Vet Serves in Alexandria, VA

Dr. Derecka Alexander

Verified Veterinarian

32 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

Wednesday9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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 - $75

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

Dr. Derecka Alexander went “the extra mile” to make the “at home pet euthanasia” of our 14 year old retriever mix Lilly as comforting as possible for our family. She arrived very prepared with all of her equipment and immediately, gracefully and professionally took charge of a very emotional situation. She could see that Lilly was stressed and was able to calm her before she began the procedure. She created a peaceful setting with the soothing music and answered in detail all of our questions. Dr. Alexander made the sad and grief stricken passing of our Lilly a beautiful blessing. Thank you Dr. Alexander, your knowledge, organization, compassion and communication make you an outstanding Veterinarian and fellow human being.

codapet review
5.0
Feb 06 2025 by scjordan1
Review by scjordan1
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

Dr. Alexander was incredibly compassionate and she made the process very easy during a difficult time for our family. She provided an at-home euthanasia for our 16 year old dog. She was kind, patient and sincere. We are grateful for her help and allowing us to be in the comfort of our home. Highly recommend Dr. Alexander for anyone facing a similar situation.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 26 2025 by Kate Friesing
Review by Kate Friesing
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

Dr. Alexander was incredible. In such a sad situation, she was calm, kind, knowledgeable, understanding, empathetic and communicative. I’m very grateful to have had her managing such a difficult experience for my family and me.

codapet review
5.0
Nov 15 2025 by Frances M.
Review by Frances M.
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

Dr. Alexander helped make a very sad occasion as smooth as could be. She was very compassionate and helpful through a very emotional process.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 24 2025 by Daniele C.
Review by Dr. Derecka Alexander

Our need was dire, it was the week of Christmas and our beloved cat was dying. The vets we spoke to could only fit us in on Christmas Eve and we knew saying goodbye to our boy on Christmas Eve was not ideal. And then we met Dr. Alexander. She went out of her way to ensure we could say goodbye to our beloved cat before the holiday. She was kind, empathetic, and considerate. Her tone was compassionate while remaining precise in preparing us for what to expect. Afterwards, she ensured we had space to say our goodbyes, to grieve. She took our boy and after the holidays returned him to us personally, in beautiful box and kind note. Words cannot express how grateful we are for Dr. Alexander. Her work is hard, but so very important. Thank you, Derecka. We ever grateful to you.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 09 2026 by Fernando "Max" P.
Review by Fernando "Max" P.
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

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