Pet cloning: Can we engineer lifelong furry companionship?

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• December 6, 2021

Insight summary

The successful cloning of a dog named Snuppy marked a pivotal moment in biotechnology, paving the way for the emergence of pet cloning companies. These firms offer the opportunity to create genetic duplicates of beloved pets, a service that has sparked both enthusiasm and ethical debates. As the technology evolves, it's reshaping the pet industry, stimulating economic growth, and potentially opening doors for more ambitious cloning projects.

Pet cloning context

A significant milestone was reached in the field of genetic engineering in 2005 when an Afghan hound, affectionately named Snuppy, was successfully cloned by researchers from Seoul National University. The event marked a turning point in biotechnology, demonstrating that the cloning of complex organisms such as dogs was indeed possible. 

In 2015, the landscape of pet cloning has dramatically transformed. The success story of Snuppy has resulted in numerous pet cloning companies. These firms give clients the opportunity to create genetic duplicates of their beloved pets, a service that has been met with both enthusiasm and skepticism. This development has also sparked a fresh debate on animal rights, raising questions about the ethical implications of pet cloning and the potential for exploitation.

The process of cloning a pet is relatively simple in theory, yet requires precision and expertise in practice. It begins with a tissue biopsy performed on the original pet, from which cells are extracted. These cells are then combined with eggs harvested from a surrogate dog, creating embryos that carry the genetic material of the original pet. The embryos are implanted into the surrogate through a minor surgical procedure. 

The cost of this service is steep, with customers expected to shell out approximately USD $50,000 for a clone. The process takes an average of only two months from start to finish. For pet owners like Barbara Streisand, who cloned her dogs in 2017, the emotional value of preserving a cherished pet's genetic legacy far outweighs the financial cost.

Disruptive impact

Companies like Sinogene, a biotech firm based in Beijing, are planning to deliver as many as 500 clones annually over the next five years to a diverse clientele, both locally and internationally. This surge in demand is being met with support from the Chinese government, which has included increased DNA research in its strategic five-year plan. Similarly, in the US, Texas-based ViaGen Pets is experiencing such high demand that it currently has a one-year waiting list. As the technology matures and becomes more efficient, it is conceivable that the cost of pet cloning may decrease, making it accessible to a broader demographic. 

In addition, as clones become a new category within the pet market, the industry may need to adapt and expand its range of products and services. This trend could lead to the development of specialized offerings tailored specifically for cloned pets, such as customized healthcare plans, specific dietary products, or even unique training programs. This shift could stimulate economic growth within the pet industry, creating new jobs and opportunities for businesses.

The techniques and knowledge gained from pet cloning could potentially be applied to more ambitious projects, such as the resurrection of extinct animal species. This process could provide invaluable insights into the biology and ecology of these species, contributing to our understanding of biodiversity and evolution. While the notion of human cloning remains a contentious issue fraught with ethical and moral dilemmas, the technological capability for such a feat is becoming increasingly feasible, prompting a need for careful consideration and regulation by society and governments.

Implications of pet cloning 

Wider implications of pet cloning may include:

• Lower demand for pet breeding services once cloning becomes more readily accessible to the masses.
• Genetic edits becoming the next big step for longer pet lifespans.
• Veterinarians undergoing specialized training for handling animal clones.
• A shift in societal attitudes towards life and death, potentially altering our perceptions of mortality and the natural life cycle.
• New jobs in biotechnology, veterinary medicine, and pet care services.
• New legislation to regulate the industry, balancing the interests of pet owners, animal rights advocates, and biotech companies.
• Further research and development in the field of biotechnology, potentially leading to breakthroughs in other areas such as organ cloning or genetic disease prevention.
• The generation of biological waste or the overuse of resources, requiring the development of sustainable practices within the industry.
• Increased pushback by animal rights activists over the use and treatment of surrogate animals.

Questions to consider

• If you’re a pet owner, would you make use of this service once it becomes more affordable? Why?
• What do you think might be the challenges of having a cloned pet?