Dr. Derecka Alexander
Verified Veterinarian
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
1CAETA'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
Wednesday9:00 am - 5:00 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
Keepsakes
Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned
Est. CostFrom $40 - $70
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.
Dr. Alexander was very sweet and respectful. She took care of our old man dog, gave him some treats to distract him, and carefully took him away. Highly recommend if you need to say goodbye to one of your fur babies.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Alexander was very kind and patient. She helped us with our sweet dogs passing. Being with him in his last moments was peaceful and dignified. I liked how we could reschedule on the app conveniently when our pets condition changed. We would highly recommended Dr. Alexander and CodaPet. Thank you.
