National SQP Week toolkit launched
Stakeholders are urged to plan ahead for National SQP Week from 5-12 June 2026.
A new toolkit has been launched to help employers and stakeholders to celebrate the work of Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs).
It has been released ahead of the inaugural National SQP Week, which is set to take place from 5-12 June 2026.
The campaign is intended to celebrate the ‘professionalism, expertise and public-facing role' of the SQP. It hopes to improve understanding of the training, qualification and regulation underpinning their daily work.
It was inspired by research from the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA), a not-for-profit organisation which supports the future of the SQP profession, which suggested a need for increased awareness of SQPs’ work.
According to AMTRA’s survey, only 48 per cent of animal owner respondents knew that SQPs had to be both qualified and regulated. Meanwhile 92 per cent of SQPs felt there should be more understanding of the profession across the industry.
AMTRA collaborated with other SQP regulators, Vetpol and VetSkill, to create the campaign toolkit.
The organisations have created a variety of in-practice resources for promoting SQPs, as well as social and digital communications assets. This includes downloadable materials, practical activation ideas and guidance for building engagement across different settings.
AMTRA is encouraging stakeholders to begin planning early ahead of the national week in June.
Stephen Dawson, CEO of AMTRA, said: “National SQP Week is an important opportunity to shine a light on the SQP profession in a way that hasn’t been done before. SQPs are thoroughly trained animal medicines advisors who prescribe and supply a range of animal medicines and provide appropriate advice to millions of owners every year, ensuring animals get the right treatments safely and responsibly. This is a role that rightly deserves to be celebrated for the positive impact it has on animal wellbeing.
“The campaign aims to highlight not only the positive contribution SQPs make to animal health and welfare, but also the depth of knowledge and expertise they bring to the livestock, companion animal and equine sectors.”
Download the toolkit here.
Image © AMTRA/National SQP Week
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
