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

MAIN DUTIES

Senior Small Animal Vet role

• Take ownership of a designated area of the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme, ensuring standards are maintained and continuously improved.
• Mentor, support and develop veterinary colleagues and students, contributing to a positive learning culture within the practice.
• Lead clinical meetings, including rounds, extended rounds and discussions around unexpected outcomes, encouraging shared learning and reflection.
• Support the development and introduction of new clinical services to enhance patient care and the range of services offered.
• Review and audit clinical protocols, ensuring they are clearly communicated, consistently implemented and regularly evaluated as part of a continuous improvement cycle.
• Communicate clinical expectations and guidance effectively, supporting the development of good clinical practice and behaviours within areas of responsibility.
• Monitor the productivity of the allocated branch or area of work and contribute to business planning initiatives that support operational efficiency and performance.
• Actively promote colleague wellbeing, helping to foster a supportive, collaborative and positive working environment.
• Communicate any concerns relating to colleagues’ conduct, performance, productivity or wellbeing to the appropriate line manager, providing constructive feedback and support where needed.

General Small Animal Vet Role

• Diagnose and treat sick and injured animals, providing appropriate emergency care during normal working hours and as part of the out-of-hours rota.
• Provide clients with clear, practical advice on the health, care and welfare of their animals.
• Work collaboratively with the Directors and wider team to support the efficient and cost-effective running of the small animal department.
• Represent Bishopton Veterinary Group positively through high professional, clinical and personal standards, and through effective communication with colleagues and the public.
• Maintain and develop professional knowledge and skills through continuing professional development (CPD).
• Contribute to the training and development of veterinary nursing and wider support teams.
• Work in accordance with the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct and all relevant practice policies and procedures.

Training

• Participate in relevant in-house training sessions.
• Attendance at appropriate external training courses which will enhance skills and personal development.
• Attend practice meetings

Knowledge and skills required

• Current and valid Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons 
• Demonstrate strong leadership skills, leading by example and reflecting Bishopton Veterinary Group’s values in everyday practice.
• Be committed to maintaining and continually improving clinical standards and patient care.
• Show a high level of engagement with the practice, its people and its wider objectives.
• Be a collaborative and supportive team member who can motivate colleagues, build engagement and contribute to team morale and productivity.
• Demonstrate a professional, considered and constructive approach to reviewing existing clinical and non-clinical practices and identifying opportunities for improvement.

• 31 days holiday including bank holidays (pro-rata)

• 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 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.

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.

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.

If this sounds like your next step we would love to hear from you. Call us for an informal chat or send your CV to Sam Milner at careers@bishoptonvets.co.uk