Meet the team
Clinical Director & Canine Hydrotherapist
Katie Penrose RVN RCH
Katie qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) in 2012 and has dedicated her career to animal care, with a special focus on rehabilitation and canine well-being.
In 2016, she founded York Canine Hydro Ltd, combining her clinical expertise with a deep passion for helping dogs regain mobility, manage pain, and recover from injury. Katie holds a Level 4 Certificate in Hydrotherapy, including specialist training in underwater treadmill techniques.
Alongside her work at York Canine Hydro, Katie continues to practice as a part-time Veterinary Nurse at Green Vets in York. This dual role allows her to integrate the latest clinical knowledge with hands-on rehabilitation experience, ensuring each dog receives a thoughtful, evidence-based, and compassionate approach to their care.
Katie’s calm, patient nature and commitment to animal welfare are at the heart of everything she does — whether she's supporting a dog through post-surgical recovery, chronic pain management, or simply helping them rediscover the joy of movement.
Outside of work, Katie is a keen squash player and enjoys Canicross runs with her energetic Labrador, Nala. Her two miniature Dachshunds, however, prefer barking to running!
Assistant Manager & Canine Hydrotherapist
Emily White RCH
Emily first joined us as a volunteer while studying Advanced extended technical Diploma in Animal Science at Askham Bryan College. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for canine rehabilitation. In 2019, she gained her Level 3 Hydrotherapy qualification and officially became part of our team.
Since then, Emily has continued to grow within the field, achieving her Level 4 Hydrotherapy qualification to further her expertise in gait analysis, canine behaviour, and underwater treadmill techniques. In 2023, she stepped into the role of Assistant Manager. Emily plays a vital role behind the scenes, keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly and always going the extra mile to ensure both dogs and their owners feel comfortable, supported, and at ease during their hydrotherapy sessions.
Emily has a particular soft spot for elderly dogs and takes great pride in helping them maintain mobility and quality of life through gentle, tailored sessions.
Outside of work, Emily is deeply committed to dog rescue and has adopted three dogs from York RSPCA. Each of them enjoys regular hydrotherapy sessions as part of their ongoing care.
Emily is also instrumental in organising our fundraising efforts for local animal charities, bringing the same dedication and compassion to the wider community as she does to her work.
Canine Hydrotherapist
Natasha Parker RCH
Natasha is a registered canine hydrotherapist who joined the York Canine Hydro team in 2022. With a lifelong passion for working with animals, with experience from previous roles in dog grooming, walking, and training.
She holds a Level 4 Hydrotherapy qualification, where she developed a strong interest in the canine behaviour module - particularly the connection between pain and behavioural changes in dogs. Natasha is committed to using this understanding to provide compassionate, tailored care for every dog she works with.
Outside of work, Natasha shares her life with her Standard Poodle, and together they enjoy a variety of activities including agility, flyball, scentwork, and hoopers. The pair have also competed in dog shows, proudly appearing at Crufts in 2025.
Canine Hydrotherapist & Veterinary Physiotherapist
Gemma Coates MRAMP
Gemma is an Animal Physiotherapist with a passion for supporting the mobility, comfort, and quality of life of animals. She qualified with distinction in her Diploma in Animal Physiotherapy from the College of Animal Physiotherapy in 2019, where she had the privilege of learning under the guidance of the renowned Sherry Scott and several other highly skilled therapists.
Since qualifying, Gemma has worked on a mobile basis across Yorkshire, providing physiotherapy services for both horses and dogs.
Her particular area of interest lies in supporting dogs living with osteoarthritis, helping them remain active, comfortable, and happy throughout their lives.
In 2025, she began expanding her skills by studying hydrotherapy and is excited to integrate this knowledge into her practice to further enhance the musculoskeletal health of canine companions.
Outside of work, Gemma leads a full life with her two boys, who keep her on her toes. In her spare moments, she enjoys spending time with her 27-year-old horse, Kofi, and her two lively cocker spaniels, Bea and Roo.
Trainee Canine Hydrotherapist
Jen Jackson
Jen is currently training to become a Level 4 qualified hydrotherapist and is passionate about working with dogs.
She previously ran a successful home-based dog grooming business and also co-owns a barber shop with her business partner in Poppleton.
Outside of work, Jen enjoys an active lifestyle - swimming in the sea and lakes, running, and paddleboarding. Her pets include Doris, a lively Springador, and Mouse, the very cute chinchilla.