How to Transport Alpacas Safely

Alpacas usually travel well: they tend to kush (lie down) once the vehicle moves, which keeps them stable. Good preparation keeps journeys calm and safe.

Vehicles

• Livestock or horse trailers with good ventilation, non-slip floors and solid sides.
• Minivans or cargo vans with seats removed and a protective floor cover work well for two or three alpacas on short trips.
• Never transport alpacas in an open pickup bed.

Space and bedding

• Allow roughly 8–10 sq ft per adult; they will lie down side by side.
• Use rubber mats plus straw or shavings to absorb urine and give grip.
• Separate intact males from females, and adults from small crias if crowding.

Loading

1. Halter-train in advance — see halter training.
2. Load a calm companion first; others follow.
3. Use a low ramp or step, and lift crias in.
4. Never travel an alpaca alone if you can avoid it.

Temperature

• Travel early or late in the day in summer.
• Freshly shorn alpacas tolerate heat better but chill faster.

Long journeys

• Stop every 3–4 hours to check animals and offer water (many won’t drink until they arrive).
• Offer hay; many alpacas eat while lying down in the trailer.
• Expect them to stay kushed and urinate at rest stops — some will only urinate on bedding or grass.

Late pregnancy and crias

Avoid moving females in the last two months of pregnancy unless necessary. Crias under a week old should only travel if essential, with their dam.

Paperwork and biosecurity

• Check movement rules: health certificates (CVI), identification and testing (e.g., TB testing in some countries) may be required, especially across state or national borders.
• Clean and disinfect vehicles between farms.
• Quarantine arrivals for about 30 days. See biosecurity.

Frequently asked questions

Can alpacas travel in a car? Yes — small numbers travel well in vans with seats removed and floors protected.

How long can alpacas travel? Many tolerate 8–10 hour trips with stops, if the temperature is comfortable.