What a rabies titer test is
A rabies titer test (also called a FAVN test or fluorescent antibody virus neutralization test) is a blood test that measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s bloodstream. It proves your pet’s rabies vaccination is actually working, not just that the shot was given.
Several countries require this test before allowing a pet to enter. The test result must show an antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml. If the result is below that threshold, your pet will need a rabies booster and a retest.
Which countries require it
The rabies titer test is required for pet entry into:
- Japan: test must be done at least 180 days before arrival
- Australia: required as part of the import permit process
- Singapore: required for dogs and cats
- New Zealand: required with specific timing
- South Korea: required for all dogs
- UAE: required in most cases
- Hawaii: required to qualify for the 5-day-or-less quarantine program (instead of the 120-day quarantine)
EU countries (UK, Germany, France, etc.) do not require a titer test for pets traveling from the United States, because the US is classified as a listed (low-risk) country for rabies. However, if you are relocating from a country the EU considers high-risk, a titer test would be required.
The timeline: why this test takes months
The titer test itself takes about 2 to 3 weeks for lab results. That part is straightforward. The complication is the waiting period some countries impose after the test.
Japan’s rule is the strictest: the blood sample must be drawn at least 180 days (about 6 months) before your pet arrives in Japan. This means if you are moving to Japan, the titer test is one of the very first things you need to arrange.
Here’s the typical sequence:
- Your pet must be microchipped (ISO 15-digit chip)
- Your pet must have a current rabies vaccination given after the microchip was implanted
- At least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, a blood sample is drawn
- The sample is sent to an approved laboratory for testing
- Results come back in 2 to 3 weeks
- The waiting period begins from the date the blood was drawn (not the date results come back)
For Japan, step 6 means 180 days from blood draw to arrival. If your result is too low and you need a booster and retest, the 180-day clock resets.
Approved laboratories
Not every lab can run a FAVN test. The sample must be processed at a laboratory approved by the destination country. For most destinations, the two US-based approved labs are:
- Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory (Manhattan, Kansas)
- The Rabies Laboratory at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta (limited availability)
Your vet draws the blood, separates the serum, and ships it to the lab with the proper paperwork. The lab does not accept samples directly from pet owners.
How much it costs
- Vet visit for blood draw: $50 to $100
- Lab testing fee (FAVN test): $100 to $200
- Overnight shipping to the lab: $30 to $50
Total: roughly $180 to $350. If your pet needs a booster and retest, you pay again.
What happens if the titer is too low
If the antibody level comes back below 0.5 IU/ml, your pet needs a rabies booster vaccination, then a new blood draw at least 30 days after the booster, and a retest. The waiting period for countries like Japan restarts from the new blood draw date.
This is why starting early matters. A failed first test can add 7 to 8 months to your timeline for Japan, and 2 to 3 months for other destinations.
Hawaii’s titer test for the quarantine bypass
Hawaii is rabies-free and protects that status strictly. Without a qualifying titer test, your pet faces a 120-day quarantine in Honolulu. With the correct titer test and paperwork, the quarantine drops to 5 days or less (direct airport release is possible).
Hawaii’s requirements: two rabies vaccinations given more than 30 days apart, a titer test drawn after the second vaccination, and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. The blood draw must occur at least 120 days before arrival in Hawaii. See our Hawaii guide for the full process.
How we handle it
When you work with Pet Travel Advisors, we build the titer test into your move timeline from the start. We make sure the microchip, vaccination, blood draw, and lab submission happen in the right order with enough time for the waiting period. If your destination requires a titer test, we flag it at the very first planning call so you are not surprised six months into the process.
Ready to start planning your pet’s move?
Request a quote and we will put together a detailed plan and price for your specific route.
Prefer to talk? Give us a call at 1-877-540-0555.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a titer test result valid?
For most destinations, the titer test result is valid as long as your pet’s rabies vaccination stays current (no lapses). If the vaccination expires and is given again, some countries require a new titer test. Check your destination’s specific rules.
Can I use a titer test from another country?
The test must come from a lab approved by the destination country. A result from a non-approved lab will not be accepted, even if the numbers are fine.
Do cats need a titer test too?
Yes, for destinations that require it (Japan, Australia, Singapore, others), cats need the same rabies titer test as dogs.
What if I am moving soon and do not have time for the waiting period?
For Japan, there is no shortcut around the 180-day wait. Some owners send their pet ahead to board in the destination country during the waiting period, or delay travel. For other destinations with shorter waits, contact us and we can look at the specific timeline to see what is possible.
Is this the same as a rabies vaccine?
No. The rabies vaccine is the shot that gives your pet immunity. The titer test is a blood test that measures whether the vaccine produced enough antibodies. You need the vaccine first, then the titer test to verify it worked.