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CVCA Alameda East

Updated 2026-07-09 · 1,137 reviewed · 177 listed · Scored from 142 Google reviews · How we rank ›

5.0(142) 90 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Verified
General Veterinary CareSpecialty & Referral CareEmergency & Urgent CareExotic & Avian Vet
CVCA Alameda East
Services
General Veterinary Care, Specialty & Referral Care, Emergency & Urgent Care
Reviews
142
Compare: VEG ER for Pets vs CVCA Alameda East: which fits your specialty or referral case?

What recent reviews say

Dr. LaFauci and Dr. Sharpe earn consistent praise for their expertise in cardiology, willingness to spend time explaining diagnoses and treatment plans, and genuine care that extends to follow-up calls and condolence cards. The team is noted for making anxious or nervous pets comfortable during exams and involving owners at every step. One older review documents serious negligence in epilepsy medication management by a different provider (Dr. Emch), which stands sharply apart from the overwhelming pattern of thorough, attentive care.

The facility offers echocardiograms, EKGs, blood pressure monitoring, and other cardiac diagnostics, with technology that allows owners to view imaging live. Staff members including CVT Kristina and technicians Aiyana and Lexus are named for their kindness. Patients report feeling heard, involved, and never rushed, even during late appointments.

Praised for
  • knowledgeable cardiologists
  • compassionate staff and follow-up
  • patient education and communication
  • gentle handling with anxious pets
Watch-outs
  • negligent epilepsy medication management
knowledgeable-vetcompassionate-staffgentle-handlingresponsive-staffclean-facilityfollow-up-care
Best for: Pet owners seeking cardiology specialists for chronic heart disease or complex cases requiring detailed explanation and ongoing coordination.
Think twice if: One review flags serious medication management failures in epilepsy care by a specific provider; verify current staff roster if seizure management is a concern.

Strengths

  • Two board-certified cardiologists (Dr. LaFauci and Dr. Sharpe)
  • Live imaging display during exams with patient explanation
  • Extended follow-up communication and condolence care
  • Detailed educational approach to complex heart conditions

Worth knowing

  • Dr. Ashley Sharpe, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology)
  • Dr. Kendra LaFauci, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology)
  • CVT Kristina, technicians Aiyana and Lexus named for patient care
  • Post-visit summaries emailed to owner and primary vet
  • Follow-up phone calls for medication changes
  • Live echocardiogram visualization on overhead screen
  • Dry-erase board used to sketch heart mechanics during explanation

What reviews say by service

Specialty & Referral Care
Board-certified cardiologists provide thorough, well-explained diagnostic and treatment plans; owners report feeling collaboratively managed through complex cases.
General Veterinary Care
Physical exams and diagnostics available but specialty focus is cardiology; care is gentle and unhurried.
Exotic & Avian Vet
One cat reviewed positively; limited evidence on exotic pet specialty handling.

How it compares

  • Rated 5 against a 4.54 average across the 108 specialty & referral care businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 41% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

How We Rank
Star rating 96
Review volume 94
Review recency 100
Review sentiment 73
Profile completeness 100
Verification 30

Rating breakdown

5
140
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
1

Common questions

Do you allow owners to stay during diagnostic procedures like echocardiograms?
Yes. Owners are invited to remain by their pet's side while the doctor explains visuals on an overhead monitor or screen.
Will someone call to follow up after my appointment?
Follow-up calls are made to check on medication changes or significant concerns; detailed after-visit summaries are emailed to you and your primary vet without request.
What if my dog is anxious about the visit?
The team is described across multiple reviews as patient and gentle with nervous pets, making them comfortable through kind handling and clear communication.
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Last updated 2026-07-09