Changes to the import requirements for dogs, cats and ferrets from Serbia and Montenegro into the EU: these countries have been included in Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636, and therefore, from 19 June 2026, a rabies antibody test will no longer be required when entering the EU from Serbia or Montenegro.
For (re-)entry into the EU from a non-listed third country, a blood test to determine the rabies titre is required to prove the effectiveness of the rabies vaccination (transit through a third country is also considered re-entry into the EU). Upon re-entry, you must carry a valid pet passport in which the valid rabies vaccination and, in addition, the serological rabies test are recorded. If the titre test is not carried out before leaving the EU, or if you wish to enter the EU from a third country, a 90-day waiting period must also be observed and you will need an animal health certificate! Within Europe, the rabies titre test is valid for the animal’s entire lifetime, provided the vaccination schedule is followed.
Important: the rabies titre must be at least 0.5 IU/ml and the blood sample must not be taken until at least 30 days after the initial vaccination! A longer interval between vaccination and blood sampling is permitted, provided that the vaccination is still valid at the time of sampling or that the blood sample is taken within a valid vaccination history!
The rabies titre test for entry into the EU may only be carried out in an EU-recognised laboratory.
- We are an EU-recognised accredited laboratory (subject to annual review by the EU).
- We are the National Reference Laboratory for rabies and for monitoring the efficacy of rabies vaccination (we provide expert advice based on our knowledge of EU legislation).
- We are a listed, recognised laboratory for entry into the USA, Japan, China and Taiwan
- Please note that we are a diagnostic institute; we do not carry out blood sampling, nor are we responsible for the necessary travel documents.
Information on travelling with pets can be found at the following links:
Travelling with pets in the EU/EEA – Pet Passport
Federal Office for Consumer Health (BAVG): Travelling to and re-entering from third countries
Sample quality & form
We are a diagnostic institute and are not responsible for taking blood samples or providing travel information. Your vet is responsible for taking the blood sample. He/she must also sign the completed rabies titre form and confirms the accuracy of the information with his/her signature.
Serum without the addition of anticoagulants is required for the test - quantity: at least 500µl "pure" serum or approx. 5ml whole blood. Please fill the correct blood tube from the start. Do not use LI-Heparin or EDTA tubes!
The serum can be stored in the refrigerator (4°C) for a short time (one week) or in the freezer (-20°C) for one month until transport. The quality of the sample may decrease slightly during this period. Transport should always take place in a refrigerated state (4°C or lower) (see also Sample packaging and transport).
Please fill out the form for the examination request completely and send it to the Institute for Veterinary Examinations Mödling. For samples from several pets, please complete a separate form for each animal and label the samples so that we can assign the correct sample to each form. The veterinarian is responsible for the accuracy of the data on the form. The vet who took the blood sample from the animal must sign the form (the pet owner's signature is invalid!). The veterinarian determines who should pay the invoice and whether the test report may be sent to the pet owner.
The application form for rabies antibody titre testing and other forms and information can be found here.
The data you provide will be transferred to the test report after testing has been completed. As the test report is a document (please keep it in a safe place!) and your pet is identified via this data, it is important that you enter the data correctly and, above all, legibly. Subsequent corrections are only possible to a limited extent and will be charged to you.
If possible, please provide your telephone number and e-mail address in case of queries. You can also add notes such as "Self-collector" or "Urgent" (only in really urgent cases!) to the form.
Sample packaging
Samples for rabies titre determination are animal blood that is subject to transport regulations - for submissions from third countries, the sample must be labelled as "Exempt Animal Specimen - Serum from a dog/cat" (= exempt veterinary sample). The sample containers must be labelled "For laboratory use only". The packaging must be three-layered.
You can find information about the correct way to send samples here - your transporter can also provide some information!
Attention: The sender is liable for improper packaging! The blood must/should be transported refrigerated (4°C and cooler).
