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

ThursdayTimes 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

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. Dereka explained the process in detail. She made sure vickey was comfortable in every way. She made sure I was comfortable. She went above and beyond in helping me with the ongoing grieving process.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 12 2024 by Anu Bhukel
Review by Anu Bhukel
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

Dr Alexander was the perfect combination of caring and giving us our space to deal with our feelings. I would highly recommend her to anyone.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 31 2025 by William N.
Review by Dr. Derecka Alexander

Dr. Alexander was very communicative to ensure timing was as expected. When she arrived, she kindly talked us through the process and helped us be comfortable as we said goodbye to Molly. She allowed us time to spend some final moments with Molly before we said goodbye.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 08 2025 by Ted D.
Review by Dr. Derecka Alexander

Dr. Derecka Alexander was very helpful and caring in our time of need. We had to say goodbye to a young boy battling health issues and Dr was very calming, supportive and informative with all of our care. Being able to do it in the comfort of his space for a 100+ lb boy was a big deal for us and him. We really appreciate Dr Alexander

codapet review
5.0
Apr 14 2025 by Michael L.
Review by Michael L.
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

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 08 2025 by Karen P.
Review by Karen P.
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture