Emily Bivins - Cliffdale Animal Hospital - Lead Receptionist
A Path to Veterinary Medicine: A Heart for Animals and People
Working in veterinary medicine wasn't part of Emily Bivins's original plan. Initially drawn to human healthcare, her journey took an unexpected turn when she discovered her true calling—caring for animals and their families.
"I started out pursuing human medicine and even got my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification," Emily shares. But as she searched for jobs, a posting for a kennel assistant at an animal clinic caught her eye. "I thought, 'I like animals, why not give it a try?'" That decision set the course for her career.
The animal clinic hired her as a receptionist, and Emily quickly realized how much she loved being part of a veterinary team. "I'd worked in customer service since I was 16, so talking to people came naturally. But being able to connect with people and their pets? That was something special."
Emily works at Cliffdale Animal Hospital, where she thrives in her role. "I love the environment," she says. "The team is great, and helping animals is incredibly rewarding. Seeing an animal go from struggling to thriving makes it all worth it." Her days are varied, keeping her on her toes. "On a typical day, I answer phones, review records, take messages, and handle scheduling. But it can get hectic. Some days, we're double or triple-booked, and emergencies always add an extra layer of challenge. You just have to roll with it and focus on helping."
Moments That Stick
One of Emily's most memorable experiences was helping a grieving pet owner who called just after his dog passed away. Although the clinic was about to close, Emily and her coworkers stayed late to support him. "He later wrote us a letter, calling us 'little angels.' That moment stuck with me. It showed me how much of a difference we can make for the pets and their families, too."
It's these connections that make Emily's job meaningful. "Whether celebrating a pet's recovery or being there for someone during a tough decision, it's about showing empathy and care."
Balancing Compassion and Challenges
One of the hardest parts of Emily's role is helping pet owners make difficult decisions. "There was a time when a woman had to choose between parvo treatment and euthanasia for her dog because of financial constraints," she recalls. "It's heartbreaking, but you must approach those conversations with understanding and support."
Scheduling and handling emergencies also bring challenges. "You want to fit everyone in and keep things running smoothly, but sometimes you just have to prioritize and do your best with what you have. It's all about teamwork and staying calm."
A Lifelong Love for Animals
Emily's connection with animals started young, despite her family's frequent moves as part of military life. Her first dog, a beagle named Osito, sparked her love for pets. Later, she became a devoted cat owner, caring for cats like Oreo and Bella during her childhood.
"Rescuing animals has always been important to me," she says. One of her favorite stories involves a stray cat named Banana Bread, whom she adopted after noticing her struggling at a clinic. "She was just a kitten herself, malnourished and scared. I couldn't leave her there."
Now, Emily shares her life with Honey Bun, a standard poodle who originally came to her as a foster but quickly became family. "Honey Bun brings so much joy to my life. Pets do make everything better."
Emily's Passion for Veterinary Medicine
For Emily, working in veterinary medicine is more than just a job—it's a way to make a difference. "I'll always have a special place in my heart for animals, especially cats," she says. "Being able to help pets and their owners is such a privilege. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it."
As Emily looks to the future, her passion and dedication continue to shine. Emily exemplifies what it means to truly care, whether through her compassion for grieving owners, her commitment to easing pets' stress, or her love for her furry companions.
