Best Care Animal Hospital
Conveniently located in Matthews, North Carolina, we are thrilled to offer a wide range of veterinary services for dogs and cats in the greater Charlotte area.
Our Team
Dr. Sunil Kakarla
DVM, Ph.D., Owner
Dr. Sunil Kakarla, an experienced and compassionate veterinarian in Cary, NC, grew up in India. After graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine in India, he practiced as a companion animal veterinarian for five years in a metropolitan city in India. He moved to the United States in 2005 with a passion for practicing high-quality veterinary medicine in an advanced setting. During that process, he pursued his MS and Ph.D. in a renowned lab at Marshall University in West Virginia.
As a graduate student, Dr. Kakarla performed cutting-edge research and had several high impact publications to his credit. While pursuing graduate studies, he simultaneously completed the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) in 2010. Soon after this accomplishment, he began volunteering at several local animal hospitals. He completed his clinical experience program and obtained his license to practice in the US the same year.
In 2011, after graduating with a doctoral degree, he joined a small animal practice in Durham/RTP where he established a huge clientele and treated about 6000 to 7000 pets per year.
With his continued passion to provide the best quality veterinary care, he joined the state-of-the-art Walnut Street Animal Hospital in June 2016. As a veterinarian in the RTP area of NC, he strongly believes in quality care for pets and in being available to his patients when needed.
Sunil Kakarla is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and has special interests in dermatology and soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, as well as emergency medicine. Dr. Kakarla is married and has a son and a daughter. He enjoys spending quality time with his family, including his 1-year-old Golden-Doodle, Brownie, and a 4-year-old Poodle, Milky. He enjoys serving his community by actively helping rescue groups and shelter pets, and in his free time, he plays volleyball.
As a graduate student, Dr. Kakarla performed cutting-edge research and had several high impact publications to his credit. While pursuing graduate studies, he simultaneously completed the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) in 2010. Soon after this accomplishment, he began volunteering at several local animal hospitals. He completed his clinical experience program and obtained his license to practice in the US the same year.
In 2011, after graduating with a doctoral degree, he joined a small animal practice in Durham/RTP where he established a huge clientele and treated about 6000 to 7000 pets per year.
With his continued passion to provide the best quality veterinary care, he joined the state-of-the-art Walnut Street Animal Hospital in June 2016. As a veterinarian in the RTP area of NC, he strongly believes in quality care for pets and in being available to his patients when needed.
Sunil Kakarla is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and has special interests in dermatology and soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, as well as emergency medicine. Dr. Kakarla is married and has a son and a daughter. He enjoys spending quality time with his family, including his 1-year-old Golden-Doodle, Brownie, and a 4-year-old Poodle, Milky. He enjoys serving his community by actively helping rescue groups and shelter pets, and in his free time, he plays volleyball.
Dr. Raam Krishna Karanam
Veterinary Director & Chief of Operations
After graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine in India, he practiced and managed a companion animal hospital for twenty years. He moved to the United States with a passion to work as an associate in advanced-setting animal hospitals. His main aim is to cultivate a positive, happy, and inclusive working environment for the staff, providing a friendly and welcoming environment for all the clients. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his better half, Jyotsna, and their two children, Bhuvan and Rutvi.
Dr. Gerges Keroles
Chief Veterinarian
Dr. Keroles is an experienced veterinarian who grew up in Egypt. He graduated from Vet School in 2005. He practiced Vet Medicine for ten years before moving to Canada in 2015 where he got his Canadian and US Veterinarian License. His areas of interest are soft-tissue surgery, dentistry, and emergency medicine. He lives with his wife Marian and his two sons Jaison and Milo, as well as their dog Bella.
Sarah Van Staalduinen
Administrative Director
Sarah is an NC State graduate with double majors in Animal Science and Applied Nutrition. She has lived with animals her entire life and has always had a special place in her heart for them. She has been with the company since 2019, and she loves her job. Not only does she have the opportunity to meet new people and pets on a daily basis, but she also gets to help those fur babies stay happy and healthy with their families. Her favorite things to do outside of work include spending time with her furry kiddos; two dogs named Ochi and Denali, and two cats named Juniper and George. When she’s not at work, you can find her hiking with her dog, or taking part in any other activities in which she can include them.
Caitlin O’Neil
Client Coordinator
Hello! My name is Caitlin, and I have been with Walnut Street Animal
Hospital since 2017. I started out as a receptionist and after being with this
practice for a year, I was promoted to Manager and transferred to our sister
location, Capital Boulevard Animal Hospital. I absolutely loved the
experience of opening a new clinic and getting acquainted with all of the
rescues.
I am excited to start my new role as Client Coordinator with the company. I
have always loved working with clients and making sure the owner and
furbaby have a positive experience.
In my free time, I am with my 2 human kiddos as well as my own furbabies.
Hayley Alonso
Lead Assistant
Hi! My name is Hayley Alonso. I am a Lead Assistant here at Best Care Animal Hospital. I have had a passion for animals since I was a kid. I worked with horses from the age of 14 until December of 2020. I came to Best Care Animal Hospital to get a fresh start in the veterinary field and to be able to start my career in animal science. My goal is to become an equine vet with large animals. Starting here at Best Care has already taught me so much I need to know, and I will be able to use that knowledge to help me with equine animals.
I am also a huge car enthusiast and love working on cars. I rescued my cat, Goose, from Best Care Animal Hospital and love her dearly!
I am also a huge car enthusiast and love working on cars. I rescued my cat, Goose, from Best Care Animal Hospital and love her dearly!
Sara Imes
Veterinary Assistant
Hi, I am Sara. I just started in the field seven months ago, though previously I was working in dog daycares. When I am not at work, I enjoy cuddling with my cat, hiking, and reading.
Hannah Lindsey
Veterinary Assistant
Hannah has been working in Veterinary Medicine for two years and has been able to make a difference in pet lives as well as make them feel better. She has one senior dog and loves to paint, hike, work out, and kayak.
Victoria McCleave
Veterinary Assistant
Victoria is a North Carolina native. She owns an 11-year-old dog named Bear.
Cheyenne Rowell
Veterinary Assistant
I am Cheyenne. I own four animals—my two dogs, Ace and Smokey, and my two cats, Bandit and Iris. I hope you be able to help you and your pet.
Vanessa Girich
Receptionist
Vanessa has worked at this hospital for almost two years. She has her own pet, a big, extra-large bully named Bubba. She is a huge animal lover and will always be happy to help your pet.
Our Clients
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A trusted low-cost veterinarian in Charlotte.
Best Care Animal Hospital provides affordable high-quality services for dogs and cats in Charlotte, Matthews, Indian Trail, Mint Hill, Ballantyne, Pineville, and the surrounding areas.
