By: Arianna
My day usually starts before our doors open. There are voicemails that need to be listened to, emails that need to be reviewed, messages waiting for answers, and a schedule already filled with for our sweet furry friends who need to be seen. Mornings are all about preparation. I’m confirming appointments, coordinating with our medical team, and making sure the lobby is clean and welcoming before the day really kicks off.
At the front of Animal Hospital at Thorndale, where every visit begins and ends, you’ll usually find me at the front desk. I’m one of the veterinary receptionists here, and my job is a mix of customer service, compassion, organization, emotional resilience, and honestly… a little bit of everything.
Once clients start arriving, the pace picks up quickly. Some appointments are routine wellness or sick visits, some are quick technician appointments, and then there’s the occasional unexpected emergency that changes the flow of everything. No matter what’s happening, I always try to greet each client warmly and help them feel supported, even when things are hectic behind the scenes.
Throughout the day, the phone rarely stops ringing. Calls range from scheduling appointments and refilling prescriptions to questions about symptoms or post-surgery care. A big part of my job is communication, gathering accurate information, relaying messages to and from our veterinary team, and reassuring worried pet parents when they’re stressed or unsure of what to do next.
At the same time, there’s constant movement at the front desk. I’m checking patients in and out, updating records, processing payments, coordinating with our medical team, and handling all the in-between tasks that keep the day moving. Add barking dogs, curious meowing kitties, and the occasional escape artist on a leash, and multitasking quickly becomes second nature.
Working at the front desk means being one of the main connections between our clients and our medical team. It’s my job to help keep schedules running smoothly and make sure everyone has the information they need, while also keeping things calm and organized up front. At the end of the day, we all share the same goal: providing the best possible care for pets and their people.
As the day winds down, there’s still work to do. Final calls, paperwork, appointment reminders, and making sure everything is ready for the next day. By the time my shift is over, I’m usually tired, but my heart is full. Being a veterinary receptionist isn’t just a job, it’s being a support system for pets, their families, and the team that cares for them.
And honestly, that’s what makes every busy, emotional, chaotic day worth it.
