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
Saturday11:00 am - 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
Keepsakes
Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned
Est. CostFrom $5 - $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
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 was the perfect combination of caring and giving us our space to deal with our feelings. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
Dr. Alexander of CodaPet was absolutely wonderful to work with as we had to say goodbye to our dog, Evy. We cannot thank her and CodaPet enough for their professional and empathic treatment during this time.
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 compassionate, gentle, patient, and knowledgeable. She carefully explained everything that was going to happen, and took the time to make sure that my 11 year old nephew understood and felt included in the process as well. She made sure I had the time I needed with my cat as he was dying. Thank you to Dr. Alexander and Coda Pet. I am forever grateful that I could say goodbye to my cat at home.
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.
