Approved Rabies Serology Laboratories for Testing Dogs

No, you must submit the results of the titer as part of your CDC application so plan ahead to make sure you have enough time to collect the titer sample (at least 30 days after the dog’s initial vaccination), send it to the lab and get the results (which can take 3-5 weeks), and submit your application to CDC at least 6 weeks before your intended travel date.

Apply at least 6 weeks before you intend to travel—and make sure that the travel date (with flight information) on the application is at least 45 days after the titer sample was drawn.

CDC only accepts rabies serology results from the approved labs, including some US labs, listed on our website. CDC will NOT accept lab results from any laboratories other than the labs listed on our webpage.

Have a local veterinarian collect the titer sample and ship it internationally to one of the approved labs.

The dog must have a valid rabies serologic titer from an approved laboratory if the dog was vaccinated outside of the United States.

• Titers must be drawn a minimum of 30 days after the dog’s initial vaccination and at least 45 days before US entry.
• Dogs due to receive rabies vaccination boosters may have their titers drawn at any time, but titers are most easily detected at least 30 days after vaccination.

The titer test is valid for 1 year.

• Titers must be drawn a minimum of 30 days after the dog’s initial vaccination and at least 45 days before US entry.
• Dogs due to receive rabies vaccination boosters may have their titers drawn at any time, but titers are most easily detected at least 30 days after vaccination.

The titer test must be run by an approved laboratory if the dog was vaccinated outside of the United States.

If a US rabies vaccination certificate is still valid, a titer test and a CDC Dog Import Permit are not required, even if a dog received a foreign vaccine booster after the 3-year US vaccine was given.