Vet Serves in Alexandria, VA

Dr. Derecka Alexander

Verified Veterinarian

37 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. Derecka Alexander was very helpful and caring in our time of need. We had to say goodbye to a young boy battling health issues and Dr was very calming, supportive and informative with all of our care. Being able to do it in the comfort of his space for a 100+ lb boy was a big deal for us and him. We really appreciate Dr Alexander

codapet review
5.0
Apr 14 2025 by Michael L.
Review by Michael 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 09 2025 by Karen Barajas Powell
Review by Karen Barajas Powell
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

D. Derecka Alexander was the special person we needed on a very sad day for us. Compassion and professionalism combined to help us on a crushing day!

codapet review
5.0
Feb 17 2026 by Joan K.
Review by Joan K.
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

Dr. Alexander was incredibly compassionate and she made the process very easy during a difficult time for our family. She provided an at-home euthanasia for our 16 year old dog. She was kind, patient and sincere. We are grateful for her help and allowing us to be in the comfort of our home. Highly recommend Dr. Alexander for anyone facing a similar situation.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 26 2025 by Kate Friesing
Review by Kate Friesing
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

Dr. Alexander was wonderful, both with our dog and with my wife and myself, the grieving parents. She was kind and caring, and did everything possible to make the experience the least traumatic possible. She was also excellent in communicating before and after the visit. I would highly recommend her and the whole Codapet experience.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 11 2025 by John N.
Review by Dr. Derecka Alexander

Our need was dire, it was the week of Christmas and our beloved cat was dying. The vets we spoke to could only fit us in on Christmas Eve and we knew saying goodbye to our boy on Christmas Eve was not ideal. And then we met Dr. Alexander. She went out of her way to ensure we could say goodbye to our beloved cat before the holiday. She was kind, empathetic, and considerate. Her tone was compassionate while remaining precise in preparing us for what to expect. Afterwards, she ensured we had space to say our goodbyes, to grieve. She took our boy and after the holidays returned him to us personally, in beautiful box and kind note. Words cannot express how grateful we are for Dr. Alexander. Her work is hard, but so very important. Thank you, Derecka. We ever grateful to you.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 09 2026 by Fernando "Max" P.
Review by Fernando "Max" P.
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture