“What is an SQP?”, is a question I get asked very often and I explain that I am an veterinary medicines professional and that there are certain medications that I can prescribe and dispense for animals. There is a lot of hard work that goes into becoming a SQP. Being a SQP is not just about selling products, but it carries important legal and professional duties. I have explained to customers that if we don’t uphold our legal duties, it could mean that we are removed from the SQP register. I have also explained about the amount of CPD we have to do to keep our legal qualification.

A Suitably Qualified Person is trained to manage and supply veterinary medicines and then supply them to the customer with appropriate advice. Like a vet or pharmacist, SQPs hold a registered qualification in veterinary medicine law. SQPs must operate from a registered premises, and they must sit on a professional register.

Where will I find an SQP?

SQPs can be qualified in Companion Animal (dogs, cats, small pets), Equine, Farm or Avian sectors, in any combination. SQPs are knowledgeable in animal welfare and responsible prescribing of animal medicines.

SQPs fulfil an essential role in agricultural stores, pet stores and veterinary practices. There is so much more to our role then the prescription of animal preventative health care products. We also bring a large wealth of knowledge on nutrition and animal husbandry. This wealth of information can have a positive impact on sales and the overall health of the animal.

What do SQPs bring to a business?

As SQPs we are an invaluable asset to any organisation, we should use every moment with the customer to give good quality advice. This good advice will add to our professional image, enhance customer service and show that the business you are working for is a trustworthy business. The advice we give is free to farming and the pet communities, and this gives us the added value.

Having a SQP in the business can greatly help the business. As SQPs we are on the “frontline” and we can build a bond with the customer. I like to think SQPs are the first point of contact and the most convenient person to talk to if an owner wants to discuss parasite control or wants some general advice, but as SQPs it is very important we remember our legal role and we must not diagnose a problem. If the owner has a medical concern, then we must refer them to a veterinary surgeon. Pets are viewed as a family member and pet owners want to use a product they trust from people they trust. So as SQPs we can offer free and impartial advice so the owner can get the best from the product for their pet.

SQPs can give amazing customer service as customers want good solid advice. Not only do customers want the medicine, they are looking for a medicine with great knowledge behind it, and so for any business that is a powerful thing to have.

Any retail outlet is not just about the products that are being sold, but the experience and the knowledge. Pet owners and in the agricultural industry, people want to see, hear and feel a positive retail experience from a pet shop to a veterinary practice. Having a good and positive experience with the customer will enhance that bond and the trust of the SQPs knowledge will make them turn into a regular customer.

It is a constant challenge for us as SQPs to get customers to understand our role and status within a business, we have a voice, and it is important for us to promote ourselves. I am very passionate about my role as a SQP and what we do, as are all SQPs. I am so happy when customers, old and new, feel that they can draw on my knowledge and advice.

What are the Veterinary Medicine Categories

Veterinary medicine categories are legal classifications that define who can prescribe or dispense the veterinary medicines There are strict conditions under which animal medicines can be supplied and professionals have to comply with these conditions so that animal health, and where animals may enter the food chain, human health, are protected.

The role of an SQP is to make VPS medicines available to owners who animals need them and to help owners make the right choices.

POM-VPS

Prescription Only Medicines- The “V” stands for Veterinary Surgeon, the “P” stands for Pharmacist and the “S” stands for Suitably Qualified Person. 

NFA-VPS

Non-Food Animal- again the VPS stands for Vet, Pharmacist and SQP. These products are for use in non-food animals such as dogs and cats, but only be supplied by these three groups of qualified people.

SQPs can supply NFA-VPS medicines and prescribe and supply POM-VPS medicines to animals in their category. POM-VPS medicines are usually those used to reduce or prevent effects of disease such as wormers for ectoparasites.

What can SQPs discuss?

Animal health and welfare is important. I try and encourage owners to have regular veterinary visits are essential to good pet health. 

Talking to owners is key about keeping pets healthy and happy. Advise owners on a good diet, fresh water, clean bedding, and plenty of exercise. 

I find it important to also discuss  deworming, and flea and tick control. Some pets can carry ticks that can spread serious diseases like Lyme disease.

By keeping the companion animal pet healthy, owners help to keep themselves and the family healthy. Always advise owners to contact a vet if they have any questions about their pet’s health or if they think their pet may be unwell.