Wild Tunes Expands to Fort Bend County Animal Services, Bringing Comfort to Shelter Pets Through Music
The sound of soft melodies now fills the halls of Fort Bend County Animal Services, bringing a sense of calm and hope to the animals waiting for their forever homes. Wild Tunes, a nonprofit founded by 11-year-old Yuvi Agarwal, has officially launched its partnership with the shelter, bringing live music performances to help reduce stress among adoptable pets.
The program kicked off with Yuvi Agarwal and Sarah McDonner, founder of ECHO: The Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra, performing live music at the shelter. As the melodies filled the space, staff and volunteers observed the dogs reacting to the soothing sounds, with some appearing calmer and more at ease. The event highlighted the potential of music to create a more relaxing environment for shelter animals, reinforcing the mission of Wild Tunes to use music as a powerful tool for enrichment and stress relief.
In recognition of Wild Tunes' dedication, Fort Bend County Commissioners Court honored the organization with a proclamation, presented by Commissioner Dexter McCoy and Judge KP George. The award acknowledged Wild Tunes’ impact on animal welfare, reinforcing how innovative approaches like music therapy can make a real difference in shelters.
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Wild Tunes: A Vision That Started With a Keyboard and a Dog
Wild Tunes was born out of Yuvi Agarwal’s love for animals and music, inspired by his experiences playing the keyboard for his own dog, Bozo. Seeing how the melodies had a calming effect, Yuvi, with the support of his mother Priyanka Agarwal, decided to bring the same experience to shelter animals. Scientific studies have shown that music reduces stress in animals, making them more relaxed and, in turn, more adoptable.
Since its inception, Wild Tunes has expanded to multiple shelters, including BARC Animal Shelter, Citizens for Animal Protection, and Special Pals. The nonprofit’s impact has grown beyond live performances—its fundraising efforts, such as the Melodies of Gratitude concert in November 2023, raised $17,000 to support shelters, thanks to a generous company matching donations.
Yuvi Agarwal playing soothing music to a shelter pet at Fort Bend County Pets. (Source: Wild Tunes)The Benefits of Music for Shelter Animals
Shelter environments can be noisy and stressful, with constant barking and movement creating anxiety for animals. Calm, soothing music has been proven to lower heart rates, reduce anxiety, and create a more peaceful atmosphere, helping animals feel safe. Studies on auditory enrichment for shelter pets support the idea that classical and acoustic music help reduce stress-related behaviors, making animals more approachable for potential adopters.
Through Wild Tunes, musicians perform live sessions inside shelters, exposing dogs and cats to gentle melodies from pianos, violins, acoustic guitars, and other soft-sounding instruments. The Fort Bend County Pets partnership now allows this initiative to reach even more animals, with volunteers encouraged to bring their instruments and contribute to the cause.
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How Musicians Can Get Involved
Wild Tunes is calling on musicians in the Fort Bend County area to help bring comfort to shelter animals through music. Volunteers with experience in playing soft, acoustic instruments can sign up to participate by visiting wildtunes.org/volunteers. The program offers a unique opportunity to combine a passion for music with animal advocacy, helping to improve the lives of shelter pets while increasing their chances of adoption.
With its expansion into Fort Bend County Animal Services, Wild Tunes continues to make a profound impact, proving that a single melody can change the life of a shelter pet.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
