Graduate Small Animal Vet

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 team – 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 Cat Friendly Clinic and Zero Pain accredited, reflecting our commitment to excellence, comfort, and the highest standards of care for every patient.

We’re looking for a new Graduate Small Animal Vet Surgeon to join our team. We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic, motivated and keen to learn and develop. You’ll be joining a forward-thinking practice where you will have plenty of support as you build your confidence and clinical skills.

To help you feel supported in your new role we offer:

• A comprehensive 12-week induction plan to help you settle into the practice and build your confidence.
• Membership of XLVets Graduate Programme, giving you access to additional learning and support alongside other graduates.
• Extended appointment times initially to help you find your feet
• Internal mentor / buddy who you talk to for day-to-day support and advice
• External XLVets mentor – giving you an independent perspective.
• Experienced colleagues to learn from, including RCVS Advanced Practitioners and certificate holders across a range of disciplines.
• Regular learning and development opportunities, including monthly vet meetings, Clinical Clubs, Unexpected Outcome meetings.

This is a day role, primarily based at our hospital but with the chance to spend time in our branches, so you get the best of both worlds: the buzz of a hospital caseload and the quieter, community feel of a smaller site.

You’ll work a 4-day week, with an equal share of the weekend rota with a rest day for every full weekend worked.

We’re proud to run our own out-of-hours service, giving patients and clients the benefit of true case continuity. We currently operate a blended rota of cover comprising of night, day and weekend vets who enjoy the opportunity to experience the varied caseload that night work brings.

• 31 days holiday including bank holidays (pro-rata) • Starting salary of £38,000
• CPD: Annual allowance of £2,000 + 5 days, 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

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.

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. 

If this sounds like the kind of place where you’d thrive, we’d love to hear from you. Call us for an informal chat or apply today by sending your CV and covering letter FAO Sam Milner at careers@bishoptonvets.co.uk