FAQ | Alpaca MOT

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you looking for some more details or have a burning question? Hopefully, this page will help!

As an autistic team, we know that having the full picture helps us feel prepared and at ease. If you have a question we haven't answered here, then don't hesitate to contact us.

Services & Packages

We offer three levels of routine health care for your alpaca, designed around the typical needs of an alpaca’s annual care.

Our packages are all-inclusive, meaning everything listed is covered for a fixed cost. Every alpaca is unique. While you’re welcome to skip certain tasks in the package, we can help you decide which parts will best suit your alpaca on an individual level.

Upgraded packages include all the services from the lower-level package, plus additional checks, so you don’t have to pick and choose.

The Service is ideal for bi-monthly check-ups and covers basic wellbeing checks such as body condition scoring, teeth and eye membrane inspections, fleece and skin checks and vitamin supplementation.

The Mini MOT is recommended every 3–4 months. It includes everything in The Service with the addition of a toenail trim and basic limb and gait assessments to spot early signs of discomfort or mobility issues.

The Full MOT is our most comprehensive option.

Recommended once or twice a year for routine maintenance, they can also be booked as a one-off for new purchases or if you think someone is acting 'a bit off’. It includes everything in a Mini MOT, along with any required injections and a Faecal Egg Count (FEC) test to monitor and manage internal parasites. This package gives your alpaca complete head-to-toe care, inside and out, ensuring every aspect of their health is checked and supported.

All packages are delivered efficiently with minimal stress to your alpaca, and you’ll receive detailed follow-up emails, so you have a complete record of their health and any recommendations for ongoing care.

If you’re unsure which package is right for your animals, please contact us, and we’ll help you choose the most suitable option.

We keep our services as flexible as possible:

Choose your level of support - From Full MOT packages to one-off consultations or remote support over the phone
Partial or full coverage - From support with specific tasks and busy seasons to managing your complete annual handling schedule
Learn at your own pace - If you are looking to build your own skills, we are happy to supervise and guide you until you are fully confident in taking on the task yourself

Our fixed-price packages take the guesswork out of your booking. We understand that each animal’s needs differ - some may benefit from all elements of a package, while others may not require certain services on the day. That’s why our care is flexible: If it's not needed, we won't do it. The packages are all-inclusive, meaning you won't pay extra for irregular tasks like fleece trims - it's all part of the service!

We believe quality care requires a full picture.

You pay one price, and we handle the rest. No hidden fees or missed details.

A typical schedule might look like:

The Service – every 6–8 weeks
The Mini MOT – every 3–4 months
The Full MOT – every 6–12 months
FEC (Faecal Egg Count) testing – every 3–4 months as standard, with a minimum of every 6 months depending on stocking density and paddock rotation

Every alpaca is different. For example, some individuals require toenail trimming much more frequently than others.

Regular handling allows alpaca to become familiar with routine care, making them easier to work with, while also helping you keep a close eye on their health and stay on top of essential husbandry tasks.

We’re happy to help you set up a schedule tailored specifically to your animals’ needs to ensure their health and welfare are maintained year-round.

There is no pressure to book Alpaca MOT for every handling session. Many owners carry out some husbandry tasks themselves and use our service as support for the areas they feel less confident with.

For owners who prefer a fully managed approach, Alpaca MOT can take care of all routine annual handling requirements. This typically involves around six visits per year, allowing you to focus on feeding, cleaning, and enjoying your alpaca, while we ensure all key welfare checks and handling tasks are completed.

On-Site Visits & Logistics

As a mobile service, we can travel far and wide.

So long as you are accessible by van, we have no issues with distance!

Our travel is charged per mile and subject to a minimum call-out fee.

See our Call Out page for more info.

We frequently travel across the UK; we may be able to visit your animals with a reduced travel fee while we are in your area. For locations beyond our usual, or to receive a personalised quote, please contact us directly.

