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Animal Receptionist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Receptionist

Camden, SC · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Wateree Animal Hospital in Camden, SC, part of a privately-owned hospital system, is seeking a full-time Receptionist to join our exceptional team! Are you ready to be the welcoming face and ...

Receptionist

Casper, WY · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Ark Animal Hospital in Casper, WY, is looking to add a full-time experienced receptionist to our team. Ark Animal Hospital is a fast growing, small animal veterinary practice that has provided high ...

Ark Animal Hospital in Casper, WY, is looking to add a full-time experienced receptionist to our team. Ark Animal Hospital is a fast growing, small animal veterinary practice that has provided high ...

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Animal Receptionist information

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$9

$17

$24

How much do animal receptionist jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal receptionist in the United States is $17.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Receptionist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Receptionist, you need strong customer service skills, basic animal care knowledge, and proficiency in office administration, often supported by a high school diploma. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, appointment booking systems, and phone systems is typically required. Empathy, patience, and effective communication set candidates apart, especially when assisting anxious pet owners. These skills ensure smooth clinic operations, positive client experiences, and the well-being of both pets and their owners.

What are some common challenges faced by Animal Receptionists and how can they be managed?

Animal Receptionists often encounter high volumes of calls and walk-in clients, particularly during busy periods like mornings or weekends. Managing anxious pet owners and handling multiple tasks simultaneously—such as scheduling appointments, updating records, and coordinating with veterinary staff—can be demanding. Strong organizational skills, patience, and effective communication are essential to handle these challenges. Many receptionists find it helpful to prioritize tasks, maintain a calm demeanor, and build good rapport with both clients and team members to ensure a smooth workflow.

What are animal receptionists?

Animal receptionists are the first point of contact at veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or pet boarding facilities. They greet clients and their pets, schedule appointments, answer phones, and handle administrative tasks such as filing and billing. Animal receptionists also help ensure a welcoming and organized environment for both pet owners and their animals, often providing basic information and support. Their role is essential for smooth daily operations and quality customer service in animal care settings.

What is the difference between Animal Receptionist vs Veterinary Assistant?

AspectAnimal ReceptionistVeterinary Assistant
CredentialsNone required, customer service skills preferredVeterinary assistant certification or training often preferred
Work EnvironmentFront desk, reception area of veterinary clinicsAnimal treatment areas, kennels, exam rooms
Employer & Industry UsageVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, pet clinicsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, shelters
Job FocusCustomer service, appointment scheduling, client communicationAnimal care, assisting veterinarians, basic medical tasks

While both roles work in veterinary settings, the Animal Receptionist primarily handles client interactions and administrative tasks at the front desk. In contrast, the Veterinary Assistant is more involved in animal care and supporting veterinary procedures. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position based on their skills and interests.

More about Animal Receptionist jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Receptionist jobs? Cities with the most Animal Receptionist job openings:
What states have the most Animal Receptionist jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Receptionist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Animal Receptionist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,057 per year, or $17.8 per hour.
Large Animal Receptionist

Large Animal Receptionist

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

261st of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Req Id: 41881
Job Title: Large Animal Receptionist
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine is excited to be looking for a Large Animal Receptionist. As the Large Animal Receptionist you will shares responsibility between front reception desk and operating phones. This position is mainly 8am-5pm but will be on a rotating schedule for the opening shift of 7am-4pm (subject to change).
Front Desk: Engage with clients at the front counter, screen client requests, explain policies and procedures, assist clients in completing necessary forms, check-in and check-out patients, take deposits, process payments for visits and prescriptions, balance cash drawers, answer internal calls, and help maintain a clean and organized lobby.
Phones: General responsibilities include answering incoming calls to the hospital, taking referral information from owners, scheduling appointments, providing general appointment information including estimates, putting in messages for clinicians/students, and transferring calls when needed.
In both roles, one must maintain confidentiality at all times per hospital policies, determine the urgency of emergencies that enter the lobby, and use critical thinking to find alternative solutions for upset clients. One must be able to perform a variety of miscellaneous duties as assigned. The possibility exists to be cross-trained in Equine Community Practice. Be willing and able to attend staff meetings. Possible back-up shifts for weekends may be necessary, and some holidays may be required.
The starting pay for this position ranges from $16 to $19 an hour, based on experience and skills.
What We're Looking For:
Education and Experience
Qualified candidates will need:
  • HS Diploma/GED
  • 3 years of clerical experience in a medical clinic/veterinary office, or 1 year in a medical clinic/veterinary office and 2 years of customer Service experience

Skills Needed:
  • Personable with people, General Computer Skills, above average Customer Service skills
  • Proficient Data Entry skills, Cash Handling experience, General cleaning, Multi-tasking
  • Effective Communication Skills

Additional Information:
  • To learn more about Purdue's benefits summary CLICK HERE
  • Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position
  • FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible For Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
  • Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply

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