Transport of samples to the testing laboratory
The customer is responsible for transporting the blood sample to the laboratory – all costs incurred as a result of the transport, including the costs of border control (customs) or any other charges, must be paid by the sender. As the sender of the sample, please ensure that ‘Sender’ is ticked in the transport documents under both ‘Transport costs’ and ‘Duties and Taxes’, and not ‘Recipient’. Do not select the Incoterm ExW (Ex Works), but rather DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). If the sample is not correctly labelled, it will be returned to the sender and will not be analysed!
Also check with the transport company to ensure that they are authorised to transport the sample – some transport companies accept samples even though they are not authorised to do so. The samples will then be sent straight back at the EU border.
For samples from third countries, please request the current authorisation from us for the transport of serological blood samples (rabiestiter@ages.at). You must then enclose this (together with the completed and signed form) in the packaging with the samples.
You may also drop off the sample at our premises at any time and, in urgent cases, collect the test report from us (please mark ‘self-collection’ on the form!). We accept samples for rabies antibody testing not only on weekdays but also at weekends and on public holidays outside normal working hours – trained staff handle the samples appropriately until they are processed. The opening hours of the Institute for Veterinary Medical Examinations in Mödling can be found here.
Transport of the samples by aeroplane
If you are taking the serum sample from a third country by plane during a pre-travel stay in Austria, please note the following:
For samples from third countries, please ask us for the current notification for the transport of serological blood samples(rabiestiter@ages.at). You should then enclose this (together with the completed and signed form) in the packaging with the samples and show it to the customs officials carrying out the checks
Please choose the red exit at the airport to have a customs check carried out - otherwise you will be committing a customs offence! The blood samples intended for rabies antibody testing at IVET Mödling do not have to be declared to our Biorisk Officer (BRO)! (Please also observe the packaging instructions for the correct dispatch of samples).
Investigation period
Our preparation days are Monday and Wednesday, whereby samples must be received in the laboratory by the evening before the preparation day. We always endeavour to process all submissions as quickly as possible. As a rule, every sample can be analysed within 1.5 weeks after it arrives at the laboratory (apart from public holidays such as Christmas). However, we need at least 5 working days to send the results by post. The test report will be sent to the submitting veterinarian or, with consent, to the animal owner by post and, if an e-mail address is provided, also by e-mail. (NEW: From 2025, we will charge a fee for issuing certificates and invoices to the owner due to the higher administrative effort).
ATTENTION: the postal transport of the sample to the laboratory can take a week in Austria and the postal dispatch of the test report also takes time!
Therefore, please bring the samples to the laboratory in good time (3-4 weeks before travelling).
Does it have to be quick? - You can also bring the sample to us yourself at any time (for opening hours see Institute for Veterinary Medical Examinations Mödling) and collect the test report from us in urgent cases (please note "self-collector" on the form!). We accept samples for rabies antibody testing not only on weekdays, but also at weekends and on public holidays outside office hours - trained staff store the samples properly until they are processed. You can also collect the test report on public holidays and after closing time.
We also offer express tests. These can be carried out - after consultation with the laboratory and with advance notice - in addition to the routine preparation days. Please tick the 'Express delivery' box on the examination form. The express surcharge is 100% of the currently valid price.
Costs
For samples sent from EU countries:
Each sample costs €97.26 (price includes 20% VAT). The invoice will be issued at the same time as the test results.
For samples sent from non-EU countries (third countries):
The costs depend on the address for the results and the invoice:
If a report and billing address within the EU is provided: each sample costs €97.26 (price includes 20% VAT). The report and invoice will be sent to the EU address.
If the report and invoicing addresses are outside the EU: each sample costs €81.05 (price excluding VAT). In this case, the invoice is issued in advance and must be paid in full before the results are issued; the results will only be issued once proof of payment has been received. As postal delivery to non-EU countries is often problematic, the results will, unless otherwise agreed, only be sent by email.
The express surcharge is 100% of the current price.
Please keep the test report in a safe place. We charge a special fee (€35.77 incl. 20% VAT) for reissuing the report! Due to the high administrative costs involved, the same special fee is also charged to the owner for invoicing and issuing the report. We thank you for your understanding.
