Lee Middleton has taken over Vets for Pets Grantham, expanding services like export health certificates and upgrading equipment.
Lee has worked as a vet for over ten years in places like Melton Mowbray and Rutland. Grantham, he said, was a perfect fit for him. He saw potential due to loyal clients, but noted the practice needed to recruit a vet long-term.
Lee appreciates the Vets for Pets business model. Most practices are owned by vets like himself, and Grantham lacked an owner, giving him an opening. He focuses on running the practice daily and providing the best care possible for pets.
Vets for Pets supports IT and finances, and they also handle health and safety tasks. Lee qualified as a vet in 2013 and earned an advanced practice certificate. He held leadership roles starting in 2015 and previously ran Kings Veterinary Centre before leaving Melton Mowbray to own his own practice.
Since taking over, Lee added new services. Now, they offer export health certificates to help pets travel abroad, in addition to having an orthopaedic surgeon visiting regularly. The practice is upgrading its X-ray system to include dental scans, and pet chickens will soon get check-ups.
Lee wants a multi-vet practice, but recruitment presents a big challenge due to a nationwide shortage of vets. Despite this, the transition went smoothly.
Lee lives near Oakham and commutes to Grantham. He hopes to build stronger community ties and encourages people to invite them to local pet events. They want to help if possible.
Veterinary care is constantly evolving as new technologies emerge, but Lee believes affordability matters. Personalized treatment also remains crucial. Technology is greatly improving veterinary diagnostics, and AI could assist with many veterinary tasks; it will be interesting to see how vets use AI.