HURT (1-10) - Adequate pain control, including breathing ability, is first and foremost on the scale. Is my animal’s pain successfully managed? Signs of pain can be subtle, especially in chronic disease states. Is my pet anxious and pacing and whining at night? Are additional medications or interventions required to make them comfortable? Is my pet breathing easily? Breathing ability is very important and difficulty breathing can be distressing and exhausting.

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HUNGER (1-10) - Is my animal eating enough of a balanced diet? Does hand feeding help? Does warming up the food help (especially for cats)? Does non-forced syringe feeding help? Is an appetite stimulant or anti-nausea medication needed? Is a feeding tube warranted (your veterinarian can help determine this)?

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HYDRATION (1-10) - Is my animal dehydrated? Could they benefit from subcutaneous fluids daily or weekly to supplement fluid intake? Can the fluids be given without causing undue stress?

HYGIENE (1-10) - My companion should be brushed and cleaned, particularly after urinating / defecating. Avoid pressure sores and keep all wounds clean.

HAPPINESS (1-10) - Does my pet express joy and interest? Are they responsive to things around her/him (family, toys, etc)? Is my pet depressed, lonely, anxious, bored or afraid? Our animal companions are capable of experiencing a range of emotions and states of affect - similar to people. Can my pet’s bed(s) be close to the family activities to prevent isolation?

MOBILITY (1-10) - Can my companion get up without assistance? Do they need human or other assistance (like a sling, cart, etc)? Do they feel like going for a walk? Are they having seizures or stumbling? Are there other inventions that can help improve mobility (such as yoga mats, stair runners, ToeGrips, etc)?

MORE GOOD DAYS THAN BAD (1-10) - When bad days outnumber good days, quality of life is compromised. When a healthy human-animal bond is no longer possible, the caregiver must be made aware that the end is near. The decision needs to be made if the pet is suffering. Suffering is more than physical pain - it's also psychological pain. If all the animal can feel and think about is their pain and anxiety then their happiness has ended. We need to take a holistic view of the animal’s current life. If death comes peacefully and painlessly (without euthanasia intervention), that is okay but don't plan on this happening as natural death most often does not come peacefully or painlessly.

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TOTAL - A total over 35 points may represent acceptable quality of life.