What is the so-called registry?
Its full name is Alpaca Registry, Inc. In short, it is a breed registry. However, it is much more than simply an administrative clearinghouse for paper records and documents. It is a state of the art, highly sophisticated system to document bloodlines of the alpaca industry in North America. Every registered alpaca is blood-typed prior to registration and a cria (baby alpaca) cannot be registered unless both its dam and sire are also registered and their parentage proven by blood test. Registration Certificates are issued to owners of alpacas by the ARI. The value of ARI to the industry is remarkable. Virtually all alpacas in the US are registered and those that are not, are difficult to sell and have limited value. Buyers should never consider purchasing an unregistered alpaca unless their interest lies only in keeping one as a pet, with no intention of ever breeding. Reputable sellers will only have registered alpacas and buyers should have no hesitation in asking to see their regist
