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

Thursday10:00 am - 7:00 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

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

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. 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

Putting our 18 year old fur baby was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. Dr. Alexander was so kind, compassionate and professional. She made things as bearable as they could be when we were so distraught. I hope not to have to do this again. But if I do. I would have Dr. Alexander by our side again.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 09 2025 by Maria
Review by Maria
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

Very kind and professional. Euthanizing a belived pet is always difficult, but Dr. Alexander walked us through the process with kindness and understanding.

codapet review
5.0
Jun 30 2025 by Ian T.
Review by Dr. Derecka Alexander