Trusted alpaca care built on decades of veterinary practice and our own herd management.
Welcome to The Vet Shed and Butterley Alpacas.
With over 30 years of experience as a large animal vet and nearly ten years of alpaca herd care, we offer support to primary vets across the UK, herd owners and people considering alpaca ownership.
We also supply top quality black alpaca starter herds; all backed by ongoing care and honest guidance.
Everything we do is rooted in robust animal welfare, practical experience and a genuine desire to help alpacas and to support the people who care for them.
Whether you are completely new to alpacas, growing an existing herd, or a vet looking for trusted specialist support, you are very welcome here.
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A unique perspective you will not find anywhere else
Charlie brings a rare and valuable perspective to alpaca care and management because he sees every situation from more than one angle. As a practising Veterinary Surgeon, he understands the clinical detail and the decisions that sometimes need to be made when dealing with sick animals.
As a farmer and alpaca owner, he also understands the day to day reality of managing a herd and dealing with seasonal challenges as well as balancing welfare with practical constraints.
This combination means that advice is grounded in real experience, shaped by welfare first principles, and focused on what will genuinely work for you and your alpacas.
Calm, honest support for owners and vets.
Alongside Charlie, Yolanda plays a key role in the care of the herd and empathetic support of owners. As an experienced and qualified Vet Nurse, she brings a practical, reassuring approach that helps turn advice into everyday reality.
If you are considering alpaca ownership, we will help you understand what is involved and if they are the right fit for your land and lifestyle.
If you already own alpacas, we are here to offer support with health planning, problem solving and ongoing advice.
If you are a Vet encountering alpaca call outs in practice, we can offer calm, non-judgmental, experienced support.
