Meet James & the team.
We have an amazing team of animal-loving professionals who share the same goal: the health and welfare of your beloved family pet.
Meet Your Head Veterinary Surgeon
Dr James Dutfield (BVSc MRCVS)
James is our senior resident vet, he qualified from Liverpool University in 2005 and is the driving force behind Goostrey Lane Vets.
James’s mission was to provide unparalleled care for family pets that is holistically delivered by a truly independent, local, family-run veterinary practice whose primary goal is compassion and kindness to both the pet and its owner. Originally from Devon, he has lived in the North West for the last 20 years and has just bought his forever home with his partner in Mobberley.
James has spent time working abroad in Australia and also undertakes regular vet-related charity work both here in the UK and abroad. His main interests are in small animal soft tissue surgery and imaging. He is also a BOAS assessor for the Kennel Club and the Cambridge University RFG Scheme.
He currently owns a Bullmastiff named Glen, two French Bulldogs called Maggie and Timmy, a blue Burmese cat called George, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called Sybil, a Russian Tortoise (also called George!), six ornamental ducks, and a pond of Koi Carp.
Your Veterinary Team
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Emily Hancock (BVSc MRCVS)
VETERINARY SURGEON
Emily qualified alongside senior vet James in 2005 at Liverpool University.
Emily has worked around Manchester and locumed for many years but is looking for somewhere to settle permanently.
She really enjoys the surgery side of the job and has been developing her dental surgery most recently.
She has two young daughters, a miniature pincher called Baxter, and most recently fostered a pregnant Ragdoll cat. She couldn’t resist keeping one of her gorgeous kittens.
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Emily Mckibben (BVetMed MRCVS)
VETERINARY SURGEON
I qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2014. Having grown up in Macclesfield, I returned to Cheshire after graduation and have practiced as a small animal vet since then. I love all aspects of the job but particularly enjoy soft tissue surgery.
I have two young children, a cheeky rescue fox terrier named Jack, and a herd of Guinea pigs. In my spare time, you can find me working out or exploring the Peak District!
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Katie Jacques
PRACTICE MANAGER
Katie started her nursing career in 2004 at Boundary Veterinary Clinic, aged just 17. She became a senior nurse in 2008, taking on a more managerial role, including insurance advice and claims. She enjoys all aspects of nursing, especially in-patient care.Katie has two children and four dogs: Jack Russell, Toby, Labradors, Luna and Lenny, and Molly, a mixed breed who she inherited from a previous client.
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Evie Burn - (RVN)
VETERINARY NURSE
Evie qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2020. She enjoys every aspect of nursing but has a particular soft spot for our geriatric and senior patients who require a little extra TLC.
Evie also enjoys helping to support and train students in practice.
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Mya Dempsey - (SVN)
STUDENT VETERINARY NURSE
Mya joined the team as a student VCA back in September 2022. After making such a great impression, Mya was awarded a Student Veterinary Nurse position with us, where she will complete her training. We look forward to helping Mya achieve her dream of becoming an RVN.
Mya enjoys spending her free time walking her Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bella and her French Bulldog, Reggie.
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Megan Barber - (RVN)
VETERINARY NURSE
Meg started her nursing journey in 2019, qualifying as a veterinary care assistant (VCA) in 2020 before undertaking training for her diploma in Veterinary Nursing.
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John Thornhill
PATIENT CARE ASSISTANT
John’s father purchased the site in 2001. They were potato farmers and bought the site to process and package their potatoes. After they retired, the site was passed to John and his sister Rebecca, who established Goostrey Home and Leisure.John has since handed over the reins to his sister to focus on setting up and running Goostrey Lane Vets with his partner, James.
The new standard & holistic approach to family pet care.
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Customer service is paramount, and we want you, our clients to feel genuinely appreciated. You can expect to be welcomed by the same friendly faces at every visit and be treated as our friends.
We strive to offer a more personal, friendly approach to small animal veterinary practice, where owners can make an informed decision on their pet’s welfare that fits within their budget.
Your new vet James is a
Respiratory Function
Grading Scheme Specialists
Our resident Vet, James Dutfield, is one of only a few regionally approved assessors (vets trained specially in BOAS) appointed to carry out respiratory function grading on dogs of these breeds. Dogs can be assessed from the age of 12 months, and this should be repeated every two years for their lifetime or until you stop using them for breeding.
What is Respiratory Function Grading?
The Kennel Club and University of Cambridge's Respiratory Function Grading Scheme assess Bulldogs, French Bulldogs & Pugs for a breathing problem known as BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome).
What is BOAS?
Dogs with flat, wide-shaped heads are brachycephalic ('brachy' means short, and 'cephalic' means head). The soft tissue found in the nose & throat of some brachycephalic dogs may be excessive for the airway size, partially obstructing the airway making it difficult for the dog to breathe normally (potentially causing heavy panting or noisy breathing).
This condition is known as BOAS and is a progressive disorder that can impair a dog's ability to exercise, play, eat and sleep.
Pet Veterinary Services
Our extensive range of services for any pet
Veterinary Health Checks & Consultations
Suppose you have concerns or need any advice on caring for your pet. We have a team of friendly qualified vets and nurses to provide detailed and jargon-free consultation and detailed treatment plans to suit any budget, in a holistic approach for every pet we see.
On-Site Surgery
We have comprehensive operating theatre facilities on-site, allowing us to perform all types of surgery and procedures. Our separate dog and cat wards ensure all our patients remain as stress-free as possible throughout their treatment and stay.
Vaccinations, Neutering & Specialist Services
We specialise in the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme & brachycephalic work, including Cambridge University & Kennel club Boas assessment for bulldogs and pugs. We also provide a complete and detailed program of vaccinations & neutering for all pets.
Looking for a different service? View All Services here