Just as dogs and cattle may be registered, an organization exists for the registration of alpacas. Those purchased as a “business investment” require registration in order to be “shown”, auctioned, or subcontracted for breeding purposes. For “recognition” by the various national alpaca associations which provide the venues for “showing” alpacas,  registration is an absolute requirement. The registration process can cost up to $200, including DNA sampling.  An alpaca can be registered only if its dam and sire have also been registered, thus ensuring a well documented, proven pedigree.

Family Alpacas acquired through adoption need not be registered since they are not competing for “conformation” or marketability. Furthermore, the registry will not process adopted family alpacas because one or both of the animals’ “parents” may not be registered. We assert that registration has no impact whatsoever on an alpaca’s desirability as measured in terms of disposition, aesthetics, endurance or quality of fleece.

                     ADOPTION PROCESS