Pet QOL Scale

Pet Quality-of-Life Scale

This framework is adapted from Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice tools. It can help you reflect on your pet’s day-to-day quality of life and your experience as their caregiver. Answer based on what you are seeing most consistently, not just their best moments.
Your First Name:*
Your Pet's Name:*
Date

DayMonthYear
Date
Hour MinutesAM/PM Option
Score each statement on a scale of 0–2, based on what you are noticing most often:

0 = this describes my pet

1 = some changes noticed

2 = this no longer describes my pet
Social Connection
Desire to be with the family has not changed*
Interacts normally with family or other pets (i.e., no increased aggression or other changes)*
Mental Health
Enjoys normal play activities (e.g. ball, hide and seek, playing with friends) *
Still dislikes the same thing (i.e., still hates the mailman = 0, or doesn’t bark at the mailman anymore = 2)*
No outward signs of stress or anxiety (e.g. excessive panting, pacing, restlessness, clinginess)*
Does not seem confused or apathetic*
Nighttime activity is normal, no changes seen*
Physical Health
No changes in breathing patterns*
No outward signs of pain (excessive panting, restlessness, and/or whining are most commonly seen)*
No pacing around the house*
My pet’s overall condition has not changed recently*
Natural Functions
Appetite has stayed the same*
Drinking has stayed the same*
Normal urination habits*
Normal bowel movement habits*
Ability to ambulate (walk around) has stayed the same*
RESULTS
Your Pet's Quality-of-Life Score:
Automatically calculated based on input numbers above.
0–8

Quality of life is most likely adequate. If you have any concerns, seek guidance from your regular veterinarian.

9–16

Quality of life may be becoming more affected, and veterinary guidance is important to help assess your pet’s condition and consider appropriate next steps, which may include palliative care or peaceful euthanasia.

17–32

Quality of life is a definite concern. Changes are likely to become more progressive and severe in the near future. Veterinary guidance can help you understand what stage your pet is in and what options are available, including continued palliative care or peaceful euthanasia.
Important

This scale is a guide only. It is designed to support reflection and discussion, not replace veterinary assessment. If you are unsure, speaking with your veterinarian can help you interpret your pet’s current quality of life and the options available.

Pet Family Concerns
Score each statement on a scale of 0–2:

0 = I am not concerned at this time

1 = There is some concern

2 = I am concerned about this
I am concerned about the following things:
My pet suffering
My pet dying alone
Not knowing the right time to euthanise
Concern for other household animals
Desire to perform nursing care for your pet
Ability to perform nursing care for your pet
Coping with loss
Concern for other members of the family (e.g. children)
RESULTS
Your Pet Family Concerns Score:
Automatically calculated based on input numbers above.
0–4

Your concerns are minimal at this time. You may understand what lies ahead from the passing of a previous pet, or you may not yet feel ready to face the potential loss of your pet. As difficult as it is to consider, this can be a time to gently reflect on your concerns and current limitations.

5–9

Your concerns are mounting. Preparing for the changes ahead can include learning more about your pet’s condition and speaking with your veterinarian about trusted sources of information.

10–16

Your concerns about the changes in your pet are valid. It can also be important to acknowledge your own wellbeing as a caregiver. Now is the time to build support around you. Veterinary guidance can help you make an informed decision about whether to continue hospice care or elect euthanasia, while counsellors or other health professionals can support you with anticipatory grief.
DISCUSS THIS QUALITY-OF-LIFE SCALE WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN
Suggestions on using this quality-of-life scale:

1. Complete the scale at different times of the day, note circadian fluctuations in well-being (we find most pets tend to do worse at night and better during the day).

2. Request multiple members of the family complete the scale; compare observations.

3. Take periodic photos of your pet to help you remember their physical appearance.
Send a copy of completed form to this email address:*
example@example.com
Should be Empty:

Pet Quality-of-Life Scale

Pet Family Concerns