A New Chapter for East Bay Veterinary Care
In the often quiet industry of veterinary care, change rarely makes headlines. But when Bay Area Veterinary Specialists (BAVS), a staple in the East Bay for nearly three decades, abruptly closed its doors in March 2026, it sent a ripple of concern through the community. Suddenly, generations of pet families were left without a trusted source for emergency and specialized veterinary services.
The Birth of WAVES
Stepping into this void is Washington Avenue Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital (WAVES), a newly minted entity intent on returning top-notch vet care to the area. Spearheaded by six local clinicians and leaders, this new venture isn't just some corporate takeover—it’s community roots running deep, folks. They secured the old BAVS groundwork, situated snugly at 14790 Washington Ave. in San Leandro, and they’re hell-bent on redefining care.
"WAVES was born from a deep responsibility, not just to our patients, but to the families and veterinary partners who have relied on us," said Dr. Claire Legallet, their Medical Director.
Solidifying a Legacy
Doctors and staff who've served the area for years are determined not to let the past slip away into obscurity. They’ve got a stronghold on specialty care—think Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Oncology—available Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. But the heart of WAVES? They’re running 24/7 emergency services to make sure no paw ever goes unhealed overnight.
Trust and Care—A Winning Formula
In a world often veering toward sterile interactions, WAVES goes against the grain. They've embraced the motto that exceptional medicine earns trust, but compassion keeps it. And they're not just flapping their gums; they mean it, folks. Dr. Erin Kishi, Dr. Anna Nomura, and other veterinary veterans are bringing advanced clinical expertise to the table, sure. But more fundamentally, they're humanizing the whole enchilada.
- Round-the-clock Services: From urgency to critical care, WAVES ensures no pet is left in limbo.
- Community-Driven Leadership: The team is passionate about maintaining a legacy of care mixed with collaboration and transparency.
- Partnering with Curo: WAVES has aligned with Curo Pet Care for operations, ensuring the focus remains on the animals and not just bottom lines.
Anchoring Compassion with Experience
What hits hard here is the deeply personal touch of WAVES. These aren’t just caregivers—they’re community members, committed through thick and thin. Dr. Nomura, with her Fear Free Certification, works tirelessly to manage pet stress and anxiety. Meanwhile, Ruben Carlos, the founding partner and hospital director, is no stranger to the hustle—he's been knee-deep in emergency medicine since 2014, ensuring a collaborative culture and stellar patient care.
Looking Toward the Future
The ribbon-cutting ceremony wasn’t merely ceremonial. It was symbolic—a covenant with the East Bay community to continue what BAVS started. In partnership with Curo Pet Care, these veterinary pros aren't just looking to hover around the status quo. They're here to advance and broaden access to sophisticated veterinary services, all while ensuring transparency and collaboration remain at the core.
The ripples from the BAVS closure? Consider them smoothed over, with an eye on the future rooted firmly in the community fabric. The only thing left now is to keep tabs on WAVES, knowing your furball is in capable hands.