Bank account:
AGES GmbH Vet Med Mödling
Bank: BAWAG
Bank code: 60 000
Account number: 000 9605 1513
IBAN: AT 85 6000 0000 9605 1513
BIC: BAWAATWW
Test laboratory & contact
Address of the testing laboratory:
Please send the sample only with the completed form to the following address:
AGES Institute for Veterinary Examinations Mödling
Robert Kochgasse 17
A-2340-Mödling
Contact form for information on rabies antibody determination
E-mail:rabiestiter@ages.at or rabiestiter.moedling@ages.at
Tel: +435055538112
Please do not use any other e-mail addresses or telephone numbers. You can also bring the sample to us yourself at any time and collect the test report from us in urgent cases (please note "self-collector" on the form!). We accept samples for rabies antibody testing not only on weekdays, but also at weekends and on public holidays outside office hours - trained staff will take care of the samples properly until they are processed. The opening hours of the Institute for Veterinary Examinations Mödling can be found here.
Important links to travel information
We cannot give you any advice on travelling to your holiday destination. Please check the entry regulations for pets from non-European countries with the embassy of the country you are travelling to. Motorists' clubs also have useful information on their websites. General information for re-entry into the EU can be found on the homepage of the Federal Office of Consumer Protection.
Further important information from the BMASGPK:
Travel information (sozialministerium.at)
Travelling to Austria (sozialministerium.at)
Entry and re-entry to Austria with pets from third countries
Information on the illegal puppy trade can be found on the homepage of the Austrian Veterinary Chamber.
FAQ on rabies antibody testing
I am going on holiday - where can I find information about the (entry) regulations for my holiday destination?
Please enquire at the embassy of your holiday destination about the entry requirements. This concerns, among other things, certificates, examinations, deadlines for examinations, etc. When travelling by car, you must also observe the entry requirements of the countries you are passing through (e.g. holidays in Greece - transit through Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia...). A good information portal is also the portal of the motorists' clubs (e.g. ÖAMTC Länderinfo). Please note, however, that the relevant information on non-official websites is only non-binding information and that laws can change at short notice - you should therefore also obtain information from the official authorities in your holiday destination (e.g. the embassy).
For most third countries and for re-entry into the EU, the rabies titer test is valid for the life of the animal. Therefore, have the rabies titre test carried out in good time - this will save you, your vet and us the stress before you travel.
My dog or cat was with me on holiday in a non-EU country – can I simply take the animal back to Austria with me?
Dogs, cats and ferrets originating from Austria or other EU Member States may re-enter from any third country provided that, for each animal:
- a pet passport is carried, in which
- the valid rabies vaccination and, in addition,
- the serological rabies test are recorded. If a serological rabies test is not recorded in the pet passport, a certificate confirming the serological rabies test must be presented in addition to the pet passport
- If the rabies titre test was only carried out after leaving the EU, a waiting period of 90 days (between the blood sample being taken and the animal health certificate being issued) must be observed
- In the case of the re-entry of an animal whose pet passport indicates that the serological rabies test was carried out with a positive result (rabies titre ≥ 0.5 IU/ml), before the animal left the territory of the European Union, the waiting period between the blood sample being taken and the animal’s movement is not required.
When does the 90-day period apply?
- When importing an animal from a third country: the blood sample (reference date: date of blood collection) for the rabies antibody test must be taken at least thirty days after vaccination and at least 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued
- On the re-entry of an animal: if the serological rabies test was not carried out before the animal left the EU, a waiting period of 90 days (between blood sampling and the issue of the animal health certificate) must be observed. Exception: A declaration in accordance with Article 17(2)(c) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 must be submitted, confirming that the animal merely transited through the non-listed countries or territories, had no contact with animals susceptible to rabies during that time, and did not leave either the secure means of transport or the premises of an international airport. This declaration must be issued in German and English and completed in block capitals
How long is the certificate of rabies antibody determination (= serological rabies test, rabies titre determination) valid?
Valid for the EU: The serological rabies test does not need to be repeated for an animal in which the vaccination is revaccinated at the specified intervals; i.e. the animal must be revaccinated regularly and at the specified intervals (intervals depending on the manufacturer's instructions) (no day without a valid vaccination). The vaccination or the serological rabies test remains valid under these circumstances.
