Terms Of Service

Effective Date: 15/9/24

Welcome to ChipHERO, a microchip database that enables pet keepers, veterinarians, and authorized professionals to securely store and access pet microchip information. By accessing or using our website and services, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following Terms of Service.

Please read these Terms carefully before using our services. If you do not agree to these terms, you must not use our website or services.

1. Definitions

  • "We", "Us", "Our": Refers to ChipHERO, the operator of the website and service.
  • "You", "Your": Refers to the individual or entity accessing or using the ChipHERO website or services.
  • "Service": Refers to the website, microchip registration database, and any other services provided by ChipHERO.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By using our website and services, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service, along with our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with these terms, you must stop using the website immediately.

3. Eligibility

To use our services, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old, or, if under 18, have obtained the consent of your parent or legal guardian.
  • Be capable of entering into a legally binding agreement.
  • Use the service for lawful purposes and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including the Microchipping of Dogs and Cats Regulations 2023.

4. Description of Services

ChipHERO provides a microchip database for pets, enabling:

  • Pet keepers to register and update their pets’ microchip information.
  • Veterinary professionals, local authorities, and other authorized individuals to access the microchip database for purposes such as reuniting lost pets.
  • Compliance with legal obligations under the Microchipping of Dogs and Cats Regulations 2023.

5. Account Registration and Responsibilities

To access certain features of the Service, you may need to create an account by providing accurate and up-to-date information. You agree to:

  • Maintain the confidentiality of your account credentials.
  • Notify us immediately if you suspect any unauthorized use of your account.
  • Ensure that the information you provide, including your pet’s microchip details, is accurate and up to date.
  • Take responsibility for all activities that occur under your account.

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account if we suspect any fraudulent or unauthorized use of the Service.

6. Use of Service

You agree to use the Service solely for the intended purposes of managing pet microchip information and supporting the identification and reunification of lost pets with their keepers. You agree not to:

  • Use the Service for any unlawful or fraudulent purposes.
  • Access or use the Service in any way that may harm the Service or its users.
  • Violate any applicable laws, regulations, or third-party rights.

7. Fees and Payments

Some features of the Service may require payment of fees, such as microchip registration or updating services. You agree to pay all applicable fees as specified during the account registration or service use process. All fees are non-refundable unless otherwise specified by ChipHERO.

8. Data Sharing and Disclosure

As part of our service, we may share your personal and pet-related information with authorized individuals or organizations, including but not limited to:

  • Veterinarians, welfare organizations, and local authorities for purposes such as reuniting pets with their keepers.
  • DEFRA and other regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with the Microchipping of Dogs and Cats Regulations 2023.

All data will be stored and processed in the UK, and we will not transfer your data outside of the UK.

9. Authorized Persons

Authorized persons, including veterinarians, local authorities, and animal welfare organizations, may access the ChipHERO database for lawful purposes, including:

  • Reuniting lost pets.
  • Ensuring compliance with the Microchipping of Dogs and Cats Regulations 2023.

Important Note for Authorized Persons:

  • All microchip searches conducted by authorized persons are logged. This means that each search is recorded, including the user, date, time, and the purpose of the search.
  • You must only use the database for lawful purposes as set out in the Microchipping of Dogs and Cats Regulations 2023, such as verifying keepership details to facilitate pet reunification.
  • Unauthorized or fraudulent use of the database, or use of the database for any purpose other than those permitted by law, will be considered a breach of these Terms and may result in the suspension of access to the database or other legal consequences.

10. Microchip Implanters

If you are a registered microchip implanter, ChipHERO may provide you with microchips free of charge. These microchips are provided under the following conditions:

  • Ownership of Microchips: The microchips supplied by ChipHERO remain the property of ChipHERO at all times.

  • Non-Transferability: The microchips provided to you are strictly for your professional use and are not transferable. You may not sell, transfer, or exchange the microchips with any third party.

  • Return of Microchips: If the microchips are no longer required or you are no longer practicing as a microchip implanter, you must return the unused microchips to ChipHERO. Failure to return unused microchips may result in additional charges.

  • Consequences for Misuse: If you sell, transfer, or misuse the provided microchips in any way, ChipHERO reserves the right to charge you for the cost of the microchips or take other appropriate actions.

11. Limitation of Liability

ChipHERO provides the Service on an "as is" and "as available" basis, without any warranties or guarantees, express or implied. We do not guarantee that:

  • The Service will be error-free, uninterrupted, or secure.
  • The information provided on the website or through the Service will be accurate or complete.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, ChipHERO shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of or inability to use the Service, including any loss of data, profits, or reputation.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless ChipHERO, its employees, directors, affiliates, and service providers from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses arising out of:

  • Your use of the Service.
  • Your violation of these Terms of Service.
  • Your infringement of any third-party rights or applicable laws.

13. Intellectual Property

All content on the website, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, and software, is the property of ChipHERO or its licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws. You may not copy, distribute, modify, or create derivative works of any content without our prior written consent.

14. Termination

We reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to the Service at our discretion, without notice, for any reason, including but not limited to:

  • Breach of these Terms of Service.
  • Violation of applicable laws or regulations.
  • Fraudulent or unauthorized use of the Service.

Upon termination, you will no longer have access to your account, and we may delete any information associated with your account.

15. Complaints

Complaints will be handled according to our published Complaints Procedure.

165. Changes to Terms of Service

We may modify these Terms of Service from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page, and where appropriate, we will notify you via email or other communication channels. Your continued use of the Service after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

17. Governing Law

These Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Service shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the United Kingdom.

18. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms of Service, please contact us at:

ChipHERO
Address: Poplar Farm, Epworth, DN9 1LQ
Email: [email protected]