Score a senior pet's quality of life across the recognised welfare dimensions.
The scale gives equal weight to seven dimensions, and a total above about 35 is generally considered consistent with acceptable welfare. Tracking the score over time reveals trends that day-to-day observation misses. Pain is routinely underestimated in animals because they mask it, which is why a structured scale surfaces decline that affection and habit tend to explain away.
Senior Pet Quality of Life Scale
Sum of seven welfare dimensions each scored 0 to 10, giving a total out of 70
This scale is an aid to reflection and discussion, not a clinical decision tool or a substitute for veterinary assessment. End of life decisions should always be made in consultation with your veterinarian, who can assess pain and treatable conditions directly. If you are concerned about your animal's welfare, seek veterinary advice promptly.
Sum of seven welfare dimensions each scored 0 to 10, giving a total out of 70 The scale gives equal weight to seven dimensions, and a total above about 35 is generally considered consistent with acceptable welfare. Tracking the score over time reveals trends that day-to-day observation misses.
Pain is routinely underestimated in animals because they mask it, which is why a structured scale surfaces decline that affection and habit tend to explain away.
This calculator takes 7 inputs: Pain control and breathing, Appetite and eating, Hydration, Grooming and continence, Interest and engagement, Mobility, More good days than bad. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic starting point — replace them with figures from your own environment for a result you can act on.