A new global survey commissioned by Boehringer Ingelheim suggests that many pet owners still lack a clear understanding of parasite risks, even though infections are common and prevention options are widely available.

Released ahead of World Parasite Awareness Day on March 20, the survey of 6,500 pet owners across nine countries found that 43% said their pets had already experienced a parasite infection, while 75% said they would welcome clearer advice on prevention. According to the survey, 27% of respondents described themselves as only slightly familiar with parasite risks or not familiar at all.

For the animal health sector, the findings underline a familiar challenge: awareness does not always translate into consistent preventive action, despite the scale of the risk for both companion animals and public health.

Boehringer Ingelheim said the results supported the launch of its new campaign, “Small acts of love. Big moments of life,” timed to coincide with the seasonal rise in parasite activity in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

The data also highlights the continuing global burden of parasitic disease. In the US, more than 1.2 million dogs are estimated to be heartworm-positive, while heartworm has spread into new parts of Europe and remains highly prevalent in several parts of Latin America, Africa and Asia. Tick exposure also remains significant: a cited Italian study found that more than 47% of dogs could be infested, while a separate study in Southeast Asia reported ticks on up to 67% of owned dogs.

Beyond causing discomfort, parasites including fleas, ticks and worms can lead to serious disease in pets. Some also carry zoonotic risk, meaning they can infest or transmit infections to people. With warmer temperatures and increased travel contributing to wider parasite distribution, prevention is becoming a more prominent issue for veterinarians, manufacturers and pet owners alike.

The survey also reinforced the role of veterinary professionals in parasite control. Seventy percent of respondents said veterinarians were their most trusted source of pet health advice, underlining the importance of clinic-led education and risk-based prevention plans tailored to geography, season and lifestyle.

Claire Fowler, Head of Global Strategic Marketing for Animal Health at Boehringer Ingelheim, said the company wants to position parasite prevention as a simple but meaningful part of routine pet care.

From a market perspective, the campaign reflects how animal health companies are increasingly linking preventive care messaging with consumer insight, especially in companion animal segments where compliance and owner education remain key commercial and medical priorities.