–5:00 PM). Candidates should also have flexibility to work additional days as needed based on hospital scheduling needs.

Responsibilities

• Greet and check in clients and patients at the front desk, collect intake information, and confirm appointment details in a professional and welcoming manner
• Answer and manage a multi-line telephone system, directing calls and responding to inquiries regarding scheduling, services, and general information
• Perform client check-out, including payment processing, posting charges, and scheduling future appointments
• Provide composed and compassionate customer service to clients experiencing anxiety, distress, or difficult news regarding their pet's health
• Perform accurate data entry and maintain organized records in the practice management system following onboarding and training
• Communicate effectively with clinical staff to relay messages, flag urgent situations, and support efficient daily operations
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming reception and waiting area

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in a front desk, receptionist, or customer service role in a medical, dental, urgent care, veterinary, or high-volume service environment
• Proven customer service skills with strong verbal and written communication, including active listening and conflict resolution
• Experience with appointment scheduling, multi-line phone systems, data entry, and payment processing or point-of-sale (POS)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; comfortable learning new software and workflows
• Reliable, punctual, and professional; ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Genuine affinity for animals and comfort working in a clinical setting

Experience in a veterinary clinic, animal care facility, or medical office; familiarity with veterinary or medical terminology; or PIMS software experience (Cornerstone, Avimark, ImproMed, eVetPractice, or ezyVet) is considered a strong asset.

About Fairview Heights Animal Clinic

Welcome to the Fairview Heights Animal Clinic and the Animal Hospital of O’Fallon, where our expert staff provides full service veterinary care to our wonderful patients in St. Clair County, Illinois. We are happy to provide preventative care, diagnostics, surgeries, boarding and grooming at our state-of-the-art facility.

We are dedicated to establishing a culture that celebrates all forms of diversity and allows us to be an inclusive service provider in this community.

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