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.
Dr. Seyyed Hazavehei Mohammad
Veterinarian
Dr. Seyyed Hazavehei is an experienced and compassionate veterinarian in Cary, NC.
After graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine in Iran in 2013, he practiced as a small animal veterinarian for two years in Hamedan and Esfahan cities in Iran. He moved to the United States in 2015 with a passion for practicing high-quality veterinary medicine. He completed Basic and Clinical Science Exam (BCSE), North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE), and Clinical Proficiency (CPE). He has gained experience by volunteering numerous hours at several local animal hospitals and spay/neuter clinics. The same year after graduation, he expanded his experience by working at Banfield Pet Hospital, as well as in the ER and Critical Care department of specialty hospitals.
He strongly believes in high-quality care for pets and being available to his patients when needed.
Seyyed Hazavehei is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, a member North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association, and a member of Veterinary Council of Veterinary Medicine in Iran. Dr. Hazavehei has special interests in internal medicine, dermatology, emergency surgeries, and emergency medicine. Dr. Hazavehei is happily married to his beautiful wife, Dr. Martin, who is also a veterinarian. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife and his 9-year-old red nose pitbull, Isabella. He enjoys serving his community by actively helping pets and providing high-quality medicine. In his free time, he plays pool, swims, enjoys bonfires, and never misses the gym.
After graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine in Iran in 2013, he practiced as a small animal veterinarian for two years in Hamedan and Esfahan cities in Iran. He moved to the United States in 2015 with a passion for practicing high-quality veterinary medicine. He completed Basic and Clinical Science Exam (BCSE), North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE), and Clinical Proficiency (CPE). He has gained experience by volunteering numerous hours at several local animal hospitals and spay/neuter clinics. The same year after graduation, he expanded his experience by working at Banfield Pet Hospital, as well as in the ER and Critical Care department of specialty hospitals.
He strongly believes in high-quality care for pets and being available to his patients when needed.
Seyyed Hazavehei is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, a member North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association, and a member of Veterinary Council of Veterinary Medicine in Iran. Dr. Hazavehei has special interests in internal medicine, dermatology, emergency surgeries, and emergency medicine. Dr. Hazavehei is happily married to his beautiful wife, Dr. Martin, who is also a veterinarian. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife and his 9-year-old red nose pitbull, Isabella. He enjoys serving his community by actively helping pets and providing high-quality medicine. In his free time, he plays pool, swims, enjoys bonfires, and never misses the gym.
Dr. Kiara Martin
DVM
Dr. Martin graduated from High Point University in 2013 and NC State Veterinary School in 2019. Dr. Martin has one four-legged child (pitbull) named Isabella who is her whole world. Dr. Martin recently married her best friend, Dr. Seyyed Hazavehei (who also practices veterinary medicine). Raised primarily in a small town known as Asheboro, NC, Dr. Martin loves getting to know her clients and patients on a more personal level but also understands those who like a quicker visit. Other hobbies include dancing, shopping, swimming, and horseback riding. Dr. Martin also loves to travel and plans on traveling the world. Dr. Martin promotes her Argentinian heritage but always loves to learn about other cultures. Dr. Martin's favorite breed of dog is the pitbull and she enjoys managing small animal dermatological cases.
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.
Kaydee Lyons-ONeal
Payroll Specialist
Kaydee is a graduate of N.C. State with both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Animal Science. She recently joined the company in 2022 and is excited to be part of the team. She has worked in the veterinary field for over 15 years as a veterinary assistant, from small animal practices to emergency medicine, most recently at NC State CVM. She has recently taken a step back from her hands-on role to work on the administrative side of the practice. When she isn't working, she is spending time with her husband and two beautiful daughters, as well as their four crazy cats.
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!
Alitza Chalate
Veterinary Assistant
Hello, my name is Alitza. I have always had a passion for animals and want to have my own farm one day. Working at Best Care has helped me to expand my knowledge. On my days off, I like to relax and go for rides in my car.
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.
Shauna Wallace
Veterinary Assistant
Shauna loves animals of all kinds. She has four cats and two dogs and volunteers with a cat rescue. She also runs a small graphic design business.
Alexandria Corbett
Veterinary Assistant
Alex has been in the vet field since September 2019. She has a black Labrador and a crested gecko, both she loves with all her heart. She thoroughly enjoys video games and hanging out with her husband. Her favorite foods are fajitas and giant sushi rolls. Fun fact, she is also older than Google!
Cheyenne Rowell
Veterinary Assistant
Bio Coming Soon!
Celine Sharpee
Veterinary Assistant
Bio Coming Soon!
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.
