Vet Serves in Alexandria, VA

Dr. Derecka Alexander

Verified Veterinarian

34 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

Saturday11:00 am - 6:00 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. Alexander was very kind and gentle when helping my Kelsey transition. I really appreciate her explaining what to expect so that my kids would all be prepared for what they might see. She took great care with those last precious moments and while transporting her. Tonight she went out of her way to bring Kelsey’s remains back to us so we could finally be reunited. Thank you Dr. Alexander for your compassion.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 17 2025 by Jodie L.
Review by Jodie L.
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 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

We made the heartbreaking decision that it was time to let our beloved dog of 17years go. We wanted it to be as peaceful as possible for her and for us. We decided on in home pet euthanasia and contacted three options before deciding on CODAPet. Dr Derecka Alexander contacted us to make the arrangements. She was extremely supportive. When we described our dog's decline she made helpful suggestions about how to manage her comfort and medications until we were ready to make the decision. She described the process for us and was extremely gentle with our girl. She was not in a rush and gave us time to grieve privately. We recommend CodaPet highly. Even the operators are extremely empathetic. Dr Alexander helped make an extremely sad day better for us.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 15 2025 by Amy Pullman
Review by Amy Pullman
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 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