SQP Week: The Value of Becoming SQP Qualified in Your Pet Business
You're grooming a spaniel and you spot fleas. You're a cattery owner and notice a cat scratching constantly. You're a dog walker and realise a client's cat has worms.
What do you do?
Right now, you probably recommend the owner contact their vet, but what if you could directly help.
Meet the SQP: The Qualified Professional Who Steps In
An SQP (Suitably Qualified Person) is someone trained and registered to recommend and sell veterinary medicines — particularly flea and worm treatments.
If you're a groomer, boarder, walker, or pet care professional, becoming SQP qualified means you can:
✓ Recommend prescription flea and worm treatments based on what you've observed
✓ Sell those treatments directly to clients
✓ Support pet owners in acting immediately when you spot a problem
✓ Keep animals safer by removing the "I'll do it later" delay
It's about being proactive, not reactive.
What is an SQP and What Can They Do?
An SQP (Suitably Qualified Person) is a professional trained and registered to recommend and sell veterinary medicines — particularly flea and worm treatments.
If you work in pet care — as a groomer, boarder, walker, or other professional — becoming SQP qualified gives you the ability to:
Recommend prescription flea and worm treatments based on assessment
Sell those treatments directly to clients
Act immediately when you identify a parasite problem
Reduce delays between spotting an issue and the animal receiving treatment
Currently, only vets and SQPs can legally recommend and sell prescription parasite treatments.
Why This Matters Right Now
Not only is it currently SQP week but the UK government is currently consulting on flea and worm product regulations (closing 11 June 2026). The question they're asking: Should controls on who can sell these products be tighter?
The consultation is examining whether controls on parasite product sales should be tighter. This reflects growing concerns about:
Antiparasitic resistance
Environmental contamination
Products recommended without proper assessment
Welfare risks when unsuitable treatments are used
The outcome will likely determine how easy or difficult it is to become SQP qualified, and what responsibilities SQPs have going forward.
Should You Become SQP Qualified?
Consider SQP qualification if:
You regularly observe parasite issues in animals during your work
Your clients would benefit from immediate access to treatment
You're prepared to complete proper training and registration
You're committed to ongoing professional development
You understand the legal responsibility that comes with recommending medicines
Training and registration involves:
Completing an approved qualification
Registering with the appropriate regulatory body
Meeting ongoing CPD requirements
Understanding legal obligations around recommendations
This is a professional commitment, not a quick add-on.
The Bottom Line
This week, celebrate the SQPs who are already doing this work. They're not gatekeepers — they're the people keeping our animals safer.
And if you're thinking about joining them? Now's the time to explore it properly. Talk to training providers. See if it fits. Consider what it could mean for your business and your clients.
The government consultation on parasite products closes 11 June 2026. If you have thoughts on how this should work, now's your chance to have a say.
Published: June 2026 | By: The Animal Focused Alliance | Topics: SQP qualification, parasite treatments, pet business, animal welfare.
