Pet Cloning and Genetic Preservation

What to Know About Post-Mortem Biopsies

Losing a beloved pet is one of the most profound losses a family can experience. In the midst of grief, some families ask questions they never expected to ask, one of them being whether anything can be done to preserve their pet’s genetics.

At Peaceful Vet Care, our role is never to persuade, but to inform. For some families, understanding genetic preservation and cloning provides comfort. For others, it does not. Both responses are valid.

This article is meant to explain, clearly and honestly, what post-mortem genetic preservation involves, what cloning actually is (and is not), and how companies such as Viagen fit into this process.

What Is Genetic Preservation?

Genetic preservation involves collecting a small tissue sample that contains living cells. These cells can be cryogenically stored and, in theory, used in the future for cloning.

The key point often misunderstood:Preserving DNA does not mean cloning your pet now, or ever. It simply keeps that option available.

Once genetic material is lost, it cannot be recreated.

What Is a Post-Mortem Biopsy?

If genetic preservation is being considered, tissue must be collected very soon after death ideally within a few hours/days.

A post-mortem biopsy is a gentle, respectful procedure in which small samples of tissue (commonly from the ear pinna or skin) are collected after a pet has passed. This does not alter how your pet looks dramatically, interfere with aftercare, or change memorial plans.

At Peaceful Vet Care, post-mortem biopsies are:

• Performed with dignity and discretion

• Compatible with private cremation or aquamation

• Done only at a family’s request

The biopsy is then shipped overnight to a genetic preservation laboratory.

Viagen Genetic Preservation

Viagen Pets is currently the primary U.S.-based company offering pet genetic preservation and cloning services.

Viagen:

• Stores living cells via cryopreservation

• Does not require a commitment to cloning

• Allows families to decide later whether cloning is something they wish to pursue

It’s important to be clear: cloning is expensive, complex, and not guaranteed. Genetic preservation simply keeps the door open.

What Cloning Is and Isn’t

Cloning does not:

• Bring your pet back

• Replicate personality, memories, or experiences

• Create an identical life

Cloning does:

• Produce a genetically identical animal

• Result in a pet that may physically resemble the original

• Still require nurturing, training, and bonding like any other animal

Some families find meaning in that genetic continuity. Others find that it doesn’t align with how they grieve. Neither perspective is wrong.

Is Genetic Preservation Right for Everyone?

Honestly? No.

Cloning and genetic preservation are deeply personal decisions. They raise emotional, ethical, and financial considerations. Our philosophy at Peaceful Vet Care is grounded in choice without pressure.

We believe families deserve:

• Accurate information

• Enough time (when possible) to decide

• Support regardless of their decision

Our role is to provide the option not the opinion.

How Peaceful Vet Care Can Help

If you are considering genetic preservation:

• We can coordinate post-mortem biopsy collection

• We work with Viagen protocols

• We ensure the process does not interfere with your goodbye

If you are unsure:

• That’s completely okay

• We can talk through the process without obligation

Grief is not the time for rushed decisions. But it is the time for clear information.

Final Thoughts

For some families, preserving a piece of their pet’s genetic legacy feels meaningful. For others, love is complete without it.

At Peaceful Vet Care, we honor both paths—with transparency, compassion, and respect.

If you have questions about post-mortem biopsies or genetic preservation, we’re here to talk, no assumptions, no pressure, and no judgment.