Katy Meets...Goostrey Lane Vets

By Katy O'Regan

When Goostrey Lane Vets opened two and a half years ago, we decided to move our pups there, and more recently, we found ourselves spending a significant amount of time at the clinic. Our dog Jake was diagnosed with cancer, and as the devastating news began to sink in, we were grateful to have Vet James by our side, crafting a plan with Jake’s well being at the forefront. James used every bit of his expertise to combat the aggressive disease that was threatening to take our beloved dog from us.

During the six month battle, James and the entire team at Goostrey Lane Vets were as dedicated to Jake’s care as we were. They genuinely wanted what was best for him, and their compassion and professionalism never wavered. When the heartbreaking day came to say goodbye to Jake, the team’s support and impeccable care made an incredibly difficult time just a little more bearable.

We took comfort in knowing that, throughout the entire journey, Jake’s needs were always the top priority for James and the team, and they did everything possible to make his final days as peaceful as they could be.

Goostrey Lane Vets has certainly grown since those early days. I had the opportunity to interview James when the practice first opened, and I recall him sharing his vision of expanding the team by bringing in new vets to work alongside him. That vision has become a reality, with Zeke joining last year while completing his qualifications, and more recently, the addition of Vet Emily. James and Emily’s journey together goes back 20 years when they were both studying to become vets at the University of Liverpool. Their shared passion for veterinary medicine even extended beyond the classroom, as they were flatmates during their time at university. Now, after two decades of friendship and professional growth, they find themselves working side by side once again, bringing their combined expertise and camaraderie to the clients of Goostrey Lane Vets.

It’s not just a cliché to say that your pet is at the heart of everything Goostrey Lane Vets does. I can vouch for that from personal experience. Being an independent practice, they aren’t bound by rigid processes or pressured by a head office to push unnecessary services or insurances. This independence allows them to take a more holistic approach to pet care, focusing solely on what’s best for their patients without any outside influence. This commitment to genuine care is a big part of why they’ve seen such growth, but James is keenly aware of the need to maintain a balance. He’s committed to providing appointments that are thorough and unrushed, ensuring that each visit gets the attention it deserves. To achieve this, James carefully manages the number of clients they take on, striving to keep the balance just right between the number of vets and the needs of their clients. This thoughtful approach ensures that the quality of care remains high, even as the practice continues to grow.

A new benefit for clients at Goostrey Lane Vets is the introduction of Vidivet, a service that is typically paid for but is now offered free of charge to registered clients. Vidivet provides peace of mind by offering 24/7 access to professional advice, taking away the worries that often arise when something seems off with our pets outside of regular hours. Whether by call, text, or video chat, you can reach out to Vidivet for guidance on any concerns you might have. If you’re unsure whether a trip to the out of hours vet is necessary, Vidivet can help triage the situation, ensuring you get qualified advice when you need it most.

As Goostrey Lane Vets enters an exciting new phase, with Emily joining the team and the addition of Vidivet to their services, I asked James what the future holds. He shared his ambition to establish an out of hours service right within their building. With ample space for expansion, James sees the benefit of offering this service on site, whether it’s something he manages himself or brings in an independent vet to oversee. He believes it would be an invaluable resource for all of his clients to have this service available in the same location.

No matter what direction James takes Goostrey Lane Vets in over the next few years, he’s thankful to have his dedicated team by his side. With John, his right hand man, Katie, the practice manager, and nurses Megan, Mya, and Evie, along with fellow vets Emily and Zeke, the practice is well positioned for continued success. And as their journey progresses, I look forward to returning to share their successes and continue to follow their growth.