Planning an international trip with your dog or cat? Depending on your destination, a Rabies Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) may be an essential part of your pet’s travel preparations. Some countries require proof that your pet has developed sufficient protection against rabies before they can enter, while the same test can also be important if you plan to return to Spain or another EU country after travelling outside the European Union.
Understanding when the test is required, when it should be carried out and how long the process takes can help you avoid unexpected delays and make sure your pet is ready to travel.
What Is a Rabies Antibody Titre Test?
A rabies antibody titre test is a blood test that measures the level of antibodies against rabies in your pet’s blood following rabies vaccination. It is used by certain countries to confirm that a dog, cat or ferret has developed an adequate immune response to the vaccine.
The test must be performed at an authorised laboratory, and the result needs to show a rabies antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The timing of the blood test is also important, as it cannot simply be arranged immediately before travelling.
The requirements vary depending on the country your pet is travelling to, your pet’s vaccination history and, in some cases, the countries your pet has previously visited. This is why checking the requirements well in advance is essential.
Rabies Antibody Titre Test for International Pet Travel
Some destinations require a rabies antibody titre test as part of their import requirements. If you are moving your pet from Spain to one of these countries, the test may need to be completed several weeks or even months before your planned departure.
The process usually starts with a valid microchip and rabies vaccination. If the rabies vaccination is a primary vaccination, the blood sample for the antibody titre test must be collected at least 30 days after the vaccination is given. Once the sample has been tested by an authorised laboratory, the result must be correctly documented as part of your pet’s travel documentation.
Young Pets and Rabies Antibody Levels
Young puppies and kittens can sometimes produce a lower antibody response after their first rabies vaccination because their immune system is still developing. This does not happen in every young animal, but it is something we consider when planning international travel.
For this reason, when a young pet needs a rabies antibody titre test, we may recommend revaccinating before or the same day the blood sample is taken. This can help give the young animal another opportunity to develop an adequate antibody response and reduce the risk of receiving a low result that could require further vaccination and repeat testing, potentially causing delays to the travel plans.
It is important to plan this carefully, as the timing between vaccination and blood sampling must meet the requirements of the destination country.
It is important not to assume that all countries follow the same rules. Requirements can differ considerably between destinations, and some countries may also require an import permit, additional vaccinations, parasite treatments, government-issued export documentation or specific waiting periods.
Rabies Titre Test for Dogs and Cats: Don’t Forget About the Journey Home
One of the most common mistakes pet owners make is only checking the requirements for entering their holiday destination.
If you live in Spain and travel with your pet to a country outside the EU, you should also check the requirements for returning to Spain before you leave. Depending on the country you are visiting, your pet may need a satisfactory rabies antibody titre test for re-entry into the EU.
Planning this test before leaving the EU can be particularly important. If the required test has not been completed before travelling and the blood sample is taken outside the EU, a 90-day waiting period from the date the blood sample is collected applies before your pet can return to the EU.
This is especially relevant for people travelling abroad for holidays. A trip that was supposed to last a few weeks could become considerably more complicated if the return requirements have not been checked in advance.
Plan Your Pet’s Rabies Titre Test Before You Travel
Planning ahead is one of the most important parts of travelling internationally with your pet. Whether your destination requires a Rabies Antibody Titre Test for entry or you need to make sure your pet can return to Spain without an unexpected waiting period, understanding the requirements in advance can save you time, stress and unnecessary delays.
At VetGlobal Relocation, we provide veterinarian-led pet travel assistance from Spain, helping you plan each step of your pet’s journey and ensuring the necessary veterinary procedures and documentation are completed at the right time.
Get in touch with us to discuss your travel plans and find out what your pet needs before you travel.