Suitable qualified people (SQP) are a profession of animal medicine prescribers, licensed to prescribe a range of veterinary medicines that do not require a veterinary diagnosis. Typically these medicines are for endo- and ecto-parasites for farm livestock, cats, dogs and horses. With over 6500 SQPs on the register, sales account for 25% of the UK animal medicines market. Ian Scott, Secretary General of Animal Health Distributors Association (AHDA), explains the rigorous training and regulation of SQPs and outlines the reasons why such a service is controversial in the industry.