Regulations

Regulation of pet stores in Arkansas is limited to those retail pet stores that sell dogs and/or cats to the public. The “Arkansas Retail Pet Store Consumer Protection Act of 1991” requires certain guarantees from retail pet stores to the citizens who buy dogs and cats. Breeding kennels and catteries are excluded from this act, as are animal shelters and incorporated humane societies. 

Retail pet stores are required to register with the Arkansas Department of Health and to keep the registration current. This act is often referred to as the “Dog and Cat Lemon Law” and offers certain consumer rights to the person purchasing a dog or cat.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has regulations applicable to the sale of fish and wildlife species by pet stores and others. View More information.

Resources

• Retail Pet Store Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (A.C.A. § 4-97)
• Rules and Regulations on Pet Stores
• Registered Arkansas Pet Stores
• Pet Store Registration Form
• Nonhuman Primates AR Code § 20-19-601 (2020)
• Primate Registration for the State of Arkansas
• AGFC Captive Wildlife
• AGFC Captive Primate Laws & Regulations