A new program at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington is treating shelter pets to performances by volunteer musicians.
The Paws in Music program, a partnership with the Houston-based nonprofit Wild Tunes, organizes volunteers to play music at the animal shelter in shifts. The performances began yesterday (Tuesday).
A Wild Tunes spokesperson told ARLnow the volunteer opportunity is for teens ages 16 and up and adults, which is in line with AWLA’s volunteer policy.
“At AWLA, we are always exploring meaningful and innovative ways to enrich the lives of the animals in our care,” said Lauren Lipsey, the president and CEO at AWLA. “Partnering with Wild Tunes allows us to harness the power of music to reduce stress, create positive associations with people, and support animals as they prepare for foster and adoption.”
Yuvi Agarwal, a Houston 12-year-old, started Wild Tunes in spring 2023 after observing how music helped calm his dog, Bozo. He wanted to bring the same experience to animal shelters.
“Wild Tunes is a win-win opportunity that helps abandoned and stressed shelter pets associate humans with something good,” the young musician said in a press release. “When pets are routinely exposed to music and our company, it helps them become more comfortable around us humans, which ultimately increases their chances of finding forever homes.”
The program also helps aspiring musicians have an audience to practice on and boost their confidence.
Animal shelters in multiple states have introduced the Wild Tunes program, but the AWLA is the first in the D.C. area. The Wild Tunes spokesperson said the nonprofit is trying to expand its presence in the region.
Musicians interested in volunteering at AWLA are asked to sign up online. They will be onboarded and set up with shifts at the shelter.
