Facial expression-based pain scales developed for companion animals allow more objective pain assessment than behavioral observation alone. These tools improve welfare by enabling more consistent treatment decisions.
Facial pain assessment tools represent a significant welfare advancement because they enable more objective, consistent, and early pain identification than purely behavioral approaches. An owner who can photograph their cat and assess the Feline Grimace Scale can identify pain states that might otherwise be attributed to normal behavior. Making these tools accessible and teaching their use to companion animal owners extends welfare benefits beyond the clinical setting.