Vet Serves in Alexandria, VA

Dr. Derecka Alexander

Verified Veterinarian

39 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

ThursdayTimes 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

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

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

The hallmark channel could not have casted a better character to come to our home and perform this service. This type of procedure requires a very special skillset of compassionate care and we are glad Dr. Alexander shared that with us, she truly has a gift.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 27 2025 by David B.
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

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

Upon arrival Dr. Alexander was quiet and respectful, which immediately showed me that she understood the weight of the day. Through the process there was no attempt at lightening the mood or even small talk. She showed reverence, respect and great empathy when explaining the process. After the procedure she stepped out and gave me the time I needed to say my goodbyes and once I let her in she handled my boy as if he was her own. Overall a very professional experience, incredibly well handled. While I don’t wish to use CodaPet or Dr. Alexander again anytime soon, they will be go-to whenever my next furry family member needs a peaceful passing.

codapet review
5.0
Nov 18 2025 by Jay W.
Review by Jay W.
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture