Is Dog Cloning Legal in the UK? Understanding the Law, Process, and Your Options

Is Dog Cloning Legal in the UK? Understanding the Law, Process, and Your Options

Dog cloning is an exciting and sometimes controversial topic, especially for UK pet owners who want to preserve the bond with their beloved companions. One of the most common questions we receive at Gemini Genetics is: Is dog cloning legal in the UK? In this blog, we’ll clarify the legal situation, explain what’s needed to clone a dog, and answer your most frequently asked questions.

Is Dog Cloning Legal in the UK?

The question “is dog cloning legal in the UK?” is important for anyone considering this advanced technology. In the UK, current regulations do not permit the creation of a cloned embryo via somatic cell nuclear transfer, for the purpose of domestic animal cloning. This means that cloned embryos for cloning cannot be created in the UK. It is, however, fully legal for DNA to be preserved, cultured and stored here in the UK. This is why, at Gemini Genetics, we are proud to provide industry leading genetic preservation for cat, dog and horse owners wanting to secure the option of cloning for their animal companion. When ready to clone, we are partnered with world leading cloning company, ViaGen Pets, based in the USA. The preserved and cultured samples from Gemini Genetics are shipped to ViaGen’s base in Texas, for continuation of the cloning process, including the embryo formation via somatic cell nuclear transfer.

It is also fully legal to own a cloned dog in the UK. Once cloned, your pet can be brought back to the UK, provided all importation and animal health regulations are followed.

What Is Needed to Clone a Dog?

If you’re interested in the process, here’s what’s required to clone a dog:

Skin Sample Collection

A small skin sample is needed for cloning. In the UK, this is usually taken after your dog has passed away. For live animals, a vet may collect a sample during surgery for another purpose, but this is entirely at the vet’s discretion. A full copy of the sample taking instructions can be found here

Sample Handling

The skin sample should be collected within 5 days of your dog’s passing and kept chilled at +4°C (not frozen) to maintain viability.

Submission to Gemini Genetics

The sample is sent to us for genetic preservation (£600 + VAT), where we safeguard your dog’s DNA for future use.

The next stage is cell culture (£1,600 + VAT), which tests the viability of the sample and prepares it for cloning. You can find our full prices here .

Storage

We store your pet’s genetic material for £12/month (+VAT), ensuring it’s ready whenever you decide to proceed to cloning.

Cloning Abroad

When you’re ready, we arrange for your preserved sample to be shipped to our partner ViaGen Pets & Equine in the US, where the actual cloning process takes place.

Bringing Your Cloned Dog Home

Once your dog is cloned, you can import your new companion into the UK following standard pet import regulations.

Preserving, Culturing, and Storing DNA in the UK

While the answer to “is dog cloning legal in the UK?” is that the somatic cell nuclear transfer procedure itself can’t be performed here (the procedure that creates a cloned embryo), it is completely legal to preserve, culture, and store your dog’s DNA in anticipation of future cloning. Gemini Genetics is the UK’s first and only dedicated centre for pet genetic preservation for cloning, offering secure, long-term storage and full support through every stage of the process.

How Gemini Genetics Supports You

We guide you through each step—from sample collection and preservation to arranging safe shipment to our international cloning partner. Our team is dedicated to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, giving you peace of mind that your pet’s genetic legacy is protected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is dog cloning legal in the UK?

The act of creating a cloned embryo via somatic cell nuclear transfer is not permitted in the UK; the procedure must be done abroad. However, it is legal to own a cloned dog and to preserve, culture, and store your dog’s DNA here in the UK for future cloning.

2. Can I preserve my dog’s genetics before they pass away?

In most cases, UK vets will only take samples after your pet has passed away unless your vet agrees to collect a sample during another surgical procedure. You have 5 days after your pet has passed away to submit a skin sample for future cloning. Make sure your pets body is kept chilled and not frozen. Full instructions can be accessed here

3. What kind of sample is needed to clone a dog?

A small skin sample (usually from the ear or inner thigh) is required. Hair samples are not suitable for cloning. Full instructions are available here

4. How soon after my dog’s passing should the sample be collected?

The sample must be collected and sent to Gemini Genetics within 5 days, with the body kept chilled at +4°C and never frozen.

5. How much does dog cloning cost?

Genetic preservation: £600 + VAT
Cell culture: £1,600 + VAT
Storage: £12/month + VAT
Cloning at ViaGen Pets & Equine: $50,000

See our price list here for overview of our services and associated costs.

6. Will my cloned dog look and behave the same as the original?

Cloned dogs share 99.9% of their DNA with the original and typically have similar appearance, intelligence, and temperament.

Summary
To recap, dog cloning legal in the UK is a nuanced subject. While you cannot clone your dog within the UK, it is legal to own a cloned pet and to preserve, culture, and store your dog’s DNA for future cloning abroad. Gemini Genetics is here to support you with expert advice, secure storage, and seamless coordination with our international partners.