Vet Serves in Alexandria, VA

Dr. Derecka Alexander

Verified Veterinarian

24 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 areasArlington, VA and surrounding areas
  • 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 $0

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 $Infinity - $-Infinity

Keepsakes

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

Est. Cost

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

Dr. Derecka Alexander was outstanding, so caring, understanding, kind and professional. She brought calm the moment she arrived, carefully and gently explaining each step of the process, doing everything with great care to ensure our dog had a peaceful end, and to help us through the process. She was also outstanding with our younger dog, making sure she was calm, and able to watch the process so she would understand what was happening with her pack mate. Dr. Alexander did everything possible to ease our dog, and us, through the process of saying goodbye and giving our beloved dog, the blessed, restful and peaceful end she deserved.

codapet review
5.0
Nov 07 2025 by Laura K.
Review by Dr. Derecka Alexander

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 compassionate, gentle, patient, and knowledgeable. She carefully explained everything that was going to happen, and took the time to make sure that my 11 year old nephew understood and felt included in the process as well. She made sure I had the time I needed with my cat as he was dying. Thank you to Dr. Alexander and Coda Pet. I am forever grateful that I could say goodbye to my cat at home.

codapet review
5.0
Nov 19 2024 by Jamie Poulton
Review by Jamie Poulton
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 provided a professional, calming and caring experience when it was time to say goodbye to our dog. She gave us plenty of time to say goodbye, guided us through the process, and answered all of our questions. Dr. Alexander was very respectful and compassionate with impeccable bedside manners . We couldn't have asked for a better experience for us and our dog on one of the most emotionally difficult days we've ever had.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 09 2024 by Chris S
Review by Chris S
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture