The decision about when and how to end a companion animal's life is one of the most difficult welfare decisions owners face. Understanding quality of life assessment helps make this decision more clearly welfare-centered.
Companion animal end-of-life welfare has two dimensions: the animal's welfare during the dying process, and the owner's wellbeing through a difficult decision. Euthanasia, when timely and appropriately administered, is the most welfare-positive death available to companion animals — peaceful, painless, and free of fear when done correctly. Delaying euthanasia beyond the point where quality of life allows good days is a welfare failure driven by owner grief rather than animal interest. Quality of life scales provide a structure for honest assessment. In-home euthanasia performed by a veterinarian allows the animal to die in familiar surroundings without the stress of a clinic visit. Discussing end-of-life planning before crisis situations arise produces better welfare outcomes.