Vet Serves in Alexandria, VA

Dr. Derecka Alexander

Verified Veterinarian

44 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

SundayTimes 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

Dr. Alexander could not have been any more respectful. She was compassionate and polite. I felt that I was given as much time as I needed to say my last goodbye to my baby. Lola was handled with love, care and respect. Thank you, Dr. Alexander.

codapet review
5.0
May 08 2026 by Brittney S.
Review by Brittney S.
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

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). 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

We had to say goodbye to our dog of 12 years, Mila, suddenly. Dr Alexander who came to our home was compassionate, patient, and gentle during an incredibly painful moment. She explained everything clearly, gave us time, and treated Mila with dignity and care. As a family with two young children, that level of kindness mattered deeply to us. We are grateful for the support we received during such a difficult goodbye.

codapet review
5.0
May 01 2026 by Katie S.
Review by Katie S.
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

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

It has been very difficult and sad since my soul dog passed but I have comfort in knowing that with Dr. Alexander’s help my dog transitioned in peace, with dignity, and without fear. Dr. Alexander was compassionate, understanding, and respectful throughout the appointment and created safe space for my beloved dog to pass in comfort. Dr. Alexander treated my dog with gentleness, kindness, and care. The decision with my dog’s passing was difficult to make but I feel that doing it in my home where my dog felt at ease was the best decision for my dog and my family.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 12 2025 by Christina H.
Review by Dr. Derecka Alexander