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. If there are questions regarding estimated turnaround time, they should be directed to the CDC-approved laboratories.
• 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. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is given.
• 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