Pet Cloning is Booming in China

Puppies play in a cage at a pet store in a file photo. After COVID-19 stay-at-home orders went into effect in the spring of 2020, the addition of a furry family member became a hot commodity. Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images

In recent years, cloning of deceased pets has become a booming business in China, a market that is rapidly growing despite its high price tag, immature technology, and controversial ethics.

In July 2019, SinoGene, China’s pet cloning bellwether, produced China’s first cloned cat for 250,000 yuan ($37,000). Since then, commercial pet cloning in China is enjoying growing popularity.