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CVCA Alameda East

Updated 2026-07-10 · 1,287 reviewed · 184 listed · Scored from 142 Google reviews · How we rank ›

5.0(142) 89 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Verified
General Veterinary CareEmergency & Urgent CareSurgery & Specialty CareVeterinary Dental CareExotic & Avian CareLarge Animal & Equine
CVCA Alameda East
Services
General Veterinary Care, Emergency & Urgent Care, Surgery & Specialty Care
Reviews
142

What recent reviews say

Dr. LaFauci and Dr. Sharpe earn consistent praise for turning complex heart cases into manageable, understandable journeys. They explain findings step-by-step with sketches and live imaging, respond quickly to follow-up questions, and stay involved with specialist teams without charging extra. Techs like Kristina and Aiyana excel at calming anxious pets. One serious complaint flagged medication oversight for an epileptic dog; most other reviews highlight exceptional care, even post-loss condolences and tree plantings that felt personal rather than obligatory.

The facility itself impresses visitors: clean, modern equipment, and unhurried appointments despite late slots. Dr. LaFauci has treated multi-generational families and earned enough trust that nervous dogs relax during visits. Staff email after-visit summaries to owners and their primary vets without being asked. Patients drive substantial distances (Colorado Springs, Castle Rock) because the cardiology expertise and attentiveness they experience here outweigh the travel.

Praised for
  • specialized cardiology expertise
  • compassionate and clear communication
  • thorough diagnostics and explanations
  • goes above and beyond for patient care
  • gentle handling of anxious pets
Watch-outs
  • medication management gaps for epilepsy
  • inconsistent care quality across staff
compassionate-staffskilled-vetsgentle-with-animalsclear-communicationclean-facilityknowledgeable-staffcaring-bedside-mannerhelpful-front-desk
Best for: Pet owners managing chronic heart disease who value detailed explanations and collaborative specialist care.
Think twice if: One reviewer reported serious medication gaps in epilepsy management under a specific veterinarian (Dr. Samantha Emch); verify current staffing if seizure control is critical.

Strengths

  • Board-certified cardiology expertise (ACVIM-Diplomate)
  • Patient education through live imaging and dry-erase sketches
  • Proactive specialist coordination at no extra charge
  • Detailed follow-up communications with primary veterinarians

Worth knowing

  • Dr. Kendra LaFauci: cardiology specialist praised across 11 reviews for thoroughness and compassion
  • Dr. Sharpe: cardiologist recognized for evidence-based recommendations and unwavering case leadership through complex multi-specialist scenarios
  • CVT Kristina and tech Aiyana repeatedly named for calm, skilled handling
  • Live echocardiogram viewing with owner present during exam
  • Dry-erase board sketches during explanations of heart mechanics
  • After-visit summaries emailed to owner and primary veterinarian without request
  • Post-loss condolence cards and tree plantings for deceased pets
  • Follow-up calls within 5 days of medication changes

What reviews say by service

General Veterinary Care
Praised for thorough physical exams and clear communication during wellness visits.
Surgery & Specialty Care
Reviews mention specialist collaboration but do not detail surgical outcomes directly.
Emergency & Urgent Care
One review noted hospitalization and oxygen therapy during urgent cardiology crisis; care was supportive but context suggests external emergency facility involvement.

How it compares

  • Rated 5 against a 4.58 average across the 170 general veterinary care businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 39% 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

Can I watch my dog's echocardiogram?
Yes. Owners are allowed by their pet's side while Dr. LaFauci explains the visuals on an overhead monitor or computer screen.
What happens after my pet's appointment?
You receive a detailed after-visit summary by email sent to both you and your primary veterinarian, usually without needing to request it. If medication changes are made, staff call within 5 days to check in.
Does Dr. LaFauci coordinate with my pet's other specialists?
Yes. She reviews imaging and consults on complex cases involving multiple specialists at no extra charge and manages next-step recommendations for your whole care team.

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Last updated 2026-07-10