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CVCA Alameda East

Updated 2026-07-09 · 1,245 reviewed · 181 listed · Scored from 142 Google reviews · How we rank ›

5.0(142) 89 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Verified
General Veterinary CareExotic & Avian CareLarge Animal & Equine
CVCA Alameda East
Services
General Veterinary Care, Exotic & Avian Care, Large Animal & Equine
Reviews
142

What recent reviews say

Dr. LaFauci and Dr. Sharpe earn consistent five-star praise for cardiology expertise paired with genuine empathy; families feel heard through detailed explanations, educational visual tools, and unprompted follow-up calls or condolence cards. One serious 2024 complaint alleges repeated medication gaps and negligence by a different veterinarian (Dr. Emch) in epilepsy care, resulting in hospitalization; this stands as a stark outlier among 140 five-star reviews but suggests inconsistent standards across staff.

Praised for
  • exceptional cardiology expertise
  • compassionate and patient care
  • thorough communication and education
  • above-and-beyond follow-up
  • gentle handling of anxious pets
Watch-outs
  • medication management failures
  • one veterinarian's negligence with epilepsy care
compassionate-staffgentle-with-animalsknowledgeable-vetscaring-bedside-mannerfollow-up-callsgood-with-anxious-petsthorough-exams
Best for: Dogs and cats with heart conditions needing cardiology expertise and patient education.
Think twice if: One recent complaint alleges serious medication lapses by a staff veterinarian in epilepsy care; vet selection matters here.

Strengths

  • Board-certified cardiologists (Dr. LaFauci and Dr. Sharpe)
  • Visual education during exams (overhead monitors, dry-erase sketches)
  • Proactive follow-up calls and condolence care
  • Collaboration across specialists without extra charges

Worth knowing

  • Dr. Ashley Sharpe, DVM (ACVIM Cardiology Diplomate)
  • Dr. Kendra LaFauci, DVM (ACVIM Cardiology Diplomate)
  • Named technicians praised: Kristina, Aiyana, Lexus
  • Services: echocardiograms, ECGs, X-rays, blood pressure monitoring, pharmacy
  • Sends detailed after-visit summaries to primary vet
  • Plant memorial trees for deceased pets
  • Open 7 days per week

What reviews say by service

General Veterinary Care
One serious complaint about medication management and epilepsy care by Dr. Emch; others praise thorough exams and patient education.
Exotic & Avian Care
One brief positive mention of cat care; limited evidence overall.
Surgery & Specialty Care
Specializes in cardiology with strong praise for diagnostic and management expertise; no surgical complaints or praise noted.

How it compares

  • Rated 5 against a 4.59 average across the 167 general veterinary care businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 40% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

Scoring 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

Are visits scheduled with Dr. LaFauci and Dr. Sharpe specifically, or do I get whoever is available?
Reviews mention seeing the same cardiologist across years (e.g., 'yearly for checkups with Dr. LaFauci'), but the inputs do not confirm appointment availability by name or whether other staff may be assigned.
Can I watch during my pet's ultrasound or ECG?
Yes. Reviewers report being by their pet's side during echocardiograms and ECGs, with the veterinarian explaining visuals on overhead monitors and using dry-erase board sketches.
Will my primary vet get a copy of the results?
Yes. Detailed after-visit summaries are emailed to your primary veterinarian automatically, without needing to ask.
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Last updated 2026-07-09