Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Veterinarian Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for veterinarian in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Both state and third-party exams requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Veterinarian in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 21 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must be at least 21 years of age. 2) Must be a citizen of the United States or resident alien. 3) Must be a person of moral integrity and acceptable ethical standards. 4) Must be a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited veterinary college or holder of an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduate (ECFVG) or Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) certificate. 5) Must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). 6) Must pass the Written State Board Examination or be licensed by endorsement or reciprocity.
- Application
- 2
Must be at least 21 years of age. 2) Must be a citizen of the United States or resident alien. 3) Must be a person of moral integrity and acceptable ethical standards. 4) Must be a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited veterinary college or holder of an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduate (ECFVG) or Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) certificate. 5) Must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). 6) Must pass the Written State Board Examination or be licensed by endorsement or reciprocity.
- Application Fee: $100.00, Temporary Permit Fee: $50.00, Annual Renewal Fee (active): $100.00, Annual Renewal Fee (inactive): $25.00, NAVLE Fee: $720.00 (paid directly to the International Council for Veterinary Assessment)
- 3
Education: Degree required.
- 4
Experience: No experience required.
- 5
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 6
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 7
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 8
4) Must be a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited veterinary college or holder of an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduate (ECFVG) or Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) certificate.
- 9
5) Must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).
- 10
6) Must pass the Written State Board Examination or be licensed by endorsement or reciprocity.
- 11
Application Fee: $100.00, Temporary Permit Fee: $50.00, Annual Renewal Fee (active): $100.00, Annual Renewal Fee (inactive): $25.00, NAVLE Fee: $720.00 (paid directly to the International Council for Veterinary Assessment).
Exam and processing details
- Written State Board Examination or be licensed by endorsement or reciprocity
Continuing education and program notes
- certificate
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Renewal Fee (active) | $100.00 |
| Annual Renewal Fee (inactive) | $25.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Agriculture • Veterinary Medical Examining Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$100,820 median (20% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#42 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be at least 21 years of age. 2) Must be a citizen of the United States or resident alien. 3) Must be a person of moral integrity and...; Must be at least 21 years of age. 2) Must be a citizen of the United States or resident alien. 3) Must be a person of moral integrity and...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required Written State Board Examination or be licensed by endorsement or reciprocity.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Must be at least 21 years of age. 2) Must be a citizen of the United States or resident alien. 3) Must be a person of moral integrity and...; Must be at least 21 years of age. 2) Must be a citizen of the United States or resident alien. 3) Must be a person of moral integrity and...).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Annual Renewal Fee (active): $100.00; Annual Renewal Fee (inactive): $25.00).
- 7. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Agriculture~Veterinary Medical Examining Board and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $100,820, Veterinarians in Arkansas earn 20% below the national median of $125,510. Arkansas ranks #42 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 21 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$100,820Hourly estimate
$48.4720% below national median
Difference: -$24,690
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationVeterinarian Salary Ranking
#42 of 50 statesfor Veterinarian median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $158,950 |
| #2 | Washington | $155,060 |
| #3 | New Jersey | $148,550 |
| #4 | West Virginia | $134,290 |
| #5 | Vermont | $134,240 |
Nearby States Comparison
Veterinarian licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $100,820 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 21 years |
| Missouri | $119,640 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $125,420 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $101,300 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $120,630 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $121,220 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $96,360 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Agriculture • Veterinary Medical Examining Board
1 Natural Resources Dr., Little Rock, AR, 72205
Phone: 5012242836
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|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-5 months |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $53,490 | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Veterinarian in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Veterinarians in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Veterinarians.
What education do you need to become a Veterinarian in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Veterinarian licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Veterinarian salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Veterinarians in Arkansas is $100,820. Salaries range from $59,300 (10th percentile) to $150,840 (90th percentile).
How does the Veterinarian salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Veterinarians in Arkansas earn 20% below the national median of $125,510, with a state median of $100,820.
How many Veterinarians work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 600 Veterinarians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Veterinarian license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Veterinarians in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Agriculture / Veterinary Medical Examining Board. Review agency details at https://www.arvetboard.statesolutions.us/.
How often do you renew a Veterinarian license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.