Wild Tunes music volunteer program at Denver Animal Shelter
Play live music for shelter animals at Denver Animal Shelter twice a month. Musicians of any skill level welcome. Sign up at WildTunes.org before your first session.
Why we picked this
Playing live music for shelter animals sounds quirky until you watch a kennel of anxious dogs visibly settle — musicians of any skill level are welcome, and the commitment is just two sessions a month.
Wild Tunes volunteers bring instruments into the shelter and play for the animals — acoustic guitar, ukulele, violin, whatever you’ve got. The program is part of structured animal enrichment: consistent, calm, live sound helps reduce stress in kennels, particularly for dogs who are overstimulated by shelter noise. You don’t need to be a polished performer; you need to show up regularly and play.
The commitment is two shifts per month. Before your first session, sign up through WildTunes.org/volunteers — that’s separate from the main Denver Animal Shelter volunteer application. The shelter is at 1241 W. Bayaud Ave in Denver. Closed-toe shoes are required in animal areas.
This is one of the more unusual volunteer roles in the city, and animal enrichment programs like this one have a documented effect on adoption outcomes. Animals that are less stressed present better and get adopted faster. Your Tuesday afternoon guitar practice genuinely moves the needle.