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
Wednesday12:00 pm - 3:00 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 $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
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Alexander helped make a very sad occasion as smooth as could be. She was very compassionate and helpful through a very emotional process.
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.
