Join our dedicated OOH team at Bishopton Vets! A friendly, supportive, independent practice in North Yorkshire where you can grow, have fun, and deliver exceptional care. Applying for this role is straight forward Scroll down and click on Apply to be considered for this position.
About Us
When Bishopton Vets first opened its doors in 1943, we were a small practice serving rural North Yorkshire. Fast forward 80+ years, and we’re now one of the region’s largest independent practices – but our heart hasn’t changed. We remain rooted in our community, guided by our values, and proud to be independently owned and run.
Our RCVS-accredited veterinary hospital in Ripon serves as the central hub for our farm and pig team, 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.
Our team brings together Advanced Practitioners, RVNs, student nurses, and our support staff – all working together to deliver exceptional veterinary care while maintaining that down-to-earth Yorkshire spirit.
In our small animal department, we are proud to be an ISFM Gold Cat Friendly Clinic and Zero Pain accredited, reflecting our commitment to excellence, comfort, and the highest standards of care for every patient.
What makes Bishopton Vets special?
We don’t just talk about values – we live them. Our CARES vision guides everything we do: Clinical Excellence, Adaptability, Respect, Education, and Sustainability .
Clinical excellence & support
* Join 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 .
* Ongoing professional development is fully supported, with mentorship, training, and access to the latest techniques and best practices.
* Regular journal clubs, clinical governance meetings, case discussions, and clinical club sessions ensure knowledge is shared and outcomes are continually improved.
* Excellent facilities and equipment, including upgraded ultrasound, laparoscopy, video endoscopy, an in-house lab, and a fortnightly visiting CT service.
Culture & community
Life at Bishopton isn’t all work; we know how to have fun too. From Bishy Bingo nights, quiz evenings and bowling trips, to charity runs and craft clubs, there’s always something going on. Each summer, we join Ripon’s St Wilfrid’s Procession, where the whole team picks a theme, designs a float, and gets creative with costumes (yes, we’ve been pirates and Oompa Loompas!). Many of our team have been with us for years because here, you’re not just part of a workplace, you’re part of a community.
We are proud members of XLVets – a nationwide network of independently-owned, progressive practices that work together to share expertise, improve standards, and support their teams. We were delighted to receive the Emerging Technologies ("Vet 3.0") Award earlier this year, recognising our pioneering work at the cutting edge of veterinary technology. In our small animal department, we are also embracing innovation through 3D-printed models and guides, which help us maximise surgical accuracy and improve outcomes in complex cases such as angular limb deformities.
Why our team loves working here
“I've only just started here about a month ago. I'm a new grad, and the whole team has made me feel so welcome. Everyone's so approachable. I'm going and asking questions, and I don't feel like I'm asking stupid questions at all. Everyone's lovely. The taste load is so varied, you get to see anything and everything that walks through the door. I would highly recommend the practice to any vet who wants to start here.” Rosie, MRCVS
“I started here at Bishopton Vets two months ago as a new graduate vet, and I chose it because I knew I'd be fully supported by all the friendly staff here. I would highly recommend.” Kate, MRCVS
“My passion is surgical nursing, so I feel really lucky to be part of a team that has so many advanced veterinary surgeons, which means that we can offer referral-level surgeries from orthopaedic to soft tissue, which means I can use my nursing skills to their full potential.” Laura, Senior Surgical RVN
“I love how varied my role is, and working within a supportive environment and supportive team.” Lisa, Auxiliary Nurse
“I like working in a big multidisciplinary team, so there's always a wide variety of work going on, and you get to use all of your nursing skills.” Kathy, Deputy Head Nurse
“I love Bishopton Vets because of the team, everyone's really caring. I've worked here for 12 years now, and everyone is really about patient care and each other.” Helen, OOH Service Lead RVN
Independence matters
Being independently owned gives us the freedom to make decisions together as a team, shaping our practice to benefit patients, clients, and colleagues alike. It also means when something tough comes through the door – like an emergency RTA with limited funds – the whole team pulls together, with no hesitation about “who’s paying.” It’s simply about doing the right thing.
Living in Ripon
On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and Moors, Ripon is surrounded by stunning countryside perfect for walking, cycling, and exploring. Harrogate and York are close by, and the local grammar school has an excellent reputation.
What’s the role?
If you’re looking for variety, independence, and the chance to develop your clinical skills while enjoying blocks of time off for a great work-life balance, you’ll fit right in with our OOH team.
We’re seeking a Small Animal OOH Vet, ideally with a couple of years’ post-graduate experience. What matters most is passion for excellent patient care, motivation, and the ability to work confidently overnight, while knowing a supportive and experienced team is always behind you.
Working Pattern:
* 7 nights on (6.00 pm–8.30 am), Monday to Sunday
* 14 nights off
* Full-time or part-time applications welcome
Support & Facilities:
* RVN on-site at all times; twilight RVN and auxiliary to cover the back shift
* Morning and evening handovers at 8 am and 6 pm
* Fully equipped hospital: on-site lab, ultrasound, scopes, and complete surgical kit
* On-site accommodation available if needed
This role offers the perfect balance of autonomy and support. You’ll work independently overnight, making key clinical decisions, but with access to our skilled day team and hospital facilities should complex cases arise.
What we offer
* Salary of £40,000–£65,000 DOE
* CPD: Annual allowance of £2,000 (or £2,500 if AP) + 5 days (pro rata), with certificates encouraged & supported
* Professional fees paid for RCVS, VDS, BVA, plus one other membership
* Access to private medical insurance & 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
* And above all, a truly supportive and social team
If you’re ready to join a friendly, independent practice where you can develop your career while making a real difference in an OOH role, we’d love to hear from you. Call us for an informal chat or apply today.