Vet Serves in Alexandria, VA

Dr. Derecka Alexander

Verified Veterinarian

33 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

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

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 - $75

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 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.

codapet review
5.0
Nov 19 2024 by Jamie Poulton
Review by Jamie Poulton
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

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

Dr. Alexander was professional and kind. Charlotte, my dear cat, was calm and died with dignity in a place where she felt safe and loved.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 01 2025 by Caroline S.
Review by Dr. Derecka Alexander

Dr. Alexander was very communicative to ensure timing was as expected. When she arrived, she kindly talked us through the process and helped us be comfortable as we said goodbye to Molly. She allowed us time to spend some final moments with Molly before we said goodbye.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 08 2025 by Ted D.
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 09 2025 by Karen Barajas Powell
Review by Karen Barajas Powell
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

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.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 31 2025 by William N.
Review by Dr. Derecka Alexander