Terms of Service

Last Updated: Jan 2026

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern all services provided by Topknot Care ("Topknot," "we," "us," or "our"). By requesting, booking, scheduling, or allowing Topknot to perform services on your property or animals, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms.

1. Scope of Services

Topknot Care provides professional animal husbandry, handling, shearing, grooming, biosecurity, and livestock management support services.

Our services are designed to assist alpaca owners with routine care and handling tasks commonly associated with responsible livestock ownership. Topknot does not diagnose, treat, prescribe for, or cure disease, illness, or injury.

2. No Veterinary Services

Topknot Care is not a veterinary practice and does not provide veterinary medical services.

Veterinary diagnosis, medical treatment, prescribing of medications, and medical decision-making are the responsibility of a licensed veterinarian. Any references on our website or in our materials to health-related tasks refer to routine husbandry assistance performed with owner knowledge and consent, or according to protocols established by the owner and their veterinarian.

3. Owner Responsibility and Consent

By engaging Topknot Care, the owner affirms that:

• They retain full responsibility for their animals’ medical care and veterinary decisions.
• Any medications, vaccines, parasite control products, or health-related protocols are administered only with the owner’s knowledge and consent.
• Such products may be owner-supplied or administered according to standing herd protocols provided or approved by the owner and/or their veterinarian.

Topknot staff do not independently determine medical necessity or prescribe treatments.

4. No Medical Advice

Information shared by Topknot Care staff regarding alpaca care, handling, or general wellness is educational and informational in nature only.

It should not be interpreted as veterinary advice. Owners should consult a licensed veterinarian regarding any medical concerns, diagnoses, treatment plans, or prescription medications.

5. Biosecurity and Handling Practices

Topknot Care employs biosecurity protocols, equipment sanitation procedures, and trained handling practices designed to reduce stress and minimize disease transmission between farms.

While all reasonable precautions are taken, the owner acknowledges that livestock handling involves inherent risks and that outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

6. Limitation of Liability

Livestock handling and care involve inherent risks, including but not limited to stress, injury, illness, or unforeseen complications.

Topknot Care is not liable for:

• Pre-existing conditions or illnesses
• Outcomes resulting from owner-provided information or instructions
• Reactions to medications or products provided or approved by the owner
• Events outside our reasonable control

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Topknot’s liability is limited to the fees paid for the specific services provided.

7. Scheduling, Access, and Safety

The owner agrees to provide safe and reasonable access to animals, facilities, and handling areas. Topknot reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services if conditions are deemed unsafe for staff or animals.

8. Payment and Deposits

All pricing, deposits, and payment terms are communicated at booking. Deposits, where required, secure scheduling and route planning and may be non-refundable as outlined at the time of booking.

9. Satisfaction Guarantee

Topknot Care offers a Satisfaction Guarantee. If a client is genuinely dissatisfied with the quality of our workmanship during a scheduled visit, we will provide the next comparable shearing service at no charge, subject to the conditions below.

Guarantee Conditions

The Satisfaction Guarantee applies only when:

• Concerns are communicated to Topknot Care within 48 hours of service completion.
• The issue relates to workmanship or service execution, not factors outside our control (including but not limited to animal behavior, pre-existing conditions, weather, or owner-provided handling constraints).
• The animals were handled according to normal, safe working conditions and access was reasonably provided.

Exclusions and Limitations

The Satisfaction Guarantee does not apply to:

• Dissatisfaction based solely on pricing, scheduling, or route timing.
• Outcomes influenced by pre-existing health, temperament, or environmental conditions.
• Situations where owner interference, unsafe conditions, or incomplete access impacted the service.
• Requests made in bad faith or as a substitute for future paid services.

The complimentary service provided under this guarantee:

• Must be redeemed during the next standard service season.
• Is limited to the same scope of service originally performed.
• Is non-transferable and has no cash value.

Topknot Alpaca Care reserves the right to determine eligibility for the Satisfaction Guarantee in good faith.

10. Acceptance of Terms

By booking services, submitting a service request, making a deposit, or allowing Topknot Alpaca Care to perform services, the client acknowledges and agrees to these Terms of Service in full.

11. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the state in which services are performed, without regard to conflict of law principles.

For Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of risk, and Indemnity Agreement, click here.