diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..5600dab98b55
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+---
+name: Bug report
+about: Create a report to help us improve
+title: ''
+labels: bug
+assignees: ''
+
+---
+
+**Describe the bug**
+A clear and concise description of what the bug is.
+
+**To Reproduce**
+Steps to reproduce the behavior:
+
+**Expected behavior**
+A clear and concise description of what you expected to happen.
+
+**Additional context**
+Add any other context about the problem here.
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..d9883dd454b7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.md
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+---
+name: Feature request
+about: Suggest an idea for this project
+title: ''
+labels: enhancement
+assignees: ''
+
+---
+
+**Is your feature request related to a problem or challenge? Please describe what you are trying to do.**
+A clear and concise description of what the problem is. Ex. I'm always frustrated when [...] 
+(This section helps Arrow developers understand the context and *why* for this feature, in addition to  the *what*)
+
+**Describe the solution you'd like**
+A clear and concise description of what you want to happen.
+
+**Describe alternatives you've considered**
+A clear and concise description of any alternative solutions or features you've considered.
+
+**Additional context**
+Add any other context or screenshots about the feature request here.
diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..5da0d08f9469
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+# Which issue does this PR close?
+
+We generally require a GitHub issue to be filed for all bug fixes and enhancements and this helps us generate change logs for our releases. You can link an issue to this PR using the GitHub syntax. For example `Closes #123` indicates that this PR will close issue #123.
+
+Closes #.
+
+ # Rationale for this change
+ Why are you proposing this change? If this is already explained clearly in the issue then this section is not needed.
+ Explaining clearly why changes are proposed helps reviewers understand your changes and offer better suggestions for fixes.  
+
+# What changes are included in this PR?
+
+There is no need to duplicate the description in the issue here but it is sometimes worth providing a summary of the individual changes in this PR.
+
+# Are there any user-facing changes?
+
+If there are user-facing changes then we may require documentation to be updated before approving the PR.
+
+If there are any breaking changes to public APIs, please add the `breaking change` label.
diff --git a/dev/release/rat_exclude_files.txt b/dev/release/rat_exclude_files.txt
index ead9c8db16f4..f9eca7a2ed45 100644
--- a/dev/release/rat_exclude_files.txt
+++ b/dev/release/rat_exclude_files.txt
@@ -7,7 +7,8 @@
 *.csv
 *.json
 *.snap
-.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/question.md
+.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/*.md
+.github/pull_request_template.md
 ci/etc/rprofile
 ci/etc/*.patch
 ci/vcpkg/*.patch