Prevalence, risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections in companion animals and associated owner knowledge, attitudes and practices in Jiangsu province, China

Intestinal parasitic infection in companion animals threaten both animal health and public health due to their zoonotic potential. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasites in companion animals across Jiangsu province of China, and evaluated the pet owners’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding intestinal parasites in companion animals. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jiangsu between June 2024 and November 2025. A total of 1,348 fecal samples from companion dogs and cats were examined by microscope while a structured questionnaire was used to collect KAP data from pet owners. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites in companion animals was 7.05% (95/1,348), with Toxocara spp. being the most prevalent parasite (2.23%). The prevalence was significantly higher in cats (8.76%) than in dogs (5.45%), and higher in rural areas (10.85%) than urban areas (3.26%). Independent risk factors for intestinal parasitic infection in companion animals included companion cat, rural residence, residence in northern Jiangsu, raw food consumption, and failure to deworm (all P < 0.05). Area, region, education level and occupation significantly influenced pet owners’ total KAP scores (all P < 0.001). Rural and northern Jiangsu pet owners scored lower, while pet owners with higher education and non-farming occupations scored higher. This study reveals a notable intestinal parasites burden in companion animals of Jiangsu, with disparities by host species and residence. The findings underscore the need for integrated and multi-level interventions, including enhanced veterinary services, targeted health education for pet owners, promotion of regular deworming, and proper pet feeding to interrupt zoonotic transmission within the One Health framework.