Did you know that fewer than half of animal owners are aware that SQPs are qualified, regulated professionals who can prescribe and supply certain animal medicines?
National SQP Week, running from 5–12 June 2026, is shining a spotlight on the important role Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) play in safeguarding animal health and welfare — including within the equestrian sector and everyday horse care.
In equine management, SQPs are often a key source of trusted, regulated advice for horse owners and yard managers. They support responsible parasite control strategies, helping ensure worming treatments are used appropriately, effectively, and in line with current best practice. This is particularly important as the industry continues to move away from routine blanket treatments towards targeted, evidence-based parasite management plans.
SQPs act as a bridge between veterinary surgeons and animal owners, offering practical guidance on the safe use of licensed medicines and helping owners make informed decisions that protect horse health, performance, and long-term welfare.
The campaign is backed by AMTRA, Vetpol, and VetSkill, who work to train, accredit, and regulate SQPs across the UK. Together, they highlight the expertise of animal medicines advisors and their role in ensuring medicines are used safely, responsibly, and effectively.
National SQP Week is a chance to recognise this often underappreciated profession and raise awareness of the value SQPs bring to equine and wider animal health — supporting better outcomes for animals and more informed care decisions for owners.
You can also hear from Claire Shand of Westgate Labs about how the WEstgate team make a difference to animal health in the equine sector here