What laboratories are approved for the RNATT?

Each destination country maintains its own approved laboratory list — not all labs are accepted everywhere. For Japan, only MAFF-designated laboratories are accepted. As of July 2025, Biobest Laboratories Ltd has been removed from the MAFF approved list and results from this lab are no longer valid for Japan travel. For Australia, DAFF maintains a list of approved laboratories. For Singapore and New Zealand, nationally approved labs in the country of origin are required. For the UAE, WOAH/OIE-approved laboratories are generally accepted. Always verify the current approved lab list for your specific destination before booking the test.

When exactly should the RNATT be done — before or after vaccination?

The RNATT must always be done AFTER the rabies vaccination — specifically after the pet has completed the required vaccination protocol for the destination country. For Japan: the blood sample must be drawn after the second rabies vaccination (the second must be given at least 30 days after the first). For Australia: blood sampling must follow the primary rabies vaccination course. For all destinations: the microchip must be implanted BEFORE the rabies vaccination is administered. The correct sequence is: (1) Microchip → (2) Rabies vaccination(s) → (3) RNATT blood sampling → (4) Waiting period begins.

Pet Travel Requirements Updated June 2026 ⏱ 10 min read

What Is the RNATT? The Rabies Titre Test for International Pet Travel Explained [2026]

Q: What is the RNATT (Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test)?

The RNATT (Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test), also called the Rabies Titre Test or FAVN test, is a blood test that measures whether a pet has sufficient antibodies against rabies. It confirms that the pet's rabies vaccination has produced an effective immune response. The minimum accepted result is 0.5 IU/ml. It must be performed at a government-approved laboratory — not every lab is accepted. Countries including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and UAE require this test as a mandatory step before a pet can enter.

Q: Which countries require the RNATT for pet import?

As of 2026, countries that require the RNATT include: Australia (mandatory for Group 3 countries — 180-day wait), Japan (mandatory for all non-designated countries — 180-day wait), New Zealand (mandatory for Group 3 countries — 90-day wait), Singapore (mandatory — 90-day wait), UAE (required if the pet's country of origin is classified as rabies-risk by WOAH — 90-day wait), and EU member states for pets arriving from high-risk rabies countries. Requirements and exemptions change — always verify current rules before starting the process.

Q: What is the waiting period after the RNATT?

The waiting period depends on the destination country. Australia requires 180 days from the date of blood sampling before the pet can enter. Japan also requires 180 days from blood sampling. New Zealand requires 90 days from satisfactory RNATT result (for Group 3 countries). Singapore requires 90 days from satisfactory result. UAE requires 90 days if the RNATT is applicable. These waiting periods cannot be shortened under any circumstances — they are set by law.

Q: What is the minimum RNATT result accepted for travel?

The minimum accepted RNATT result is 0.5 IU/ml (International Units per millilitre). This threshold applies universally across all countries that require the test — Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, UAE, and the EU. A result below 0.5 IU/ml means the pet has not demonstrated sufficient antibody protection. The vaccination protocol must be repeated and the pet must be retested. The waiting period does not begin until a passing result (≥ 0.5 IU/ml) is obtained.

Q: What happens if my pet fails the RNATT?

If the RNATT result is below 0.5 IU/ml, the pet has failed the test. The correct steps are: (1) Consult a veterinarian to review the vaccination protocol — the pet may need a booster or re-vaccination. (2) Wait until the vaccine is effective, then repeat the blood test. (3) Once a passing result (≥ 0.5 IU/ml) is confirmed, the waiting period (180 or 90 days depending on destination) begins from the date of the new blood sample. This means a failed RNATT adds several months to the timeline. There is no way to fast-track or appeal the result.

Q: How long is the RNATT result valid?

The validity of the RNATT result varies by destination. For Japan, the result is valid for 2 years from the date of blood sampling — provided the rabies vaccination remains current throughout. For Australia and New Zealand, the result validity depends on maintaining continuous valid rabies vaccination coverage. For UAE and Singapore, the result is generally considered valid for the life of the pet if vaccinations are kept current. However, if a rabies booster vaccination lapses or is administered outside the required window, the test may need to be repeated. Always confirm validity rules with a certified pet relocation specialist.

The Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test — RNATT — is one of the most important and least understood requirements in international pet relocation. It's mandatory for travel to Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, UAE, and other destinations. Get it wrong, and your pet's travel plans are delayed by months. Get it right, and the rest of the process becomes much cleaner. This guide explains exactly what it is, which countries require it, how long you must wait, and what happens if your pet fails.

180

days wait — Australia & Japan

days wait — NZ, Singapore, UAE

0.5

IU/ml — minimum passing result

What Is the RNATT?

