What are the responsibilities and job description for the Experienced Veterinary Receptionist (Full Time) for a Privately Owned Fear-Free Certified Hospital position at Del Mar Veterinary Hospital?
Join Our Fear Free Team!
Patient Care Coordinator (Veterinary Receptionist)
Location: St. Augustine Beach, FL
Employment Type: Full-Time
ABOUT DEL MAR VETERINARY HOSPITAL:
Located in the beautiful coastal community of St. Augustine Beach, Del Mar Veterinary Hospital is a privately owned, boutique-style veterinary practice dedicated to providing exceptional, low-stress care for dogs, cats, birds, and other small companion animals.
As a Fear Free Certified Practice and AAHA-Accredited Hospital, we are committed to delivering the highest standards of veterinary medicine while creating a positive, compassionate experience for both our patients and their families. Every pet is treated as if they were our own, with patience, kindness, and individualized care.
Our AAHA accreditation reflects our commitment to excellence, having met nearly 900 rigorous standards of veterinary care that exceed typical industry requirements.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE WORKING HERE:
At Del Mar, we believe exceptional patient care begins with an exceptional team. We are passionate about fostering a supportive, collaborative, and respectful workplace where every team member is valued, appreciated, and encouraged to grow.
We proudly offer:
- Privately owned practice (NO corporate management)
- Collaborative, team-oriented culture where your ideas and feedback matter
- Strong commitment to work-life balance
- Fear Free philosophy throughout every aspect of our hospital
- Zero tolerance for abusive or disrespectful client behavior because our team deserves a safe, positive work environment
- Modern, appointment-based practice
- Monday–Friday schedule with only occasional Saturday shifts (typically one per month)
If you're looking for more than just a job and want to build a long-term career with a team that truly cares, we'd love to meet you.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
We are seeking a compassionate, proactive, organized, detail-oriented, and motivated Patient Care Coordinator to join our Fear Free client service team.
As the first and last point of contact for every client, this position plays one of the most important roles in our hospital. Our Patient Care Coordinators are much more than receptionists, they are client advocates who help create an exceptional experience from the moment a client schedules an appointment until they leave our hospital.
We believe veterinary reception is a profession, not simply an entry-level position. We invest in individuals who are passionate about client service and hospital administration and who are excited to grow into leadership opportunities within our administrative team.
The ideal candidate enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, thrives on teamwork, communicates professionally, and takes pride in providing exceptional customer service while ensuring every client and patient feels welcomed, respected, and cared for.
THIS POSITION IS PERFECT FOR SOMEONE WHO:
- Has a genuine passion for delivering exceptional customer service.
- Loves animals and enjoys interacting with both pets and their families.
- Creates warm, welcoming, and compassionate experiences for every client.
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment while remaining calm and organized.
- Enjoys multitasking and solving problems.
- Is proactive and enjoys anticipating the needs of clients and teammates.
- Has exceptional attention to detail.
- Communicates professionally and confidently in person, over the phone, and through email.
- Builds lasting relationships through kindness, empathy, and excellent communication.
- Takes pride in keeping the hospital organized, efficient, and welcoming.
- Is eager to learn, grow, and contribute to a positive team culture.
- Is physically able to lift up to 50 pounds when assisting clients with pets and can remain on their feet throughout the workday.
***PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING:
This position is intended for individuals seeking a long-term career in veterinary client service and hospital administration.
We are looking for someone excited to grow within our administrative department and eventually take on additional responsibilities and leadership opportunities.
Applicants whose long-term career goal is to transition into the medical or technical department will not be considered for this position.
QUALIFICATIONS (Required):
- Minimum three (3) years of customer service experience.
- Minimum one (1) years of Veterinary reception.
- Active driver's license
- Live within a 15-mile radius of the hospital
- Weekend availabily.
- Strong computer proficiency (Microsoft Office)
- Typing speed of at least 40 WPM
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong organizational, multitasking, and data-entry skills
- Ability to manage multiple phone lines while maintaining professionalism
- Ability to work independently while also being an outstanding team player
- Previous experience in a veterinary, medical, dental, hospitality, or other client-focused environment
- Veterinary reception experience is a MUST
Preferred:
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
- American Sign Language (ASL)
COMPENSATION:
Compensation is based on experience, customer service skills, administrative abilities, and overall qualifications.
