More about the people who work at Aquavet

Photo of staff member - Lisa Dobson
Lisa Dobson - R.C.H. R.G.N. Advanced underwater treadmill.

Aquavet owner

Lisa's background is in human nursing with orthopaedic experience. She qualified as a nurse in 1982 and qualified from further nurse training in 1988. After moving to the area in 1989, she worked as an occupational health nurse for British Steel. It was here that she met her husband Michael.

Lisa took a career break to bring up two children, Hannah and Arran. It was during this time that she took up Dog training gaining many certificates in different levels of Canine obedience, from puppy to advanced. She also studied and attained teaching qualifications.

Once Lisa's children had reached secondary school age, she decided she needed a new challenge in her life. She qualified as a Hydrotherapist and took over Aquavet in 2010, where she had worked tirelessly to expand the business and build a trusted team in order to lead the way in Canine rehabilitation.

The next step will be to offer training to those wishing to have a career in Hydrotherapy. Combining her love of dogs with her knowledge and skills in working with Dogs as well as her medical background.

Photo of staff member - Nicole Ashman
Nicole Ashman - Diploma Animal Management

Hydrotherapy Assistant

I've worked at Aquavet for just over 3 years as a Hydrotherapy assistant.

I studied Animal management level 3 at Doncaster college and Horse management level 3 at Bishop Burton college.

My hobbies include Horse riding and competing at Flyball competitions with my Staffy Lilly-pad.

Photo of staff member - Becky Matthews
Becky Matthews - Degree Animal Biology. R.C.H.

Hydrotherapist. R.C.H

Becky studied at Nottingham Trent University to obtain her Degree in Animal Biology. She too has a passion for animals and works hard to put both our clients and their pets at ease. Becky is a real favourite with our dogs because of her compassion and gentle handling.

Becky came to Aquavet in 2014 as a Hydrotherapy Assistant and fully qualified as a Hydrotherapist  (R.C.H.) in March 2017. She is awaiting to gain her advanced treadmill qualification very soon.

Photo of staff member - Anne Sharpe
Anne Sharpe -

Administration Assistant / Right hand woman

Anne's bio to follow...


Give us a call - 0114 258 3221

If you need more information about how we can help with your Dog, please get in touch. We welcome a 'phone call and are more than happy to answer your questions. You can also email us or download information forms HERE .


Our clients say it best

  • Our dog, Sadie, a chunky 35k Akita cross, first went to Aquavet after a nasty fall from a wall caused her pre-existing arthritis to take a steep dive. She was about 10 at the time and her back legs were badly affected.

    She started with weekly swims and the occasional physio session. After six months her gait had improved considerably and she settled into a swim once a month, and a physio session two weeks after a swim. This served her very well until she was diagnosed with bladder cancer. After an operation to remove the growths she continued with increased physio sessions for a period until she could resume swimming again. This continued until the cancer returned and she became too unwell for any treatment.

    In all, we came to Aquavet for about 26 months and during this period her mobility was maintained so that she could enjoy walks in the park and play in the house. I found all the staff at Aquavet to be fantastic. Lisa was sympathetic to the need to keep Sadie separate from other dogs when we arrived/left the premises (Sadie was not great with other dogs) and the care and attention she received from Lisa, Nicole and Becky was lovely.

    Sadie was so relaxed during her physio sessions with Sarah that she often fell asleep on the platform. In the end it was cancer that caused her death but I doubt her last years would have been as enjoyable for her if she had not attended for the treatments.

    I have no hesitation in recommending Aquavet to others - in fact I already have. Aftercare - in terms of a Christmas card in remembrance was a lovely touch. Best wishes to the team.

     –Cathy Murray
    Sadie

  • my rottie ruby did her cruciate and I can't thank the staff at aquavets enough for their wonderful care in getting her back to herself, their kindness and helpfulness was fantastic at such a distressing and worrying time with clear and helpful explanations and advice always given, well done to everyone.


    Ruby has had so much fun swimming that even though she is now better we continue to go for a weekly swim not only to maintain the benefits but because she thoroughly enjoys herself. I would highly recommend any dog owner to use such an excellent facility and team to care for their dog.

     –jayne jeune


Fully qualified and experienced Canine Hydrotherapist
registered with the National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists

Lisa Dobson - Aquavet owner
is a fully qualified and experienced Canine Hydrotherapist and registered with the National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists