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Upfirst AI receptionist + Zapier + Slack

Answer a vet clinic's overflow calls, refill requests and new-client forms with AI

Quick answer

Hearthstone Animal Clinic, a one-vet practice in northwest Houston with three support staff, has an AI receptionist pick up when the phone rings over 18 seconds, after hours and on half-days. It sends refill links and new-client forms by text, answers price questions, and handles hard calls like end-of-life care with care.

Business type: Clinics & dental. Tool used: Upfirst AI receptionist + Zapier + Slack. Result: The clinic is no longer missing important calls or leaving clients on hold. Refill links go out in under 30 seconds, and the receptionist knows right away when a refill or an upset caller needs her. No other numbers are given.

Source: Upfirst customer story (Company case study) · Last updated 2026-10-19

ToolUpfirst AI receptionist + Zapier + SlackBusinessClinics & dentalTaskAnswering calls, Customer supportSourceUpfirst customer story (Company case study)

How they set it up

  1. Set it to answer only when the phone rings more than 18 seconds, after hours and on half-days.
  2. Fill its knowledge base with hours, prices, prescription refills and new-client forms.
  3. Write gentle answers for sensitive calls, like euthanasia.
  4. Email every call summary to the receptionist.
  5. Use Zapier to post instant alerts in Slack for refills and upset callers.

Result

The clinic is no longer missing important calls or leaving clients on hold. Refill links go out in under 30 seconds, and the receptionist knows right away when a refill or an upset caller needs her. No other numbers are given. (as reported by the source)

Guide: AI receptionist for small business: real examples and how to set one up

Starter prompt

Our own prompt for copying this setup. Swap in your details. Not quoted from the source.

You answer calls for [Vet Clinic] when the front desk is busy. Answer questions about hours and prices from our list. For prescription refills, text the refill link. For new clients, text the new-client form. Never give medical advice. If a pet may be in danger, tell the caller to come in or call [emergency clinic] now. Be gentle and kind on calls about end-of-life care.

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