--- title: Titer Tests and Boarding: Ask Before You Rely on One url: https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/titer-tests/ 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/) - [Vaccines](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/) - Titer tests and boarding # Titer tests and boarding A titer test is a blood test that measures antibodies, and it is not the same as a dated vaccination record. Happy Paws Kennels asks for records showing each required vaccine is current, so please call before relying on a titer in place of one. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) 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](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/titer-test/) 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](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) and the page on [rabies exemptions](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/vaccine-exemptions/). ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [California Health and Safety Code section 121690](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=121690.&lawCode=HSC) - [AAHA 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines](https://www.aaha.org/resources/2022-aaha-canine-vaccination-guidelines/recommendations-for-core-and-noncore-canine-vaccines/) ### Before your first stay - [Vaccination records](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) current through pick-up day - A signed [boarding agreement](https://happypawskennels.com/boarding-contract/) - Pets 16 weeks or older - [Bring nothing but your pet](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/) ### 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 - [Vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [Titer test](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/titer-test/) - [Rabies exemptions in California](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/vaccine-exemptions/) - [How to send vaccine records](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/sending-vaccine-records/) - [Rabies vaccine for dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/rabies-dogs/) - [Vaccines](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/vaccines/) ## Is my pet ready? Who is staying? Dog Cat Both Pick-up date Dog vaccines (three required, one recommended) Rabies Good until Distemper/Parvo (DHPP) Good until Bordetella (kennel cough) Good until Canine Influenza (H3N2 - H3N8) - recommended, not required Good until Cat vaccines (required) Rabies Good until FVRCP Good until Tick each vaccine your pet has had. Add the date it runs out to check it against your pick-up day. This checks our boarding requirements, not your pet's health. Your veterinarian decides which vaccines your pet should have and when. Upload records to your [ProPetware account](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin), email them, or bring a copy at check-in. ## Read next - [Rabies exemptions in California](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/vaccine-exemptions/) - [How to send vaccine records](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/sending-vaccine-records/) - [Dog licenses in Solano & Yolo counties](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/dog-licensing-solano-yolo/) - [Parvo in dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/parvo/) - [Rabies vaccine for dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/rabies-dogs/) - [Rabies vaccine for cats](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/rabies-cats/) - [DHPP (distemper/parvo) for boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/dhpp-distemper-parvo/) - [Bordetella vaccine](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/bordetella/) 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 test replace a rabies vaccination? No. California law and the kennel both look for a vaccination record. ### Will the kennel accept a titer for distemper or parvo? Please call 707-678-6600 before relying on one. ### Who decides if my pet needs a titer? Your veterinarian. ### Where do I send a lab report? Upload it with your records through ProPetware, or email it.