Pet Quality of Life Calculator
The Pet Quality of Life Scale helps you assess your companion's comfort and wellbeing across seven key areas: pain management, nutrition, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility, and overall good days. Based on the HHHHHMM Scale by veterinary oncologist Dr. Alice Villalobos, this free tool gives you a framework to reflect on your pet's daily experience and guide conversations with your veterinarian.
Rate each category from 1 (worst) to 10 (best) based on your pet's current condition.
Hurt
5Is your pet's pain being managed successfully? Can they breathe comfortably?
Hunger
5Is your pet eating enough to maintain nutrition? Does hand-feeding help?
Hydration
5Is your pet drinking enough water? Are they dehydrated?
Hygiene
5Can your pet be kept clean and groomed? Are there pressure sores or soiling?
Happiness
5Does your pet show joy or interest? Do they respond to family, toys, or surroundings?
Mobility
5Can your pet move around without assistance? Do they want to go for walks or play?
More Good Days Than Bad
5Overall, does your pet have more good days than bad days?
This calculator is based on the HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale developed by Dr. Alice Villalobos. It is intended as a guide to help you reflect on your pet's wellbeing — it is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for medical decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Pet Quality of Life Scale (HHHHHMM) was developed by veterinary oncologist Dr. Alice Villalobos. It assesses seven key areas — Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and More Good Days Than Bad — each scored from 1 to 10. A total score above 35 generally indicates acceptable quality of life.
This calculator is a helpful guide for reflection, but it is not a medical diagnosis. Every pet is unique, and quality of life involves nuances that only you and your veterinarian can fully assess. Use the results as a starting point for conversation with your vet.
There is no single number that definitively answers this question. Generally, a score below 25 suggests poor quality of life, but the decision to euthanize should always involve your veterinarian, your family, and your understanding of your pet's individual needs and personality.
Yes. The HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale applies to both dogs and cats, as well as other companion animals. The seven categories — pain, nutrition, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility, and overall good days — are universal measures of wellbeing.