Aquapaws Therapists

Heather Maxwell

Veterinary Physiotherapist

Heathers academic journey commenced with a BSc (Hons) in Animal Science in the UK in 2013, followed by a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy in 2015.

Following her move to Australia in 2018, she pursued and successfully attained her Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy. Since then, Heather has been actively engaged in the rewarding practice of assisting both people and animals.

Having nurtured a lifelong passion for working with animals, Heather now leverages her expertise in treating musculoskeletal and neurological conditions in both dogs and horses.

She has ridden horses all of her life and competed at FEI level eventing in Great Britain. She now occasionally rides in her spare time and enjoys exploring the wonderful outdoors of Australia with her two kelpies, Ziggy and Audey.

Joanne Woolley
Canine Rehabilitation & Hydrotherapist

When Jo discovered a lack of options for animals recovering after surgery or needing treatment for arthritis, she took measures into her own hands and established Aquapaws in 2004.

Aquapaws has grown to include many alternative therapies for animals, including physiotherapy, cold laser therapy, and Veterinary Acupuncture.

Jo has nearly 20 years of experience in the rehabilitation of your pet.

Qualifications include:

· 2004 Canine Hydrotherapy - Hawksmoor (UK) Accredited

· 2003 - 2005 Canine Rehabilitation (USA)

Canine Rehabilitation Therapist - University of Tennessee

Jo has 2 dogs and horses. She loves trail riding and loves riding her horse at the beach.

Jo has a special interest in Rehabilitation for Neurological issues and Conditioning of performance dogs. She is a qualified Riding for Disabled Coach and has ridden and successfully competed with her horses for over 40 years.

Jo was very fortunate to be able to undertake an extensive internship with Dr John Sherman DVM at VetHab Rehabilitation Office in Raleigh, North Carolina in 2006. Dr. John Sherman was a pioneer in veterinary rehabilitation, who unfortunately passed away in 2010.

Bernadette Smith

Canine Hydrotherapy Assistant

Bernadette has had a lifelong interest in everything canine. She worked as a veterinary nurse for years before studying Training and Behaviour at the National Dog Trainers Federation. She then worked with NDTF / ADT for 6 years. Her favourite class was the baby puppy class and she continues to run these for her own puppy owners. She then went on to study Canine Myotherpy in 2005 at the Natural Therapy College Australia and worked as a dog groomer for over a decade.

Bernadette has been involved in the ANKC for her whole life with her parents breeding & exhibiting Labradors, Weimeraners & Hounds. Personally she has over 20 years exhibiting her Dobermanns in multiple disciplines Conformation, Obedience, Tracking, Endurance, Rally, Lure Coursing, SprintDog™️ and more. She has a deep understanding of what competition dogs need to function well.