Happy New Year, Dallas Voice readers! I hope everyone is doing well, and I am thrilled to be starting 2026 with a unique topic for our Woof column. Let’s dive in right away!
If I told you that you could have a copy of your dog or cat again after they have passed away, would you want to?
Some people say yes right away, and others feel uncomfortable just thinking about it. Both reactions are completely understandable.
Pet cloning is one of those topics that brings up a lot of emotions. It can feel strange, confusing and even a little scary. Did you know that pet cloning is available to us? It is already happening, including here in Texas.
As a veterinarian, I recently had a client whose poor baby was losing a battle against cancer, and they were interested in cloning their kiddo. The question of whether to clone a pet or not comes during a moment of sadness or as a way to plan ahead. But I am sure that the question comes from love, so I get it!
In simple terms, pet cloning means taking a small sample of living cells, usually skin cells, from a dog or cat while the pet is alive or shortly after they pass away. The DNA from those cells is saved, and, later, it is used to create an embryo that is genetically the same as the original pet. That embryo is placed into a surrogate animal, and a puppy or kitten is born.
There is actually a company based in Dallas that provides kits for veterinarians so we can collect these samples correctly for them. This is not science fiction, people. This is something that exists today!
That said, it is very expensive and not something most people would consider at this time.
One of the biggest misunderstandings about cloning is the idea that you get the same pet back. Yes, the clone has the same DNA. But, as we know, DNA is not everything. Personality is shaped by experiences, training, and environment, among other factors.
For example, think about identical twins: They look alike, but they are still different people.
The same is true for cloned pets. A cloned pet may look very similar to your old dog, and they may even share some behaviors, but they will not be exactly the same. Expecting otherwise can lead to disappointment and emotional stress.
Some people see cloning as a way to deal with grief. Others see it as a way to keep a connection to a pet they loved deeply. Neither way of thinking is wrong. Grief looks different for everyone, and there is no single right way to handle loss.
At the same time, it is important to ask ourselves some questions: Is it right to clone pets when so many animals are waiting to be adopted? Does cloning turn pets into products? Are we selfish when we clone our beloved pets?
These are fair questions, and there are no easy answers.
As a veterinarian, my job is not to judge. My job is to give clear information and help people understand what cloning can and cannot do. If someone is thinking about cloning a pet, I encourage them to think about their expectations and consider the pros and cons. Are they open to loving a new animal as their own individual? Are they prepared for the emotions that may come with that choice?
Cloning does not bring a pet back from the past, and that is very important to know. It creates a new life that shares the same genetic starting point in appearance. Whether that feels comforting or uncomfortable depends on the person.
Pet cloning is not for everyone, and most of us will never choose it. But it opens the door to important conversations about love, loss and what family means to us. I will certainly point out that having these conversations at least proves that we love our pets very much and that they are an important part of our lives.
I hope everyone has an amazing year ahead and that 2026 brings us positive changes and experiences. Abrazos, everyone! Salud to a new year!
Dr. Josh owns Isla Veterinary Boutique Hospital, 14380 Marsh Lane, Ste. 110 in Addison. Call him at 972-738-1111 or visit IslaVet.com.