Llamas have been central to Andean culture for 6,000 years as pack animals, fiber producers, and companions, but welfare standards for llama husbandry lag behind other livestock species in research and regulation.
Traditional Andean llama keeping involves relatively natural herd structures and seasonal movement patterns. As llamas spread globally as trekking, therapy, and hobby farm animals, welfare problems have emerged from inappropriate housing, improper loading, isolation, and dental neglect. Dental disease is common but frequently undetected. Fiber animals may be shorn infrequently or in stressful conditions. Overloading during trekking operations causes musculoskeletal stress. Llamas spit as a stress response — frequent spitting indicates chronic stress in the management environment. Welfare improvements focus on social housing, appropriate load limits, regular dental and foot care, and humane shearing practices.