Rabies titer test (RNATT): what it is and who needs it

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A rabies titer test (often called RNATT or FAVN) is a blood test that proves your pet's rabies vaccine actually produced enough antibodies — at least 0.5 IU/ml. It is not another vaccine; it's a lab check on a blood sample. Rabies-free and rabies-controlled countries require it before they let a pet in, and many enforce a long waiting period after the blood draw. Getting the timing wrong is the single most common reason pet relocations get delayed.

Who needs it

You need a titer test when travelling to rabies-free or strictly controlled destinations such as Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK (from unlisted countries) and the EU when arriving from a non-listed country. If you're moving between two low-risk countries that are mutually listed, you usually don't.

How it works, step by step

1. Your pet must already have an ISO microchip, then a valid rabies vaccination.
2. At least 30 days after vaccination, your vet draws blood and sends it to an approved laboratory.
3. The lab confirms antibodies ≥ 0.5 IU/ml. Keep the original report — you'll need it at the border.
4. The destination's waiting period starts from the blood-draw date — often 90 to 180 days.

Why start early

For a country like Japan or Australia the wait is about 180 days. That means the blood must be drawn roughly six months before you fly. If the result is below 0.5 IU/ml you re-vaccinate and re-test, adding more time. Build in a buffer and book the test as soon as the vaccine is in.

Use our country pages to see whether your exact destination needs a titer test and how long the wait is.

Rabies Antibody Titer Test (RNATT): Complete Requirements (2026)

The Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre test (RNATT / FAVN / RFFIT) measures whether your pet has sufficient protective antibodies against the rabies virus (minimum threshold: 0.5 IU/ml).

Timing Rules: 1) The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine. 2) Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination. 3) For entry into the European Union, a mandatory 3-month waiting period applies between the blood draw date and the date of travel (unless the test was performed prior to leaving the EU with an EU passport). 4) For rabies-free countries like Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, the waiting period is 180 days.

Always ensure the testing laboratory is officially approved by the destination country's government or the European Commission.

FAQ

Is a titer test the same as a vaccine?

No. The vaccine creates immunity; the titer test is a blood check that confirms the vaccine worked. You need the vaccine first, then the test.

How long are results valid?

If your pet's rabies vaccination is kept up to date without a lapse, a passing titer result generally remains valid for the life of that vaccination record in most schemes.

Can I shorten the waiting period?

No — the waiting period is set by the destination and counts from the blood-draw date. The only way to 'save time' is to do the test as early as possible.

What is the passing score for a rabies titer test?

The international standard requires an antibody titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml.

How long does a rabies titer test remain valid?

As long as booster rabies vaccinations are kept strictly up to date without any lapse, the titer test remains valid for life in the EU and many destinations.

How long after the blood draw can my pet travel?

For the EU: 3 months from blood draw. For Japan/Australia/New Zealand: 180 days from blood draw.

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