--- title: Titer Test | Happy Paws Kennels Glossary url: https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/titer-test/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Glossary](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/) - Titer test # Titer test A titer test is a blood test that measures the antibodies a pet has against a specific disease. It shows protection at one moment and does not replace the record of a vaccine given. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Owners ask about titers when they worry about over-vaccinating. It is a fair question for your vet. ## What it measures The test counts antibodies in a blood sample. A result above a lab's threshold may suggest the pet is protected against that disease. It is mostly used for the core viral diseases, such as distemper and parvovirus in dogs. A result is a snapshot, and conditions such as stress, medication or maternal antibodies in a puppy can affect it. ## Where titers fall short A titer does not tell the whole immune story, and it is not meaningful for every vaccine. Rabies is the key case: it is required by law for dogs in California, and the kennel asks for current proof of the rabies vaccine. Bordetella and influenza vaccines are also not measured by a standard titer. A titer is a conversation with your vet, not a loophole. ## What it means for boarding Happy Paws asks for records showing that vaccines are up to date and will not expire during the stay. If your vet uses titers in place of boosters for some vaccines, call 707-678-6600 before you book to ask how that result is handled. Do not wait until drop-off. The [titer tests and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/titer-tests/) page explains how to ask. ## Questions for your vet Ask which diseases the titer covers, what number counts as protected, how long the result is valid and whether the lab report will show the date. Bring the written report to the kennel. For terms on the record itself, see [DHPP](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/dhpp/) and [rabies certificate](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/rabies-certificate/). ## A cautious way to proceed If you want to use a titer instead of a booster for some vaccines, do it as a plan with your vet, not on the day before a trip. Ask the kennel, in advance, whether a lab report will meet the record requirement. Keep up with required vaccines that titers do not cover. Always bring the lab report with the date, the antibody levels and the threshold the lab uses. The core point: a titer tells you about the past few weeks, not the future. A vaccine on schedule gives a predictable date on a record. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [AVMA, vaccination for pets](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/vaccination-pets) - [Happy Paws Kennels vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Titer tests and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/titer-tests/) - [Vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [Rabies certificate](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/rabies-certificate/) - [DHPP](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/dhpp/) - [How to send vaccine records](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/sending-vaccine-records/) ## Read next - [Rabies certificate](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/rabies-certificate/) - [Intact](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/intact/) - [Spay and neuter](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/spay-and-neuter/) - [Brachycephalic](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/brachycephalic/) - [Double coat](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/double-coat/) - [Undercoat](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/undercoat/) - [Kuranda bed](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/kuranda-bed/) - [Slow feeder](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/slow-feeder/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Does a titer replace the rabies vaccine? No. A current rabies vaccine is required by California law for dogs and by the kennel for dogs and cats. ### Is a titer test expensive? Prices vary by clinic. Ask your vet. ### Can I send a titer report? Ask the kennel how it is reviewed before booking. ### Does Happy Paws accept titers? Please call 707-678-6600 before booking to ask how a titer report is reviewed.