News Summary
The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center has introduced ‘Wild Tunes,’ a new initiative that utilizes live music to create a calming atmosphere for shelter pets. Founded by a young Texas native, the program aims to improve animal wellbeing and foster community engagement. Volunteer musicians are encouraged to perform, enhancing the animals’ moods and increasing their adoption chances. The initiative is gaining traction not only in Mission Viejo but also in other Southern California shelters, highlighting a growing commitment to animal welfare and community support.
Mission Viejo – The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center in Orange County has launched a new initiative called “Wild Tunes” to create a calming environment for shelter pets through live music. The program was officially launched on August 5, 2025, at noon. This effort aims to make a positive impact on the animals’ wellbeing while also enhancing community engagement.
The “Wild Tunes” program was founded by 12-year-old Yuvi Agarwal from Texas, who began the initiative in 2023. Agarwal believes that music can help animals form positive associations with humans, thus facilitating their adoption. By introducing live music into the shelter, the program aims to alleviate stress among animals and improve their overall mood.
Volunteer musicians of all skill levels are invited to participate in “Wild Tunes.” To engage with the program, musicians are required to select a shelter location and complete a volunteer training session before scheduling their performance dates. The initiative specifically encourages the use of string and wind instruments, while percussion instruments are prohibited due to their potential to create anxiety among the animals.
The program has already begun to show its effects, with the first volunteer artist, 15-year-old Kayden Tokarski, performing for the shelter animals. The director of the animal shelter, Brynn Lavison, has expressed optimism regarding the program’s potential to enhance their enrichment offerings. Currently, the facility includes aromatherapy and handmade toys as part of its enrichment strategies.
Community involvement is a significant aspect of the “Wild Tunes” program. Local residents are invited to attend live performances and interact with adoptable animals during these events. The aim is to foster a supportive environment not only for the pets but also for the volunteers, who can experience the joy of connecting with animals in need.
In addition to the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center, other animal shelters throughout Southern California, including those in San Diego County, are participating in the “Wild Tunes” initiative. This collaborative effort signifies a broader commitment across the region to enhance animal welfare and increase volunteer involvement in shelters.
Individuals interested in volunteering for the program or learning more about the opportunities available can register online or call (949) 470-3045 for further information. The initiative not only aims to improve the welfare of shelter animals but also to cultivate a strong sense of community support.
The launch of the “Wild Tunes” program marks an important step toward enhancing the lives of animals in shelters. By combining the therapeutic effects of music with community volunteerism, the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center continues to seek innovative approaches to improve animal welfare and expedite the adoption process.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Music Initiative Enhances Animal Welfare in Mission Viejo
Additional Resources
- LAist: Orange County Animal Shelter Seeks Musicians for Pets
- Wikipedia: Animal Shelter
- CBS News: OC Animal Shelter Music Program
- Google Search: Animal Adoption Music Therapy
- KTLA: Mission Viejo Shelter Live Music
- Google Scholar: Music Therapy for Dogs
- OC Register: Wild Tunes Program for Pets
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dog
- LAist: How to Perform for Adoptable Pets
- Google News: Animal Shelters Community 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.
