National Pet Day is April 11, but if you’re a pet owner, every day is a pet day. So hug your hedgehog, bond with your bunny, and cut your kitty some catnip! When you see your pet, you’re happy. But that’s not all. A decade ago, the NIH began studying the health benefits of owning a pet. And they’ve discovered pets improve physical and mental health, with less stress, lower blood pressure, and increased socialization. Colleen Paige is a pet and family lifestyle expert who founded National Pet Day in 2006. This day is designed to celebrate the joy pets bring to us.