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Pet Quality of Life Calculator

The HHHHHMM scale helps you assess your pet's wellbeing across seven key criteria. It can support — but never replace — an honest conversation with your veterinarian.

A tool for reflection, not a verdict. This assessment is adapted from the widely recognised HHHHHMM scale developed by Dr. Alice Villalobos. It is designed to provide structure during a deeply personal time. Each criterion is scored 0–10 (0 = very poor, 10 = excellent). A total above 35 out of 70 generally suggests an acceptable quality of life — but your vet's assessment and your knowledge of your pet are what matter most.
1
😣 Hurt — Pain Management
Is your pet's pain adequately controlled? Consider breathing, posture, vocalisation, and response to touch. A high score means pain is well-managed or absent.
5
0 — Severe pain10 — Pain-free
2
🍽️ Hunger — Nutritional Status
Is your pet eating enough to maintain body condition? Consider appetite, weight, and whether hand-feeding or a feeding tube is needed.
5
0 — Refuses food10 — Eats well
3
💧 Hydration — Fluid Balance
Is your pet adequately hydrated? Check skin turgor, gum moisture, and whether they drink independently. Dehydration causes significant distress.
5
0 — Severely dehydrated10 — Well hydrated
4
🛁 Hygiene — Cleanliness & Grooming
Can your pet be kept clean and comfortable? Consider skin sores, incontinence, ability to groom, and coat or wound care. Dignity matters.
5
0 — Chronic soiling / sores10 — Clean & comfortable
5
😊 Happiness — Mental State
Does your pet show interest in life — interacting with family, responding to their name, enjoying toys or affection? Consider anxiety, depression, and overall demeanour.
5
0 — Withdrawn / distressed10 — Joyful & engaged
6
🦮 Mobility — Physical Function
Can your pet move with enough independence to avoid constant suffering? Consider ability to reposition, stand, walk, and avoid pressure sores.
5
0 — Cannot move10 — Moves freely
7
📅 More Good Days than Bad
Looking at the past week or two, does your pet have more good days than bad? This is the most holistic question — trust your instinct as the person who knows your pet best.
5
0 — Mostly bad days10 — Mostly good days
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035 threshold70
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This tool does not constitute veterinary advice, diagnosis, or a recommendation for euthanasia. It is an educational aid to help structure your observations. Only a licensed veterinarian can evaluate your pet's full clinical picture. Please schedule a consultation before making any end-of-life decisions.

Understanding the HHHHHMM Scale

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Developed by veterinary oncologist Dr. Alice Villalobos, the HHHHHMM scale was created to give pet owners a structured, compassionate framework for end-of-life assessment.
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Score above 35 / 70 generally indicates an acceptable quality of life. This does not mean all is well — it means the balance currently leans towards comfort over suffering.
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Score below 35 / 70 suggests significant suffering may outweigh quality moments. This warrants an urgent, open conversation with your veterinarian about comfort care and end-of-life options.
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Whatever the score, you are not alone. Grief and love for a companion animal are real, valid, and profound. Give yourself compassion as you navigate this time.

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