Frequently Asked Pet Cloning and GP Questions

We hear from many pet owners every day with questions about pet genetic preservation and cloning. Nearly every conversation we have starts with the owner saying “I’ve got an unusual question for you,” which isn’t a surprising preface for the questions we hear because pet genetic preservation and cloning isn’t something that is talked about daily like the weather.

We understand that you’re calling because you have a deep bond and relationship with your special pet that you’d love to extend forever – if possible. So while the frequently asked pet cloning and pet genetic preservation questions section of our website is a great resource for better understanding how pet genetic preservation and cloning works, here are a few of the most frequent questions we hear.

These Are NOT Unusual Questions…

“My pet is elderly or is in declining health, should I have the biopsy done while he or she is still living, or should I wait until they pass?”   This is completely your decision as a pet parent and also something you should consult with your veterinarian about since anesthesia (general or local) is necessary for the tissue biopsy needed from your pet. The tissue biopsy is the critical first step whether you want to simply preserve your pet’s genetics, or clone your special animal. We recommend that a tissue biopsy be done while your pet is alive and healthy. The biggest reason for this is that you will have the option to re-submit samples if the culture is not successful, which happens from time to time. If you wait to take a skin biopsy until your pet has passed away, and if the cell culture is not successful, it’s impossible to secure another skin biopsy.

“Will my cloned pet look the same as the original, and will it have the same personality?” – Your cloned puppy or kitten will have the same coloring as the original, but the markings may not be in the same location. For example, if your dog is white and has a brown patch around his right eye, then your cloned puppy will be white but that brown patch could be located on the left eye. An exception to this is calico cats, with more information about them here.

“What happens if more than one kitten or puppy is born?” – Our contract states that if more than one cloned kitten or puppy is born in the litter you have the option of welcoming each of them into your home at no extra charge. If you are happy with just one, then we place any additional animals from the litter into a loving forever home.

“My pet is sick with or has had (ex: cancer), does that mean the clone will have it as well?”. The simplified answer is this: if your pet has a genetics-rooted condition, and since a clone of your pet carries the identical genetic make-up as the original, then the cloned animal will likely carry the same condition. However, since many pet health conditions develop as a result of a combination of genetics and the environment, it’s difficult to be conclusive. We encourage you to consult your veterinarian to gain a deeper perspective on your pet’s specific condition.

“What is the cost of cloning my dog or cat?”    ViaGen Pets charges $50,000 for cat cloning and $50,000 for dogs. The cost does not differ based on the breed or size of your dog or cat. Payment for pet cloning is made in two installments; we ask for a 50% down payment at the time you sign your pet cloning contract, and collect the balance when you take delivery of your new kitten or puppy – which happens between 8 – 12 weeks after birth.  If you are undecided whether to proceed with cloning immediately, but don’t want to miss the opportunity later, that’s no problem. We recommend you do a genetic preservation now to preserve your pet’s cells. Once a genetic preservation is successful, those cells can be stored indefinitely.  So whether you decide to move on to cloning at a later date, or just want the peace of mind knowing your pet’s DNA has been preserved, genetic preservation is available for a cat or dog for $1,600.

We are here to answer any questions you have, and are just a phone call away!   Feel free to contact us at 888-876-6104. You can also submit an inquiry with your questions through our website and we will contact you.