Furry Friends Bring Joy and Connection to AdventHealth Team Members

Choose the health content that’s right for you, and get it delivered right in your inbox.

AdventHealth Daytona Beach hosted a mobile petting zoo over the summer for a special visit that brought smiles, laughter and a whole lot of furry love to our team members. Taking advantage of long summer days, the event ran with both morning and evening hours to make sure that our night- and day-shift team members could experience the benefits of downtime with some four-legged pals.

A selfie AdventHealth Team Member smiling with an alpaca

Animal-assisted support programs like this are fun, and they are backed by research. According to the American Heart Association, interactions with animals can:

• Reduce stress

• Improve mood and emotional well-being

• Enhance social interactions

• Boost engagement and productivity

• Strengthen workplace culture


From the cuddly alpaca, “Benny," to some curious and energetic goats, our team members had the chance to unwind and recharge. It was more than just a break - it was a reminder of the power of connection and community.

An AdventHealth Team member hugging a goat