Veterinary Receptionist - Harbor

Receptionist – Veterinary Front Desk 

Salary: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour, determined by the candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications.

Schedule: This is a full-time position averaging 32 - 40 hours per week. The shifts vary from 8 to 10 hours, and every other Saturday.

Hospital Hours:

• Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Tuesday - Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Harbor Animal Hospital is hiring a full-time Customer Service Professional to be the knowledgeable, welcoming face at our front desk. This role goes beyond typical administrative assistant duties—it’s about delivering knowledgeable service while confidently communicating in the language of veterinary care. Whether discussing vaccines, explaining procedures, or coordinating appointments, your ability to speak the lingo and anticipate client needs will directly contribute to smoother appointments, stronger client relationships, and better patient outcomes.

What to Expect

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

• All the benefits you deserve—medical, dental, vision, and plus an employee pet discount because we know your pets are family, too!
• Paid time off. Take the time you need to recharge.
• 401(k) with a generous company. We invest in your future while you care for our pets today.
• Employee referral bonus. Earn $1,000 when you refer a new team member to one of our 180+ partner hospitals across the country.
• Hands-on training and mentorship to support long-term growth across a variety of roles within the hospital, whether you’re aiming to grow in client care, pursue hands-on animal work, or simply build a meaningful long-term role.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Be the first point of contact: Greet clients and their pets warmly, complete the sign-in process, verify and confirm appointment details, and ensure clients feel informed and reassured.
• Support clinical flow: Escort clients to exam rooms, assist in relaying key information between clients and clinical staff.
• Manage client communications: Handle incoming calls for appointments, care questions, prescription refills, and more. Make outbound calls for appointment reminders and follow-up care.
• Operate with accuracy: Process payments, manage invoicing, and schedule future appointments with attention to detail.
• Speak the language: Understand and communicate clearly about common vaccines, lab tests, procedures, pet behavior, and veterinary terminology.
• Create a welcoming space: Help maintain a clean, organized, and client-ready environment—including occasionally assisting with pet-related clean-up to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a veterinary office is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of veterinary terminology and procedures
• Comfort discussing sensitive topics (e.g., end-of-life care, financial discussions) with empathy
• Ability to maintain a calm, professional, and positive demeanor

About Harbor Animal Hospital

Harbor Animal Hospital has been proudly caring for the pets of Winthrop Harbor, IL, since 1988. Our AAHA-accredited hospital is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality veterinary care—from routine wellness visits to advanced procedures. Our experienced team values lasting relationships with clients and their pets, carrying forward a legacy of excellence for over 35 years.