We’re all set up and ready to go in the Thingamujig Room at Burleigh Court, Loughborough, thanks to Emily’s early morning start! A huge thank you to Vetpol for inviting us to exhibit and ensuring we have such a valuable space in which to raise awareness of The Link between abuse of animals and abuse of people.
Suitably Qualified Persons, or SQPs, are individuals from a range of backgrounds who have all received a particular format of training to allow them to prescribe and supply certain classifications of veterinary medicines depending on the kind of registration the SQP holds. Working in authorised SQP retailer premises, registered veterinary practice premises or registered retail pharmacies, all SQPs must abide by the Code of Practice and be registered with a registration body and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate publishes a list of all SQPs here, which is updated monthly.
As our friends at Vetpol say, “You may find SQPs in a variety of retail outlets such as pet shops, saddlers, farm supplies and online pharmacies. Some work in veterinary practices or for large farms. Wherever they work, their role is to give trusted advice and deliver great customer service!
SQPs are qualified in Companion Animal (dogs, cats, rabbits), Equine, Farm or Avian, or any combination. SQPs qualified with Vetpol are trained in the broader aspects of animal health including general welfare and appropriate care.
In order to provide the right advice, SQPs have to be great communicators. The Vetpol SQP qualification includes training in communication skills. This means that SQPs can converse with clients, obtaining the information they need to make appropriate recommendations. They provide a great value-added service which is helpful for animals and their owners!”.
Given the amount of time small animal, equine and farm animal owners and carers may spend talking to SQPs, the relationships that SQPs may build up with owners over time, and the range of environments in which they work – particularly pet shops – it’s essential that we support their learning on The Link. By working together, we can help each other protect animals and protect people. We’re looking forward to seeing many new faces today and finding out how we can support.
Thank you again to Vetpol for inviting us.
