🇪🇺 OFFICIAL: MANDATORY TITER TEST ABOLISHED FOR DOGS TRAVELING FROM SERBIA TO THE EU
As of April 22, 2026, the health certificate for non-commercial movement of dogs into European Union countries no longer requires the FAVN (titer) test. On the same day, the Veterinary Directorate of the Republic of Serbia officially received the European Commission regulation amending the certificate form and abolishing this long-standing obligation.
📅 How did this decision come about?
After years of Serbia’s efforts, persistent evidence gathering on the absence of rabies, and technical confirmation by the European Commission, at the meeting of the PAFF Committee – Section for Controls and Import Conditions held on April 22, 2026 in Brussels, a historic decision was made.
Key agenda points – B.03 and B.04 – referred specifically to amendments of Annex II and Annex VIII, by which the Republic of Serbia (together with Montenegro) is included on the list of third countries with simplified procedures. This grants Serbia a status equal to that of EU member states.
🐾 What does this mean for you?
✅ ABOLISHED:
- Mandatory FAVN (titer) test – no more blood sampling and sending samples to expensive laboratories.
- 90-day waiting period after blood sampling.
- Additional costs of €100–150 per pet.
✅ Still REQUIRED:
- Microchip (mandatory identification).
- Regular rabies vaccination at an authorized veterinary clinic.
- Waiting period of 21 days after primary vaccination (same as in all EU countries).
📄 Health certificate without titer test – official from April 22
On the same day the PAFF Committee meeting was held, the Veterinary Directorate of the Republic of Serbia received the official European Commission regulation amending the health certificate form for non-commercial movement of dogs, cats, and ferrets. The new certificate does not contain a field for the titer test – instead, proof of vaccination and the 21-day period are sufficient.
This means that from now on, veterinarians in Serbia can issue certificates using the new form, without any additional blood analysis. The procedure is now fully aligned with that applied within the European Union.
🎯 What’s next?
It is expected that the European Commission will publish the final version of the amendments in the Official Journal of the EU in the coming days, but the decision is already in force – since the PAFF Committee gave a positive opinion and the Veterinary Directorate has already received the regulation. Pet owners planning to travel to the EU can now count on a simpler, faster, and cheaper procedure.
💡 Note: Make sure your rabies vaccination is valid (21 days after primary vaccination). Pet passport and microchip are still mandatory. For all additional information, consult your veterinarian or the competent Veterinary Directorate.
This news was first published on the Ideal Dale portal – initiator of the campaign to abolish the titer test. Share it with everyone who has a dog or cat! 🐾
🇪🇺 OFFICIAL: MANDATORY TITER TEST ABOLISHED FOR DOGS TRAVELING FROM SERBIA TO THE EU
As of April 22, 2026, the health certificate for non-commercial movement of dogs into European Union countries no longer requires the FAVN (titer) test. On the same day, the Veterinary Directorate of the Republic of Serbia officially received the European Commission regulation amending the certificate form and abolishing this long-standing obligation.
📅 How did this decision come about?
After years of Serbia’s efforts, persistent evidence gathering on the absence of rabies, and technical confirmation by the European Commission, at the meeting of the PAFF Committee – Section for Controls and Import Conditions held on April 22, 2026 in Brussels, a historic decision was made.
Key agenda points – B.03 and B.04 – referred specifically to amendments of Annex II and Annex VIII, by which the Republic of Serbia (together with Montenegro) is included on the list of third countries with simplified procedures. This grants Serbia a status equal to that of EU member states.
🐾 What does this mean for you?
✅ ABOLISHED:
- Mandatory FAVN (titer) test – no more blood sampling and sending samples to expensive laboratories.
- 90-day waiting period after blood sampling.
- Additional costs of €100–150 per pet.
✅ Still REQUIRED:
- Microchip (mandatory identification).
- Regular rabies vaccination at an authorized veterinary clinic.
- Waiting period of 21 days after primary vaccination (same as in all EU countries).
📄 Health certificate without titer test – official from April 22
On the same day the PAFF Committee meeting was held, the Veterinary Directorate of the Republic of Serbia received the official European Commission regulation amending the health certificate form for non-commercial movement of dogs, cats, and ferrets. The new certificate does not contain a field for the titer test – instead, proof of vaccination and the 21-day period are sufficient.
This means that from now on, veterinarians in Serbia can issue certificates using the new form, without any additional blood analysis. The procedure is now fully aligned with that applied within the European Union.
🎯 What’s next?
It is expected that the European Commission will publish the final version of the amendments in the Official Journal of the EU in the coming days, but the decision is already in force – since the PAFF Committee gave a positive opinion and the Veterinary Directorate has already received the regulation. Pet owners planning to travel to the EU can now count on a simpler, faster, and cheaper procedure.
💡 Note: Make sure your rabies vaccination is valid (21 days after primary vaccination). Pet passport and microchip are still mandatory. For all additional information, consult your veterinarian or the competent Veterinary Directorate.
This news was first published on the Ideal Dale portal – initiator of the campaign to abolish the titer test. Share it with everyone who has a dog or cat! 🐾
