Approved Rabies Serology Laboratories for Testing Dogs

Overview

Important testing information for importing foreign-vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries for dog rabies into the United States:

• Rabies serology test results must be in English or accompanied by a certified translationA.

• Rabies serology test results must be provided directly from a CDC-approved laboratory and not from a third-party laboratory where the approved laboratory sent the test results.

• The estimated turnaround time for each CDC-approved laboratory varies. It is recommended to talk to the dog’s veterinarian about collecting a blood sample to send to a CDC-approved laboratory for a rabies serology titer at least 60 days or more before travel. Serology blood samples must be drawn a minimum of 30 days after the dog’s initial vaccination and at least 28 days before the date of importation. If there are questions regarding estimated turnaround time, they should be directed to the CDC-approved laboratories.

• Test results are valid for the life of the dog as long as vaccination coverage does not lapse.

• Serology test results are only required for dogs with a foreign-issued rabies vaccination certificate entering the United States from a high-risk country. Without these test results, the dogs will be required to undergo a 28-day quarantine with a reservation made before arrival to the US after revaccination at an CDC-registered animal care facilities.

If you are importing a foreign-vaccinated dog from a high-risk country, provide rabies serology test results from one of these laboratories