Join the team at Bishopton Vets
Bishopton Vets is a friendly, supportive, independent practice in North Yorkshire where veterinary professionals can grow, have fun, and deliver exceptional care.
About Bishopton Vets
When Bishopton Vets first opened its doors in 1943, it was a small practice serving rural North Yorkshire. More than 80 years later, it has become one of the region’s largest independent practices yet its heart has not changed. The practice remains rooted in its community, guided by its values, and proudly independently owned and run.
The RCVS‑accredited veterinary hospital in Ripon serves as the central hub for the farm and pig teams and provides 24/7 emergency care for pet owners. Supported by four welcoming branch surgeries in Thirsk, Northallerton, Easingwold, and Pateley Bridge, the hospital also offers advanced referral services, including orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, cardiology, ophthalmology, and laparoscopy.
The team brings together Advanced Practitioners, RVNs, student nurses, and support staff working collaboratively to deliver exceptional veterinary care while maintaining a down‑to‑earth Yorkshire spirit.
Within the small animal department, Bishopton Vets holds ISFM Gold Cat Friendly Clinic status and Zero Pain accreditation, reflecting a commitment to excellence, comfort, and the highest standards of care for every patient.
What makes Bishopton Vets special?
The practice lives its values every day. Its CARES vision guides all activity: Clinical Excellence, Adaptability, Respect, Education, and Sustainability.
Clinical excellence & support
- A 16‑strong FTE small animal vet team, including RCVS Advanced Practitioners and certificate holders in small animal surgery (soft tissue & orthopaedics), feline medicine, chronic pain management & acupuncture, and small animal practice.
- Strong support for ongoing professional development, with mentorship, training, and access to the latest techniques and best practices.
- Regular journal clubs, clinical governance meetings, case discussions, and clinical club sessions to share knowledge and continually improve outcomes.
- Excellent facilities and equipment, including upgraded ultrasound, laparoscopy, video endoscopy, an in‑house laboratory, and a fortnightly visiting CT service.
Culture & community
Life at Bishopton Vets isn’t all work; the team enjoys Bishy Bingo nights, quiz evenings, bowling trips, charity runs, and craft clubs. Each summer, the practice joins Ripon’s St Wilfrid’s Procession, choosing a theme, designing a float, and getting creative with costumes (past highlights include pirates and Oompa Loompas). Many team members stay for years because this is more than a workplace it’s a community.
Bishopton Vets is a proud member of XLVets a nationwide community of independently owned, progressive practices that collaborate to share expertise, raise standards, and support their teams.
Independence matters
Independent ownership gives the practice the freedom to make decisions together as a team, shaping services to benefit patients, clients, and colleagues. When something tough arrives such as an emergency RTA with limited funds the team simply focuses on doing the right thing.
Living in Ripon
On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and Moors, Ripon is surrounded by stunning countryside for walking, cycling, and exploring. Harrogate and York are within easy reach, and the local grammar school enjoys an excellent reputation.
Testimonials
The role
This position suits someone seeking variety, teamwork, and the chance to grow clinically while enjoying an excellent quality of life outside work.
Bishopton Vets is looking for a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join the team. Some post‑graduate experience is ideal, but the essentials are passion, motivation, and a desire to develop within a supportive, forward‑thinking practice.
This is a day role, primarily based at the Ripon hospital with opportunities to spend time in the branches—combining the buzz of a hospital caseload with the quieter, community feel of smaller sites.
- Working pattern: 4‑day week
- Weekends: Currently 1:5 with a day off in lieu
- Flexible options: Part‑time applications are welcome
Bishopton Vets runs its own out‑of‑hours service, ensuring true case continuity for patients and clients. A blended rota provides cover via dedicated night vets and members of the day team who value the experience of varied night‑time caseloads.
What Bishopton Vets offers
- Salary of £35,000–£60,000 DOE
- 31 days’ holiday including bank holidays (pro rata)
- CPD: Annual allowance of £2,000 (or £2,500 if AP) + 5 days (pro rata), with certificates encouraged and supported
- Professional fees paid for RCVS, VDS, BVA, plus one other membership
- Access to private medical insurance and a medical cash plan
- Pension scheme – the People’s Pension (5% employee and 3% employer contributions)
- Perkbox rewards, recognition, and discounts
- Wellbeing initiatives, including access to an Employee Assistance Programme
- Team pet discount scheme
- One paid volunteering day per year
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Above all, a truly supportive and social team
Full or part-time applications welcome.
If this sounds like the right fit for you then please apply with your CV and covering letter to Sam Milner at careers@bishoptonvets.co.uk