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The writer of this article is Dr. Will Maginness, an Australian veterinarian known for his strong passion for preventative health and animal wellness.
With a focus on reducing and preventing chronic illness in dogs, his work highlights the importance of evidence-based care and informed decision-making for our beloved pets.
Putting pet health at the centre of vaccination decisions
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| Dr Will & his 5 hounds: Cooper (Australian Shepherd), Kaiya (Golden Retriever), Odi (King Charles x Cocker Spaniel), Lenny (Aus Shep x Golden Retriever) & Monty (Golden Retriever) |
When it comes to our pets, we all want to do what’s best, especially when it comes to their health. Over the years, vaccination protocols have become an essential part of preventive veterinary care.
But with the emergence of titre testing, a more personalised, evidence-based approach to immunity is taking shape, one that has the potential to change the way we think about annual boosters, long-term health and how we advocate for our animals.
Understanding Titre Testing and Immunity
Titre testing is a diagnostic tool that measures the presence and level of specific antibodies in a pet’s bloodstream. These antibodies are the immune system’s memory markers.
Titre testing is a diagnostic tool that measures the presence and level of specific antibodies in a pet’s bloodstream. These antibodies are the immune system’s memory markers.
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| Dr Sienna Browne with Veterinary Nurse Keeley Taylor. |
For dogs, titre testing typically evaluates immunity to canine distemper, parvovirus and infectious hepatitis. For cats, the focus is on panleukopaenia, calicivirus, and herpesvirus. These are the "core" diseases - highly contagious, severe, and often fatal if left unprotected.
When a dog or cat is vaccinated, their immune system produces antibodies to help fight off those specific viruses in the future. But over time, scientists and veterinary professionals have come to understand that immunity doesn’t necessarily vanish in 12 months.
When a dog or cat is vaccinated, their immune system produces antibodies to help fight off those specific viruses in the future. But over time, scientists and veterinary professionals have come to understand that immunity doesn’t necessarily vanish in 12 months.
In fact, a growing body of global veterinary research now shows that protection from core vaccines can last far longer, often three years and sometimes even more. That’s where titre testing comes in. By checking a pet’s antibody levels, vets can better determine if another booster is needed, or if the animal is still protected from its previous vaccination.
Titre testing is available in a range of formats, including lab-based tests such as those offered by IDEXX and VetPath, and rapid in-clinic kits like VacciCheck.
Titre testing is available in a range of formats, including lab-based tests such as those offered by IDEXX and VetPath, and rapid in-clinic kits like VacciCheck.
While these tests offer a snapshot of the antibody status, there are some limitations. They assess the humoral immune response, the antibodies circulating in the blood, but not the cell-mediated arm of the immune system, which also plays a vital role in fighting disease.
This means the presence of antibodies can be a strong indicator of protection, but their absence doesn’t always mean vulnerability. Some pets may retain cellular immunity long after antibodies have waned.
Benefits and Challenges of Titre Testing
Still, titre testing has become an important tool in the push to reduce unnecessary vaccinations.
Still, titre testing has become an important tool in the push to reduce unnecessary vaccinations.
While vaccines are important for animals with no immunity, over-vaccination is now recognised as a concern.
Emerging evidence and clinical experience suggest that repeatedly administering vaccines beyond what is needed may increase the risk of chronic inflammation, immune system dysregulation, and long-term sensitivities, particularly in older dogs or those with existing health concerns. Many vets are seeing the benefits of shifting towards tailored vaccination plans that put the individual pet at the centre of healthcare decision-making.
Historically, annual vaccination appointments were the norm. They offered a convenient reminder for regular health check-ups and gave peace of mind to pet owners. But in recent years, international veterinary associations, including the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), have started recommending more flexible protocols.
For example, after the initial puppy or kitten series and a first adult booster, core vaccines may only need to be given every three years. This move away from one-size-fits-all scheduling reflects the broader trend in veterinary medicine towards personalised care, risk assessment, and longer-term wellness strategies.
Of course, vaccinations remain an important tool in the veterinary toolkit. But not all vaccines are created equal in terms of duration of immunity.
Of course, vaccinations remain an important tool in the veterinary toolkit. But not all vaccines are created equal in terms of duration of immunity.
Core vaccines, such as C3 for dogs and F3 for cats, offer strong, long-lasting protection, often lasting years.
In contrast, non-core vaccines, like those for canine cough (kennel cough) or leptospirosis, are more often recommended annually, depending on a pet’s lifestyle and exposure risk. These non-core diseases don’t always have reliable titre testing available, and so repeated vaccination remains the default in many clinics. But even here, assessing the individual pet’s health, age, and environment is essential.
One-size-fits-all protocols rarely serve every animal equally well.
Policy and Practice in Australia
In Australia, titre testing is gradually gaining traction among informed pet owners and progressive veterinary clinics. While it can be more expensive upfront than a routine vaccine, especially when processed through external laboratories, the long-term cost savings, not to mention the potential health benefits, are encouraging more people to explore it.
For pet parents of older animals or those with a complicated medical history, titre testing provides a valuable alternative to blanket revaccination.
