Vet Serves in Alexandria, VA

Dr. Derecka Alexander

Verified Veterinarian

35 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

TuesdayTimes 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

D. Derecka Alexander was the special person we needed on a very sad day for us. Compassion and professionalism combined to help us on a crushing day!

codapet review
5.0
Feb 17 2026 by Joan K.
Review by Joan K.
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 very professional and compassionate as we laid to rest our fur baby of 18 years. I hope never to have to do this for another pet, but if I do, I would call Dr. Alexander again.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 23 2025 by Maria B.
Review by Maria B.
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

Dr Alexander was wonderful to help us through the emotional and difficult time as we said good bye to our beloved family member, Tucker. She explained every step of Tucker's transition and was so patient and kind. We were given time to grieve and say goodbye. Thank you for helping our family through this difficult time.

codapet review
5.0
Jul 08 2025 by Katelyn C.
Review by Dr. Derecka Alexander

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

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). It's still so hard, but our dear pet went peacefully in her favorite surroundings. Thank you, Dr. Alexander.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 10 2025 by Sue Hall
Review by Sue Hall
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture