Llamas are increasingly kept for trekking, therapy, and fibre production, with welfare challenges from social isolation, inadequate space, and inappropriate training methods.
Llamas kept singly without camelid companions suffer chronic social stress as herd animals. Poorly trained llamas that spit, kick, or bite have often been inadequately socialised or aversively trained, with consequences for both their welfare and human safety. Llamas in commercial trekking operations may be overworked without adequate rest or may be subjected to inappropriate loads for their size and fitness. Shearing without adequate restraint causes acute fear and injury risk. Parasite management and dental care are frequently inadequate in naive llama keepers.