Our Mission

Champion the unique qualities of alpacas and encourage responsible breeding and care to ensure a thriving and sustainable alpaca industry.

Our Vision

The leading authority on alpaca ownership, breeding, and registration while fostering a strong community of alpaca enthusiasts.

Our Purpose

• To promote awareness of alpaca and alpaca products;
• To maintain an official DNA validated genealogical registry system;
• To administer an alpaca show system;
• To provide education to the Association’s members and to the public about the operation of sustainable alpaca businesses;
• To market alpaca and the use of alpaca products;
• To promote scientific research to benefit the alpaca industry; and
• To do any and all things necessary or incidental to achieving the purposes specified above.

Our Core Values

Integrity

• Honesty and candor in our dealings
• Observe the spirit as well as the letter of our Bylaws
• Uphold our reputation for high ethical principles
• Do not compromise truth, ethics, or integrity to avoid controversy

Transparency & Leadership

• No political or personal agendas
• Avoid conflicts, or the appearance of conflicts, between our personal interests and those of the organization
• Avoid activities that may reflect adversely on our organization
• Openly and freely communicate with membership

Pride in Accomplishments

• Innovate for success
• Focus on accuracy of data
• Utilize the best science and data available
• Value high performance by staff and contractors

Service & Responsiveness

• Advocate for best interests of membership

---

At Alpaca Owners Association (AOA), we're proud to support a vibrant community of alpaca owners, breeders, fiber artists, and enthusiasts across North America and beyond. Whether you're just starting your alpaca journey or have been in the industry for years, AOA is here to help you succeed with trusted resources, expert education, and meaningful connections.

With more than 1,800 members and a registry of over 290,000 alpacas, AOA offers a wealth of tools to help you grow your farm or fiber business—including our internationally respected DNA verified pedigree registry, Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) program, and certified alpaca show system. We also publish 'Paca Post and provide year-round educational opportunities designed to inspire and inform at every stage of your alpaca experience.

Our team hosts three national events each year—the AOA National Alpaca Show, the National Education and Fiber Conference, and National Alpaca Farm Days—and supports 34 regional affiliates across the country.

We’re committed to helping you connect, learn, and share the joy of alpacas with others. Whether you're raising alpacas for fiber, breeding, showing, or simply for the love of these incredible animals, AOA is your home in the alpaca community.

---

Alpaca Owners Association, Inc. (AOA) was created in 2014 when Alpaca Owners & Breeders Association, Inc. (AOBA) merged into Alpaca Registry, Inc. (ARI). Prior to the merger, AOBA and ARI represented different parts of the North American alpaca industry. ARI focused on the pedigree registry, scientific research, and alpaca education. AOBA focused on the national show system along with the national alpaca show, judge training system, national marketing, and alpaca education.

While the first gatherings of alpaca owners in a formal manner began in 1986, Alpaca Owners & Breeders Association (AOBA) was formed in 1987 and incorporated in 1991. In 1988, alpaca registry rules and regulations were adopted, which included a requirement of blood typing all alpacas for registration. In 1990, the alpaca registry was separated from AOBA and began as an independent committee of the International Lama Registry. The Alpaca Registry Screening Committee was composed of alpaca owners who were elected by owners of registered alpacas. In 1995, the Alpaca Registry Screening Committee formally became Alpaca Registry, Inc., (ARI) upon that organization's incorporation.

From 1995–2014, ARI and AOBA worked cooperatively to provide services to the North American alpaca industry. Together the two organizations aggressively worked to expand the industry, improve alpaca genetics, create a national show system, provide national marketing, and educate people throughout North America about alpacas.

In January 2014, AOBA was merged into ARI, and ARI was renamed Alpaca Owners Association, Inc. (AOA). This merger created a single organization that represents all facets of the North American alpaca industry.