Harbro is proud to support the launch of the very first National SQP Week, taking place from 5–12 June 2026 — a nationwide celebration of the vital role that Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs), also known as Animal Medicines Advisors, play in protecting animal health and wellbeing across the UK.
SQPs are highly trained professionals who are qualified to prescribe, dispense and supply certain animal medicines, while also providing trusted, accessible advice to animal owners. Supporting millions of pets, livestock, horses and birds every year, their work ensures animals receive the right treatments safely and responsibly.
This inaugural week has been introduced by industry regulators AMTRA, Vetpol and VetSkill to raise awareness of the SQP profession. Research has shown that many animal owners — and even some within the sector — are not fully aware of the depth of training and expertise SQPs hold. National SQP Week is an important opportunity to shine a spotlight on their contribution.
Supporting Animal Owners Every Day
At Harbro, SQPs are at the heart of the support we provide to our customers.
Across our country stores and livestock teams, we’re proud to have over 70 qualified SQPs available to help. For many of our customers, they are familiar, trusted faces who play an important role in their animals health.
A Qualified Partner in Animal Health
Becoming an SQP is no small achievement. Training is rigorous, typically taking 3–6 months of study, covering:
- livestock species and husbandry
- medicine categories and legislation
- animal welfare
- parasite biology
Candidates must pass both written exams and a practical oral assessment before qualifying. But it doesn’t stop there — ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) ensures SQPs stay up to date with:
- emerging resistance trends
- new active ingredients
- changes in legislation
- best-practice parasite and health management
This commitment means our customers can rely on advice that reflects the latest science and industry standards.
What Can an SQP Help With?
Whether you visit us in store or meet us on farm, our SQPs can support you with:
- Prescribing and supplying POM-VPS medicines such as wormers, flukicides and fly treatments
- Recommending the right product for the right stage of production
- Advising on dosing, administration, withdrawal periods and safe disposal
- Supporting sustainable parasite control planning
- Highlighting when veterinary involvement is required
While SQPs do not diagnose disease, they play a crucial role in guiding responsible medicine use — helping protect livestock health while supporting productivity throughout the production cycle.
Celebrating National SQP Week
National SQP Week represents an exciting opportunity to recognise a profession that plays a critical role in animal health and welfare.
At Harbro, we see first-hand the value our SQPs bring every day — from lambing to finishing, calving to housing, and every stage in between. Their expertise helps customers make informed decisions that protect animal health, safeguard production, and meet regulatory requirements.
We’re proud to celebrate the dedication, knowledge and professionalism of our teams during this first-ever National SQP Week — and we encourage farmers, animal owners and industry partners to join us in recognising the difference they make.
Need advice? Our team of over 70 qualified SQPs is here to help.
Contact our team
Together, let’s shine a spotlight on the people behind responsible animal care.
#NationalSQPweek