Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Bishopton Vets is seeking a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join their established independent practice in Ripon. This is a day role offering variety and flexibility: you’ll be primarily based at the RCVS-accredited hospital but with regular time across their four branch surgeries (Thirsk, Northallerton, Easingwold, and Pateley Bridge), giving you the best of both worlds—the buzz of a hospital caseload and the quieter, community feel of smaller sites.

You’ll work a four-day week with a weekend rota of just 1:5, with a day off in lieu. Part-time options are also available if that suits your lifestyle. Some post-graduate experience is ideal, but what matters most is your passion, motivation, and desire to develop within a forward-thinking, supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver small animal surgical and medical care across the hospital and branch surgeries
• Contribute to the practice’s referral services, including orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, cardiology, ophthalmology, and laparoscopy
• Participate in clinical governance meetings, journal clubs, case discussions, and clinical club sessions to support ongoing learning and outcome improvement
• Engage with the practice’s commitment to advanced standards as an ISFM Gold Cat Friendly Clinic and Zero Pain accredited facility
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of RCVS Advanced Practitioners, certificate holders, RVNs, and support staff
• Optionally contribute to the practice’s own 24/7 out-of-hours service (blended rota model with dedicated night vets)

Requirements

• MRCVS or equivalent veterinary qualification
• Some post-graduate experience preferred, though not essential
• Passion for clinical excellence and continuous professional development
• Collaborative team approach and ability to thrive in a supportive environment
• Strong communication skills and genuine interest in patient care and client relationships

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £35,000–£60,000 depending on experience
• 31 days’ holiday including bank holidays (pro rata)
• Annual CPD allowance of £2,000 (or £2,500 if Advanced Practitioner) plus 5 days’ time (pro rata); certificates encouraged and supported
• Professional fees paid: RCVS, VDS, BVA, plus one additional membership of your choice
• Private medical insurance and medical cash plan
• Pension scheme via the People’s Pension (5% employee, 3% employer contributions)
• Perkbox rewards, recognition programme, and discounts
• Wellbeing initiatives including Employee Assistance Programme access
• Team pet discount scheme
• One paid volunteering day per year
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Genuine social and supportive team culture with regular team events (Bishy Bingo, quiz nights, bowling trips, charity runs, craft clubs, and summer float parade participation)

About the Practice

Bishopton Vets is an independently owned and operated practice established in 1943, now one of North Yorkshire’s largest small animal and farm providers. With an RCVS-accredited hospital in Ripon (providing 24/7 emergency care) and four branch surgeries, the practice serves a diverse clientele across the region. The small animal team comprises 16 FTE vets including RCVS Advanced Practitioners and certificate holders in soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery, feline medicine, chronic pain management, acupuncture, and small animal practice. Accreditations include ISFM Gold Cat Friendly Clinic and Zero Pain certification, reflecting their commitment to excellence. Facilities include upgraded ultrasound, laparoscopy, video endoscopy, in-house lab, and fortnightly visiting CT services. The practice is guided by their CARES vision: Clinical Excellence, Adaptability, Respect, Education, and Sustainability. As a member of XLVets, a nationwide network of independently-owned progressive practices, Bishopton recently received the Emerging Technologies Award for pioneering work in vet technology, including 3D-printed surgical models and guides. The practice is locally owned, locally managed, and deeply rooted in its North Yorkshire community.

Located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and Moors, Ripon offers stunning countryside for walking and cycling, with Harrogate and York nearby, excellent local schooling, and a strong sense of community.