When you walk into your local pet shop seeking advice about your furry friend’s health concern, you might not realise that the person helping you could be a specially qualified professional with extensive training in animal medicines. Meet the SQP or Suitably Qualified Person—a important but often underappreciated expert who plays a crucial role in keeping our pets healthy and happy.
SQPs, now increasingly known as Animal Medicines Advisors, are registered professionals who can prescribe and supply certain veterinary medicines. They can be particularly valuable in pet shop environments, where pet owners frequently seek advice about everything from flea treatments to worming medications.
At Johnson’s, we’re proud to have our very own SQP, Lisa, who holds an EA-SQP qualification. This means she’s qualified to advise on medicines for companion animals, equines, and avian species, making her an invaluable resource for pet owners with diverse animal families. As well as holding the EA-SQP qualification Lisa is a Regulatory and Pharmacovigilance Manager, as well as QPPV and QP.
What Are SQPs?
An SQP (Suitably Qualified Person) is a registered Animal Medicines Advisor who has undergone rigorous training and examination to earn the right to prescribe and supply specific categories of veterinary medicines. Under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations, these professionals can handle POM-VPS (Prescription Only Medicine – Veterinarian, Pharmacist, SQP) and NFA-VPS (Non-Food Animal – Veterinarian, Pharmacist, SQP) medicines.
Currently, there are between 6,000 and 7,000 SQPs on the AMTRA Register across the UK, working in various environments including veterinary practices, agricultural businesses, and crucially, pet shops. To become an SQP, individuals must pass examinations at Higher Education Level 4 or above, typically through a modular approach that includes a base module plus species-specific modules.
The qualification categories range from companion animals only (C category) to comprehensive qualifications covering farm animals, equines, and companion animals (R category). What makes SQPs particularly valuable is their ongoing commitment to professional development—they must complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain their registration and stay current with evolving animal health knowledge.
Recent statistics from AMTRA’s industry survey reveal the significant impact these professionals have on animal welfare. Remarkably, 91% of animal owners stated that losing access to SQPs would negatively impact their ability to care for their animals, whilst 87% rated the service provided by SQPs as excellent or good.
Why SQPs are Beneficial for Pet Shops
Having an SQP in your pet shop could help to transform the business into an enhanced healthcare resource. When pet owners approach your team with concerns about their animal’s health, they’re getting qualified medical guidance.
This professional expertise helps to provide reassurance to pet owners who want the best for their beloved companions. SQPs can assess the specific situation, consider the individual animal’s needs, and recommend appropriate treatments based on medical knowledge.
For pet shop owners, having an SQP qualification represents an excellent opportunity for continuing professional development. It can help to elevate the shop’s profile as a knowledgeable healthcare provider, helping to build customer trust and loyalty. This enhanced reputation often translates into increased footfall, as pet owners specifically seek out shops where they know they can access qualified advice.
Lisa, our in-house SQP said,
“Gaining the SQP qualification has expanded my knowledge and allows me to give customers the reassurance and answers they need about our products.”
The qualification also opens up additional revenue streams, as SQPs can prescribe and supply medicines that wouldn’t otherwise be available through general retail channels. This expanded product range, combined with the professional advice that accompanies it, creates a compelling value proposition for customers.
Supporting Your Pet Shop’s Development
Whether you’re already working in pet retail or considering entering the industry, exploring SQP training through AMTRA or Vetpol’s comprehensive course offerings could be one of the most valuable investments you make. Johnson’s also provides ongoing product training and support to help pet retailers stay current with the latest developments.
If you are looking for some professional advice, why not check out our Ask Lisa page, where you can find common questions, a search bar to check through our blog and a contact form if you have a more direct question for our very own SQP.
