Euthanasia decisions for companion animals are among the most difficult welfare choices owners face. Understanding how to assess quality of life helps owners make decisions that serve their animals.
End-of-life decisions for companion animals represent some of the most profound welfare responsibilities of pet ownership. Unlike human medicine, the option of euthanasia exists and creates both an obligation to consider it when suffering is unrelievable and psychological difficulty for owners who may feel guilt regardless of timing. Veterinary surveys consistently find that owners tend to delay euthanasia beyond the point where quality of life has become poor. Quality of life assessment tools help owners make more objective evaluations. The welfare principle is that animals cannot advocate for themselves, creating an owner obligation to prioritize their animal's wellbeing over the owner's grief about loss.