Patient Care Coordinator:
- $18–19/hour — Entry level to less than five years of relevant customer service experience, and one (1) year of Veterinary Reception.
- $20/hour — Three or more years of veterinary, medical, or other high-level client service experience
*Pay is based on experience, skills, and qualifications.
BENEFITS:
We value our team and invest in their professional and personal success by offering:
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Employee pet care discounts
- Continuing education and professional development
- Opportunities to attend veterinary conferences after one year of employment
- Monthly performance bonus
- Annual uniform allowance
- Annual performance-based pay increases
- Optional Allstate ancillary supplemental benefits including: Dental, Vision, Accident coverage, Hospital indemnity, Life Insurance, and Disabilty.
Who We're Looking For: Initiative, Accountability & Leadership
At Del Mar Veterinary Hospital, we're looking for more than someone who can perform the basic duties of a veterinary receptionist. We're seeking a highly motivated, resourceful, and dependable Patient Care Coordinator who takes pride in their work, demonstrates exceptional initiative, and actively contributes to a positive, efficient, and successful hospital environment.
We value professionals who take ownership of their responsibilities rather than waiting to be told what to do.
Our ideal candidate demonstrates:
- Initiative & Independent Thinking: Proactively identifies needs, anticipates challenges, solves problems, and takes appropriate action without constant direction or reminders.
- Accountability & Strong Work Ethic: Takes full ownership of assigned responsibilities, follows through on commitments, and consistently meets established expectations.
- Leadership & Team Coordination: Confidently communicates with colleagues, coordinates responsibilities, provides constructive feedback when appropriate, and helps maintain team accountability.
- Organization & Project Management: Effectively prioritizes competing demands, manages multiple responsibilities, tracks pending tasks, and ensures projects and daily operations are completed accurately and on time.
- Exceptional Interpersonal Skills: Naturally builds rapport with clients and colleagues through empathy, professionalism, emotional intelligence, and effective communication.
- Problem-Solving & Sound Judgment: Approaches challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset, exercises good judgment, and knows when to act independently versus when to escalate a concern.
- High Standards & Attention to Detail: Understands that consistency, accuracy, efficiency, and follow-through are essential in a busy veterinary hospital.
- Adaptability & Team Mentality: Willingly supports colleagues, recognizes opportunities to improve workflows, and contributes beyond the minimum requirements of the position.
Our Work Culture & Expectations:
- We believe in empowering capable professionals, not micromanaging them.
- Our team members receive clear responsibilities, established protocols, training, and performance expectations. In return, we expect professionalism, self-direction, reliability, accountability, and consistent follow-through.
- We value employees who recognize what needs to be done, take initiative within their responsibilities, and communicate proactively rather than waiting for repeated instructions.
- Our standards for patient care, client service, teamwork, and professional accountability are non-negotiable.
- If you thrive in an environment where your contributions matter, your initiative is appreciated, and you're trusted to take ownership of your work, we would love to hear from you.
JOIN OUR TEAM:
If you're passionate about exceptional customer service, love helping pets and the people who care for them, enjoy building lasting client relationships, and want a long-term career with a practice that truly values its team, we'd love to hear from you.
At Del Mar Veterinary Hospital, you're not simply joining a veterinary practice, you'll become part of a close-knit team that genuinely enjoys working together, supports one another, and is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their families every day.
Work Location: In person
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Expected hours: No more than 50.0 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- This position is intended for candidates seeking a long-term career in veterinary reception and hospital administration. Are you applying with the intention of remaining in the administrative department, rather than transferring to the medical/technical team in the future?
☐ Yes, I am seeking a long-term administrative career.
☐ No, my goal is to eventually transition into a medical/technical role.
- Are you available to work weekends if needed?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Customer service: 1 year (Required)
Language:
- English (Required)
Location:
- Saint Augustine, FL 32080 (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Saint Augustine, FL 32080 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18 - $20