Twelve-year-old Yuvi Agarwal has always been an animal lover. In 2022, the Houston boy participated in a program in which he read to shelter pets.

An idea for a better soothing mechanism arose when Agarwal noticed that playing the piano for his dog Bozo often put him to sleep.

“I realized that music would have a much stronger effect on shelter animals than reading,” he said.

With the help of his family, he founded the nonprofit organization Wild Tunes, which aims to reduce stress levels in animals, make them more comfortable and increase their chances of finding forever homes.

Starting in June, the Denver Animal Shelter will be partnering with Wild Tunes to bring live music to their animals.

Playing soothing music can reduce stress in animals, according to studies. 

“It’s a win, win opportunity for everybody involved. For the shelters it’s a unique way for them to engage the community. For the volunteers, it’s a great way for them to come and practice their music for a non-judgmental audience,” said his mother, Priyanka Agarwal, executive director of Wild Tunes.

Denver Animal Shelter staff said the music has been a positive experience for the animals so far.

“Just hearing him play for a couple minutes the dogs kind of settle down and kind of tilt their heads listening, and that’s really fun to watch,” said Lauren Rolfe, the volunteer program and social media coordinator for the shelter.

The shelter already plays music for pets through speakers, but Priyanka Agarwal said that in her experience its not the same as live music.

“When animals see a human being playing, physically present and playing music for them, it just helps them,” she said.

Wild Tunes has also partnered with six animal shelters in Houston and one in New Jersey.

Sarah McDonner, a Wild Tunes volunteer, helped kickstart the program when she moved to Denver.

“I was sad to leave the Houston Wild Tunes program. But at the same time, I was excited that Wild Tunes agreed to let me be an ambassador for the program in my new city,” said McDonner. “As a volunteer, I find the program fulfilling for both me as a musician and for the animals, so I was eager to spread the joy of music to the Denver area while also helping to promote adoptions and fostering,”

Wild Tunes has hopes for further expansion and impact.

“I want it to be a national program,” said Priyanka Agarwal .

To join the Wild Tunes program at Denver Animal Shelter, volunteers must first join Wild Tunes through its website where they will be provided with next steps and onboarding materials.

Wild Tunes volunteers must commit to two shifts per month. The first onboarding for the new program will be on Saturday for those who already signed up, but musicians can continue to apply.

For Yuvi Agarwal, animals are all that matters.

“I find it really touching that my music is able to make such a difference to the animals.”