Understanding the role of Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) in the Animal Medicines Industry
When it comes to ensuring the health and welfare of animals—whether they’re household pets, farm livestock, or equines—access to the right medication is critical. But just as important is who provides that access and guidance. This is where Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) play a pivotal role.
What is an SQP?
An SQP is a professionally trained and accredited advisor who is permitted under UK law to prescribe and/or supply certain categories of animal medicines. These include products classified as POM-VPS (Prescription Only Medicine – Veterinarian, Pharmacist, SQP) and NFA-VPS (Non-Food Animal – Veterinarian, Pharmacist, SQP).
The title ‘Suitably Qualified Person’ isn’t just a job label—it represents a specific legal and regulatory status within the animal medicines industry, overseen by a regulatory body of which there are three: AMTRA, Vetpol and VetSkill. To become an SQP requires formal training and registration plus ongoing CPD.
Why does the role exist?
The role of an SQP was created back in 2003 to bridge the gap between full veterinary services and over-the-counter supply of animal medicines. The system aims to:
• Ensure responsible use of medicines in animals, especially antimicrobials and antiparasitics, to reduce resistance risks.
• Increase access to essential health products in a safe and informed way, particularly in rural or agricultural communities.
• Promote animal welfare by ensuring animal owners are given proper advice with their purchases.
• Reduce pressure on veterinary services for minor or routine treatments.
What does an SQP do?
SQPs are trained to understand:
• The health conditions their prescribed products treat or prevent.
• The legal classifications of animal medicines.
• The correct dosage, administration, and storage of these medicines.
• Contraindications and when to refer a case to a vet.
Depending on their qualification category (Companion Animals, Equines, Avian, Farm Animals, etc.), SQPs can:
• Prescribe and supply certain medicines without a veterinary script (POM-VPS, NFA-VPS,AVM-GSL)
• Advise owners on preventative health care like worming, flea treatments, and nutritional supplements as well as a whole range of other wellbeing matters.
• Identify red flags that require a veterinary referral.
• Support responsible medicine use and disposal, helping to combat resistance and misuse.
SQPs may work in pet shops, agricultural merchants, pharmacies, or online platforms, making them a readily accessible source of expert advice.
How do SQPs help and support animal owners?
For pet and livestock owners, the benefits of engaging with an SQP are significant:
• Convenience: Owners can access trusted advice without always needing a vet appointment. Minor treatments and routine preventive care can often be handled with relative ease.
• Reassurance: SQPs provide reliable guidance on product selection and use, reducing the risk of mistakes. They are trained and regulated and therefore have up-to-date knowledge to help support animal owners.
• Animal health planning: Especially in farming, SQPs are a key part of ongoing herd or flock health strategies.
Where can you find SQPs?
SQPs most often work in farming merchant stores or companion animal retailers such as Pets at Home. But there are also Vet Nurse SQPs that work within vet practice teams too.
Summary
Suitably Qualified Persons are an essential link in the chain of animal healthcare in the UK. Their knowledge, accessibility, and regulatory backing help ensure that animals receive the right treatments safely and effectively—while giving owners peace of mind and support.
Whether you’re treating your dog for fleas or managing a livestock deworming strategy, your local SQP is a trusted professional you can turn to for advice and supply of essential animal medicines.