06/01/2026
Let’s talk about titer testing—something every pet pawrent should know about, but most are never told.
Titer testing is a simple blood test that checks if your dog or cat is still protected from previous core vaccines (C3 for dogs, F3 for cats).
Spoiler alert? They usually are.
These core vaccines often provide long-lasting immunity—5 to 7 years or even for life in many pets.
So what’s the problem?
Most pets are routinely revaccinated without checking their immunity first. And if their antibody levels are already strong, those extra “boosters” don’t add any additional protection—they only increase the risk of harm.
Revaccinating a protected animal will overload the immune system and wreak havoc on their health. It may lead to:
Allergic reactions (mild to severe)
Chronic skin issues
Gut inflammation and GI upset
Autoimmune conditions like IMHA (Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia) or ITP
Seizures or neurological symptoms in sensitive pets
Behavioral changes or fatigue
Lifelong immune dysregulation
I’m not completely anti-vaccine. Vaccines save lives.
But we should never vaccinate blindly. Titer testing gives you the chance to make informed, intentional choices that protect your furlove without putting them at unnecessary risk.
One reason people skip titer testing is the cost—many vets send these tests to outside labs, making them expensive. But affordable in-house kits like the Biogal VacciCheck are available. Any vet can stock and use them. If a vet tells you they're hundreds of dollars, find another vet. Titers range from $75-100, which is often less than it's costs to give a dog a vaccine it does not need.
This is where you come in.
You are your dogs advocate. Ask your vet if they offer in-house titer testing. If not, encourage them to consider it. The more we speak up, the more accessible it becomes for everyone.
