Lap of Love Quality of Life Scale

Lap of Love Pet
Quality-of-Life Scale
When evaluating the quality of life of your pet, personalized patient and family information is
important when reaching an educated, informed, and supported choice that fits not only your
pet’s medical condition, but also your wishes and expectations. In short, quality of life applies
not only to the pet, it also applies to you!
Your Name:
Pet’s Name: Date & Time:
0 = agree with statement (describes my pet)

SCORE EACH SUBSECTION
1 = some changes seen
ON A SCALE OF 0-2:
2 = disagree with statement (does not describe my pet)
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS HEALTH

Desire to be with the family has not No changes in breathing or panting patterns
changed No outward signs of pain (excessive
Interacts normally with family or other pets panting, pacing, and whining are most
(i.e., no increased aggression or other commonly seen)
changes) No pacing around the house
My pet’s overall condition has not changed
recently
MENTAL HEALTH NATURAL FUNCTIONS

Enjoys normal play activities Appetite has stayed the same
Still dislikes the same thing (i.e., still hates Drinking has stayed the same
the mailman = 0, or doesn’t bark at the Normal urination habits
mailman anymore = 2)
Normal bowel movement habits
No outward signs of stress or anxiety
Ability to ambulate (walk around) has
Does not seem confused or apathetic stayed the same
Nighttime activity is normal, no changes seen
RESULTS
Total score added from each section
0-8: Quality of life is most likely adequate. No medical intervention required yet, but guidance from
your veterinarian may help you identify signs to look for in the future.
9–16: Quality of life is questionable and medical intervention is suggested. Your pet would certainly benefit
from veterinary oversight and guidance to evaluate the disease process he/she is experiencing.
17-32: Quality of life is a definite concern. Changes will likely become more progressive and more severe
in the near future. Veterinary guidance will help you better understand the end stages of your pet’s
disease process in order to make a more informed decision of whether to continue hospice care or
elect peaceful euthanasia.
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consent from Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice.
Lap of Love
Pet Family Concerns
0 = I am not concerned at this time
SCORE EACH ITEM
1 = There is some concern
ON A SCALE OF 0-2:
2 = I am concerned about this
I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE FOLLOWING THINGS:

Pet suffering Desire to perform nursing care for your pet
Pet dying alone Ability to perform nursing care for your pet
Not knowing the right time to euthanize Coping with loss
Concern for other household animals Concern for other members of the family
(i.e. children)
RESULTS
Total score added from each section
0-4: Your concerns are minimal at this time. You have either accepted the inevitable loss of your pet and
understand what lies ahead, or have not yet given it much thought. If you have not considered these
things, now is the time to begin evaluating your own concerns and limitations.
5–9: Your concerns are mounting. Begin your search for information by educating yourself on your pet’s
condition; it’s the best way to ensure you are prepared for the emotional changes ahead.
10-16: Although you may not place much value on your own quality of life, your concerns about the changes
in your pet are valid. Now is the time to prepare yourself and to build a support system around you.
Veterinary guidance will help you prepare for the medical changes in your pet while counselors and
other health professionals can begin helping you with anticipatory grief.
DISCUSS THE QUESTIONS BELOW, AND THE ENTIRE QUALITY-OF-LIFE SCALE, WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN
Below are some open-ended questions that assist gauge your family’s time, emotional, and (when appropriate,
financial) budgets:
1. Have you ever been through the loss of a pet before? If so, what was your experience (good or bad, and why)?
2. What do you hope the life expectancy of your pet will be? What do you think it will be?
3. What is the ideal situation you wish for your pet’s end of life experience? (at home, pass away in her sleep, etc.)
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.
Resources:
1. AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, www.aahanet.org/Library/PainMgmt.aspx
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consent from Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice.

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Lap of Love Pet

0 = agree with statement (describes my pet)

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS HEALTH

MENTAL HEALTH NATURAL FUNCTIONS

Total score added from each section

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I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE FOLLOWING THINGS:

Not knowing the right time to euthanize Coping with loss

Total score added from each section

Suggestions on using this quality-of-life scale:

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