Titer Testing:
- Everwell Pets
- May 27, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 27, 2025
An important tool in your pet wellness toolbox.
What Is A Titer?
Let’s talk titers (pronounced tight-ers). A titer is a simple blood test that measures the level of antibodies your pet’s immune system has produced against a particular virus or bacteria. Think of it like checking your pet’s immunological bank account—do they have enough saved up to keep them safe? If they do, it usually means that (according to accepted views in modern medicine) re-vaccination isn't necessary. Why make another deposit when the account is full?
The most common titers in dogs include:
Canine Parvovirus (CPV)
Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
Adenovirus (Hepatitis)
These are often grouped together in one test panel because they're the “core” diseases most veterinarians vaccinate against early in life.
What about Rabies?
Rabies is a whole different animal (pun intended). You can run a rabies titer, and in fact, it’s required for certain international travel destinations (like the European Union, Hawaii, and Japan). The test is called a Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titer (RNAT), and it measures whether your pet has sufficient antibodies to protect against the rabies virus.
Sounds perfect, right? But here’s the kicker: most U.S. states do not accept rabies titers in place of rabies vaccination. because rabies is classified as a zoonotic disease (meaning it can spread to humans). So, if your pet has perfect titers, you might need to seek a medical exemption, to satisfy local regulations. [6].
Having a trusted holistic veterinarian on your pet's health care team can help navigate these waters, especially in the cases of senior or immune compromised pets, and pets who have experienced serious reactions to the vaccines.
This is a hot topic in holistic and veterinary circles. Many experts, like Dr. Jean Dodds and Dr. Ronald Schultz, have shown that rabies immunity lasts much longer than the three-year label suggests.
Why Use Titers Instead of Automatically Vaccinating?
One word: overkill. Okay, technically that’s dramatic, but unnecessary vaccination isn’t harmless.
Vaccines are purported to stimulate the immune system by mimicking disease. But here’s the thing: once immunity is established, it often lasts for years, sometimes for life [1]. Revaccinating a pet with lasting immunity doesn’t boost protection—it can just increase the risk of side effects like allergies, autoimmune issues, or chronic inflammation [2].
Titers allow you to: Verify immunity without blindly repeating vaccines and Reduce unnecessary chemical and adjunctive exposure, especially in small, sensitive, older, or chronically ill animals, all while personalizing your pet’s care, instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all schedule.
“But My Vet Says the Titer Came Back Low…”
Here’s where it gets juicy. A low or negative titer doesn’t always mean your pet isn’t protected. Yep, you read that right.
Titers measure circulating antibodies, specifically immunoglobulin G (IgG), which is produced by the adaptive immune system after exposure to a specific pathogen—either through infection or vaccination. These antibodies are like the front-line soldiers, always on patrol in the bloodstream, ready to neutralize threats quickly.
But your pet also has an immune backup plan: memory B cells and memory T cells. These belong to the cell-mediated arm of the adaptive immune system and don’t show up on standard titer tests. They're more like the dormant fire station—quiet and out of sight, but instantly ready to jump into action and produce new antibodies if your pet is exposed to the pathogen again [3][7].
On the flip side, titers also won’t be elevated unless the immune system has been recently challenged—either by a vaccine booster or natural exposure to the virus or bacteria. If it’s been years since that happened, circulating IgG levels may gradually decline, even though your pet’s immune system could still mount a strong and swift response if needed.
Bottom line? Titers aren’t a perfect measurement tool,, but they’re still the best tool we’ve got for assessing humoral immunity without unnecessary pokes or re-vaccinating a pet that’s already protected.
How Much Does a Titer Test Cost?
Prices vary depending on where you live, what’s being tested, and whether your vet sends the bloodwork to an outside lab or does it in-house. As a general rule of paw:
Basic core vaccine titer panel (Parvo, Distemper, Adenovirus): $80–$150
Individual disease titers: $50–$100 each
Add-on or specialty titers (like rabies or Lyme): $100–$200+
Pro tip: some clinics offer discounted wellness packages or annual titer clinics—worth sniffing around for!
