Bishopton Vets
Join the team at Bishopton Vets – a friendly, supportive, independent practice in North Yorkshire where veterinary professionals can grow, have fun, and deliver exceptional care.
About Bishopton Vets
Bishopton Vets first opened its doors in 1943 as a small rural practice. Over 80 years later, it has become one of the region’s largest independent veterinary practices while remaining rooted in its community and proudly independently owned and run. The RCVS‑accredited veterinary hospital in Ripon serves as the central hub for the farm and pig teams, providing 24/7 emergency care for pet owners. It is supported by four welcoming branch surgeries in Thirsk, Northallerton, Easingwold, and Pateley Bridge and offers advanced referral services, including orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, cardiology, ophthalmology, and laparoscopy.
The small‑animal department 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 under the CARES vision: Clinical Excellence, Adaptability, Respect, Education, and Sustainability.
Clinical Excellence & Support
We have 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 general small animal practice. We provide strong support for ongoing professional development through mentorship, training, and access to the latest techniques and best practices. Regular journal clubs, clinical governance meetings, case discussions, and clinical club sessions help our team share knowledge and continually improve outcomes.
Our facilities include 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, designing themed floats and 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.
Living in Ripon
Nestled on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and Moors, Ripon offers stunning countryside for walking, cycling, and exploring. Harrogate and York are within easy reach, and the local grammar school enjoys an excellent reputation.
The Day Role – Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon
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 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 varied night‑time caseloads.
What Bishopton Vets offers:
* Salary of £35,000–£60,000 DOE
* 31 days’ holiday, including bank holidays (pro rata)
* CPD 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, and one other membership
* Access to private medical insurance and a medical cash plan
* Pension scheme – the People’s Pension (5% employee, 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, please apply with your CV and covering letter to Sam Milner at careers@bishoptonvets.co.uk.
The Out‑of‑Hours Role – Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon
This position is ideal for someone looking for variety, independence, and the opportunity to develop clinical skills while enjoying blocks of time off for a great work‑life balance. It is based at the RCVS‑accredited hospital in Ripon.
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 and Facilities:
* RVN on‑site at all times, with twilight RVN and auxiliary support
* Morning and evening handovers at 8:00 am and 6:00 pm
* Fully equipped hospital with on‑site lab, ultrasound, scopes, and a complete surgical kit
* On‑site accommodation available if required
What Bishopton Vets offers:
* Salary of £40,000–£65,000 DOE
* CPD allowance of £2,000 (or £2,500 for Advanced Practitioners) + 5 days pro rata, with certificates encouraged and supported
* Professional fees paid for RCVS, VDS, BVA, and one other membership
* Access to private medical insurance and a medical cash plan
* Pension scheme (People’s Pension)
* Perkbox rewards and discounts
* Wellbeing initiatives, including Employee Assistance Programme
* Team pet discount scheme
* One paid volunteering day per year
* Cycle to Work scheme
* A supportive and social team environment
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, please email a CV and covering letter to Sam Milner at careers@bishoptonvets.co.uk.
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