AMTRA reports rising demand for animal medicines

The Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) has announced an increasing demand for animal medicines requirements, including the prescription and supply of certain veterinary medicines.

The organisation said there are growing concerns from pet owners on the difficulties of finding access to a vet, and an increasing number of practices are facing difficulties in recruiting veterinary staff to fill rotas.

This is reportedly due to fewer EU-qualified vets working in the UK, professionals leaving the industry, and an increasing number of households having welcomed companion animals into their homes through the pandemic, causing a “strain” on the veterinary industry.

AMTRA said that Registered Animal Medicines advisors (RAMAs) therefore play an “even more vital role” in providing pet owners with access to qualified and dedicated advice and guidance to help keep animals healthy, including on flea, tick and worm control measures.

Stephen Dawson, AMTRA secretary general, said: “Pet stores and retailers continue to recognise the importance of providing customers with access to registered professionals with a tailored qualification in veterinary medicines advice.

“We have seen significant increases in companion animal ownership in the last 18 months, and this in turn increases demands on the provision of qualified advice on treatments and the supply of veterinary medicines.”