Now, you might be thinking, “Yikes, that’s more than a $25 vaccine at the low-cost clinic!” But here’s the twist: that cheap vaccine might come with a hidden receipt—paid in allergies, chronic inflammation, autoimmune issues, or years of GI trouble that no one ties back to that booster you didn’t need in the first place.
A titer test may cost more upfront, but it's a long-term investment in your pet’s immune balance and overall wellness, not just a box checked. You’re not just paying to avoid a shot—you’re paying for peace of mind, personalized care, and fewer “mystery symptoms” down the line.
Can Titers Be Used for Dog Licenses and Travel?
This is where things get sticky. Most municipalities and countries require proof of vaccination, especially for rabies, regardless of titer status. Even if a titer shows strong immunity, the law typically doesn’t recognize it as a valid substitute for a rabies certificate [4].
Some exceptions exist, like when a medical exemption is provided by a licensed veterinarian again; this is where having a holistic veterinarian on your pet's health team who understands your pet's unique constitution is important,
I’m lucky to live in Colorado, where veterinarians can more easily offer a medical exemption if they believe it's in your pup’s best interest. It’s not automatic—you’ll still need documentation—but compared to many other states, Colorado provides a bit more flexibility for pets with legitimate health concerns.
When To Just Say No:
In my opinion, there are some absolute hard lines in the sand.
If your pet has ever had a seizure—no more vaccines.
If they’ve had any reaction to a vaccine, no matter how small—no more vaccines.
A diagnosis of autoimmune disease? That includes IBD, arthritis, thyroiditis, IMHA, and more—no more vaccines.
If your dog has ever had cancer, even in remission—no more vaccines.
This isn’t fear-mongering; it’s about honoring a body that’s already giving us warning signs. In cases like these, a rabies titer plus a vet-issued exemption can be a safe, sane alternative to blindly following a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Grooming, Boarding, & Travel
Boarding facilities, training classes, and groomers may accept titers in place of vaccine records—especially if they’re health-conscious, holistic, or simply educated professionals who understand how immunity actually works.
Always ask first—and don’t be afraid to bring a copy of your pet’s results to the conversation.
Travel-wise, if you’re going international, it’s a whole different game. Rabies titers are required for certain destinations (like the EU or Hawaii), but only from specific approved labs, and they often need to be done 3+ months before travel [5].
When to Run Titers
Here’s when titer testing might make the most sense:
After the puppy series (around 16–20 weeks):
Every 3 years for adult dogs, if required by boarding or state law.
Older Or Immune Compromised : Why poke if they’re already protected?
If you’re concerned about vaccine side effects: especially with toy breeds or dogs with a history of adverse reactions.
In Summary:
Titers measure antibody levels to see if your pet is still protected.
High titer results = likely immunity.
Low or absent titer, doe not mean unprotected. (Memory cells might just be napping!)
Titers can reduce unnecessary vaccines, but don’t always replace legal proof (especially for rabies).
Not every vet embraces them—so it helps to work with someone who respects informed choice.
In a world where pet wellness is often dominated by fear-based messaging and one-size-fits-all care, titers are a breath of fresh air. They offer a chance to listen to your pet’s immune system instead of shouting over it with automatic boosters.
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Citations:
Schultz RD. "Duration of Immunity for Canine and Feline Vaccines: A Review." Veterinary Microbiology. 2006.
Dodds, Jean. "Risks of Vaccination." Hemopet, hemopet.org.
Twark L, Dodds WJ. "Clinical Use of Serum Parvovirus and Distemper Virus Antibody Titers for Determining Revaccination Strategies in Healthy Dogs." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2000.
CDC. "Rabies and Public Health." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov.
USDA APHIS. “Pet Travel Guidance for Pets Traveling to Another Country from the United States.” aphis.usda.gov.
Rabies Challenge Fund. "Rabies Titer Testing: Facts and Legal Standing." rabieschallengefund.org.
Tizard IR. Veterinary Immunology, 10th ed. Elsevier, 2018.