There’s also the matter of peace of mind. For many pet owners, knowing that their animal is genuinely protected, without unnecessary medical intervention, brings a welcome sense of clarity.
There’s also the matter of peace of mind. For many pet owners, knowing that their animal is genuinely protected, without unnecessary medical intervention, brings a welcome sense of clarity.
Titre testing is particularly useful in cases where a pet’s vaccination history is unknown, such as rescues or rehomed animals.
It can also help identify "non-responders" - pets that, for whatever reason, failed to develop immunity after vaccination - allowing vets to intervene with further care or support.
However, implementing titre testing more widely isn’t without its challenges. Not all veterinary clinics routinely offer or promote it, often due to historical practices or unfamiliarity with the protocols. Some vets may still be cautious about relying solely on titre results, especially if they’re uncertain about client compliance or if kennel requirements conflict with the results. Education, both for veterinary professionals and pet owners, is key to bridging this gap.
Another hurdle lies in logistics. While in-clinic rapid tests provide results in minutes, some of the more comprehensive or confirmatory lab-based tests can take days or even weeks, especially if they need to be sent interstate or overseas.
Record-keeping also becomes vital. Tracking titre results over time, documenting when a vaccine was last administered, and updating the pet’s medical file requires attention to detail and good communication between vets and clients.
Perhaps one of the most significant barriers is the policy of many boarding kennels, dog day cares, and pet-friendly facilities, which continue to require proof of recent annual vaccinations - regardless of titre status.
Perhaps one of the most significant barriers is the policy of many boarding kennels, dog day cares, and pet-friendly facilities, which continue to require proof of recent annual vaccinations - regardless of titre status.
This creates an outdated and frustrating disconnect, one where well-informed owners are forced to choose between unnecessary medical intervention and access to essential services. A growing number of pet owners are now advocating for facilities to accept titre test certificates as evidence of immunity. Wider acceptance would not only offer owners more choice, but also help reduce unnecessary medical interventions across the board.
Insurance and legal implications also come into play. While many pet insurance providers and regulatory bodies are beginning to accept titre testing as a valid alternative for core vaccines, standards can vary. Some companies may still require documented vaccine schedules for claims to be approved, even if the pet is technically immune. This grey area is one that industry leaders, policymakers, and veterinarians are increasingly being called on to address.
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) supports the use of titre testing in line with international guidelines. They recognise that immunity from core vaccines typically lasts longer than previously assumed and agree that reducing the vaccine load on individual animals is a positive step forward.
Insurance and legal implications also come into play. While many pet insurance providers and regulatory bodies are beginning to accept titre testing as a valid alternative for core vaccines, standards can vary. Some companies may still require documented vaccine schedules for claims to be approved, even if the pet is technically immune. This grey area is one that industry leaders, policymakers, and veterinarians are increasingly being called on to address.
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) supports the use of titre testing in line with international guidelines. They recognise that immunity from core vaccines typically lasts longer than previously assumed and agree that reducing the vaccine load on individual animals is a positive step forward.
However, they’re also clear that titre testing should not replace annual health checks, which remain critical for early detection of disease and overall wellbeing. Non-core vaccines may also still be recommended annually, depending on a pet’s risk profile.
The Future of Pet Vaccination
As a veterinarian, I believe this is an incredibly important space for ongoing discussion.
As a veterinarian, I believe this is an incredibly important space for ongoing discussion.
Titre testing isn’t about abandoning vaccines. It’s about using the tools and data available to make smarter, more informed choices.
It also allows us to avoid unnecessary interventions that may place undue stress on the immune system, something that’s increasingly relevant as we better understand the links between chronic disease and environmental triggers.
It’s about placing the needs of the individual animal, its age, health status, lifestyle, and medical history, at the centre of care. It’s about moving past outdated routines and toward evidence-based strategies that reflect the evolving understanding of immunology and disease prevention.
We’re seeing a shift. Pet owners are more educated and involved in their pets’ healthcare than ever before. They’re asking questions, doing their research, and wanting to understand the "why" behind every needle. This demand for transparency and customisation is pushing the industry to evolve, which I believe is a good thing.
For some, titre testing may feel like a fringe idea. But for those who’ve seen the benefits first-hand, it’s a powerful tool. It allows for personalised care, reduces the risk of adverse reactions, and opens up a more collaborative approach to health management. As awareness grows, so too will adoption.
Ultimately, titre testing represents more than just a blood test. It’s a mindset - a commitment to tailoring veterinary care in ways that honour the uniqueness of every animal. It invites us to question, to learn, and to progress. In doing so, it puts the wellbeing of our pets exactly where it belongs: front and centre.
About our writer
Dr Will Maginness played in AFL’s top league before retiring due to injury. He grew up mad about animals and always wanted to be a veterinarian. He lives in Portarlington, a small town on the Bellarine Peninsula, south-west of Melbourne with his five dogs.
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Known for his down-to-earth approach to animal care and his growing voice in wellness, mental health, and purposeful living, he is committed to preventing and reducing chronic illness in dogs.
In late October 2024, he launched 5 Hounds, his subscription dog food business. He also offers consultations where you will receive professional guidance on supporting your dog’s nutritional needs, as well as the best supplements and feeding practices.
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