Signing up to our email list or following us on social media will keep you in the loop so you can catch us when we’re nearby!

We offer a range of appointment times, including weekday, evening and weekend availability where possible.

Appointment availability varies throughout the year, but we aim to make routine care accessible when your herd needs it. Contact us to check availability and arrange a visit for your herd.

The duration of our services can vary depending on the animals being handled and the number of animals scheduled. We do not follow a strict timetable for MOT packages, as some animals benefit from a slower, gentler approach to reduce stress and prioritise welfare.

We work efficiently, typically completing an MOT within 5–25 minutes per animal. We’re also happy to stay on site for a chat - we value learning from each other, sharing experiences, and hearing your insights too.

You will note some consultations include time guidelines in their descriptions. If booking a session with a noted time frame, let us know if you’d like to extend the visit beyond this.

In an emergency scenario, we will openly discuss the plan with you. We are happy to stay and support you with a vet, or we can step back once they take over. Whichever makes you the most comfortable.

If you have a tight schedule, please let us know when you book, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your timing while still prioritising your animals’ welfare.

Please check the details listed under the chosen service.

MOT packages and consultations include information about what we’ll need from you and what you can expect during the visit.

If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to get in touch. No question is too small or silly, and we are happy to clarify any details to make sure you are completely competent and informed.

Participation & Education

Education is a big part of what we do. We can guide you through safe handling techniques so that you can confidently care for your animals yourself. If at any point you want to take over or have a go, you’re welcome to do so - we’ll support you every step of the way.

At Alpaca MOT, we meet you where you need us. Some owners only need guidance with specific or more challenging tasks rather than a full plan covering jobs they’re already confident doing. Every owner has different strengths, and with smaller herds, it can be tricky to gain experience with tasks that happen infrequently.

We’re a support service - here to build your confidence and improve your animals’ welfare. We work alongside you, never replacing your role as the primary caregiver.

Following an initial visit to meet you, understand your set-up and assess your herd, Alpaca MOT may be able to carry out future visits without you being present, if preferred.

Absolutely not. Our goal is to support, educate, and improve welfare. We don’t criticise. Everyone’s setup is different, and we work with what you have.

We focus on practical solutions and guidance, rather than pointing out faults. We may suggest small changes that could make a big difference for your animals, but there is no pressure to implement them.

We celebrate progress, no matter how small, and work alongside you as a partner in your animals’ wellbeing, rather than judging your current setup or abilities.

The only time we put our foot down is if we see anything that is detrimental to your animals’ welfare or your safety. In such cases, we will use all of our knowledge and experience to guide you in addressing the issue.

If we encounter serious mistreatment or neglect, we reserve the right to report it to the appropriate authorities if necessary

Handling & Safety

No problem! We are happy to split an MOT over multiple visits to keep things stress-free for your animals.

If we feel it is best to pause for the animal's well-being, we waive the additional service fee and ask only for a travel fee to cover the return journey. Please note that while we don't charge extra for the services we provide, you will need to provide any time-sensitive medications for the follow-up visit.

If we pause due to our own circumstances, if a visit is interrupted by a technical hitch or equipment on our end, we will return and finish the job at no extra cost to you.

Our priority is always a calm and successful session for your herd.

Urgent Situations

If your animal is experiencing a medical emergency, contact a veterinarian immediately. We focus on preventative and ongoing supportive care, but we cannot act as a substitute for a qualified vet.

Sometimes, the hardest part of a situation is knowing if it is an emergency. If you are not sure whether to call a vet, we can aid you in assessing the situation and provide reassurance that you are making the right choice.

If you find yourself feeling lost or anxious and want to be able to find answers fast, we have a Remote Support Service. This allows you to message us directly for a faster personalised response to your query.

We understand that some situations are ‘time sensitive’; depending on the severity, we can often alter our schedules or adjust our travel routes to reach you sooner. We always do our best to fast-track urgent cases where animal well-being is at risk.