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Our History

A brief history of the practice

Our History

A brief history of the practice

Ashleigh Veterinary Centre has been a veterinary practice since 1963. For the first twenty-five years Ian McKinlay MRCVS and his wife, Susan, ran the practice together. Since Ian’s retirement in 1987 Ashleigh Veterinary Centre has been owned and managed by Aidan Raftery and Bernard Wynne, with Matt Saunby becoming a third owner of the practice in 2007. The practice is extremely privileged to have cared for the pets and their owners of Chorlton, Whalley Range and the surrounding areas for over 50 years, and has grown to employ nine veterinary surgeons, seven qualified veterinary nurses, two trainee nurses, six auxilliary veterinary nurses, four receptionists and a practice manager. Ashleigh Veterinary Centre in Chorlton now occupies the whole building, as well as a purpose built extension to the rear. As a larger practice we are able to maintain the high level of equipment and facilities needed to provide the best modern treatment for the well-being and comfort of your pet.

In March 2018 we opened a new practice premises in Sale, Cheshire.

We are one of the few remaining Independent practices in Manchester, being run and owned by vets who work within the practice. Our staff do not, and will never have to, work to “sales targets” as we all firmly believe that this is morally and ethically wrong and is not in the patients', or their owners', best interests. Our vets have the freedom to prescribe and advise what is best for your pet and we have a working ethos of giving honest advice and treating each pet as if they were our own.

Our high standards have allowed us to attract caring and skilled vets and nurses who wish to work in a challenging and friendly environment, within a very stable team, with low staff turnover. The practice has been approved as having the facilities needed for qualified veterinary surgeon specialist level, and is accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Advanced qualifications have been obtained in Canine and Feline Internal Medicine, Cardiology and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery by veterinary surgeons working at Ashleigh Veterinary Centre, and we now have three vets that specialise in the exotic department.

Our Commitment to Continuing Education

Ashleigh Veterinary Centre has over the years proved successful in training many Veterinary Nurses to qualification level, and as an approved nurse training centre (R.C.V.S. approved) has been actively involved in the V.N. course. Several of our nurses have also obtained advanced nursing qualifications. Over the last twenty years the Practice has expanded its Cat and Dog medicine, surgery and diagnostic equipment. The development of our in-house laboratory facilities means fast and reliable results; essential for those critical patients. With the addition of a Cattery, the development of specialist skills in the treatment of “Exotics” and our 24/7 out of hours service we are now able to offer all our clients a comprehensive veterinary service.