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 working from authorised SQP retailer premises. They 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.
SQPs are ideally placed to play a role in Protecting Animals, Protecting People. They are a trained and trusted source of professional advice for animal owners, may see animals and their people on a regular basis, bring “added value” to the customer interface with their knowledge of animal husbandry and welfare; and may receive disclosures of abuse or identify signs of concern.
Vetpol SQPs have the opportunity to receive training from The Links Group. We’re delighted to say that Vetpol continue their support of The Links Group in 2026, in a number of ways, one of which is by visibly raising our presence and profile with SQPs via their Munch&Learn Mini Bites.
This year, National SQP Week runs from 5-12 June and Vetpol has joined forces with SQP training providers AMTRA and Vetskill to develop a National SQP Week toolkit including downloadable posters, leaflets and images for social posts. These elements are designed to be tailored and will enable the communication of key messages to clients about the critical role SQPs play in the distribution of veterinary medicines, while also offering a source of trusted, professional advice. You can download your National SQP Week Toolkit from Vetpol’ s National SQP Week webpage.
On Wednesday 10th June, mid-way through National SQP Week,Vetpol are partnering with Boehringer-Ingelheim to support SQP learning & development in delivering two Mini Bites, online webinars.
Between 1pm-2pm, “Parasite Protection in Practice: Helping Owners Tackle Fleas, Ticks & Worms with Confidence” is a webinar around better prevention, better advice, and better outcomes. Then for any equine SQPS, between 6pm-7pm, Boehringer Ingelheim will present “Sustainable Equine Parasite Control”: For years, deworming has been one of the most routine and misunderstood aspects of horse care, but today SQPs have an essential part to play in keeping our horses healthy by offering advice on their effective use.
Theses webinars demonstrate the regular contact which often exists between SQPs and animal owners of all creatures great and small, and how SQPs have a real opportunity to identify examples of ‘The Link’ in real life.
For example, changes to an owner’s preventative health care plan, alongside other signs, could occur be a feature of economic abuse, where the animal care giver is prevented from buying wormers or flea treatment for their horse or pet. Vetpol SQPs taking part in The Links Group training will learn what could be indicators of domestic abuse, the importance of not jumping to conclusions, and how to safely signpost clients to appropriate sources of support.
If you wish to join Vetpol and Boehringer Ingelheim for either or both webinars within National SQP Week, you can register for free: Register for free / login here.
