News Summary
The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center has partnered with Wild Tunes to launch a live music program designed to soothe shelter animals. This innovative initiative, founded by Yuzi Agarwal, aims to enhance the well-being of animals awaiting adoption. Volunteer musicians will contribute to a calming atmosphere, improving the mental health of these pets. Additionally, the center will participate in California’s Adopt-a-Pet Day to promote animal adoption and raise awareness about pet overpopulation. The collaboration signifies a step forward in enhancing experiences for the animals and potential adopters.
Mission Viejo Launches Live Music Program for Shelter Animals
The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center has announced a new partnership with Wild Tunes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to using music to soothe shelter animals. This innovative program, founded in 2023 by young innovator Yuzi Agarwal, aims to enhance the well-being of animals and make them more appealing for adoption. The program will officially commence at noon on August 5 at the center, located at 28095 Hillcrest, Mission Viejo.
Wild Tunes plans to expand its influence beyond Mission Viejo, with additional initiatives set for animal shelters in Colorado, New Jersey, and other parts of California. This initiative is aligned with the center’s broader mission to provide enriching experiences for animals awaiting adoption, thereby increasing their chances of finding forever homes.
Volunteer musicians, such as Kayden Tokarski, will play music for the animals, contributing to a peaceful atmosphere that promotes relaxation and comfort. Research indicates that music can have a calming effect on dogs, especially those recovering from trauma or stressful environments. While some scholars advocate for more research to validate these findings, the strategy is seen as a key component of enhancing wellness for shelter animals.
Enhancing Animal Enrichment Programs
The introduction of the Wild Tunes program will bolster the existing enrichment strategies at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center, according to the center’s director, Brynn Lavison. She asserts the importance of offering such resources to improve the overall mental health of animals who often experience uncertainty while waiting for stable, loving households.
In conjunction with the launch of the music program, the center will participate in California’s Adopt-a-Pet Day on June 7. This event is designed to promote pet adoption and raise awareness about the critical issue of pet overpopulation, which is exacerbated by irresponsible breeding practices. During this day, adoption fees will be waived for approved applicants, further incentivizing potential pet owners to consider adopting animals in need of homes rather than purchasing them.
Community Engagement and Animal Welfare
Adopt-a-Pet Day encourages the community to come together to support homeless pets, showcasing the benefits of adopting animals from shelters. This initiative aims to change the lives of both the animals and their future owners, fostering long-lasting bonds based on care and commitment. The events and programs at the center serve as a crucial reminder of the many loving animals waiting for homes and the impact community involvement can have on animal welfare.
The collaboration between the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center and Wild Tunes represents a significant step forward in the efforts to enhance the atmosphere for animals in shelters. By using the calming influence of music, the program seeks not only to improve the emotional state of the animals but to also provide a better overall experience for visitors contemplating adoption.
For further information about the Wild Tunes program or details regarding Adopt-a-Pet Day, interested individuals can contact the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center at 949-470-3045.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mission Viejo Animal Services Center Unveils New Mural
Mission Viejo Launches ‘Wild Tunes’ to Benefit Shelter Animals
Mission Viejo Launches ‘Wild Tunes’ Program for Shelter Pets
New ‘Wild Tunes’ Program Launched for Shelter Animals
Mission Viejo Animal Services Center Introduces Live Music for Adoption
Mission Viejo Launches Wild Tunes Program for Shelter Animals
Mission Viejo Launches ‘Wild Tunes’ Program for Shelter Pets
Mission Viejo Launches ‘Wild Tunes’ Program for Shelter Animals
Mission Viejo Launches “Wild Tunes” Program for Shelter Animals
Mission Viejo Launches ‘Wild Tunes’ Program for Shelter Animals
Additional Resources
- NBC Los Angeles
- Wikipedia: Pet Adoption
- KTLA
- Google Search: music for animal shelters
- LAist
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Welfare
- Patch
- Google News: Mission Viejo Animal Services

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.