5 Things Most People Don’t Realize Vet Receptionists Do

When people think of veterinary receptionists, they often picture someone answering phones and booking appointments. But the truth is, vet receptionists wear many hats behind the scenes—and they play a vital role in the smooth operation of every clinic. Here are five surprising things you probably didn’t know veterinary receptionists are responsible for:

1. Social Media Management

Yep, that adorable puppy photo or informative parasite prevention post you just saw on the clinic’s Instagram? Chances are, your vet receptionist had a hand in creating or scheduling it. Many clinics rely on reception staff to manage their social media presence, keep content fresh, and engage with the community online.

2. Website Content Creation & Management

From writing blog posts (like this one!) to updating holiday hours or adding new services to the clinic website, receptionists are often the ones making sure the clinic’s online presence stays current and professional.

3. Inventory Management (Yes, Even Expiry Checks)

Receptionists play a key role in making sure the clinic is well-stocked and nothing has expired on the shelves. They help track what’s running low, receive shipments, and check expiry dates on medications and supplies—keeping patients safe and the clinic compliant.

4. Preparing Prescriptions

In many clinics, receptionists are trained to help prepare prescriptions for client pick-up. That might mean measuring out medications, printing labels, and double-checking dosages under the supervision of a veterinarian or technician.

5. Running Lab Work

You read that right. From preparing blood samples to running fecals and urinalysis in-house, some receptionists are trained to assist with diagnostic testing. They ensure samples are labeled correctly, results are logged, and everything’s ready for the vet to interpret.

The Bottom Line:

Veterinary receptionists do so much more than greet clients and answer phones. They’re multi-skilled professionals who keep the clinic running smoothly—from front desk to behind-the-scenes. Next time you visit your local clinic, give a little extra appreciation to the receptionist—you never know what task they just finished before saying “hello.”