The Evolving Role of an SQP: Cornerstone of the Animal Medicines Industry
Stephen Dawson, 2 June 2025
In the complex and highly regulated world of animal health, the role of a Suitably Qualified Person (SQP), also referred to as a registered animal medicines advisor, functions as a vital link between veterinary science, animal welfare, and responsible medicines use. SQPs are regulated and to practice in the role, they must undergo thorough training and secure the required qualifications to supply and prescribe certain animal medicines.
Since the role's introduction, SQPs have become increasingly essential in supporting farmers, pet owners, and the wider veterinary community—ensuring that VPS animal medicines are dispensed appropriately, legally, and safely. SQPs are also a brilliant source of advice to animal owners on a wide range of animal health and welfare matters.
What is an SQP?
An SQP is a qualified professional who is registered with a regulator such as AMTRA and licensed to prescribe and/or supply certain veterinary medicines, classified as POM-VPS and NFA-VPS. These medicines include wormers, flea treatments, and vaccines, that do not require a veterinary diagnosis but still need expert oversight to ensure their safe and effective use.
SQPs work across various settings—from agricultural merchants and pharmacies, through equine retailers, to pet shops and veterinary practices. They are trained to consider the health of the animal, the suitability of the product, the understanding of the owner, and the regulatory framework surrounding medicine use.
The Origins: Addressing a Gap
The SQP role in its modern form was introduced as part of a broader regulatory reform aimed at improving the oversight of veterinary medicines. Prior to this, the Medicines Act assumed all medicines to be Pharmacy-only unless exempted, and the SQP role at that time was subject to much less demanding requirements.
The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2005 laid the foundation for the modern role. The legislation recognised that while not every situation requires a vet’s diagnosis, some oversight and professional advice are still crucial. Thus, the SQP became the solution—a trusted intermediary providing evidence-based advice without stepping into clinical diagnosis.
Why the Role Matters Today
Today, the significance of the SQP role continues to grow and evolve. Key reasons include:
- Preventing medicines resistance: SQPs play a frontline role in promoting responsible medicine use especially in preventing inappropriate use of anthelmintics, and in reducing the need for antimicrobials which can lead to resistance issues if these medicines are not used appropriately.
- Animal welfare: By ensuring animals receive the right product for the right purpose, SQPs contribute directly to healthier livestock, pets, and wildlife.
- Food chain safety: In agricultural contexts, proper medicine use affects food quality and safety. SQPs help ensure compliance with withdrawal periods and legal standards.
- Education and guidance: Pet owners and farmers often rely on SQPs for practical advice. This includes dosage, administration techniques, storage, and integrated parasite management.
How the Role Has Developed
Since its inception, the role of the SQP has evolved in several key ways:
- Training and specialisation: Originally more generalist, the SQP qualification now allows for species-specific specialisms covering companion animals, equines, avians, and farm animals. This specialisation ensures deeper expertise and better support for animal owners. SQPs are also required to carry out regular CPD and earn a certain amount of points in order to maintain their SQP status.
- Increased professional recognition: SQPs are increasingly seen as vital members of the animal health team, with a growing presence in policy discussions and public awareness.
- Digital engagement: The rise of online medicine sales has created new challenges—and opportunities. SQPs now operate in digital environments, advising through e-commerce platforms while maintaining legal and professional standards.
- Sustainability and stewardship: With greater focus on sustainable farming and welfare-led animal care, SQPs are instrumental in advising on integrated health plans, not just short-term fixes.
- Increasing focus on testing: SQPs are increasingly involved in testing, themselves, using specialised laboratory services, or in conjunction with local veterinary practices. Such testing can enhance knowledge about the parasite burden animals are facing or the resistance status of the parasites in question, leading to better prescribing decisions.
Looking ahead
The future of the SQP role is bright. As the UK’s high animal welfare standards continue to evolve and regulatory frameworks grow more complex, SQPs will need to continually update their knowledge and adapt to emerging trends. Their ability to bridge the gap between the scientific, the legal, and the practical makes them a uniquely valuable resource for responsible medicine use and better animal health outcomes.
In short, SQPs are more than just a regulatory requirement. They are trusted advisors, educators, and stewards of good practice - helping ensure the animal medicines industry remains effective. They also play a key role in One Health and ensure that not only animal health and wellbeing is a priority, but they also have a duty to consider the impacts of medicines use in protecting people and the environment too.
As the CEO of AMTRA, I remain incredibly proud of the profession and all of the SQPs that sit on our register. A lot has changed since the inception of the SQP role and I have no doubt that its introduction all those years ago has had a hugely positive impact on the welfare of animals.