Empower Your Career: ICTQual Level 4 Animal Medicines Advisor Award

ICTQual Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal)

The ICTQual Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal) is designed to provide learners with the essential skills and knowledge required to advise on the safe and responsible use of animal medicines. As an SQP, learners play a vital role in ensuring that companion animals receive appropriate treatments while maintaining compliance with industry standards. This course emphasizes both theoretical learning and practical application, preparing participants to deliver professional advice with confidence and accuracy.

This includes a thorough understanding of the principles of animal health, such as recognizing common conditions, understanding preventative care, and appreciating the importance of welfare in every aspect of treatment. The course also emphasizes the safe handling, storage, and dispensing of medicines, ensuring that learners are equipped to manage products responsibly and in line with industry standards. In addition, participants will gain insight into the responsibilities of advisors in promoting welfare, which involves not only guiding pet owners toward appropriate treatments but also encouraging practices that safeguard the long-term health and wellbeing of companion animals.

This award is particularly valuable for individuals working in pet shops, veterinary practices, or businesses involved in the sale of animal medicines. It empowers learners to demonstrate competence in advisory roles while promoting responsible practices that enhance credibility and professionalism. By the end of the training, participants will have the confidence to advise customers effectively, ensuring companion animals receive safe, ethical, and appropriate care.

Course Overview

Awarding Body

ICTQual AB

Duration

5 days

Study Mood

Online

Assessment

Assignments Based

Course Study Units

  1. Principles of Animal Health, Welfare, and Preventive Care
  2. Veterinary Medicines Regulation, Compliance, and SQP Responsibilities
  3. Prescribing, Supplying, and Advising on Companion Animal Medicines

Entry Requirements

  • Minimum age: Minimum age of 18 years.
  • Educational background: A basic educational background is required; prior animal care knowledge is beneficial but not mandatory.
  • Language proficiency: English language proficiency is required to ensure full participation in coursework and assessments.
  • Work experience: Some experience in animal handling or care is recommended, though not essential.

Who Can Enroll

This course is designed for individuals passionate about companion animal health and advisory roles.

  • Pet shop staff involved in selling animal medicines.
  • Veterinary practice assistants supporting advisory services.
  • Animal shelter staff responsible for welfare and treatments.
  • Groomers or trainers expanding into advisory roles.
  • Entrepreneurs entering the pet care industry.
  • Dog and cat owners interested in responsible medicine use.

Course Learning Outcomes

Principles of Animal Health, Welfare, and Preventive Care

  • Demonstrate understanding of the fundamental principles of animal health and welfare
  • Identify common companion animal diseases, parasites, and conditions requiring preventive care
  • Explain the importance of nutrition, vaccination, and parasite control in maintaining health
  • Recognise early signs of illness and advise clients on appropriate next steps
  • Apply welfare standards and ethical considerations when advising on animal care
  • Promote responsible ownership and preventive healthcare practices to clients
  • Evaluate the impact of preventive programmes on animal wellbeing and public health
  • Reflect on the role of SQPs in supporting long‑term animal welfare

Veterinary Medicines Regulation, Compliance, and SQP Responsibilities

  • Understand the legal framework governing veterinary medicines in the UK and internationally
  • Differentiate between medicine categories (POM‑VPS, NFA‑VPS, AVM‑GSL) and their supply requirements
  • Apply regulatory standards when prescribing and supplying companion animal medicines
  • Demonstrate knowledge of SQP responsibilities, including record‑keeping and client communication
  • Recognise the importance of pharmacovigilance and reporting adverse reactions
  • Ensure compliance with professional codes of conduct and ethical obligations
  • Evaluate the consequences of non‑compliance for animal welfare, client trust, and professional standing
  • Contribute to maintaining high standards of safety and accountability in veterinary medicine supply

Prescribing, Supplying, and Advising on Companion Animal Medicines

  • Conduct structured client consultations to assess animal health needs
  • Recommend appropriate medicines within the SQP scope of practice
  • Safely prescribe and supply POM‑VPS and NFA‑VPS medicines for companion animals
  • Communicate clearly with clients about dosage, administration, and safe handling of medicines
  • Recognise contraindications and advise clients when veterinary referral is required
  • Promote responsible use of medicines to reduce risks such as antimicrobial resistance
  • Maintain accurate records of prescriptions and supplies to support compliance and audits
  • Reflect on the advisory role of SQPs in improving animal health outcomes and client education

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This award is a specialized training program that equips learners with the skills to advise on the safe and responsible use of animal medicines for companion animals. It covers legal frameworks, welfare principles, and advisory practices.

Completing this award demonstrates competence in animal medicines advisory roles, enhances credibility, and builds trust with employers and customers. It can improve employability and provide valuable skills for those working in pet care environments.

No prior experience is necessary. The course is accessible to beginners while still offering valuable insights for those already working in animal care or advisory roles.

The training combines theoretical learning with practical insights. Learners engage with structured content and scenario-based activities that prepare them to apply their knowledge in advisory settings.

Unlike general animal care courses, this award specifically focuses on advisory roles related to animal medicines. It ensures learners understand the responsibilities of SQPs and equips them with practical skills to deliver safe and ethical guidance.

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