Dr Elisa Dennis
BVSc (Hons) MANZCVS
Veterinary Dermatology Resident
Specialist-supported referral care
Mentored through case reviews
Brisbane and Gold Coast referrals
For vets managing complex cases
Helping referring veterinarians
With dermatology education
Dr Elisa Dennis is a veterinary dermatology resident with Animal Dermatology Specialist, providing dermatology care for dogs and cats across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. She commenced her residency in 2025 under the mentorship of Dr Evie Knight, after developing a strong clinical foundation across general practice, emergency care, specialist hospital primary care and veterinary teaching.
Elisa became a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists by examination in Small Animal Veterinary Practice in 2024, and has since served as an examiner for the College in the same chapter. She now draws on her dermatology residency training and teaching background to contribute to veterinary education, including presenting dermatology topics to general practice veterinarians and supporting practical understanding of skin, ear and allergy disease in primary care.
Elisa studied veterinary science at the University of Queensland, graduating with Honours in 2018. She returned to her hometown of Brisbane to begin work in small animal general practice, where she developed a particular interest in chronic and recurring cases, including patients with persistent skin and ear concerns. In 2021, Elisa returned to the University of Queensland Small Animal Hospital, where she worked in emergency practice before joining the primary care team in a dual clinical and academic role. Through this work, she supported veterinary students through lectures, clinical placement and early-career mentoring, while continuing to develop her interest in practical, well-communicated patient care.
“I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to continue growing my knowledge and skills with the ADS team. I'm passionate about helping pets feel comfortable in their skin, and building the trust that comes with supporting families through their pets' treatment journey is one of the things I enjoy most about the field. I can’t wait to contribute to the outstanding care ADS provides!"
More about Elisa:
Where did your love for the veterinary field come from?
I have always had a passion for science and animals, so I decided to participate in work experience at a veterinary clinic while I was in high school. It clicked that this was the career for me when a clinician told me, good veterinarians love people as well as animals. To me, this meant that this field would offer me the chance to use my scientific understanding to build meaningful connections with both pets and their owners, and be the one to support them both when they needed me. This connection continues to inspire me to give my best at work every day.
What led you to choose ADS?
I tried my hand at all aspects of veterinary care during my years as a general practice veterinarian, but it was consistently dermatologic cases that really made me love my work. I found that patients presenting with skin concerns were often the ones I could make the biggest difference for, bringing them much needed relief and ongoing support to live more comfortable, happy and healthy lives.
Once I knew how passionate I was about this field, I knew I wanted to join a dermatology team who was just as dedicated to their patients as I am – and ADS is exactly that. The team here give their all to make sure everyone who walks through the doors (both human and furry!) gets to leave feeling genuinely cared for. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to contribute to a team so committed to making a difference.
Do you have pets?
Yes! My cat, Tigger, has been by my side since I was in vet school and continues to do an outstanding job of providing medical conundrums to keep my vet brain ticking over – in fact, his pemphigus really helped solidify my interest in dermatology! He is deaf, but don’t let that fool you; he somehow still knows that the sound of him tipping things off the kitchen bench will bring me running from the other side of the house!
I’m also proud to serve as chief ball thrower and designated tooth-brushing enforcer for Burrito, our super-sweet Kelpie mix. She’s always up for an adventure on days off, or a cuddle on the couch after a day of work.
Where are you from?
I’m a local, born and raised in Brisbane!
Fun fact
I am an umpire for Netball Queensland and currently hold a National A Badge. Most weekends you will find me at HART Premier Netball League with a whistle in hand!
Where You Can See Dr Elisa Dennis
When you are ready, you can book an appointment online or by contacting our team.
Our online system is flexible and allows you to select Dr Elisa Dennis as your preferred clinician.
How Dr Elisa Approaches Skin, Ear and Allergy Cases
Dr Elisa sees dogs and cats with skin, ear and allergy concerns that have often been ongoing, recurrent or difficult to fully resolve. A key part of her approach is taking time to understand the pattern of the problem, what has already been tried, what has helped temporarily, and what may be sustaining the condition over time.
For dogs, this often means working through a history of ongoing itching, recurrent ear infections, paw licking or chewing, or hair loss or coat changes. Many of these patients have had periods of improvement followed by relapse, and part of the process is stepping back to understand what is sustaining the cycle and how best to stabilise it over time.
For cats, presentations can be more subtle, with signs such as overgrooming, hair loss, crusts or skin lesions, or intermittent ear irritation. These cases can be particularly frustrating for owners as signs may come and go, and a careful, methodical approach is often needed to identify the underlying cause and guide treatment, often supported by targeted diagnostic testing.
In addition to allergic skin disease, Dr Elisa sees dogs and cats with a wide range of unusual or complex dermatological conditions, including autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases, chronic or resistant infections, diseases affecting the ears and nails, and unusual skin lesions requiring advanced diagnostic investigation.
A consultation with Dr Elisa includes a review of the patients history, examination of the skin, ears or presenting concern, and targeted diagnostic testing where needed. Depending on the case, this may involve cytology and fine needle aspirates, allergy focused investigation such as airborne environmental allergy testing or elimination diet trials.
From there, management is tailored to the individual patient. This may involve treating infection, addressing underlying allergic skin disease in dogs and cats, or developing a longer-term plan such as allergen-specific immunotherapy, with the aim of achieving more consistent control, fewer flare-ups and improved quality of life for both pets and their owners.
Learn more about common symptoms, conditions or services →
Dr Elisa is known for:
Her warm, thorough and collaborative approach, helping owners feel informed and supported throughout the diagnostic and treatment process.
