Dog cloning used to sound like pure science fiction. In 2025, it’s a real—and growing—service in the United States. It’s still expensive, still controversial, but increasingly mainstream. High-profile pet owners have helped push it into public conversation, including Tom Brady, who publicly shared that his current dog is a clone of his late dog, Lua.

So what actually is dog cloning, how does it work, what does it cost, and which companies can U.S. pet parents realistically use?

What “Dog Cloning” Really Means

When a dog is cloned, the goal isn’t a carbon copy in the way movies suggest. A cloned dog is a genetic twin—an animal born later with the same DNA as the original.

Environment still plays a major role. A clone won’t automatically share the same personality, habits, training, or life experiences. Even physical traits like coat patterns and markings can vary slightly. Genetics set the foundation, but life shapes the individual.

The core technology used is SCNT (Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer). Scientists take the DNA-containing nucleus from a dog’s cell and place it into an egg cell that has had its own nucleus removed. That embryo is then carried by a surrogate dog until birth.

The Dog Cloning Process (High Level)

At a high level, dog cloning involves four major stages:

1. Genetic Preservation (Cell Collection)
A laboratory collects a tissue sample from a dog—often a small skin biopsy—while the dog is alive, or very shortly after passing. Timing is critical. The cells are then grown and cryopreserved so they can be used later.

2. Embryo Creation
Using the preserved cells, scientists perform SCNT to create embryos that carry the dog’s DNA.

3. Surrogate Pregnancy
The embryos are implanted into a surrogate dog, which carries the pregnancy to term.

4. Birth and Early Care
After birth, the puppy is monitored, vetted, and cared for until it’s ready to go home. From there, socialization, training, routines, and bonding shape who the dog becomes.

How Much Does Dog Cloning Cost in the United States?

For U.S. pet owners, the most commonly cited benchmark is around $50,000 per dog clone. ViaGen Pets & Equine publicly lists dog cloning at $50,000.

Some veterinary and industry sources cite a broader range, sometimes reaching $100,000, depending on circumstances such as multiple attempts or additional services. Cloning is not guaranteed on the first try, which is why pricing is often discussed as a range rather than a fixed number.

Genetic preservation can also be done separately. ViaGen lists preservation at approximately $1,600, with annual storage fees of around $150 after the first year.

Which Dog Cloning Companies Are Available to U.S. Pet Owners?

ViaGen Pets & Equine (United States)
ViaGen is widely cited as the only commercial pet cloning company operating within the U.S.
• U.S.-based
• Offers genetic preservation and cloning services
• Publicly listed dog cloning price: $50,000

Sooam Biotech (South Korea)
Sooam Biotech offers dog cloning services internationally. While not U.S.-based, it accepts international clients depending on logistics and veterinary coordination.

Celebrity Dog Cloning: Who’s Done It?

• Tom Brady confirmed his dog Junie is a clone of his late dog, Lua
• Barbra Streisand has publicly discussed cloning her dogs
• Paris Hilton has been reported to have cloned pets
• Kelly Osbourne has also been associated with pet cloning services

Why People Clone Dogs

Most people clone dogs for one of three reasons:
• Emotional continuity
• Preserving exceptional working or service genetics
• Legacy when traditional breeding isn’t possible

Cloning doesn’t erase grief. Even when a clone looks similar, it is still a new individual shaped by environment and experience.

Ethical and Welfare Considerations

Common concerns include:
• Use of surrogate animals
• Multiple implantation attempts
• Whether resources could be used for rescue instead

These considerations don’t automatically make cloning wrong, but they matter—especially during periods of loss.

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Recommended Collections

Health & Wellness
→ because cloning creates a new puppy, and long-term health, immune support, and veterinary-grade care matter far more than genetics alone.

Carriers & Travel
→ because cloned puppies are often transported for pickup, relocation, and early veterinary visits, making safe, stress-reduced travel essential.

Toys & Training
→ because cloning preserves DNA, not behavior—training, enrichment, and routine are what shape who the dog becomes.

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Colossal Biosciences and Pet Cloning

Colossal Biosciences is a U.S. biotech company known for genetic engineering and de-extinction research. It is not historically a pet cloning company.

Colossal acquired ViaGen Pets & Equine, meaning cloning services now operate under Colossal’s ownership using ViaGen’s established cloning technology. When public figures reference Colossal, the cloning work itself comes from ViaGen.

What “Non-Invasive” Collection Means

Some genetic material can be collected through blood samples, allowing DNA extraction from white blood cells rather than surgical tissue biopsies. This does not change the cloning process itself—it still relies on SCNT—but may reduce invasiveness at the collection stage.

Who Else Uses Dog Cloning

Reported (largely private) user groups include:
• Biotech founders
• Tech entrepreneurs
• Elite working-dog and K9 programs
• Military and government-adjacent contractors
• Ultra-high-net-worth individuals

The Bottom Line

Dog cloning is real, expensive, emotionally complex, and technologically advanced. It preserves DNA—not memories—and creates a new life shaped by new experiences.

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