Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast. One young man found it works wonders for shelter animals, too.
Two years ago, then 10-year-old Yuvi Agarwal, noticed the calming effect his classical keyboard had on his restless Golden Doodle, Bozo. Inspired, Agarwal took his idea to animal shelters in hopes that music would bring comfort to its lonely and anxious occupants. It worked so well that Agarwal founded the non-profit, Wild Tunes in 2023.
Today, more than 100 Wild Tunes volunteer musicians serenade animals at nine shelters in Houston, Denver and New Jersey. Performances feature a variety of instruments and artists ranging from Mozart to The Beatles.
“We get volunteers to come and play an instrument or sing for [the dogs] and it helps calm them down,” Agrawal told ABC News.
Beyond soothing shelter animals, Wild Tunes’ hopes to instill behavioral changes that might increase the animals’ chances for adoption. The program also provides a unique and fulfilling volunteer opportunity for musicians while allowing them to hone their skills before live and grateful audiences.
Wild Tunes successes ripple through the adoption community. Penelope, a young beagle mix, reportedly verged on euthanasia due to a serious skin infection. She was anxious and not receptive to human interaction. After hearing Agrawal’s music, Penelope dropped her defenses and played with Agrawal and other shelter workers. Penelope was ultimately adopted. Overcome with grief over the loss of his beloved dog, one volunteer musician chose to play guitar for a shaking shelter dog slated for euthanasia. The volunteer ended up fostering, then adopting the dog.
“I think it’s very important to give them something different than what they’re used to in their little tiny cages and make them more adoptable,” said Flautist Sarah McDonner.
In 2024, Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin, an animal advocate, recognized Agarwal at City Hall. This year, Wild Tunes received special commendations from Houston Mayor Whitmire and Council Member Kamin along with Judge KP George and the Fort Bend County Commissioners.
While scientific research on the effects of of music on animals is still evolving, anecdotal evidence is overwhelming. A few studies note that classical music, specifically, may reduce anxiety in dogs and influence positive animal behaviors. Lori Kogan, a professor at Colorado State University, says that the impact of music on animals is complex and can be influenced by various factors, including volume, tempo, and the individual animal's preferences and past experiences.
Wild Tunes welcomes musicians of all ages to share their talents with animals in the shelter setting. Post-performance applause takes the form of tails wagging and snouts calmly resting on paws.