The owner of every dog over the age of three months is required by law to ensure that his or her pet is currently vaccinated against rabies and licensed by a local veterinarian. (Dog owners who fail to comply with rabies vaccination or licensing requirements are subject to costly penalties.)

Rabies vaccination of dogs (a prerequisite for licensing) has been highly effective as an animal and public health measure, and is especially important in areas like ours where the potential threat of exposure to rabies from wildlife is a significant concern. Dogs and cats must be vaccinated for rabies every year by a licensed veterinarian.

A dog’s license tag, which must be securely fastened to the dog’s collar or harness and worn by the dog at all times, provides a uniform system of identification, as well as a visible means of ensuring that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies.

Finders of licensed dogs can access owner information 24 hours per day, 365 days per year by telephone and website. Lost dogs that are found wearing license tags can be quickly reunited with their owners, while dogs lost without external identification may be kept by their finder or brought to an animal shelter long after the owner may have given up searching for it.

If you’ve recently moved to Russellville and your dog is currently licensed elsewhere, you may be able to transfer that license for a nominal fee for the duration of the rabies vaccine, if the vaccine has been approved for use in Arkansas.

For your convenience, the Pope County Health Unit and local veterinarians provide numerous clinics throughout the county. For information about upcoming clinics, please call (479) 968-6004. For more information about dog licensing, please visit the animal shelter or call (479) 968-1944.

Arkansas Rabies Control Law