RNATT stands for Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test. It is also called the Rabies Titre Test or the FAVN test (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralisation). All three names refer to the same procedure.

The test measures whether your pet's immune system has produced enough antibodies in response to a rabies vaccination. It does not test for the presence of the rabies virus — it tests for the immune response. A pet that has been vaccinated but has not mounted an adequate antibody response will fail the test, even with a valid vaccination certificate.

Why does it exist?

Countries like Australia, Japan, and New Zealand are rabies-free. They use the RNATT as the gold standard of proof that a pet cannot introduce rabies across their border. A vaccination certificate alone is not sufficient — the test independently confirms the vaccination worked.

The Minimum Threshold

The universally accepted minimum result is ≥ 0.5 IU/ml (International Units per millilitre). This applies to every country that requires the test. A result of 0.49 IU/ml is a fail. There are no partial passes and no exemptions based on proximity to the threshold.

Which Animals Need It?

The RNATT applies to both dogs and cats. There is no species exemption. Both must undergo the test when travelling to a country that requires it.

Which Countries Require the RNATT?

The RNATT is not required for most destinations — but the countries that do require it include some of the world's most popular relocation destinations. Here is the current picture for 2026:

Destination	RNATT Required?	Waiting Period	Who Must Test	Notes
Australia	✅ Yes — mandatory	180 days	All pets from Group 3 countries (incl. EU, USA, Canada, Singapore, Japan, UAE, South Africa)	Group 1 (NZ) and Group 2 (UK, Ireland, Hawaii) are exempt
Japan	✅ Yes — mandatory	180 days	All pets from non-designated regions (most of the world)	Two rabies vaccinations required before blood sampling; mRNA vaccines NOT accepted
New Zealand	✅ Yes — mandatory	90 days	All pets from Group 3 countries (incl. EU, USA, Canada, Singapore, Japan, UAE, South Africa)	Group 1 (Australia) and Group 2 (UK, Ireland, Hawaii) are exempt
Singapore	✅ Yes — mandatory	90 days	All pets from approved countries	From 1 April 2026, import clearance must be done by AVS-approved agent
UAE (Dubai / Abu Dhabi)	⚠️ Depends on origin	90 days (if required)	Pets from countries classified as rabies-risk by WOAH	Verify your country's current WOAH/WAHIS classification before starting
EU (entry from high-risk countries)	⚠️ Depends on origin	90 days (if required)	Pets entering the EU from countries not listed as rabies-free	EU-resident pets travelling within EU are exempt
UK	❌ Not required	—	—	Standard vaccination and tapeworm treatment required
USA	❌ Not required	—	—	CDC Dog Import Form and USDA-endorsed health certificate required
Canada	❌ Not required	—	—	Rabies vaccination required; relatively straightforward process

⚠️ Rules change without notice

The RNATT requirement and approved laboratory lists are updated by governments without broad announcement. The information above reflects June 2026 status. Always verify current requirements before starting the process.

The Correct Sequence: What Must Happen Before the Blood Test

The most common and costly mistake pet owners make is drawing blood for the RNATT at the wrong time. The correct sequence is fixed and non-negotiable:

1

Microchip first
The ISO-standard microchip (ISO 11784/11785, 15-digit) must be implanted before any vaccination. If the vaccination was given before the microchip, the vaccination cannot be linked to the pet's identity and does not count.
2

Rabies vaccination(s)
Japan requires a minimum of two vaccinations — the second at least 30 days after the first. Australia requires a valid primary vaccination course. All destinations require the vaccination to be within its validity period when the blood sample is drawn.
3

RNATT blood sampling
The blood sample is drawn at a vet clinic. The sample is then sent to an approved laboratory. For Japan, the sample can be taken on the same day as the second vaccination. The date of blood sampling is Day 0 of the waiting period.
4

Result confirmed ≥ 0.5 IU/ml
The laboratory issues a result (typically within 2–4 weeks). A result of ≥ 0.5 IU/ml is a pass. The waiting period (180 or 90 days) begins from the date the blood was sampled — not the date results were received.
5

Waiting period
The pet must not travel to the destination country until the full waiting period has elapsed. For Australia and Japan: 180 days from blood sampling. For New Zealand, Singapore, UAE: 90 days. This period cannot be shortened.

The 180-Day Wait vs. the 90-Day Wait

180 Days — Australia and Japan

Australia and Japan operate the strictest waiting period in the world. Once the blood is drawn and a passing result confirmed, the pet cannot enter either country for 180 days from the date of blood sampling. This is calculated from Day 0 (the day the blood was drawn), not from when results arrived.

For Japan specifically: if a pet arrives before Day 180 has elapsed, it will be detained at an Animal Quarantine Service facility for the remaining period. All costs — boarding, feeding, veterinary care — are the owner's responsibility. Detention can run to thousands of euros.

