Britain's first pet cloning clinic has opened its doors, offering pet owners the chance to clone their beloved cats and dogs for a hefty price of £40,000. While cloning pets is illegal in the UK, Gemini Genetics facilitates the process by sending DNA samples to the US, where cloning can legally occur.
The Shropshire-based lab collects around 1,000 DNA samples from pets each year. The cloning process involves implanting the DNA into an embryo, which is then placed inside a surrogate mother. According to Lucy Morgan, Laboratory Manager at Gemini Genetics, pet owners have just five days to preserve their pet's DNA after it passes away.
While cloning ensures genetic twins with identical DNA, Morgan notes that environmental factors will still influence the cloned animal's behavior and traits. The practice has sparked debate, with some viewing it as controversial, while others liken it to assisted reproduction methods like IVF.
Animal cloning technology has significantly advanced since the cloning of Dolly the sheep in 1996. Companies like ViaGen in the US are also working on cloning endangered species, such as the black-footed ferret and the Przewalski horse, with the goal of preserving biodiversity.