April is National Pet Month, which gives us the purrfect excuse to celebrate the furry, feathered, and scaly friends who make our lives brighter. But beyond the cuteness and chaos, what does the science actually say about the impact of pets on human well-being? Spoiler: It’s not just fluff. There’s solid evidence that living with companion animals can improve our mental and physical health, reduce stress, and help us form stronger social connections.