Pet Quality of Life Assessment
This compassionate assessment helps you evaluate your pet's quality of life using the veterinary HHHHHMM scale, seven dimensions that veterinarians use to guide end-of-life conversations.
Developed by veterinary oncologist Dr. Alice Villalobos, the HHHHHMM scale helps pet owners have informed conversations with their vet. This tool is for reflection, not a diagnosis.
What does the Pet Quality of Life Assessment do?
The Pet Quality of Life Assessment scores a pet on the HHHHHMM scale, a tool developed by veterinary oncologist Dr Alice Villalobos and used by vets to guide end-of-life conversations. The seven criteria are Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and More good days than bad. Each is rated from 0 to 10 and the scores are added; a total above 35 is generally taken to mean quality of life is still acceptable. The assessment is for reflection and for structuring a conversation with your vet. It is not a diagnosis and it does not decide anything on its own.
How do I use the Pet Quality of Life Assessment?
Rate each of the seven criteria from 0 to 10, with 10 the best. Be honest rather than hopeful: the scale only helps if it reflects an ordinary day, not the best day this week. Repeat it every few days and note the trend, because a single score matters less than the direction it is moving, and pets with chronic illness often have better and worse days. Take the scores to your vet; the criteria map directly onto the questions they will ask. The assessment runs in the browser and needs no account.
Who is the Pet Quality of Life Assessment for?
For owners of a pet with a terminal or chronic condition who are trying to judge when it is time, and for anyone whose vet has raised end-of-life care. It gives a shared vocabulary to families who disagree about how the pet is doing, and to people who feel they are guessing. It is not for emergencies: a pet in acute distress needs a vet now, not a score. If the result is a low total or a falling trend, the in-home versus clinic euthanasia guide and the end-of-life cost estimator on this site cover the next decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HHHHHMM quality of life scale?
The HHHHHMM scale was developed by veterinary oncologist Dr. Alice Villalobos. It evaluates seven dimensions of pet welfare: Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and More Good Days Than Bad. Each is scored 1-10, giving a total out of 70.
Is this assessment a replacement for veterinary advice?
No. This tool helps you organize your observations to share with your veterinarian. Only a vet can properly assess your pet's condition and recommend next steps.
What score means my pet has a poor quality of life?
A total score below 28 out of 70 suggests your pet may be experiencing significant discomfort and you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Scores between 28-41 indicate declining quality of life that warrants a vet conversation.
Why does my pet seem better some days?
Pets with terminal illness often experience what veterinarians call a "terminal rally," a temporary improvement before decline. This is well-documented in veterinary medicine and doesn't necessarily mean recovery.