Vet & Welfare Help

Help For Vets And Welfare Organisations

This page covers how vets and welfare organisations use ChipHERO to identify pets, contact keepers, and (where eligible) register pets for free.

Getting access (vet / welfare accounts)

• Apply: create an application via Vet Application or Welfare Application.
• Complete registration: after sign-up you may be asked to upload documentation for approval.
• After approval: you can sign in and access the tools your role permits.

Searching for a microchip (public search + external databases)

Use Microchip Search to search by chip number. If the chip is not on ChipHERO, the site will check other DEFRA-compliant databases and show the relevant database contact details (phone/website) so you can continue the reunification process.

Authorised searches (welfare / authorised users)

If your account has the Search tile on the dashboard, use it to perform legally-authorised searches. You will be asked to record a reason and all searches are logged.

• Start: open Authorised Chip Search.
• Enter chip number: if the chip exists on ChipHERO you’ll be prompted for a reason.
• Results:
  • Pet details: pet name, breed/species, DOB, colour/markings, notes, implant date (if present).
  • Keeper details: shown when the keeper has allowed welfare access, or when your account has higher authorisation.
  • Temporary keeper: if set, this person should be contacted until the expiry date.
  • Family vet: if the owner provided it, it will be shown to support reunification.

Consent and full searches

Keeper contact details are controlled by the keeper’s consent settings and your account’s authorisation level. In some cases you may only see limited information; if you need help, contact ChipHERO support on 0330 043 5244.

Registering pets for free (welfare / eligible users)

ChipHERO supports free registration for certain roles and situations, including welfare organisations. When eligible, the registration screen will clearly show Register for free.

• Welfare organisations: can register surrendered pets free of charge and then transfer them to their new owners when rehomed.
• How to register into your care: from an authorised search result, use the Transfer Pet button to begin the transfer/registration flow for that chip.
• Rehoming: once a pet is in your account, transferring keepership to a new owner can complete registration immediately as part of the welfare transfer (no fee required for the new keeper).

Best practice

• Search first: confirm whether the chip is on ChipHERO or another database.
• Use the keeper’s notes: “notes for finders” may include critical medical/handling information.
• Respect consent: if contact details are not visible, use ChipHERO support so we can assist lawfully.