Alpacas and llamas have grown popular in the UK as fibre and trekking animals, but welfare standards vary widely and common husbandry problems cause preventable suffering.
Alpacas kept as pets without appropriate knowledge of their social and husbandry needs commonly develop dental disease, parasitism, and behavioural problems. They are prey animals that mask illness, requiring experienced stockmanship to detect problems early. Keeping a minimum of three animals, regular faecal egg counts, annual shearing, and routine dental checks are essential welfare requirements.