The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) has backed independent pet businesses to play a greater role in communicating responsible-use messages to owners about pet parasite medications (PPMs).
The Federation was responding to the recent report from the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee on the environmental impact of (PPMs), which included a recommendation that pet parasiticides should move from general sale to NFA-VPS status, meaning they would need to be supplied by a veterinary surgeon, pharmacist or Suitably Qualified Person (SQP).
PIF maintained that groomers, boarding establishments and specialist pet retailers can all play a greater role in communicating responsible-use information to owners. The organisation would also like to see specialist pet retailers remain part of the distribution network, adding that trained and regulated retailers can provide advice on product selection, application, dosing, storage, disposal and environmental precautions while maintaining accessible parasite control for pet owners.
The Federation expressed concern that restricting access alone will not tackle how products are actually being used.
PIF chief executive Nigel Baker said: “We recognise the environmental concerns around pet parasite treatments and agree that the industry has an important role to play in reducing their impact.
“Clear, practical guidance is essential. If evidence shows it will reduce environmental release, a consistent bathing interval can be the kind of measure that owners and pet professionals can understand and act on.”
He added: “However, we are concerned that restricting where these products are sold wouldn’t actually solve the problem. We need to ensure that any new measures improve environmental outcomes without making effective parasite control harder or more expensive for pet owners. This should not become a choice between environmental protection and animal welfare. With better education, clear guidance and proportionate regulation, we should be able to achieve both.”
