Some owners ask veterinarians about titers to avoid repeat vaccines. This page explains the term and what to do if you are in that group.
What a titer is
A titer test measures the level of antibodies in the blood for a particular disease. Veterinarians use titer testing to judge whether a pet has protection against certain diseases. The glossary entry on titer tests gives the short definition. Whether a titer makes sense for your pet, which diseases it can speak to, and how to read the result are all questions for your veterinarian.
Titers are sometimes discussed for older pets, or for pets that have had a reaction to a vaccine. In those cases the decision is a careful one made between owner and veterinarian, and the paperwork that results should be clear enough for a kennel to read without guessing.
Why it matters for rabies
California Health and Safety Code section 121690 requires dogs to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian, with a documented medical exemption allowed by a vet. It speaks of vaccination, not antibody levels. The kennel's page says it cannot accept a dog without proof of an up-to-date rabies vaccination. A titer result does not replace that vaccination record.
What the kennel needs
The kennel's rule is about records: documents that show the required vaccines are up to date and will not expire during the stay. If your veterinarian has recommended titers for some vaccines, call 707-678-6600 before you book, send the lab report, and ask how it fits the requirements for your pet. Do this well ahead of the stay, not on drop-off day.
Put the question in writing if it helps: your pet's name, the vaccines in question, the lab result, and the dates of earlier vaccines. A clear email saves a long phone call, and the staff can tell you whether more paperwork is needed.
A short plan
- Ask your veterinarian whether titers make sense for your pet.
- If yes, ask for a written report and the matching vaccination history.
- Call the kennel to ask how the report will be handled before you plan a stay.
- Send everything with your booking request.
More reading
See the full vaccination requirements and the page on rabies exemptions.