News Summary
The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center has launched ‘Wild Tunes’, a program designed to help shelter animals cope with stress through live music. Initiated by 12-year-old Yuvi Agarwal, the program features local musicians performing uplifting songs to create a positive environment for adoptable pets. The initiative has shown promising impacts on animal behavior and is actively seeking more volunteer musicians to expand its reach. This creative approach aims to enhance the welfare of shelter pets and improve their chances of adoption.
Mission Viejo – The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center has officially launched a new program called “Wild Tunes” aimed at helping shelter animals cope with stress and reframe their interactions with humans positively. The program commenced on August 5, 2025, and seeks to enhance the well-being of pets in the shelter while increasing their chances of adoption.
The “Wild Tunes” program is the brainchild of Yuvi Agarwal, a 12-year-old from Texas who took the initiative to travel to California specifically to perform and support shelter animals through music. Yuvi’s nonprofit organization has mobilized a team of volunteer musicians and singers to provide live music at the shelter, transforming the environment for adoptable pets.
During the inaugural performances, local artists, including 15-year-old Annika Almgren from Ladera Ranch, provided uplifting songs for the dogs. Among the setlist were popular pieces such as “Love Story” by Taylor Swift and “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus. Annika, who aspires to become a veterinarian, shared her enthusiasm for combining her musical talent with her passion for animal welfare through participation in this program.
Community members showed strong support for the initiative, including Mission Viejo’s Mayor Bob Ruesch. Attendees witnessed firsthand the calming influence that live music had on the dogs. Observations during the performances indicated that many shelter animals appeared to relax and engage positively with the sounds of music.
Yuvi Agarwal emphasized the benefits of the program, noting a measurable impact when certain dogs approached the keyboard during performances, which statistically increased their adoption likelihood. This unique blend of live music and therapeutic interactions is designed not only to increase the likelihood of adoption for the animals but also to enhance the volunteer musicians’ confidence and develop their skills.
The “Wild Tunes” program is not limited to Mission Viejo. The Southeast Area Animal Control Authority shelter in Downey, California, also recently introduced the initiative. Both shelters are actively seeking more volunteer musicians and singers to contribute to this heartwarming cause.
Individuals interested in volunteering can register by visiting the program’s dedicated website or by calling the specified contact number at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center. The ongoing push for volunteer musicians aims to expand the reach and impact of the “Wild Tunes” program to benefit more animals in need.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the welfare of animals awaiting adoption, which includes various enrichment activities already in place at the shelter. Early indications from studies suggest that music can have a soothing effect on animals in shelter settings, though further research is required to fully understand the effectiveness of music as a therapeutic tool for animals.
Overall, the “Wild Tunes” program represents a creative approach to improving the quality of life for shelter pets and fostering community involvement in their journey toward finding forever homes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mission Viejo Animal Services Center Introduces Live Music for Adoption
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Mission Viejo Launches ‘Wild Tunes’ Program for Shelter Animals
Mission Viejo Launches “Wild Tunes” Program for Shelter Animals
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Additional Resources
- KTLA: Mission Viejo Shelter Live Music Soothes Homeless Pets
- CBS News: Orange County Animal Shelter’s New Program Uses Music
- OC Register: Wild Tunes Program Arranges Music Performances for Shelter Pets
- NBC Los Angeles: Mission Viejo to Launch Live Music Program
- LAist: Orange County Animal Shelter Wants Volunteers for Music
- Wikipedia: Animal Shelter
- Google Search: Animal Shelter Music Programs
- Google Scholar: Music Therapy for Animals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Welfare
- Google News: Shelter Pets Music Program
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