Japan: mRNA vaccines are NOT accepted

Japan does not accept mRNA-type rabies vaccines for the RNATT process. Only inactivated (killed) or recombinant vaccines are permitted. Verify your vaccine type with your veterinarian before administering it — if the wrong vaccine is used, the entire protocol must restart.

90 Days — New Zealand, Singapore, UAE

New Zealand (Group 3 countries), Singapore, and the UAE require a 90-day wait from the date of a satisfactory RNATT result. While shorter than 180 days, 90 days still represents approximately 3 months added to your relocation timeline — and this is before factoring in vaccination schedules, permit applications, and quarantine bookings (NZ).

Approved Laboratories: Not All Labs Are Equal

Each destination country maintains its own list of approved laboratories. Sending a blood sample to a lab that is not on the approved list for your destination will result in a rejected RNATT result — which means the entire process must restart.

Destination	Approved Laboratory Requirement	Where to Find the Current List
Japan	MAFF-designated laboratories only	MAFF Animal Quarantine Service website
Australia	DAFF-approved laboratories	Australian Government DAFF import requirements
New Zealand	MPI-approved laboratories	MPI New Zealand — Importing Cats and Dogs
Singapore	Singapore AVS-approved laboratories	AVS / NParks Singapore
UAE	WOAH/OIE-approved laboratories generally accepted	MOCCAE UAE and verify with destination authority

⚠️ Biobest Laboratories removed from Japan approved list (July 2025)

As of July 2025, Biobest Laboratories Ltd has been removed from the MAFF-designated laboratory list for Japan. RNATT results from Biobest are no longer accepted for Japan pet import. If you obtained a result from Biobest and are planning Japan travel, the test must be repeated at a currently approved laboratory. Confirm the current approved lab list directly with MAFF before booking any test.

A certified pet relocation specialist will confirm which specific laboratory to use for your origin country and destination, and will ensure the test is booked correctly. This is not a step to improvise — a single lab error can set the process back by months.

What Happens If Your Pet Fails the RNATT?

A failed result (below 0.5 IU/ml) does not mean your pet cannot travel — it means the timeline extends further. The steps are:

Consult a veterinarian to review the vaccination protocol. The pet may need a booster vaccination or a revised vaccination schedule.
Allow the vaccine to take full effect (at least 30 days for a booster, depending on protocol).
Repeat the RNATT at an approved laboratory.
Once a passing result (≥ 0.5 IU/ml) is confirmed, the waiting period (180 or 90 days) begins from the date of the new blood sample.

No appeals, no exceptions

A failed RNATT cannot be appealed. There is no grace period or borderline exemption for results just below 0.5 IU/ml. The process must restart from the point of re-vaccination and re-testing. This adds a minimum of 3–6 months to the overall timeline, depending on destination.

Reasons a Pet May Fail

Common reasons for a failed RNATT include: the vaccination was not effective (wrong type, stored incorrectly, administered when the pet was immunocompromised), the vaccination was too recent (immune response not yet developed), the blood sample was drawn before the second required vaccination, or the pet has an underlying immune condition. A vet review after a failed result is essential.

How Long Is the RNATT Result Valid?

Result validity is not uniform across all destinations:

Japan: The RNATT result is valid for 2 years from the date of blood sampling, provided the rabies vaccination remains continuously valid throughout. If the vaccination lapses, the titre test result is void and the full process must restart.
Australia and New Zealand: The result validity is tied to maintaining a continuous chain of valid rabies vaccinations. A lapsed booster can invalidate the result.
UAE and Singapore: The result is generally considered valid for the life of the pet if vaccinations are kept current.

⚠️ Never let the rabies vaccination lapse

If your pet's rabies booster falls out of date after a passing RNATT — even briefly — the result may be considered invalid by the destination country. This is one of the most common and avoidable reasons for having to restart the process from scratch. Set calendar reminders for all booster due dates.

Does Your Pet Need the RNATT?

Use the Pet Travel Checker to find out exactly which steps apply to your route — including whether the titre test is required and when to start.

Check Your Route → Get a Quote

Planning Your Timeline Around the RNATT

The RNATT waiting period is the single biggest constraint in any pet relocation involving Australia, Japan, New Zealand, or Singapore. It cannot be shortened, it cannot be waived, and it is not flexible. Everything else in the process — permits, health certificates, quarantine bookings — can be managed within the waiting period window. The titre test is the clock.

The recommended approach is to book the RNATT blood test as early as possible after the pet's vaccination protocol is complete — ideally the same day as the last required vaccination (permitted for Japan and Australia). Every week of delay in doing the test is a week added to the end of the overall timeline.

