Veterinarian License in Arkansas

Arkansas requires a veterinary degree, passage of both the NAVLE and a state or third-party exam, and continuing education for renewal. Specific criminal convictions are prohibited for licensure. The state offers temporary licenses for military members and their spouses, making it military-friendly for veterinary professionals relocating to installations like Little Rock Air Force Base or Fort Smith. The Arkansas Veterinary Medical Examining Board regulates the profession. Arkansas has no in-state veterinary school, so candidates typically attend programs at neighboring states' institutions such as Louisiana State University, Oklahoma State University, or Mississippi State University, often through Southern Regional Education Board contract agreements that provide reduced tuition. The state's economy relies heavily on agriculture, with a massive poultry industry led by Tyson Foods (headquartered in Springdale) and significant cattle ranching, creating robust demand for food-animal veterinarians in rural communities across the Ozarks and Delta regions. The aquaculture industry, particularly catfish and baitfish production in southeastern Arkansas, also requires veterinary expertise in aquatic animal health.