A Note from Dr. Stuart

If you’re reading this, you’re probably wrestling with the idea of what it means to truly “bring back” a pet. I get it—losing a companion animal is brutal, and the science of cloning sounds like something out of a late-night documentary or a dodgy sci-fi flick. But pet cloning is real, and so are the questions it raises. Here’s what you need to know, minus the hype and with a healthy dose of reality.

Why Do People Want to Clone Their Pets?

Let’s be honest: for most of us, pets aren’t “just animals”—they’re family. When we lose them, the ache can feel bottomless. Some folks see cloning as a way to hold onto a piece of what they’ve lost. Maybe it’s that one-of-a-kind look, a certain stubbornness, or just the comfort of seeing familiar eyes again. Others are simply fascinated by the science. If you’re here, you might be a bit of both.

How Is Pet Cloning Done?

The process isn’t as magical as Hollywood would have you believe. Here’s the gist:

1. Sample Collection: A skin biopsy (usually from the abdomen or inside the leg) is taken from your pet—ideally while they’re alive, but sometimes shortly after passing (if you’re quick).
2. Cell Preservation: Those cells are grown and stored—think of it as putting your pet’s DNA in the “deep freeze” for future use.
3. Nuclear Transfer: The DNA from those cells is slipped into a donor egg cell (from another animal) that’s had its own DNA removed.
4. Embryo Creation: With a bit of scientific encouragement, the embryo starts to develop and is then implanted into a surrogate mum.
5. Birth: If all goes well (and it often doesn’t), a genetic twin is born.

Where Is Cloning Available & What Does It Cost?

Here’s where reality bites: you can’t do this in Australia. You’ll need to send samples overseas—mostly to the US, South Korea, or China. The big names are ViaGen Pets and Sooam Biotech. And the price? Around $66,000 AUD for a dog, $40,000 AUD for a cat. You could buy a decent second-hand Subaru for less. There are extra costs too—cell banking, shipping, and a fair bit of paperwork.

Are Cloned Pets the Same as the Original?

Short answer: no. They’re genetic twins, not carbon copies of personality. You might get the same fur pattern or nose, but not the same quirks, fears, or that weird habit of stealing your socks. Nature hands you the raw materials, but nurture does the rest.

Is It Real World Possible?

Yes, it’s possible. Hundreds of pets have been cloned around the world. But the process is fiddly, expensive, and not exactly gentle on the animals involved.

The Ethics: Why & Why Not?

Why (Arguments For):

• Comfort after loss—sometimes you just want to see that familiar face again.
• Scientific curiosity—because humans are endlessly inventive (and sometimes a bit mad).
• Preserving rare genetics—maybe your dog is the last of their kind, or just the best dog ever (aren’t they all?).

Why Not (Arguments Against):

• Animal welfare: It takes a lot of embryos and surrogate mums to get one live puppy or kitten. That’s a lot of suffering for a “maybe.”
• No guarantees: You won’t get your old mate back, just a lookalike with their own personality.
• The cost: You could rescue a whole shelter’s worth of pets for that price.
• The “ick” factor: Some folks just feel cloning crosses a line—grief is tough, but this isn’t a magic fix.

Q&A: Common Questions About Pet Cloning

Can I clone my pet in Australia?
Nope. If you’re keen, you’re looking at international shipping for your sample.

Will my cloned pet have the same personality?
Afraid not. Genetics set the stage, but life writes the script.

How long do I have to collect a sample after my pet passes away?
Ideally, within a few hours. Keep the body refrigerated (not frozen) until the biopsy can be taken.

Can other samples, like blood, be used for cloning?
Skin is best. Blood’s rarely useful—most blood cells don’t have a nucleus, and the ones that do aren’t as reliable. If you’re thinking ahead, get a skin biopsy.

Are there health risks to cloned pets?
Yes. Some studies show higher rates of birth defects and health issues, but research is ongoing.

What are the ethical concerns?
Welfare of surrogate animals, commercialisation of grief, and the risk of neglecting shelter pets all come up in the debate.

Coping with Pet Loss: Australian Grief Support Resources

As much as I can relate to losing the most important thing in your life and offer as much compassion as I have to give, unfortunately, I’m not qualified to provide professional help to a human being. That’s why I’ve listed some trusted Australian resources below—sometimes the bravest thing you can do is reach out for a little extra support:

• Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement – grief.org.au
• Lifeline – 13 11 14, lifeline.org.au
• Pets and People – petsandpeople.com.au
• Beyond Blue – beyondblue.org.au
• Local vets – Many offer info on support groups and counselling.

Final Thoughts from Dr. Stuart

Cloning might sound like the ultimate fix for a broken heart, but it’s not a shortcut through grief. Every pet is more than their DNA—they’re shaped by every cuddle, every walk, every ridiculous thing they do. If you’re thinking about cloning, ask yourself what you’re really hoping to get back. Sometimes, the best way to honour a pet is to make space in your life for the next story—even if it’s a bit different from the last.

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References

BBC News. (2023). ‘Pet cloning: Is it worth it?’ Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-56292874 (Accessed: 14 December 2025).
National Geographic. (2019). ‘Why people are cloning their pets.’ Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/pet-cloning-dogs-cats (Accessed: 14 December 2025).
Honey9. (2022). ‘Pet cloning: How much does it cost and is it ethical?’ Available at: https://honey.nine.com.au/pets/pet-cloning-cost-ethics/ (Accessed: 14 December 2025).
ViaGen Pets. (2025). ‘Pet Cloning Services.’ Available at: https://viagenpets.com/ (Accessed: 14 December 2025).
Pet Professional. (2020). ‘The ethics and science of pet cloning.’ Available at: https://www.petprofessional.com.au/blog/the-ethics-and-science-of-pet-cloning (Accessed: 14 December 2025).
Discover Magazine. (2021). ‘What science says about cloned pets.’ Available at: https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/what-science-says-about-cloned-pets (Accessed: 14 December 2025).