Why Rescue?

Southwest Llama Rescue (SWLR) volunteers quote "for the love of lamas" often.  Almost 90% of our intakes come from folks who just can't keep them anymore.  These are conscientious breeders and owners who have had drastic life changes:  death or divorce in the family, health problems, aging, moving, and recently, military deployment.  Rather than risk putting their llamas on the market, they choose to release them to Southwest Llama Rescue.  It is an option for the welfare of their llamas when life changes happen.  Additionally, we have also taken in many animals with the assistance of livestock inspectors or animal control who trust SWLR with the llamas or alpacas in need.

Why Adopt?

​Llama rescue organizations do not compete with reputable breeders.  All males and females are placed with a non-breeding contract.  Especially for a first-time owner, the advice offered by mentors is a big help in understanding and meeting the needs of the llamas.  SWLR strives to train llamas so they will tolerate being vaccinated, having their toenails trimmed, and being sheared; they will lead easily and load for transport.  In some situations, training, or the completion of training will be left to the adopter. Training all these skills requires time with a skilled trainer for each llama. Typically, llamas arrive at SWLR with no training. All animals are vetted and any health problems are treated. 

What About Fostering?

If you have extra pasture and shelter space, you are needed! Lots of times, llamas come from one part of the country, but available foster homes are states away. We need more folks to offer long- or short-term temporary sanctuary to llamas awaiting adoption. It’s critical that we have approved locations to take surrendered llamas, and there are never enough available.

How Can You Help?

SWLR is funded solely by private donations and adoption/surrender fees.  We also happily accept tax-deductible contributions of tack, feed, or other equipment to assist in maintaining the llamas' care.  As mentioned above, we need foster homes, as well as transport help… and sometimes just folks to come out and help shear, trim toenails and give vaccinations, and spend some time with the animals. Perhaps as important is spreading the word. Llama rescue helps save lives. Too many llamas are discarded, unnecessarily euthanized, or abandoned. It just doesn’t have to happen, and you can help!