The Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS), a non-profit animal welfare and education organization, is encouraging families to ensure their pets are safe this Halloween.

“Many pets get sick or go missing during holidays like Halloween,” said Denise Deisler, JHS executive director.  “It is important that families keep their pets in a comfortable, safe place, especially during parties and trick-or-treating.”

According to a recent survey of dog owners in the Jacksonville area, 75 percent of dog owners consider their canine a member of the family, yet only 14 percent were able to correctly identify October as the month when flea population peaks.

Over the past five years, flea infestation in dogs nationwide has increased by 16 percent. Despite the growing flea infestation, local dog owners have limited knowledge about fleas and their potential impact on the family. For example, many pet owners would be surprised to learn that adult fleas represent only 5% of the flea population – the other 95% exist as eggs, maggot-like larvae and pupae hiding in and around your home. And, only 20% of local pet owners are aware that fleas can carry diseases.