Honouring the heart of the clinic: Veterinary Receptionist Appreciation Day

On 1 October, we celebrate Veterinary Receptionist Appreciation Day—a time to celebrate the warm, skilled, empathetic professionals who are the very heartbeat of every veterinary clinic. From handling calls, organising appointments, and supporting pets and their owners, veterinary receptionists do their best to deliver compassionate care and keep the clinic running smoothly.

Here are meaningful, fun, and tangible ways to honour them on 1 October and beyond:

1. Speak from the heart with personalised thank-you notes

Begin the day by writing handwritten or personalised thank-you cards. Mention specifics: “Thank you for offering calm reassurance when Daisy came in for her vaccinations” or “Your organisational genius kept the morning running smoothly, even during the emergency influx.” These personal touches truly matter!

2. Create an in-clinic Wall of Appreciation to show gratitude

Create a Wall of Appreciation in a shared staff area or lobby. Invite customers and team members to post short notes or appreciative doodles, highlighting your hard-working receptionists’ kindness and how they make a difference every day.

3. Spoil them with a mini celebration!

A surprise lunch or afternoon tea is always appreciated at the clinic. Make it a pet-themed celebration if possible with paw-print cupcakes and chocolate! Most importantly, let it be a relaxed, celebratory time away from the front desk. 

4. Spotlight veterinary receptionists on your social media and website!

Feature your receptionists on your clinic’s social media and veterinary website. Post a friendly photo, share their favourite things about their job, what makes them smile, or a witty pet-related anecdote. Invite pet owners to post kind messages or comment with thanks—public recognition that goes a long way!

5. Show appreciation with handy and thoughtful gifts

Here are gift ideas that show care and practicality:

• A beautifully packaged treat pouch, handy for managing calm pets and rewarding good behaviour.
  
• A miniature sound machine for the reception area—a soothing touch for anxious pets and focused staff.
  
• A small plant or flower to brighten their workspace (ensuring it’s safe and nontoxic for pets!).
  

A single-serve coffee or tea machine, serving as an instant barista when it’s needed most.

6. Provide veterinary receptionists with powerful tools and support

Ask your reception team: “What everyday task is most draining or overwhelming?” Then invest in something that makes life easier—whether it’s a supportive desk chair, a better phone system, or a 24/7 online booking platform that significantly reduces call volume. Easing your front desk team’s workload is one of the best ways to show your appreciation and support.

7. Build a well-deserved Employee of the Month plaque

Make your veterinary receptionists’ contributions more visible by creating an Employee of the Month tradition or showcase a “Receptionist of the Quarter” award, with a celebratory plaque or certificate. Consider throwing in a small reward such as a spa voucher or a gift card to a nearby coffee shop!

8. Support a cause together—as a team

Choose an animal welfare charity, shelter, or other related organisation and make a collective donation in your receptionists’ name. It’s a meaningful way to say “thank you” and resonates deeply with staff who care for pets daily. 

9. Encourage random acts of kindness

Throughout the day, encourage other staff to perform small, thoughtful acts for your front desk team. Whether it’s bringing their favourite fizzy drink to the front desk, helping file paperwork, offering a quick “thank you” in person, or writing affirming sticky notes—these little moments add up. 

10. Remember to continue the appreciation year-round!

Veterinary Receptionist Appreciation Day is the main focus this 1 October—but appreciation shouldn’t stop there. Keep recognition going through:

• Regular feedback and praise during team meetings
  
• Seasonal celebratory treats (e.g. chocolates or comforting items around winter, sunhats or iced drinks in summer)
  
• Developing professional roadmaps by asking receptionists about their goals, and helping them progress towards new skills
  
• Ensuring your team’s well-being with rotating shifts, break coverage, and mental health services

Using our personalised thank-you cards to show your appreciation for your front desk team!

Happy Veterinary Receptionist Appreciation Day!

Veterinary receptionists are often the first impression of new customers—helping to calm nerves, coordinate care, and manage difficult situations with precision. Make this 1 October a joyful, meaningful celebration of their dedication through heartfelt notes, mini-parties, and workplace improvements. Every gesture counts; when our receptionists feel seen, supported, and valued, it radiates through every interaction. The end result is improved care for pets, better support for customers, and a happier and more productive team.