International Clinics/Pet Owners

Pathobiology Diagnostics Services Online Portal
(submit requests, access reports, and pay your bill online)

FAVN Submission

In order to answer you questions as quickly as possible, please email rabies@auburn.edu. We do not accept phone calls.

FAVN turnaround time is approximately 3-4 weeks from the date the sample arrives.
We offer expedited FAVN testing.

The Serology-Virology Laboratory at Auburn University is NOT currently approved for travel to Japan.

Account Information

  • You do not need to create an account prior to submitting your first sample. We will create an account for you once your sample has been received by the lab.
  • A sample receipt will be emailed to you on the day the sample arrives.
  • You will be invoiced on the first of each month.
  • Do not prepay. Your sample will be processed as soon as it is received.

Requirements and Instructions

The information you enter on the FAVN Report Form will be used by government officials as the official pet travel document. It will have a white adhesive sticker with the titer results.

FAVN Report Form Requirements

  1. A complete FAVN Report Form is required for each sample submitted and will be retained on file at the Rabies Laboratory.
  2. Complete the FAVN Report Form PDF online before printing if possible. Otherwise, handwritten information must be printed neatly and legibly in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.
  3. The species/breed, sex, age, destination, travel date and rabies vaccination history are for the Rabies Laboratory use only.
  4. Submitting clinic contact information is required as the official, stickered FAVN Report Form will be sent back to the clinic.
  5. Record the owner’s first and last name as it appears on travel documents along with the animal’s name. 
  6. The microchip number must be recorded on the FAVN Report Form and the serum tube.

Microchip identification must be implanted prior to sample draw. If an animal has two microchips, only the first number listed on the FAVN Report Form will be provided on the result label.

PLEASE NOTE: Once your sample is entered into our system, we cannot make ANY changes until the results are finalized. If an error is detected on the result label after the test is finalized and our laboratory confirms a handwriting misinterpretation, the submitting clinic will be required to fill out a Reissue Form and pay for a reissue of the FAVN Report Form.

FAVN Antibody Test Submission Form (PDF)

Sample Requirements

  1. Draw a sample in a serum separator tube. Spin and separate serum from clot and pour 1 to 2 mL of serum into a 3.0 or 5.0 mL test tube. If quantity is not sufficient, due to leakage, damage or original volume, we will notify the veterinarian.
  2. The tube must be labeled legibly with the animal’s microchip number even if it is the only tube in the package. The label must be securely attached to the tube. The microchip identification cannot be added after the sample is received.
    Unlabeled tubes are cancelled without exception.
  3. If the sample is drawn late in the week or over the weekend, the serum can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days or in the freezer for 1 month.

Packing Instructions

Put into a small shipping box with the following:

  • Plastic bag containing sample tube labeled with the animal’s microchip number/name
  • Additional plastic bag containing FAVN Report Form and any accompanying paperwork
  • Small, frozen gel pack (if permitted)
  • Bubble wrap or packing peanuts for cushioning
  • Paper towel or other absorbent material in case of leakage
  • Place the customs declaration (PDF) and a copy of the FAVN Report Form on the outside of the box

Shipping Instructions

We understand that sending a sample from outside the US can take longer than the recommended 2 days in transit.  Antibody is fairly stable, so we  recommend you ship it via the best available method for your area. 

The Serology-Virology Lab is open to accept packages Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm Central time (CT), excluding state holidays. Send samples to:

Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
Serology-Virology Lab
261 Greene Hall
1130 Wire Road
Auburn, AL 36849-5519
United States

Results

The rabies antibody titer results are printed on an adhesive sticker and placed on a copy of the “FAVN REPORT FORM” that was submitted with the sample. This is the official FAVN report. The original “FAVN REPORT FORM” submitted with the sample is retained on file at the Serology-Virology Lab at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Fees

We require payment PRIOR to performing the rabies antibody test (FAVN). This ONLY applies to samples submitted from clinics outside the United States.

Details: When your sample(s) arrives, you will receive payment information. This information will be sent via PATHOLABS. Once payment has been made, we will move your sample into the testing queue. If payment has not been completed within 1 week of sample receipt, your accession will be cancelled and your sample will be discarded.

Additional information: Occasionally shipping charges are billed to our FedEx or UPS account from international shipments. If this happens, your clinic may owe additional charges that will be collected prior to releasing FAVN test results. We will notify your clinic via email and include a copy of the invoice from the carrier if this occurs.

  • FAVN test fee: $80.00
  • FAVN reissue report fee: $50.00
  • FedEx report delivery (flat rate): $55.00

If you have any additional questions (about the test/process for submitting a sample) after you review this information as well as the information on our website, please email rabies@auburn.edu.

Questions regarding the timing of the vaccine/serum draw should be discussed with your veterinarian. We suggest you use the destination country’s guidelines as each country/authority has different criteria for travel.