Vet Serves in Alexandria, VA

Dr. Derecka Alexander

Verified Veterinarian

30 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 areasArlington, VA and surrounding areas
  • Work Experience7+ years
  • Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
  • Notice Required2 hours

General availability

Wednesday12:00 pm - 6:00 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

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 $25 - $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

The Hallmark Channel could not have casted a better veterinarian to come into our home and perform the procedure. Dr. Alexander truly has a gift for this work and we’re happy she shared that with us. There is no more peaceful way to send off your beloved pet than in the comfort of their own home.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 19 2025 by David Bloom
Review by David Bloom
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

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

Dr. Dereka explained the process in detail. She made sure vickey was comfortable in every way. She made sure I was comfortable. She went above and beyond in helping me with the ongoing grieving process.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 12 2024 by Anu Bhukel
Review by Anu Bhukel
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

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 and the CodaPet service was incredible. I was able to get a same day appointment and Dr. Alexander was very caring and professional through the whole process. Everything was seamless and it allowed me to stress less and focus more on grieving the loss of my pet. Can’t recommend Dr. Alexander and CodaPet enough. Thank you!

codapet review
5.0
Aug 27 2025 by Kylee McLean
Review by Kylee McLean
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). She also personally delivered our sweet girl’s ashes, pawprint and a special jar with some keepsake fur. Everything was so very thoughtful and caring. It's still so hard, but knowing our dear pet went peacefully in her favorite surroundings helps. Thank you, Dr. Alexander.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 15 2025 by Sue & Mike H.
Review by Sue & Mike H.
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture