Los Angeles, CA — Society for the Prevention to Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) is bringing musical enrichment to the shelter pets with the help of an innovative program called Wild Tunes. Founded by 12-year-old Yuvi Agarwal, from Houston, Texas, Wild Tunes is a non-profit initiative that brings soothing music to shelter pets with the help of volunteer musicians. Southern California musicians who are interested in volunteering may visit spcaLA.com/wildtunes.

Musical Artist, Dina Valenz plays for shelter cats, Arctic & Glacier

Wild Tunes will officially launch at 11:30am at the spcaLA PD Pitchford Companion Animal Village & Education Center (in El Dorado Park) in Long Beach.

“Music has the power to calm, connect, and heal,” said Yuvi, an avid animal lover and talented musician. “Wild Tunes is a win-win opportunity that helps abandoned and stressed shelter pets associate humans with something good. When pets are routinely exposed to music, it helps them become more comfortable around humans, which ultimately increases their chances of finding forever homes. For the volunteers, it is a great way to practice their music and boost their confidence.”

Powered by music, Wild Tunes will introduce an additional form of enrichment to spcaLA shelter pets. Said spcaLA President, Madeline Bernstein, “spcaLA is always exploring ways to improve the lives of shelter pets while they are with us to give them the tools they need to thrive. Adding Wild Tunes to our toolbox will give us another way enhance their enrichment.”

The idea for Wild Tunes came about when Yuvi noticed how his music helped calm his dog, Bozo, and he wanted to extend the same soothing experience to shelter animals. Yuvi officially launched the program in the spring of 2023 and is now an integral part of volunteer programs in four states Texas, California, Colorado, and New Jersey. Yuvi hopes to expand Wild Tune’s footprint to even more animal shelters nationwide, combining music and advocacy to improve animal welfare.