News Summary
The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is partnering with Wild Tunes to introduce live music in an effort to enhance the shelter experience for animals and improve adoption rates. This unique initiative will feature volunteer musicians playing soothing melodies to help shelter animals relax and attract potential adopters. With 23 dogs currently available for adoption, the center aims to create a nurturing environment for these animals and foster community involvement. The program is set to launch, bringing hope to both the residents at the shelter and local animal lovers.
Mission Viejo – The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is launching a unique initiative in partnership with Wild Tunes, a Texas-based nonprofit, to enhance the shelter experience for animals and boost their chances of adoption through the power of live music. This program is set to officially begin on August 5, 2025.
The collaboration aims to provide soothing melodies performed by volunteer musicians to help the shelter animals relax and form connections with potential adopters. Currently, the Mission Viejo shelter has 23 dogs available for adoption, and the introduction of live music is anticipated to improve their overall well-being during their stay.
Wild Tunes, founded in 2023 by Yuzi Agarwal at just 12 years old, has made significant strides in using music as a therapeutic tool for shelter animals. The nonprofit has expanded its services beyond Texas to include shelters in Colorado and New Jersey, promoting the benefits of music in aiding the adoption process.
According to the director of the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center, music plays a crucial role in soothing animals, particularly those who may have experienced trauma prior to arriving at the shelter. The use of live music is seen as an enrichment opportunity that not only benefits the animals but also supports the well-being of the staff and increases volunteer involvement.
Studies have suggested that classical music can have a calming effect on dogs, especially in stressful environments like animal shelters. While this concept holds promise, researchers caution that more studies are needed to comprehensively understand the effects of music on animal behavior. In the meantime, the Mission Viejo shelter is optimistic that the introduction of Wild Tunes will create a more inviting atmosphere for visitors and prospective pet owners.
In preparation for the program’s launch, details regarding volunteer opportunities with Wild Tunes and the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center will be made available to the public. This initiative not only aims to improve the lives of shelter animals but also serves to foster a community spirit among local residents who may wish to lend their musical talents to the cause.
The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all animals in its care and hopes that this partnership will play a pivotal role in finding permanent homes for its residents.
As the launch date approaches, local animal lovers and aspiring musicians are encouraged to consider how they can contribute to this innovative program, creating a harmonious blend of music and companionship that supports the mission of animal welfare.
For those interested in volunteering with Wild Tunes or learning more about the initiative, further information can be obtained through the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center. The center remains dedicated to enriching the lives of shelter animals and increasing their chances for successful adoptions, one note at a time.
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Additional Resources
- KTLA
- NBC Los Angeles
- Orange County Register
- iHeart
- LAist
- Wikipedia: Animal Shelter
- Google Search: Music for Dogs
- Google Scholar: Music Effects on Animals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Behavior
- Google News: Animal Adoption Music

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.