Job Summary

The Veterinary Reception & Client Care Specialist at VCA Animal Hospitals is the “heart of the lobby” for one of Calgary’s most trusted veterinary networks. You are the first and last point of contact for families and their pets, meaning your role is a delicate balance of hospitality, medical administration, and emotional support. This position requires the “wit” to manage complex scheduling and medical records and the “grit” to remain calm and compassionate during high-stress emergency situations or difficult patient outcomes.

Job Details

Employer: VCA Animal Hospitals (A global leader in veterinary care and medicine).
Location: Calgary, AB.
Position Type: Full-time.
Compensation: $30,000 – $60,000 per year.
- Note: Pay is typically hourly, with the 2026 Calgary market average for experienced Vet Receptionists falling between $19.50 and $24.00 per hour.
Perks: Significant discounts on personal pet care, comprehensive health and dental benefits, and opportunities for professional development in veterinary administration.
Corporate Culture: Compassionate, medical-focused, and collaborative.

Core Responsibilities

Client Experience: Create a warm, organized, and “stress-free” environment for both humans and their pets upon arrival and departure.
Appointment Management: Coordinate complex schedules for wellness exams, surgeries, and urgent care, utilizing specialized veterinary software (e.g., WoofWare or Hippo).
Medical Communication: Act as a liaison between clients and the clinical team, relaying non-medical information and ensuring post-visit instructions are clearly understood.
Pharmacy & Retail: Process prescriptions, manage therapeutic diet sales, and assist clients with specialized pet product inquiries.
Financial Stewardship: Handle payment processing, insurance claims (such as Trupanion or Petsecure), and provide accurate estimates for upcoming procedures.
Emotional Support: Provide a compassionate presence for clients during difficult visits, ensuring that the “Client Care” standard remains exceptionally high even in sad circumstances.

Candidate Requirements

Experience: Minimum of one year in a high-touch, client-facing role (Veterinary or Medical office experience is a significant asset).
Communication: Exceptional verbal and written skills; the ability to remain patient and empathetic when resolving client complaints or anxieties.
Organizational Skills: A high level of detail-orientation to ensure medical records and billing are handled with 100% accuracy.
Tech Savvy: Ability to master multi-line phone systems and electronic medical record (EMR) software quickly.
Personal Attributes: A genuine “passion for pets” and a “people-first” attitude.

Job Description

Do you believe that every pet owner deserves a partner in their animal’s health journey? VCA Animal Hospitals is looking for a Veterinary Reception & Client Care professional to join our Calgary team. We don’t just treat patients; we care for family members. If you have the “grit” to handle a busy hospital lobby and the “wit” to manage the logistical dance of a surgical schedule, you are the “Front Desk Pro” we need.

In this role, you are a “Client Advocate.” You understand that when a client walks through our doors, they may be feeling anything from excitement for a new puppy to deep anxiety over a sick pet. Your goal is to be the calming force that ensures their experience is seamless and supportive. We look for individuals who are “obsessively passionate” about service—those who see a long line or a ringing phone not as a burden, but as an opportunity to help.

Joining VCA means joining a global community of medical professionals who value innovation and “Integrity-first” care. We offer a competitive salary and a benefits package that supports both you and your own furry family members. We provide a fast-paced, high-reward environment where your skills in communication and organization are the foundation of our success. If you are a self-motivated professional with a big heart and a commitment to “Excellence in Service,” we invite you to apply.

VCA Canada Animal Hospitals | Calgary & Veterinary Excellence

VCA Canada is the largest network of veterinary hospitals in the country, and Calgary serves as its strategic home base, housing the organization’s national headquarters. Operating as part of the global Mars Veterinary Health family, VCA Canada is a cornerstone of the Calgary veterinary community, providing a tiered care system that spans from routine wellness at neighborhood clinics to high-stakes emergency and multi-disciplinary specialty care.

Company Culture: “Caring for Life’s Greatest Companions”

The culture at VCA Canada is designed around medical collaboration and a deep commitment to the human-animal bond.

Collaboration Over Competition: VCA emphasizes a “knowledge-sharing” culture. Local Calgary clinics have direct access to a national network of over 137 board-certified specialists, allowing for complex case consultations that smaller, independent clinics might not be able to provide.
Top Employer Status: For several consecutive years, including 2026, VCA Canada has been named one of Alberta’s Top Employers. This recognition highlights a culture that leads the industry in professional development and workplace quality.
Lifelong Learning: The workplace fosters a “growth mindset” through WOOF University, their proprietary online learning platform, and extensive mentorship programs for new graduates entering the field.
“Never Alone” Policy: Recognizing the emotional toll of veterinary medicine, the company promotes a culture of support. The “Never Alone” program provides resources to help staff navigate difficult medical outcomes and client interactions.

Major Calgary Hubs: 24/7 Specialty & Emergency

VCA Canada operates several key facilities in Calgary that act as regional referral centers for all of Southern Alberta.

VCA Canada C.A.R.E. Centre – Calgary SE

Located at 7140 – 12th Street SE, Calgary, AB.
Comprehensive Specialty: This is a primary referral hub offering specialized departments in Oncology, Neurology, Cardiology, and Ophthalmology. It functions like a major human hospital, requiring referrals from primary care vets for non-emergency specialty visits.
24/7 Emergency: The emergency wing is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for immediate critical care.

VCA Canada Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre

Located at 1802 10 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB.
Advanced Care: Known for its high-level surgical suites, internal medicine experts, and a dedicated pet loss counseling service to support families through difficult transitions.

VCA Canada Calgary North Animal Hospital

Located at 4204 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB.
Northside Anchor: Provides 24-hour emergency services alongside general practice, making it a critical resource for pet owners in the northern quadrants of the city.

Core Service Tiers

Tier	Focus	Examples in Calgary
Primary Care	Wellness, vaccines, routine illness.	VCA 17th Avenue, VCA 8th Street.
Specialty Care	Board-certified experts (Surgeons, Oncologists).	C.A.R.E. Centre, Western Veterinary.
Emergency Care	24/7 trauma and critical illness.	Calgary North, C.A.R.E. Centre.
Urgent Care	Same-day non-life-threatening illness.	Select neighborhood VCA clinics.

Associate Benefits: “Total Rewards”

VCA Canada provides a comprehensive benefits package aimed at retaining top veterinary talent in a competitive market:

Health and Well-being: Full medical, dental, and paramedical insurance, supplemented by innovative telemedicine and online mental health support for staff.
RRSP Matching: An employer-matched program to help associates plan for their long-term financial future.
The “Penn Foster” Scholarship: A standout benefit that offers a fully paid scholarship for associates to become Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVT), covering tuition and exam fees.
Pet Care Discounts: Generous discounts on veterinary services and products for employees’ own pets.
Student Loan Support: A unique program where the company matches a portion of an associate’s student loan repayments into their RRSP.

To apply for this job please visit www.vcacareers.com.