Vet Serves in Alexandria, VA

Dr. Derecka Alexander

Verified Veterinarian

38 reviews

Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia

I understand the heartache of saying goodbye to a beloved pet firsthand. During my rigorous studies at LSU, I navigated the loss of my childhood companion, Creasy. This personal experience fuels my dedication to ensuring a peaceful transition for every furry family member, turning moments of sorrow into moments of comfort and relief.

Education

Undergraduate: Louisiana State University - 2011

Veterinary Medicine: Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine - 2018

Certifications

1

CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian)

 CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian)
  • Based InArlington, VA
  • Service areasNorthern Virginia and the greater Washington, D.C. ...
  • Work Experience7+ years
  • Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
  • Notice Required2 hours

General availability

WednesdayTimes Vary Weekly

Availability each week can vary based on demand and scheduling. Please provide a minimum 2 hour advance notice for all bookings.

Services provided

At home pet euthanasia

Dr. Derecka Alexander will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones

Est. CostStarting at $375

Pet cremation

Dr. Derecka Alexander will arrange and handle all of your cremation needs, including careful and loving transportation of your pet to the crematorium through private or communal process handled

Est. CostFrom $100 - $600

Keepsakes

Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned

Est. CostFrom $1 - $325

Quality of life consult

Schedule a 1-on-1 with a vet over a virtual conference call or at home.

Est. CostStarting at $150

What pet parents are saying

We had to say goodbye to our pup Leo, who we had for 16 years, and it was one of the most painful things I ever had to do. Leo had advanced kidney disease and his health quickly deteriorated. We had scheduled a Coda Appointment with Dr. Derecka Alexander for a Tuesday, but Leo’s health took a turn for the worse on a Sunday. I emailed Coda Pet to ask if there was any possibility any Vet could come out sooner. Dr. Alexander immediately contacted me and made herself available in our time of need. We were so appreciative of Dr. Alexander’s compassion and kindness in helping our beloved pup Leo cross over the rainbow bridge, especially after it became urgent. She made a very difficult experience of us having to say goodbye to our pup more manageable. We chose to get a Vet to come to our home for our final goodbye to our Leo because we wanted him to be surrounded by the warmth of our love, the comfort of his family, and the smells and sounds he has always known. I wanted his last memories to be of us — his family — holding him, kissing him, thanking him. Thank you, Dr. Alexander, for allowing us to provide that to our pup Leo.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 09 2025 by Karen Barajas Powell
Review by Karen Barajas Powell
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

We recently had to make the difficult decision to help our elderly, very sick German Shepherd girl across the Rainbow Bridge. Our vet recommended CodaPet in-home pet euthanasia and we are so grateful as our dog really would have been more stressed having to go back to a vet office. Dr. Derecka Alexander came to our home and was so comforting, compassionate, professional and gentle with our dog (and us). She also personally delivered our sweet girl’s ashes, pawprint and a special jar with some keepsake fur. Everything was so very thoughtful and caring. It's still so hard, but knowing our dear pet went peacefully in her favorite surroundings helps. Thank you, Dr. Alexander.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 15 2025 by Sue & Mike H.
Review by Sue & Mike H.
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

Dr. Alexander of CodaPet was absolutely wonderful to work with as we had to say goodbye to our dog, Evy. We cannot thank her and CodaPet enough for their professional and empathic treatment during this time.

codapet review
5.0
Jun 24 2025 by Jeannette Haynie
Review by Jeannette Haynie
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

Dr. Alexander and the CodaPet service was incredible. I was able to get a same day appointment and Dr. Alexander was very caring and professional through the whole process. Everything was seamless and it allowed me to stress less and focus more on grieving the loss of my pet. Can’t recommend Dr. Alexander and CodaPet enough. Thank you!

codapet review
5.0
Aug 27 2025 by Kylee McLean
Review by Kylee McLean
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

Dr. Alexander was wonderful, both with our dog and with my wife and myself, the grieving parents. She was kind and caring, and did everything possible to make the experience the least traumatic possible. She was also excellent in communicating before and after the visit. I would highly recommend her and the whole Codapet experience.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 11 2025 by John N.
Review by Dr. Derecka Alexander

Dr. Alexander was professional and kind. Charlotte, my dear cat, was calm and died with dignity in a place where she felt safe and loved.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 01 2025 by Caroline S.
Review by Dr. Derecka Alexander