🧪 What is the FAVN rabies titer test?
The Rabies FAVN Titer Test (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization test) is a laboratory blood test that measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s system.
In simple terms, it confirms that your pet’s rabies vaccination worked and that their immune system can respond if they ever come in contact with the rabies virus.
🐾 What the Test Is
When your dog or cat is vaccinated against rabies, their body produces antibodies — tiny defenders that protect them from infection.
The FAVN test checks the amount of those antibodies in your pet’s blood, giving a result measured in international units per milliliter (IU/mL).
A result of 0.5 IU/mL or higher is considered sufficient protection by most countries around the world.
The test itself doesn’t detect the rabies virus — it’s not a test for rabies infection — it simply confirms that your pet has developed immunity from their vaccine.
🌍 When and Why It’s Used
The FAVN rabies titer test is often required for international pet travel, especially when moving to or transiting through countries that are rabies-free or have strict import rules.
These include destinations like:
The European Union
The United Kingdom
Japan
Australia
Hawaii and Guam
Certain Caribbean islands
Each destination uses the FAVN test to prove your pet’s rabies immunity and reduce or eliminate quarantine upon arrival.
For example:
Your pet must usually have a valid rabies vaccination before the blood sample is taken.
The sample is sent to an approved laboratory (like Kansas State University in the U.S.) for analysis.
Results are then included in your pet’s export paperwork as proof of compliance.
📅 When to Schedule the Test
Timing is critical for international relocation. Most countries require:
The blood sample to be drawn at least 30 days after rabies vaccination.
A waiting period after the blood draw — sometimes up to 3 months or more — before travel.
Because these timelines vary, it’s best to plan the FAVN test early in your relocation process. At Panama Pet Relocation, we handle all scheduling, paperwork, and sample logistics to ensure your pet’s test meets destination requirements.
✈️ Let Us Take Care of It
The FAVN test can be confusing — between timing, forms, approved labs, and import rules, every destination is different.
Our team at Panama Pet Relocation coordinates the entire process for you, ensuring your pet’s blood sample is correctly handled, submitted, and certified.
This test is an essential step for safe, stress-free international travel — and we make sure it’s done right.