News Summary
The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is introducing the “Wild Tunes” initiative, designed to help shelter animals find homes through live music performances. This program encourages volunteer musicians to play soothing music for shelter pets, aiming to reduce their stress and enhance their well-being. Founded by a young advocate, the initiative seeks to create more favorable adoption conditions for animals while encouraging community engagement. The inaugural event features a performance by the program’s creator, underscoring the positive impact of music on the lives of shelter animals.
Mission Viejo Launches “Wild Tunes” Program to Aid Shelter Animals
The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is set to unveil a new initiative called “Wild Tunes,” aimed at helping shelter animals find loving homes. The official launch is scheduled for noon on August 5. The program encourages volunteer musicians of all skill levels to perform for the animals, providing them with soothing music to alleviate stress and improve comfort levels.
This innovative program was founded by 12-year-old Yuvi Agarwal from Houston, Texas, who believes that music has the ability to calm, connect, and heal. The project’s primary objective is to create a tranquil atmosphere for shelter pets, making them feel more at ease in their environment and enhancing their chances of adoption.
In an effort to implement and expand this program, Mission Viejo is actively seeking volunteer musicians and singers interested in participating. The Animal Services Director, Brynn Lavison, expressed optimism regarding the partnership with Wild Tunes, highlighting its potential to improve the shelter experience for animals and engage community volunteers.
Benefits of Music for Shelter Animals
Research suggests that music, particularly classical, can have a calming effect on dogs in stressful environments, though more studies are needed for definitive conclusions.
Volunteer musician Kayden Tokarski noted that music has the potential to provide comfort and peace to traumatized shelter animals, reinforcing the notion that exposure to music can significantly enhance their well-being.
Program Details and Participation
The “Wild Tunes” initiative is part of the animal center’s enrichment program, striving to alleviate the stress experienced by shelter animals and create more positive interactions with potential adopters. Musicians interested in participating must choose a shelter and complete volunteer training prior to scheduling live performances. Instrument types permitted include keyboard, violin, guitar, flute, and other string or wind instruments. Drums, chimes, and percussion instruments are not allowed, as they may cause anxiety among the shelter pets.
Community involvement is encouraged, with Lavison advocating for visitors to engage with adoptable animals while enjoying the live music presentations. The first performance will feature Yuvi Agarwal himself playing the keyboard during the inaugural launch of the program.
Expanding the Initiative
Since its inception, the Wild Tunes program has made its way to several shelters across different states, including those in Colorado and New Jersey. This expansion emphasizes the growing recognition of the positive impact that music can have on shelter animals and their prospects for finding permanent homes.
How to Get Involved
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mission Viejo Launches ‘Wild Tunes’ Program for Shelter Animals
Music Initiative Enhances Animal Welfare in Mission Viejo
Additional Resources
- NBC Los Angeles
- LAist
- Patch
- Google Search: Music Therapy for Shelter Animals
- Wikipedia: Animal Shelter
