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CVCA Alameda East

Updated 2026-07-08 · 946 reviewed · 172 listed · Scored from 142 Google reviews · How we rank ›

5.0(142) 89 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Verified
General & Wellness Veterinary CareEmergency & Urgent Care VetExotic & Avian Veterinary CareVeterinary Dentistry
CVCA Alameda East
Services
General & Wellness Veterinary Care, Emergency & Urgent Care Vet, Exotic & Avian Veterinary Care
Reviews
142

What recent reviews say

Dr. LaFauci and Dr. Sharpe, both board-certified cardiologists, earned consistent praise for deep expertise, clear explanation of heart conditions, and emotional support during difficult diagnoses and end-of-life care. Staff members like Kristina and Aiyana were named for making anxious pets feel safe. One reviewer reported serious medication management failures with an epilepsy case, citing missed rescue medications and gaps in coverage.

The location's cleanliness and modern equipment (echocardiogram displays, overhead monitors) supported thorough exams. Reviewers noted follow-up calls days after visits, condolence cards, and willingness to help families find more affordable treatment options. Wait times and rushed appointments were not mentioned. No pricing complaints emerged.

Praised for
  • board-certified cardiologist expertise
  • compassionate, patient communication
  • thorough education and explanation
  • follow-up care and after-visit summaries
  • gentle handling of anxious pets
Watch-outs
  • inconsistent medication management for epilepsy
  • 30-day prescription limits creating refill burden
skilled-vetscompassionate-staffknowledgeable-staffgentle-with-animalsgood-with-anxious-petscaring-bedside-mannerfollow-up-careclean-facility
Best for: Pet owners managing chronic heart disease who want specialist expertise and detailed education on their pet's condition.
Think twice if: Owners of pets on strict medication schedules should clarify medication management practices, given one complaint about epilepsy drug gaps.

Strengths

  • Two board-certified cardiologists (ACVIM Diplomates)
  • Hands-on education with visual aids during exams
  • Named technicians praised for gentle handling
  • Follow-up calls and condolence cards

Worth knowing

  • Dr. Kendra LaFauci and Dr. Ashley Sharpe, both ACVIM (Cardiology) Diplomates
  • CVT Kristina and tech Aiyana named as staff
  • Provides detailed after-visit summaries emailed to owner and primary vet
  • Uses overhead monitors and dry-erase boards to explain echocardiogram findings
  • Offers follow-up calls to monitor medication changes
  • Sent personal condolence card and planted memorial tree for deceased pet

What reviews say by service

General & Wellness Veterinary Care
Reviewers praised thorough physical exams and clear communication, though one serious complaint about inconsistent epilepsy medication management.
Emergency & Urgent Care Vet
Unclear; some mentions of emergency hospitalisation (oxygen chamber for seizure) but no direct review evidence of emergency intake service.
Exotic & Avian Veterinary Care
One reviewer mentions a cat visit with no detail on exotic/avian care.
Veterinary Dentistry
No review evidence of dental services provided or performed.

How it compares

  • Rated 5 against a 4.59 average across the 100 emergency & urgent care vet businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 40% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

Ranking Method
Star rating 96
Review volume 94
Review recency 100
Review sentiment 70
Profile completeness 100
Verification 30

Rating breakdown

5
140
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
1

Common questions

Do you send records to my pet's primary vet?
Yes. After-visit summaries are emailed to both the owner and the primary veterinarian without needing to request it.
Can I stay in the room during the echocardiogram?
Yes. Owners are allowed to be by their pet's side while Dr. LaFauci explains the visuals on overhead monitors or a computer screen.

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Last updated 2026-07-08