What state law in Arkansas says about pets — in plain English, with a link to each source.
Arkansas has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911.
Yes. Arkansas requires dogs and cats 4 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years).
What the law says: All dogs, cats, and other animals shall be vaccinated against rabies as required by the State Board of Health. A.C.A. § 20-19-305 The owner of every dog or cat 4 months of age or older shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies. Vaccination at a younger age should be in accordance with the labels of USDA licensed rabies vaccines. Ark. Admin. Code 007.15.1-II
Arkansas has no state law stopping cities and counties from banning or restricting dogs by breed. Whether a breed is restricted depends on where you live — check your city or county ordinances before moving with a pit bull–type or other targeted breed.
Arkansas has no dog-bite strict liability statute. Under the “one-bite” rule and negligence law, an injured person usually has to show the owner knew — or should have known — the dog was dangerous, or was careless in controlling it.
Yes. Arkansas lets a court include pets in a domestic-violence protective order (since 2011) — for example by giving the petitioner care of the animal and ordering the abuser not to harm or take it.
Arkansas amended its law to include pets in 2011. Upon a finding of domestic abuse, a court may "[d]irect the care, custody, or control of any pet. owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held by either party residing in the household" in an order for protection filed by a petitioner. Arkansas also defines emotional abuse to include harming a spouse's pet in its Spousal Safety Plan Act; emotional abuse, if committed by a spouse against hir or her spouse, also constitutes spousal abuse.
A.C.A. § 9-15-205 and 9-15-401 to 407 · Compare all states →
Arkansas has no statewide ban on pet stores selling dogs and cats. Some cities and counties have their own bans — check locally before buying from a store, and ask where the puppy came from.
Yes. Dogs entering Arkansas need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) from a vet. Must be vaccinated against rabies not more than 12 months prior to entry.
As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:
Arkansas has no statewide dog licensing requirement — counties and cities set their own. Most require a licence with proof of rabies vaccination, so check with your local animal services or clerk.
Arkansas has no statewide leash law. Cities and towns have the power to ban dogs from running at large.
Arkansas caps any security deposit, however it is labelled, at two months' rent.
When FDA announces a dog or cat food recall, we email you the brand, the product and what to do.
Or follow the RSS feedGeneral information, not legal advice. Local authorities in Arkansas may have stricter rules.