If the booster vaccination is given after the expiry of the period specified by the approval of the vaccine, this vaccination is considered a new basic immunisation and the rabies titre test must be repeated if this test is required for a holiday destination or re-entry into the EU.
Please enquire at the relevant embassy regarding the regulations for travelling to non-EU countries.
I would like to import a dog or cat into the EU from a third country. What do I need? Where can I find out more?
The following applies to entry into the EU from a third country not included on the list:
- Every animal must be identified
- Each animal must be vaccinated against rabies and this vaccination must be valid
- A serological rabies titre test must be provided for each animal, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/µl. This test must have been carried out in a laboratory recognised by the EU. The blood sample for the test must have been taken at least 30 days after vaccination and 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued
- An animal health certificate confirming the serological rabies test must be presented for each animal
- A declaration in accordance with Article 18(3) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 must be submitted for each animal. This declaration must be issued in German and English and completed in BLOCK CAPITALS. The model for this declaration is set out in Annex V, Part 2 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705
- No rabies titre test is required for entry from third countries specifically listed in Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636
The conditions for the private movement of dogs, cats, ferrets and other pet animals into the European Union are set out in Part VI of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, as well as in the associated Implementing and Delegated Regulations. Further information can be found on the website of the Federal Office for Consumer Health (BAVG) – Live Animals – BAVG
Can I come in with my pet for a blood test?
We are a diagnostic institute and are not responsible for taking blood samples or providing travel information. Your vet is responsible for taking the blood sample. He/she must also sign the completed rabies titre form and confirms the accuracy of the information with his/her signature.
Is your certificate valid in other countries?
Our institute in Mödling is the only Austrian national reference laboratory for rabies and for testing the effectiveness of rabies vaccination. The appointment was made by the authority, the responsible ministry; it is an EU-recognised laboratory for rabies serology and as such is checked annually in the form of ring tests. As an EU-recognised laboratory, the procedure must also comply with international standards and the procedure must also be accredited in accordance with EN ISO 17025. An audit is carried out annually in our laboratory to verify this accreditation. The certificate from an EU-recognised laboratory is valid worldwide. We are also a recognised laboratory for Japan and China.
We only issue certificates for tests carried out by us. We do not confirm or rewrite certificates from other institutes!
How can I bring the sample to Austria?
The transport of the blood sample to the institute is the responsibility of the pet owner - all costs incurred due to the transport, including the costs of border control (customs) or other taxes are to be paid by the owner. As the sender of the sample, make sure that "Sender:in" is ticked under "Transport costs" and "Duties and Taxes" in the transport documents and not "Recipient:in". If the sample is not properly labelled, it will be returned to the sender and not analysed!
How do I send samples from a third country so that they arrive at our laboratory in a usable condition?
The serum can be stored in the refrigerator (4 °C) for a short time (one week) or in the freezer (-20 °C) for one month until transport. The quality of the sample may decrease slightly during this period. Transport should always take place in a refrigerated state (4 °C or lower) (see also sample packaging and transport).
How long can I store a sample? Can I freeze the sample?
The serum can be stored in the refrigerator (4 °C) for a short time (one week) or in the freezer (-20 °C) for one month until transport. The quality of the sample may decrease slightly during this period. Transport should always take place in a refrigerated state (4 °C or lower) (see also sample packaging and transport).
How much blood/serum does the laboratory need for the test? Which tube do I use?
At least 5 ml of blood or 1 ml of serum in a blood tube (usually a red blood tube) without anticoagulants. In principle, any blood tube that is sterile, non-breakable and has no anticoagulant coating will do. Please label the blood tube clearly and legibly with a waterproof pen. The labelling of the tube must be clearly identifiable with your animal's sample form - e.g. labelling with the animal's microchip number or animal name. This is particularly important if more than one sample is taken.
What influence does the sample quality have on the test procedure?
Ensure that the sample is correctly packaged and cooled during transport. Failure to do so may result in a reduction of antibodies in the sample. Do not leave the sample lying around, keep it in the refrigerator at 4 °C until dispatch or freeze it immediately (-20 °C). We have no influence on the sampling, storage and transport of test items provided or sent in by the client. The test result relates exclusively to the test item handed over and the scope of the tests performed. Please only send us blood/serum of good quality.
