Job Details

Job Description

Pet Daycare & Boarding Receptionist

Position summary

The Pet Daycare & Boarding Receptionist is the first point of contact for pet parents. This role supports check-ins/outs, scheduling, client communication, payments, and daily coordination with the daycare/kennel team to ensure a smooth, safe, and welcoming experience for every guest.

Key responsibilities

Client service & front desk

• Greet clients and pets warmly; maintain a calm, professional lobby environment
• Answer phones, texts, and emails; respond promptly and accurately
• Explain services, policies, and requirements (vaccines, feeding/meds, pickup windows, late fees, etc.)
• Handle concerns with empathy and confidence; escalate issues to management when needed

Scheduling & reservations

• Schedule daycare, boarding, and evaluations/temperament tests (if applicable)
• Confirm reservations, update client/pet profiles, and document special instructions
• Manage waitlists, capacity limits, and cancellation/no-show policies

Check-in / check-out workflow

• Verify vaccines, required forms, emergency contacts, and authorized pick-up persons
• Review feeding instructions, medications, and belongings at drop-off
• Communicate notes clearly to the kennel/daycare team
• Process pick-ups, go-home instructions/report cards (if used), and billing

Payments & admin

• Collect payments, run POS transactions, and balance drawer as assigned
• Prepare daily paperwork (boarding cards, feeding/med sheets, labels)
• Maintain accurate records and follow confidentiality standards
• Support retail sales at the front (treats, toys, etc.) if applicable

Team communication & facility support

• Coordinate with kennel/daycare leads on arrivals, departures, and pet notes
• Report urgent concerns or emergencies immediately
• Keep the front desk and lobby clean, stocked, and organized

Schedule expectations

• This position requires reliable availability, including some weekends and holidays (rotating coverage).
• Shifts may vary based on occupancy, holidays, and peak seasons.

Required skills & qualifications

• 1+ year customer service/front desk experience (pet care, hospitality, or medical office preferred)
• Strong communication and de-escalation skills in a fast-paced environment
• Basic computer skills (scheduling software, email, POS)
• Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented
• Comfortable around dogs/cats of all sizes and energy levels

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in boarding/daycare, grooming, or veterinary settings
• Knowledge of basic pet behavior/body language
• Cash handling experience and strong attention to detail

Physical demands & working conditions

• Standing/walking for extended periods; frequent bending and reaching
• Ability to lift up to ~40 lbs (with assistance as needed)
• Exposure to noise, pet dander, cleaning products, and occasional accidents

National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.

At NVA, we're on a mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. That starts by empowering our care teams. We nurture their growth with resources to practice medicine their way. Our network of 1,000 hospitals connects them to a community of professionals who share their passion so they can learn and grow together. Our national presence enables us to deliver technology and innovations that simplify work and expand care for all. At NVA, we're committed to your professional growth. We support your entire career journey, offering opportunities ranging from mentorship to ownership.

NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.