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 - Joanne Swallow
Joanne Swallow - R.C.H, RVN

NARCH Registered Canine Hydrotherapist

Joanne Swallow recently started with us in October 2020 as a NARCH Registered Canine Hydrotherapist.

Prior to working for us Joanne has had an interesting and varied career, as a Senior Forensic Scientist and then Histologist, before her love of animals lead to her to becoming a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2016. Joanne still holds her nursing registration, which is excellent for us because, we can now offer Nutritional Advice including weight management; Nail clips, Anal gland expression, dental checks etc.

Outside of work Joanne enjoys cycling, or spinning when the weather is bad, and loves taking her two Weimaraner’s on long walks.

Photo of staff member - Anne Sharpe
Anne Sharpe -

Administration Assistant / Right hand woman

Bio to follow...

Photo of staff member - Ashleigh Bennett
Ashleigh Bennett -

Hydrotherapy Assistant


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

  • I was recommended to go along to Aquavets by my vets after my 11 year old dog Asta was diagnosed with lumba spondylosis. She has had several weekly sessions in the hydro pool and we have seen a great improvement with her movement and she is in a lot less pain.

    The staff are helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. I have also used the physiotherapist at the unit and she has been very good with Asta, we have treatments every two weeks and have been shown threatments that we can do ourselves at home. Again this treatment has really helped Asta with her movement and pain.

    I would highly recommend Aquavets and all their treatments. If it was not for their work Asta would have had to have an operation. They are very friendly and make everyone feel so welcome. –Deborah Baggaley

  • We brought Buster our 8 yr old Shih Tsu to Aquavets due to his bad arthritis he had become very quiet, overweight and was only walking a few yards each walk. Following ten swimming and three physio sessions, we have a happy, slim and energetic dog again. Instead of thinking we were losing him shortly we are now looking forward to a long future with our very loved family member. Thank you to Abbey Vets for referring us. Marion Davis –Marion Davis


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