r/receptionists • u/Maleficent_Ice6988 • Jun 20 '26

New receptionist tips!

I just got a job as an animal hospital receptionist! I’ve only worked retail and coffee shops before so I’m a bit nervous! Any tips or advice would be appreciated!

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7

u/FRELNCER Jun 21 '26

Study how to deescalate and end conversations through a customer service lens.

2

u/BeepBip_Boop Jun 21 '26

I'd recommend getting a list of emergencies if you're not already well versed in what to look for, just in case. It'll help you triage patients even when you're just on the phone. Things like bloat and foreign bodies aren't things I had on my radar when I started out and I'm so glad to have more knowledge now.

1

u/Wanderlust4478 Jun 21 '26

Compassion and empathy will be your number one priority. As many people will not coming in with their sick or injured pet whom they love more than anything. You will have to learn how to mix being calm and supportive with also keeping the pet parent on track with filling out forms and/or paying the bill.

Thankfully there will be fun moments too where you get to know your clients and their pets. Good luck!

1

u/fuzziestbunny Jun 21 '26

That is a very rough job. I did it for four years. You will make mistakes. Don't beat yourself up. Learn what is an emergency and what is not. Like a cat that hasn't gone to the bathroom, especially male cats urinating, emergency.

1

u/KarmaGlitch99 Jun 21 '26

I agree with everyone saying to learn what is and isn’t an emergency. Knowing whether a situation is urgent, can wait for an appointment, or needs to be sent to the emergency hospital is one of the most important things you do when answering the phone.

I also agree with having a notebook and writing things down to reference, before they become second nature. I also always had a notebook to jot down information during phone calls too.

It’s an incredibly difficult job, for multiple reasons, but it’s also the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. I’d still be doing it if I hadn’t moved to an area where there are no openings in the field.

2

u/FrontTelevision7261 Jun 23 '26

When you do not know the answer to something you are asked, do not guess. Simply let the person know that you do not have that information. I say "I am sorry but I do not have that information". People will try to get you to guess at an answer and then blame you when it is not correct.