A Knaresborough vet has just been accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) as an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery.
Having completed rigorous postgraduate qualifications to demonstrate expertise in the area of Small Animal Surgery, Dr Philip Simon, owner and lead veterinary surgeon of Your Family Vets on Wetherby Road, has been recognised by the Royal Collage of Veterinary Surgeons as an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery, one of very few practising vets in the greater Harrogate area with this achievement.
In addition, the independent, family-run practice has been listed as a RCVS accredited clinic while Lynne Holcroft has been awarded a Diploma in Feline Nursing.
Having opened back in November 2024, Dr Philp and his team of experienced veterinary experts have quickly established themselves as being the go-to practice for owners looking for quality care and reassurance for their beloved pets.
Dr Philip said:
Naturally we’re all delighted that the teams hard work has been recognised in that we are now RCVS accredited. Attaining these accreditations will give added assurance to all our customers that their pets are in the best possible hands.
I’d also like to congratulate Lynne on her accreditation. It provides further peace of mind for all local pet owners that as an independent, family-run practice, they will get the best care possible.

With continued coverage in the national media on how a large proportion of vet practices in the UK are owned by just six corporations who hike up prices for pet owners, Dr Philip is keen to highlight the open price policy he and his team have run since opening meaning pets owners know exactly how much any form of care will cost.
Dr Philip added:
Recent headlines and reports have certainly focused the issue currently facing the veterinary sector and that for pet owners.
There have been instances locally where practices that were believed to be independent have in fact been owned by one of these much larger corporate entities.
My advice is for pet owners to undertake their own due diligence. Ask who owns the practice in question and ask for prices up front.
It goes without question that all vets want the best possible care for any animal and owners may of course be extremely happy with the care and service given, but if you’d prefer for your pet to be looked after by a family-run, independent practice then my advice is to shop around.
Independent run practices aren’t under pressure from any corporate paymasters who just want to see as big a profit as possible.
It also allows us to focus on what matters most, honest, compassionate care that always puts owners’ pets first.
