Is Pet Cloning Legal in the EU?

December 10, 2025

Is Pet Cloning Legal in the EU?

Interest in pet cloning is growing, but the legal landscape in Europe can be confusing. One of the frequently asked questions we see is ‘is pet cloning legal in the EU?’ If you’re searching for clear information about the legality of pet cloning and cloned pet ownership in the EU, this guide breaks down the facts, references key legislation, and explains how Gemini Genetics can help you preserve your pet’s legacy.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The legal status of pet cloning and related activities varies by country and may change over time. For specific guidance, please consult the relevant authorities or a qualified legal professional in your jurisdiction. Answers reflect the law as of the publication date and may not apply to every EU country. Published: December 2025. Last reviewed: December 2025

The Legal Status of Pet Cloning in the EU

When it comes to animal cloning, the European Union has taken a strict approach—at least for certain uses. EU legislation focuses primarily on livestock and food production, not on companion animals.

What’s banned?

The European Union sets clear rules on animal cloning, focussing on agriculture and food. For example, the EU strictly prohibits cloning farm animals for food production. These animals include cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. It also bans the sale and import of food products (e.g. meat and milk) from cloned animals (Regulation (EU) 2015/2283). Cloning for organic farming is expressly forbidden (Regulation EU 2018/848).

What’s not banned?
Sending genetic material abroad for cloning is not prohibited by EU law. You can preserve your pet’s genetics for cloning and own a cloned pet if you live in the EU. Companies such as Gemini Genetics allow you to easily submit samples, to preserve future opportunities. Here at Gemini Genetics, we are the only facility in the UK & EU partnered with USA based ViaGen Pets, to allow for a world leading cloning service.

Owning a Cloned Pet in Europe

While the EU restricts cloning for food and farming, there are no laws that prevent you from owning a cloned pet. Once a cloned dog, cat, or horse is born, it can live with you in any EU country, provided animal welfare and country import requirements are met.

Summary:
• There is no EU-wide ban on the ownership of cloned pets.
• Importing a cloned companion animal is permitted, as long as standard import regulations are followed.
• Pet owners should always ensure their animals’ welfare is protected, regardless of origin.

How Gemini Genetics and ViaGen Pets Make Cloning Possible for EU Owners

At Gemini Genetics, we specialise in genetic preservation, cell culture, and secure storage for pets and horses across the UK and Europe. Here’s how we make pet cloning accessible:

• Sample Collection & Preservation: You can send your pet’s skin sample to Gemini Genetics within 5 days of passing. We handle preservation and cell culture, as requested, in our UK laboratory.

• Secure Storage: We store your pet’s genetics in state-of-the-art, alarmed LN2 containers, with the option for long-term storage, at an applicable fee.

• Global Partnership: When you’re ready, we ship your pet’s preserved genetics to our trusted partner, ViaGen Pets & Equine in the United States—where pet cloning is legal, regulated, and performed to the highest standards.

• Full Support: Between the services of Gemini Genetics and ViaGen Pets, we guide you at every step, from initial sample collection to the return of your cloned companion.

By working with Gemini Genetics and ViaGen, EU pet owners can preserve their pet’s unique DNA now, and access world-leading cloning services when the time is right—all while remaining compliant with EU and national laws.

What Do You Need to Start the Cloning Process?

To begin the cloning process, a small skin sample from your pet is required. This sample must be collected by your vet and is most commonly taken after your pet has passed away. Skin samples need to arrive within five days of pet passing, with your pet’s body and the skin samples having been kept chilled (not frozen) at approximately +4°C. Hair samples are not suitable for cloning; only a skin biopsy provides the living cells necessary for successful genetic preservation and cloning. Your vet can access sample taking instructions here for cats and dogs and here, for horses. Once collected, the sample is sent to Gemini Genetics for genetic preservation, cell culture, and storage as requested. When ready to clone, our partnership with ViaGen Pets provides access to a world leading cat, dog and horse cloning service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to own a cloned pet in the EU? Yes. There is no EU-wide law prohibiting the ownership of cloned pets. As long as animal welfare and import regulations are met, you can own a cloned dog, cat, or horse in any EU country.
Can I have my pet cloned in the EU? Currently, there is no specific EU legislation banning or permitting the cloning of companion animals in the EU. Most pet cloning for EU owners is performed in countries where it is legally clear, such as via ViaGen in the US.
What types of cloning are banned in Europe? The EU explicitly bans the cloning of farm animals for food and the sale/import of food products from cloned animals (Regulation (EU) 2015/2283). Cloning for organic farming is also forbidden (Regulation EU 2018/848).
Can I import a cloned pet from the US? Yes. You can import a cloned companion animal into the EU as long as you follow standard animal import and welfare rules.
What do I need to start the cloning process? A skin sample from your pet, collected by your vet and within 5 days of passing (body kept chilled at +4°C). Hair samples are not suitable. Instructions for cat & dog sampling can be found here https://www.geminigenetics.com/emergency-cat-dog-instructions/
How much does pet cloning cost? Pet cloning typically costs £40,000–£50,000 or more. Genetic preservation is much more affordable and gives you the option to clone in the future. Our genetic preservation services at Gemini Genetics start from just £600. You can find more about costs via our price list page.
Will my cloned pet be exactly the same as the original? Cloned pets are genetically identical to the original, but personality and behaviour are also shaped by upbringing and environment. Cloned pets are the closest possible genetic replica to the original animal. You can find out more about why people clone their pets here.

Ready to Start Your Pet Cloning Journey?

If you want to safeguard your pet’s legacy, contact Gemini Genetics today. We combine scientific expertise, compassionate support, and a world leading international partnership to help you every step of the way.
Contact us to begin:
• Phone: 01948 668 057
• Email: info@geminigenetics.com
• Website: www.geminigenetics.com

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The legal status of pet cloning and related activities varies by country and may change over time. For specific guidance, please consult the relevant authorities or a qualified legal professional in your jurisdiction. Answers reflect the law as of the publication date and may not apply to every EU country. Published: December 2025. Last reviewed: December 2025