Farm Gate Vets was formed in 2011 by merging the farm divisions of Bay Vets in Lancaster with Highgate Vets in Kendal. In 2015, the practice was joined by Sedbergh vets, creating the practice as it stands today. For the past 11 years we have served the farmers of Lancashire and South Cumbria, following a forward thinking, proactive approach, grounded in traditional values. Although we have a farm animal focus, Sedbergh also has a small animal branch allowing us to both care for the small animals in the area but also the farm dogs and pets across the practice area.

The team consists of 13 vets, the majority of which are doing solely farm animal, with 4 doing mixed practice to cover the small animal side.
We are an independent practice and operate from 3 branches – Lancaster Auction, The Rural Auction Centre M6,J36 and Sedbergh, with a collection point at Tynedale Farm Services at Greenodd.

Aims and Mission

By providing a farmer focused approach to proactive veterinary medicine, our aim is to develop people in veterinary medicine and agriculture, thus improving animal health, welfare and productivity.

Watch back our Interview the Boss

• We encourage our vets to have that brew and chat at the end of a call, the clock will not be ticking.
• Every interaction is to be of value to the farm business and to build client trust, we never focus on sales.
• We are proactive, the emergency work will always be there but we pride ourselves on preventative medicine through health planning, training courses, a packed client meeting schedule and adding further value through our Sheep Club and Heifer Scheme.

• We have a track record of providing excellent support to new graduate vets, allowing them to get a good grounding in their careers with most new graduates staying with the practices for years (and hopefully much longer than that).
• We also positively encourage self-development and further education with 2 DBR holders and a certificate holder in the team with two assistants currently studying for certificates. That said you don’t need further education to get on at the practice. It’s more about contributing to the team and getting behind the ethos rather than chasing letters. Being members of Farm Vet Network, we are able to facilitate some high quality CPD locally which is well attended by our team.
• Communication and mutual support across branches is strong with monthly team meetings and clinical clubs.
• As a group with similar values it is not unusual to head to a local pub for a pint or Windermere for a bit of wild swimming, alongside the occasional over ambitious cycle challenge. It goes without saying that being on the doorstep of the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and The Forest of Bowland can’t be a bad thing.

Check out our 2021 xmas video!