September 16, 2025

Mission Viejo Animal Shelter Launches Wild Tunes Program

News Summary

The Mission Viejo Animal Shelter has introduced the ‘Wild Tunes’ program to help shelter animals with live music. Founded by 12-year-old Yuvi Agarwal, this initiative encourages volunteers to sing or play instruments for the animals, aiming to improve their emotional well-being and bolster adoption rates. The program’s official launch took place on August 5, with community support highlighting its potential benefits. Volunteers like Annika Almgren and Kayden Tokarski have already seen positive changes in the shelter pets. Interested individuals can volunteer through the shelter’s website.

Mission Viejo – The Mission Viejo Animal Shelter has launched a new initiative called the ‘Wild Tunes’ program that aims to help shelter animals adjust to their environment through live music. This program encourages volunteers to sing or play instruments for the shelter’s dogs and cats, with the hope of improving the animals’ emotional states and enhancing the bond between humans and animals.

The official announcement of the partnership with Wild Tunes, a Texas-based nonprofit established in 2023, was made on August 5. The organization was founded by a 12-year-old named Yuvi Agarwal, who aims to soothe shelter pets using music as a method of enrichment. The initiative is expected to raise the likelihood of adoption for these animals by helping them feel more comfortable around humans.

The inaugural Wild Tunes event took place at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center at noon on August 5, showcasing the new project to community members and potential volunteers. Director Brynn Lavison expressed enthusiasm regarding the anticipated positive effects of the program for both the animals and the volunteers involved.

High school sophomore Annika Almgren is among the volunteers participating in the program. She frequently visits the shelter to sing to the animals and has observed noticeable results, noting the effectiveness of music in improving the animals’ mood and behavior. Fellow volunteer musician, Kayden Tokarski, described the therapeutic impact of music on those pets who have experienced trauma, illustrating how melodies can provide comfort during their time at the shelter.

While some studies suggest that music can have calming effects on dogs, experts caution that the data supporting this notion is limited and outcomes may vary by individual animals. Nonetheless, the Wild Tunes program is an innovative approach to animal care that aligns with broader enrichment initiatives within the shelter.

The introduction of live music is also seen as a way to enhance volunteer engagement and promote animal welfare at the center. Yuvi Agarwal emphasized the importance of exposing shelter animals to music to lessen their anxiety and help prepare them for adoption into loving homes. Mission Viejo residents, including Mayor Bob Ruesch, have observed the calming influence of music on the animals, reflecting a community-wide support for the program.

Individuals interested in volunteering for the Wild Tunes program can register via the shelter’s website. It is required that volunteers complete a training session before scheduling performance times with shelter staff. This ensures that all sessions are well-organized and beneficial for the animals.

Those who want to learn more about getting involved with the Wild Tunes initiative can find additional details on how to participate by calling the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center at (949) 470-3045. With encouraging signs of community involvement and support, the Wild Tunes program is poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of both the shelter animals and the people who care for them.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Mission Viejo Launches Live Music Program for Shelter Animals
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 Animals
Mission Viejo Launches “Wild Tunes” Program for Shelter Animals
Music Initiative Enhances Animal Welfare in Mission Viejo

Additional Resources

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.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!