When can I have blood taken after my last rabies vaccination?
Important: the rabies titre must be at least 0.5 IU/ml and the blood sample must be taken no earlier than 30 days after vaccination ! A longer period of time between vaccination and blood sampling is permitted, but the vaccination must still be valid at the time of sampling!
How long does the rabies titre test take?
Our preparation days are Monday and Wednesday, whereby samples must be received in the laboratory by the evening before the preparation day. We always endeavour to process all submissions as quickly as possible. As a rule, every sample can be analysed within 1.5 weeks after it arrives at the laboratory (apart from public holidays such as Christmas). However, we need at least 5 working days to send the results by post. The test report will be sent to the submitting veterinarian or, with consent, to the animal owner by post and, if an e-mail address is provided, also by e-mail. (NEW: From 2025, we will charge a fee due to the high administrative effort involved in issuing the findings and invoice to the owner).
What does the examination cost? Can I pay directly at the institute when I collect my test report?
It is not possible to pay for the test directly at the institute. Pet owners/veterinarians with an EU address will receive a payment slip with the test report (the invoice details can be found on the invoice). Pet owners/veterinarians from third countries must pay in advance and, at best, scan us the payment receipt. The current costs and bank details can be found here.
Can I have the data on the form changed?
The microchip is the actual proof of a pet's identity - not the name, not the breed. This allows us to correct data, e.g. spelling mistakes (dog name, owner details).
The microchip number and the date of the blood sample cannot be changed.
The vaccination date can only be corrected upon presentation/scan of the pet passport.
Vets who sign our completed rabies titre form are liable for the accuracy of the data. Please complete the form legibly and check that the data is correct. The test report is a document - it may not be recognised at the border if there are discrepancies. Therefore, please check the data immediately upon receipt of the inspection report and report any discrepancies to us.
Can I bring the sample by?
You can also bring the sample to us yourself at any time and collect the test report from us in urgent cases (please note "self-collector" on the form!). We accept samples for rabies antibody testing not only on weekdays, but also at weekends and on public holidays outside office hours - trained staff will take care of the samples properly until they are processed. The opening hours of the Institute for Veterinary Examinations Mödling can be found here.
How do I get the test report?
The test report will be sent to the submitting veterinarian or, with consent, to the animal owner by post and, if an e-mail address is provided, also by e-mail. (NEW: From 2025 we will charge a fee due to the high administrative effort involved in issuing the findings and invoice to the owner).
Can I collect the test report myself?
You can also bring the sample to us yourself at any time and collect the test report from us in urgent cases (please note "self-collector" on the form!). We accept samples for rabies antibody testing not only on weekdays, but also at weekends and on public holidays outside office hours - trained staff will take care of the samples properly until they are processed. The opening hours of the Institute for Veterinary Examinations Mödling can be found here.
I live in a third country where the post office cannot deliver the test report – what should I do?
In such cases, the results are sent by email only. If desired, we can also send the results via an international courier service; however, this must be arranged and paid for by the sender.
If you also have a delivery and billing address within the EU, it is possible to send the results and the invoice to this EU address. Please state the EU address on the test form. The invoice will then be issued at the same time as the results and will include 20% VAT.
It is best to clarify the available options with our service centre in advance.
What do I need to bear in mind regarding the vaccination so that I can have a valid rabies titre test?
The vaccination required for the rabies titre test (i.e. rabies antibody test) must be administered after the microchip has been implanted. Details regarding microchip implantation and vaccination are recorded in the pet passport or must be entered there. The vaccine must be one recognised by the EU, and the vaccination intervals specified by the manufacturer must be observed. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, puppies can usually only be vaccinated from 4 months of age. The blood sample for the rabies titre test must be taken no earlier than 30 days after the first vaccination. A longer interval between vaccination and blood sampling is permitted; however, the vaccination must still be valid at the time of sampling, or the blood sample must be taken within a valid vaccination history!
Last updated: 06.07.2026
automatically translated