Destination	Earliest to Start Full Process	From RNATT Blood Draw to Entry	Total Minimum Timeline
Australia	As early as possible — microchip → vaccine → blood draw	180 days minimum	7–9 months
Japan	Microchip → 1st vaccine → 30 days → 2nd vaccine → blood draw	180 days from blood draw	7–8 months
New Zealand	Microchip → vaccine(s) → blood draw	90 days from passing result	5–7 months
Singapore	Microchip → vaccine(s) → blood draw	90 days from passing result	4–6 months
UAE	Microchip → vaccine(s) → blood draw (if required)	90 days (if required)	4–6 months (if RNATT applies)

These timelines assume a first-attempt pass on the RNATT, no complications with permits, and standard processing times. A failed titre test, lapsed vaccination, or incorrect laboratory can add 3–6 months to any of these estimates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the RNATT (Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test)?

The RNATT is a blood test that measures whether your pet has produced sufficient antibodies against rabies after vaccination. It is also called the Rabies Titre Test or FAVN test. The minimum accepted result is 0.5 IU/ml. It must be performed at a government-approved laboratory — not every lab is accepted. Countries including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and UAE require this test as a mandatory step before a pet can enter.

Which countries require the RNATT for pet import?

As of 2026: Australia (mandatory for Group 3 countries, 180-day wait), Japan (mandatory for all non-designated countries, 180-day wait), New Zealand (mandatory for Group 3 countries, 90-day wait), Singapore (mandatory, 90-day wait), and UAE (required if the origin country is classified as rabies-risk by WOAH, 90-day wait). The EU may also require it for pets arriving from high-risk countries. The UK, USA, and Canada do not currently require the RNATT.

What is the waiting period after the RNATT?

Australia and Japan: 180 days from the date of blood sampling. New Zealand (Group 3 countries), Singapore, and UAE: 90 days from satisfactory result. These waiting periods are set by law and cannot be shortened, waived, or expedited under any circumstances.

What is the minimum RNATT result accepted for travel?

The minimum accepted result is 0.5 IU/ml. This threshold is universal across all countries that require the test. A result of 0.49 IU/ml is a fail — there are no borderline exemptions. If the result is below 0.5 IU/ml, the vaccination protocol must be reviewed and the test repeated. The waiting period does not begin until a passing result is obtained.

What happens if my pet fails the RNATT?

A failed result means the process timeline extends. You must: (1) have a vet review the vaccination protocol, (2) re-vaccinate if needed, (3) repeat the blood test at an approved lab, and (4) once a passing result is obtained, the full waiting period (180 or 90 days depending on destination) begins again from the date of the new blood sample. There is no appeal process and no shortcut.

Does Biobest Laboratories still count for Japan travel?

No. Biobest Laboratories Ltd was removed from the MAFF-designated laboratory list for Japan as of July 2025. Results from Biobest are no longer accepted for Japan pet import. If you have a Biobest result and are planning Japan travel, the test must be repeated at a currently approved laboratory. Always verify the current approved lab list directly with MAFF before booking.

Must the microchip be implanted before the rabies vaccination?

Yes — for all destinations. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered. If the vaccine was given before the microchip was implanted, the vaccination cannot be linked to the pet's official identity and is not valid for the purpose of the RNATT process. In that case, the vaccination must be repeated after microchipping.

How long is the RNATT result valid?

For Japan: 2 years from the date of blood sampling, provided rabies vaccinations remain continuously valid. For Australia and New Zealand: validity is tied to an unbroken chain of valid rabies boosters. For UAE and Singapore: generally valid for the life of the pet if vaccinations are kept current. A lapsed rabies booster after a passing RNATT may invalidate the result and require retesting.

Planning a Move to Australia, Japan or New Zealand?

A certified pet relocation specialist will manage the full RNATT process — lab selection, blood draw timing, documentation chain, and waiting period planning — so nothing goes wrong.

Get a Free Quote → Check Your Route

Official Resources

🇯🇵 Japan — MAFF Animal Quarantine Service — Import Requirements
🇯🇵 Japan — MAFF — Designated Laboratories for RNATT
🇦🇺 Australia — Australian Government DAFF — Importing Cats and Dogs
🇳🇿 New Zealand — MPI New Zealand — Importing Cats and Dogs
🇸🇬 Singapore — AVS Singapore — Animal Import Requirements
🌍 International — WOAH WAHIS — World Animal Health Information System (check country rabies classification)

Disclaimer: Pet travel requirements change frequently and without notice. The information in this guide reflects available data as of June 2026 and is provided for reference purposes only. It may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify all requirements — including approved laboratory lists and waiting periods — with a certified pet relocation specialist and the relevant government authority before making any travel arrangements for your pet. The Pet Travel accepts no liability for decisions made based on this content.