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

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 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

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 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 amazing. Our sweet 13 year old hound’s kidneys were failing and it was an incredibly hard decision to help her pass on. Dr Alexander came to our home last night and she had such a calming energy. She walked us through all that would happen, and our pup’s passing was so calm and peaceful. We will be forever grateful for Dr Alexander’s empathy and kindness and the gentle way she helped our sweet Violet cross the rainbow bridge.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 20 2024 by Stephanie McFadden
Review by Stephanie McFadden
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

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