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

WednesdayTimes 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 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

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 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 wonderful and I cannot thank her enough for helping me peacefully say goodbye to my very beloved cat and best friend of 16 years in the comfort of our home. I was worried as she was a very shy cat, but Dr. Alexander was patient and understanding and she was able to administer the sedative while my cat was calmly in my lap. Then we had her rest on a blanket once everything took effect for the rest of the procedure. The doctor even sent her sympathies in a handwritten card and hand-delivered the cremains and pawprints to me (I had ordered an extra). I was amazed at the beauty of the mementos. First a cut of her fur was placed in a small jar which she placed near a picture I had laid out. The cylinder urn is beautiful, navy blue with silver pawprints. The pawprint came lovingly displayed in a leather box that doubles as a photo frame when closed. Each came in a velvet bag. Finally, I just wanted to express my appreciation for Dr. Alexander and CodaPet for allowing me to book such an emotional procedure online when it was difficult to speak without crying, and for having late hours available even on a weekday. You came through for us when we needed it the most so my family could all be there together to say goodbye. Thank you.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 13 2024 by Melanie P
Review by Dr. Derecka Alexander

Dr. Alexander was incredible. In such a sad situation, she was calm, kind, knowledgeable, understanding, empathetic and communicative. I’m very grateful to have had her managing such a difficult experience for my family and me.

codapet review
5.0
Nov 15 2025 by Frances M.
Review by Frances M.
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

This was the hardest thing we have ever had to do but Dr. Alexander was calm and comforting. She was super professional and explained the process and let us take our time saying goodbye.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 15 2025 by Ashling T.
Review by Dr. Derecka Alexander