About RISE Canine Health and Rehab
RISE Canine Health and Rehab is a family-run, multi-site pet care service based in Tarleton Lancashire and Southport, Merseyside, owned by Amy Ferguson, a Registered Veterinary Nurse and Certified Canine Hydrotherapist. The centres specialise in expert-led animal care services designed to support pets' health, recovery, and wellbeing.
Our Approach
At RISE Canine Health & Rehab, we adopt an integrative approach to canine care, combining evidence-based therapies to support your dog's physical, emotional, and behavioural well-being. Our team of Registered Veterinary Nurses, Veterinary Physiotherapists, Hydrotherapists, and Behaviourist collaborates to create personalised treatment plans tailored to each dog's unique needs.
By integrating services such as hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, laser therapy, and behavioural support, we aim to enhance mobility, alleviate pain, and promote overall wellness. This comprehensive approach ensures that your dog receives the most effective care, whether recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or striving for optimal health.
Meet Our Team
Our dedicated team at RISE Canine Health and Rehab is committed to providing the highest standard of care for your pets.
Amy Ferguson RVN CertECC
Registered Veterinary Nurse & Certified Canine Hydrotherapist - Owner
Hi, I’m Amy – The Owner of Nell’s
I am a Registered Veterinary Nurse and qualified Canine Hydrotherapist with over 13 years’ experience in small animal practice. I qualified as an RVN in 2015 and have gone on to complete additional training, including a City & Guilds Level 4 Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care and the BSAVA Merit Award in Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy.
I’m a Level 3 Qualified Hydrotherapist, with an additional Level 4 qualification in Advanced Canine Aquatic Treadmill Techniques. I work closely with referring vets and pet owners to deliver tailored hydrotherapy sessions that support recovery, mobility, and overall wellbeing.
I’m also a Suitably Qualified Person (SQP), which means I’m legally permitted to prescribe and supply certain veterinary medicines, a role that helps bridge the gap between clinical care and practical pet health advice.
In addition to hands-on therapy, I deliver accredited Level 3 Pet First Aid courses, helping pet owners and professionals feel confident and prepared in emergencies.
I’m a member of NARCH, which reflects my commitment to high standards and ongoing CPD, though I always believe real-world experience and care speak loudest. I will soon also start working towards my Diploma in Hydrotherapy as part of my professional development.
I’m originally from Hesketh Bank and have always been local to the area. I come from a farming background, growing up around sheep and cattle, which sparked my love for animals from an early age. That interest led me to start working in a mixed veterinary practice caring for both farm animals and small animals, ultimately shaping the path into veterinary nursing and beyond.
Outside of work, life is busy! I have three amazing children and a few animals. I’m a big Disney fan, and when I do get a bit of downtime, you’ll usually find me planning our next adventure or dreaming up new ideas with a coffee in hand.
Ephie Nash BSc (Hons)
Veterinary Physiotherapist
NAVP Registered
Hi, I’m Ephie – a fully qualified and insured Veterinary Physiotherapist with a First Class BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Physiotherapy from Harper Adams University. I’m a proud member of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP), and passionate about providing evidence-based, tailored care for every animal I work with.
I’ve been part of Nell’s since we first opened, offering physiotherapy alongside hydrotherapy sessions to provide a more integrated approach to rehabilitation. As well as working from the centre, I also continue to offer mobile appointments, visiting clients in their homes where needed, something I really value for the comfort it brings to both pets and their owners.
I relocated from Staffordshire to Lancashire with my partner, and we now live on his family’s beef and sheep farm, which is a dream setting for someone who’s always loved the countryside.
I grew up in rural Staffordshire and was riding horses from a young age, so a career with animals always felt like the right path. I spent many years working on dairy and beef farms and have a real passion for cattle—an exciting and expanding area within physiotherapy.
As a teenager, I competed in eventing before retraining my ex-racehorse, Q, who has kissing spine. We now compete successfully in British Dressage. My background includes years of owning competition horses, playing polo at university, and working at an equine rehab yard as part of my degree. I have a particular interest in performance and rehabilitation of competition horses.
I’ve been fortunate to gain experience working for orthopaedic vet David Prydie at Physio Vet, and alongside Dr Simon Gower, Veterinary Director of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB). These roles have given me valuable insight into working closely with some of the UK’s top canine veterinary professionals.
Alex Lamb
Trainee Hydrotherapist & Qualified Behaviourist
I'm Alexandra Lamb, an animal care professional based in Southport, currently training as a canine hydrotherapist. With a First-Class BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour from Liverpool John Moores University, I have a strong foundation in understanding and supporting canine well-being.
My passion lies in enhancing animal welfare through behavioural understanding and hands-on care. I currently work at Small Paws Day Care, where I focus on providing attentive and compassionate care to dogs in a daycare setting. Additionally, I offer confidence-building sessions at RISE Canine Health & Rehab, helping dogs overcome anxiety and build trust in a supportive environment.
Beyond my professional roles, I am actively involved in volunteer work, including chaperoning for BOS Musical Theatre Company and the 64th St Cuthbert’s Brownies, as well as participating in conservation education at Chester Zoo.
I hold certifications in Canine First Aid and Level 3 Professional Daycare and Boarding, and I am currently pursuing a a level 3 qualification in hydrotherapy. My goal is to continue expanding my expertise in animal behaviour and care, contributing positively to the lives of animals and their owners.
Dr. Sarah Johnson
Veterinarian
Dr. Johnson provides expert veterinary care, ensuring the best possible medical support for your pet.
Rebecca Turner
Animal Behaviorist
Rebecca focuses on understanding and addressing behavioral issues to enhance your pet's emotional and mental well-being.
David White
Nutrition Specialist
David offers tailored nutritional guidance to support your pet's health and recovery journey.