Vet Serves in Alexandria, VA

Dr. Derecka Alexander

Verified Veterinarian

13 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

  • Based InArlington, VA
  • Service areasArlington, VA and surrounding areas
  • Work Experience7+ years
  • Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
  • Notice Required2 hours

General availability

Friday4:45 pm - 9:00 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 $350

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 $75 - $600

Keepsakes

Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned

Est. CostFrom $20 - $65

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.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 18 2024 by Melanie P
Review by Melanie P
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

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

Dr. Derecka Alexander was very helpful and caring in our time of need. We had to say goodbye to a young boy battling health issues and Dr was very calming, supportive and informative with all of our care. Being able to do it in the comfort of his space for a 100+ lb boy was a big deal for us and him. We really appreciate Dr Alexander

codapet review
5.0
Apr 14 2025 by Michael L.
Review by Michael L.
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

Putting our 18 year old fur baby was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. Dr. Alexander was so kind, compassionate and professional. She made things as bearable as they could be when we were so distraught. I hope not to have to do this again. But if I do. I would have Dr. Alexander by our side again.

codapet review
5.0
Mar 09 2025 by Maria
Review by Maria
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

Dr Alexander was amazing. Our sweet 13 year old hound’s kidneys were failing and it was an incredibly hard decision to help her pass on. Dr Alexander came to our home last night and she had such a calming energy. She walked us through all that would happen, and our pup’s passing was so calm and peaceful. We will be forever grateful for Dr Alexander’s empathy and kindness and the gentle way she helped our sweet Violet cross the rainbow bridge.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 20 2024 by Stephanie McFadden
Review by Stephanie McFadden
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture

Dr. Derecka Alexander went “the extra mile” to make the “at home pet euthanasia” of our 14 year old retriever mix Lilly as comforting as possible for our family. She arrived very prepared with all of her equipment and immediately, gracefully and professionally took charge of a very emotional situation. She could see that Lilly was stressed and was able to calm her before she began the procedure. She created a peaceful setting with the soothing music and answered in detail all of our questions. Dr. Alexander made the sad and grief stricken passing of our Lilly a beautiful blessing. Thank you Dr. Alexander, your knowledge, organization, compassion and communication make you an outstanding Veterinarian and fellow human being.

codapet review
5.0
Feb 06 2025 by scjordan1
Review by scjordan1
Dr. Derecka Alexander profile picture