Titre Testing: Fewer Vaccines, Same Protection
Dr Matthew J Muir - Clinical Director, All Natural Vet Care
Did you know your dog may not need repeat vaccinations every year—or even every three years? At our clinic, we’ve been offering titre testing for over 21 years to check immunity levels and avoid unnecessary vaccines.
What is Titre Testing?
A titre test measures antibodies in your dog’s blood for viral diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and adenovirus. Research shows these vaccines often provide long-lasting or even lifelong immunity once the puppy series and young adult booster are complete.
We usually start titre testing after the puppy vaccines finish or after the first annual booster, and then repeat titres whenever vaccine risk assessments are due according to vaccine manufacturers’ schedules—rather than vaccinating automatically.
Are Titre Results Proven Protective?
Yes. Titre testing is widely accepted in veterinary and human medicine:
Rabies quarantine in Australia: Strict quarantine authorities require rabies titres to confirm protection before pets enter the country—vaccination records alone aren’t accepted.
Hepatitis B in humans: Healthcare workers use titres to confirm immunity and avoid unnecessary boosters, proving this method is reliable and mainstream.
AAHA Guidelines: The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) vaccination guidelines confirm that positive titres for canine distemper virus, parvovirus, and adenovirus correlate strongly with protective immunity. This means a positive titre indicates your dog does not need revaccination for these diseases.
While titre cut-offs can vary between labs, we interpret them carefully and always consider your pet’s overall health and lifestyle. Even if they are low, it can still mean protection for some adult dogs.
Why Fewer Vaccines Can Be Safer
Reduces vaccine-related risks: One rare but serious side effect of unnecessary vaccination is immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA)—a life-threatening autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks red blood cells (Duval & Giger, JAVMA, 1996).
Tailored to your pet’s health: Vaccine manufacturers recommend vaccinating only “healthy pets.” If your dog has allergies, autoimmune disease, cancer, or other chronic conditions, we weigh the risks and benefits before revaccinating.
Bacterial vaccines handled separately: Titre testing applies to viral diseases. Bacterial vaccines (like leptospirosis or kennel cough) provide shorter immunity, so we assess these separately.
Our Experience
Most dogs who’ve had their puppy vaccines and a young adult booster remain protected for many years—often for life. By testing rather than guessing, we avoid unnecessary vaccines and reduce risk.
Affordable Peace of Mind
Titre testing can cost over $400 at some clinics, but we offer it for just $125. This gives you confidence in your dog’s protection—without over-vaccinating.
Call us today to book a titre test and give your dog fewer vaccines with the same level of protection on 02 97125844.
