Pet Businesses Weigh In on Accepting Titer Test Results as Proof of Vaccination

In our December Brain Squad Survey, we asked members “Do you accept titer test results as proof of vaccination? For events, day care, boarding, training and/or grooming? If so, when did you start?” Many members support the blood test that measures circulating antibodies to determine immunity.

Yes: 50%

We have accepted distemper titers for years because our own animals are elderly, and we have them titered. We cannot wait for the rabies titer to make it to New Hampshire. Melanie Lincoln, The Yellow Dogs Barn, Barrington, NH

My Bulldog stopped getting vaccinations due to a tumor on her heart. I titered her instead of vaccinations, so we offer the same thing for our customers. Nancy Guinn, Dog Krazy, Fredericksburg, VA

It doesn’t apply anymore, but I always did when we had grooming. We need to move out of the dark ages and stop requiring repeated jabs for pets to function in society. Becci Scott, Fetching Dog, Scottsdale, AZ

The only vaccine I am legally not allowed to accept titers for is rabies (though I wish I could!) I’ve been accepting titers for play in the Fetch Room since we opened and I have been a huge advocate for titers with my clients and customers for years. Johnna Devereaux, Fetch RI, Richmond, RI

Twenty years ago, we were one of the firsts. Alysa Slay, Camp Dogwood, Highland Park, IL

Titers are a way to prove immunity without need to inject more poison into animals. Diedra Giles, Reeses Barkery and Pawtique, McHenry, IL

When I had my grooming salon, we did this for senior pets or pets that were allergic and had clearance from their veterinarian. Leel Michelle, Bow Wow Beauty Shoppe, San Diego, CA

We have for a long time. We have a few customers who are concerned about over-vaccinating. Myra Tsung, Camp Kitty, Decatur, GA

We started as soon as we opened seven years ago. I try to treat my own dogs as holistically as possible, and do not agree with vaccines that are needed yearly, or every three years just because. I also feel that my 11-year-old dog should have enough antibodies to not need them anymore. I feel that there are way too many negative outcomes possible with over vaccination. Lisa Kirschner, Sit, Stay, ‘N Play, Inc, Stroudsburg, PA

Eight years ago. I worked in the veterinary field, and it is a viable option. But never had one use it as a pet sitting client. Amber Van Denzen Suarez, Atta Boy! Animal Care Pet Sitting + Dog Walking, Mulberry, FL

We’ve accepted the titer test for the last six years. Although we only have one customer that’s ever taken advantage of it. Marcia Cram, Just Fur Pets, Springfield, VA

I’m not sure if the day care did before I got there, but they are standard now! Annabell Bivens, The Dog Store, Alexandria, VA

Since we opened. We focus on natural pet care products — walking the walk and talking the talk. Janet Cesarini, Pupology, Georgetown, TX

Since we opened in October 2019. Carly Patryluk, House of Paws Pet Boutique, Regina, SK

Four years ago. Rhonda Hobbs, Gurrs & Purrs, DeLand, FL

In 2019. Sue Hepner, Cool Dog Gear, Warrington, PA

Always (seven years). I don’t believe in over-vaccinating, so accept titer tests for others that feel the same as I do. Dana Rice, Dog Wild Pet Supplies & Resort, Cooperstown, NY

Eight years ago. Lorin Grow, Furry Face, Redlands, CA

Since we opened in 2004. Ashley Cook, Viva La Pet, Dover, NJ

Always have. Janice Anderson, Anderson Acres, Bakersfield, CA

We have always, since 2006, accepted titers. Marilyn Texter, Pawsitive Karma, Castro Valley, CA

We do accept titers for our grooming clients. Jeff Jensen, Four Muddy Paws, St Louis, MO

Colorado is a very holistic state. Rachel Diller, The Poodle Shop, Littleton, CO

The manager before me started accepting titer tests in lieu of vaccine reports probably about a year before I took over as manager (so, the last four years). Although I haven’t personally been approached by a customer about titer testing (it doesn’t seem to be super common where we are), I would accept it in place of vaccines. Natalie Bosch, Albany Pet Hotel, Albany, OR

We have always accepted titers, starting in 2005, because we believe over-vaccinating can be potentially damaging to dogs. Charlsye Lewis, Metro Animals, Fort Worth, TX

Technically not legal in our state but, we accept them as it is something we believe in personally. Keith Miller, Bubbly Paws, Minneapolis, MN

We have always allowed this, more than five years. Nikki Fredericksen, Fetching Frieda’s Dog & Cat Emporium, LaSalle, IL

The day we opened. Krista Lofquist, Wagging Tails, Wolcott, CT

Always. There is sufficient scientific evidence to support the use of them. Nicole Cammack, NorthPoint Pets, Cheshire, CT

No: 5%

When vets accept titers (ditto licensing agencies for city and/or state), we will. Jane Bond, Eco Dog Care, Los Angeles, CA

State regulation shows that I need to have current vaccinations. As regulations change, I will as well. Andy Wiltz, Woof’s Play & Stay, Merriam, KS

We only require rabies for our grooming salon. It’s the only one required by state law in Wisconsin. We are a small one-table shop and support pet parents who want to give minimum vaccines to their pets. Karen Connell, The Bark Market, Delavan, WI

N/A: 45%