Alpacas and llamas have become popular as fiber animals, companion animals, and livestock guardians, with welfare needs that are often poorly understood by new keepers.
Alpaca and llama welfare depends heavily on keeper knowledge of camelid-specific care requirements. These animals are stoic — they mask illness effectively — requiring experienced observation to detect welfare problems early. Shearing must be performed annually for alpacas and is a welfare necessity, not merely a production requirement. The handling techniques for camelids differ from other livestock and rough handling causes lasting behavioral changes.