Objective To verify adhesion and growth ability of canine esophageal epithelial cells (EECs) on the poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), a three-dimensional biodegradable polymer scaffold, and to reconstruct the canine esophagus by the tissue engineering. Methods Free canine EECs isolated from adult dogs by esophagoscopy were seeded onto the PLGA scaffolds precoated with collagen type Ⅳ after the first passage by the in vitro culture. Then, the composites of the cell-scaffold were respectively cultured invitro and in the abdominal cavity of the dog in vivo. After different periods, the cell-seeded scaffolds were assessed by histological HE staining, scanning electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical analysis. Results The cells displayed a cobblestone-shaped morphology that was characteristic of the epithelial cells and were stained to be positive for cytokeratin, which indicated that the cells were EECs. The canine EECs were well distributed and adhered to the PLGA scaffolds, and maintained their characteristics throughout the culture period. After the culture in vivo for 4 weeks, the cell-seeded scaffolds looked like tissues. Conclusion PLGA scaffolds precoated with collagen type Ⅳ can be suitable for adhesion and proliferation of EECs, and can be used as a suitable tissue engineering carrier of an artificial esophagus.