What Is a Rabies Titre Test?
A rabies titre test (also spelled "titer" in the US) measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet's blood. It confirms that your pet's rabies vaccination has produced a sufficient immune response — a titre level of 0.5 IU/mL or above is the internationally accepted threshold for most destination countries.
The test is not a replacement for vaccination. It's proof that the vaccination worked. Many countries require it as part of their pet import process, and using an unrecognized laboratory can result in your pet being turned away at the border — or worse, placed in extended quarantine.
Why Does the Lab Matter?
Not all laboratories are equal in the eyes of border authorities. Each country or region maintains its own list of approved laboratories whose results they will accept. A titre test conducted at a non-approved lab — even a highly reputable one — may be rejected entirely. Always confirm the approved lab list for your specific destination before booking the test.
The FAVN Test vs. RFFIT
Two test methodologies are in common use:
- FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralisation): Required by the EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and most other strict-import destinations. Considered the gold standard.
- RFFIT (Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test): Used primarily in the US. Accepted by some but not all destination countries — always verify before use.
Approved Labs by Destination
European Union
The EU requires a FAVN test conducted at an EU-approved laboratory. Key approved labs include:
- ANSES Nancy Laboratory — France (one of the most widely used in Europe)
- Sciensano — Belgium
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) — Germany
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Weybridge — UK (accepted by EU for pre-Brexit samples; check current status)
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise — Italy
A full list of EU-approved laboratories is maintained by the European Commission and updated regularly.
United Kingdom
Post-Brexit, the UK maintains its own approved laboratory list. The primary approved lab is:
- APHA Weybridge (Animal and Plant Health Agency) — Addlestone, Surrey
The UK also accepts results from some EU-approved labs for pets entering from listed countries. Verify current requirements at GOV.UK.
Australia
Australia requires a FAVN test at an approved laboratory. Approved labs include:
- ANSES Nancy — France
- Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory — USA
- Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL/CSIRO) — Geelong, Australia (for testing done within Australia)
- Sciensano — Belgium
A full list is available on the Australian Department of Agriculture website.
New Zealand
New Zealand accepts FAVN tests from a small number of approved labs, including:
- Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory — USA
- ANSES Nancy — France
- AAHL/CSIRO — Australia
Requirements are published by New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries.
Japan
Japan has one of the world's most stringent pet import processes. Titre tests must be conducted at a laboratory approved by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). Approved labs include:
- Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory — USA
- ANSES Nancy — France
- Kimman Laboratory — Netherlands
- Several domestic Japanese labs for tests conducted within Japan
Full details are available from Japan's Animal Quarantine Service (AQS).
United States
The US does not require a titre test for most pet imports, but does require one for pets arriving from high-risk rabies countries. For US-bound pets, the RFFIT test at a USDA-approved lab is typically sufficient. Key labs include:
- Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory — Manhattan, KS
- Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine — Auburn, AL
How the Process Works
- Microchip first — your pet must be chipped before any vaccination or titre test
- Vaccinate — a valid rabies vaccination must be on record
- Blood draw — your accredited vet draws a blood sample and ships it to the approved lab
- Wait for results — typically 2–4 weeks depending on the lab and test type
- Start the waiting period — many countries require 180 days after the blood draw before travel
What If the Test Fails?
If your pet's titre level comes back below 0.5 IU/mL, don't panic. You should:
- Give a booster vaccination immediately
- Wait at least 30 days and retest
- Restart any destination-specific waiting periods from the new blood draw date
This is why starting early matters — a failed first test can add months to your timeline.
Key Tips
- Always confirm the approved lab list directly with your destination country's official authority — lists change
- Ship blood samples using a specialist veterinary courier to maintain sample integrity
- Keep copies of all titre test certificates — originals may be required at the border
- If using a pet relocation service like Jet Pets or Starwood Pet Travel, they will typically manage lab selection and shipping for you
