The UK’s first ever National SQP Week will take place from 5–12 June 2026, marking a major milestone for the Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) profession — also known as Animal Medicines Advisors. The week‑long campaign aims to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role SQPs play in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of pets, livestock, birds and horses across the UK.
National SQP Week has been announced jointly by the three industry regulators — AMTRA, Vetpol and VetSkill — who recognise the need to elevate public and professional understanding of SQP expertise. Their call to action follows an industry survey highlighting that many animal owners, and even some working in the veterinary and wider animal health sectors, are still unaware of the depth of training and knowledge held by SQPs.
SQPs are highly qualified professionals who can prescribe, dispense and supply certain animal medicines, provide trusted, accessible advice on animal medicines and wider welfare all of which support many millions of owners of pets, livestock, horses and birds, every year.
A recent industry survey revealed that many people who interact with SQPs don’t fully understand their expertise — or the benefits they can bring due to their essential role in improving nationwide animal health.
National SQP Week represents an exciting opportunity to shine a spotlight on a profession that contributes significantly to responsible animal medicine use and improved welfare outcomes. It is a great opportunity to help champion the role of SQPs and ensure their expertise is recognised, appreciated, and fully utilised across all sectors.
#NationalSQPweek
If you are considering training as an SQP, The College of Animal Welfare offer the VetSkill VTEC Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal) qualification as an online, distance learning course that can be started at any time. Find out more.