Vet Serves in Alexandria, VA

Dr. Derecka Alexander

Verified Veterinarian

38 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

MondayTimes 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 provided a professional, calming and caring experience when it was time to say goodbye to our dog. She gave us plenty of time to say goodbye, guided us through the process, and answered all of our questions. Dr. Alexander was very respectful and compassionate with impeccable bedside manners . We couldn't have asked for a better experience for us and our dog on one of the most emotionally difficult days we've ever had.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 09 2024 by Chris S
Review by Chris S
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

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

This was the hardest thing we have ever had to do but Dr. Alexander was calm and comforting. She was super professional and explained the process and let us take our time saying goodbye.

codapet review
5.0
Aug 15 2025 by Ashling T.
Review by Dr. Derecka Alexander

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

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