First ever National SQP Week – 5–12 June 2026 #NationalSQPweek
The UK’s first ever National SQP Week is taking 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. By taking part, animal owners and industry partners alike can help champion the role of SQPs and ensure their expertise is recognised, appreciated, and fully utilised across all sectors.
At Alnorthumbria Farm Vets, we are proud to have three qualified SQPs available to support farmers with day‑to‑day medicine advice and long‑term planning. This includes Jess, who has recently achieved her SQP qualification and brings a fresh, enthusiastic approach to livestock health support.
Alongside our experienced team members, Matthew and Kath, she provides farmers with informed, up‑to‑date guidance on responsible medicine use, seasonal parasite challenges, and choosing the right products for their stock. Having three livestock SQPs on hand means farmers can access expert advice quickly, without always needing a veterinary appointment — while still ensuring treatment decisions are safe, legal, and evidence‑based.
Livestock SQPs work closely with vets, not instead of them, helping ensure medicines are used responsibly and animals receive the care they need. As a practical, approachable source of expertise, they are an invaluable support for the farming community — and we are lucky to have a strong team right here in Alnorthumbria.
You can learn more about SQPs at What is an SQP? (amtra.org.uk)
