Science-Based Music Therapy Alliance Looks to Reduce Pet Anxiety in Pet Care Facilities

STAMFORD, Conn., March 15, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Providing business resources, staff education, and legislative support, the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA) has joined forces with Zoundz Music For Pets™ (Zoundz) to improve overall wellness in the pet care services industry.

A growing number of dogs and cats regularly suffer from anxiety - causing concern amongst pet parents and pet care professionals. Over 72% of dogs exhibit problematic behavior due to anxiety. Ninety percent of cat owners report behaviors used as indicators of separation anxiety. 

The partnership endorses music therapy as a solution to reduce anxiety in pets encountering unfamiliar environments. Most dogs and cats demonstrate anxious behaviors while in the care of pet care professionals. When pets are stressed, it can make taking care of them a lot more challenging.

"IBPSA is excited about this science-based musical therapy, as it brings in a new way of helping pets in a pet care environment. We are already seeing the positive effect this music has on the pets in the care of member boarding facilities. Zoundz has given the pet care industry one more tool to use as we continue to provide "best in class" pet care." Carmen LV Rustenbeck, IBPSA founder and CEO.

Zoundz music is composed and curated by a multi-disciplinary team of music composers, producers and engineers, animal behavior researchers and specialists, and veterinarian scientists who evaluate and interpret calming attributes from notable animal behavior studies. 

"Helping animals live less anxious, joyous lives is first and foremost," said Derrick L. Garrett, Zoundz founder and CEO. "We've composed an extensive library of songs carefully created with species-appropriate tempo, sound frequency, and instrumentation to deliver maximum calming effects to dogs and cats during stressful situations."

Research published in the journals Physiology & Behavior and Journal of Veterinary Behavior, respectively, show the potential for auditory stimulation as a highly effective environmental enrichment technique for kenneled dogs, and playing music in a shelter environment may help mitigate some of the stress inherent in many of these dogs. Also, key scientific findings published in the journals Applied Animal Behaviour Science and Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 2020  showed - in cats - a significant preference for and interest in species-appropriate music compared with human music, and cat-specific music may benefit cats by decreasing the stress levels and increasing the quality of care in veterinary clinical settings.

"With a better understanding of how music can influence behavior through science, we're excited to partner with IBPSA to help animals relax while they are in the care of pet service professionals," said Garrett. "The Zoundz Music For Pets™ app allows pet parents to help pets maintain a relaxed emotional state at home."

The Zoundz Music For Pets™ program is offered to IBPSA Pet Care Professionals to create an enhanced experience for pets and staff while reinforcing the business's commitment to improving pet wellness. 

Source: Zoundz Music for Pets