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WAVES Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital: A New Dawn in East Bay's Veterinary Care

In July 2026, the Washington Avenue Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital (WAVES) opened its doors in San Leandro, California, making a significant return to emergency and specialty veterinary services following the unexpected closure of Bay Area Veterinary Specialists (BAVS) in March 2026. This community-driven initiative is spearheaded by six experienced veterinary professionals who have dedicated their careers to the East Bay region. Their objective is to bring advanced veterinary emergency and specialty care back to a community that relied heavily on these services for nearly three decades.

A Critical Need Addressed

BAVS had been a vital resource for East Bay pet families, known for its comprehensive emergency services and specialty care that attended to the needs of countless pets over the years. However, following its abrupt closure, many pet owners were left without sufficient options for urgent medical assistance. Recognizing this gap, the new team of veterinarians at WAVES acted swiftly to fill the void and restore vital care for local pets.

Located at the previous BAVS address, WAVES stands as a testament to the dedication of its founders, who are deeply committed to providing exceptional veterinary medicine while prioritizing trust and compassion. According to Dr. Claire Legallet, the hospital's Medical Director, “WAVES was born from a responsibility we felt deeply, not just to our patients, but to the families and veterinary partners who have relied on us for years.”

Comprehensive Services for Pets

WAVES operates with an impressive range of services designed to meet the complex medical needs of pets, including emergency care, internal medicine, surgery, and oncology. This holistic approach ensures that pets receive thorough, specialized attention whenever required. The hospital boasts a 24/7 emergency service, allowing pet families peace of mind knowing help is always available.

The hospital adheres to a guiding principle that “exceptional medicine earns trust, compassion is what keeps it.” In practice, this means that every interaction is infused with empathy and understanding, creating a more nurturing experience for both pets and their families. As Dr. Legallet emphasizes, “The goal is to ensure that every pet family feels supported during difficult times.”

Community and Collaboration

In addition to the core veterinary services, WAVES has established a partnership with Curo Pet Care, a trusted San Francisco veterinary group. This collaboration allows WAVES to leverage Curo's operational expertise while remaining an independent entity committed to the community. With seasoned veterinary professionals at the helm, WAVES is dedicated to fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, and trust, enabling referring veterinarians and pet owners to feel confident about the care provided.

Looking Ahead: Commitment to Excellence

As WAVES begins its journey, the hospital is actively looking to expand its services and operational capacity to cater to an increasingly demanding community. “Losing BAVS was a moment of real uncertainty for this community. We knew the care couldn't stop here,” Dr. Legallet explains. The new team at WAVES is motivated to ensure that no pet family or veterinarian feels the loss of access that was experienced with BAVS's closure.

WAVES honors the legacy of BAVS while setting the stage for the next generation of advanced veterinary care in East Bay. By maintaining a strong focus on collaboration and compassionate care, WAVES is well-equipped to meet the needs of today’s animals and their devoted families.

To learn more about WAVES Veterinary Hospital and the services they offer, visit wavesvetcare.com.