The Science of Reducing Anxiety in Shelter Animals

The Science of Reducing Anxiety in Shelter Animals

Author: Janet Marlow August 12, 2025 Duration: 8:59

Welcome to We’re All Ears, the podcast where we explore the intersection of science, sound, and animal well-being.
I’m Janet Marlow, sound behaviorist and founder of Pet Acoustics. Over the years, I’ve worked with shelters, veterinary clinics, and pet parents to bring calm and comfort to animals through sound and environmental design. Today, we’re talking about reducing anxious behaviors in shelter animals and we’re going to back it up with real science.
If you’ve walked into a shelter and seen dogs pacing, barking nonstop, or cats hiding in the backs of cages, you’ve seen stress at work. The good news is science shows us there’s a lot we can do to change that. And yes, the tools can be as simple as how we manage sound, light, and daily routines.



In Pet Acoustics: We're All Ears!, host Janet Marlow explores the intricate relationship between animals and the soundscapes they inhabit. As a Sound Behaviorist and founder of Pet Acoustics, Janet guides listeners through a nuanced auditory journey, revealing how creatures great and small perceive frequencies and noises invisible to human ears. This podcast isn't just about cute pets; it's a deep dive into the science of hearing, behavior, and emotional well-being. You'll discover how everyday sounds-from household appliances to city traffic-can trigger profound reactions in animals, influencing their stress levels, moods, and even their health. Each episode is built on the premise that by understanding the acoustic world from an animal's perspective, we can forge deeper, more harmonious bonds with our companions. Whether you're a pet owner, an animal lover, or simply curious about the hidden sensory experiences of other species, this series offers a unique blend of research, practical advice, and captivating stories. Tune in to hear conversations that will change how you listen to the world alongside your furry, feathered, or scaled friends.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 43

Pet Acoustics: We're All Ears!
Podcast Episodes
When One Dog Loses Another: Helping Your Dog Through Grief [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:29
Hello, and welcome to We’re All Ears, where we explore the emotional lives of animals through the lens of sound, behavior, and connection.I’m Janet Marlow, Certified Sound Behaviorist and founder of Pet Acoustics.Today,…
From Passion to Profession: Becoming a Certified Sound Behaviorist™ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:23
Welcome to We’re All Ears, where we explore the science of sound, the emotional lives of animals, and how hearing health is transforming the way we care for pets.I’m Janet Marlow, founder of Pet Acoustics and Certified S…
Things Only Dog Parents Understand [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:51
Welcome to We’re All Ears. I’m Janet Marlow, sound behaviorist, composer, and founder of Pet Acoustics and today we’re talking about something that makes dog parents smile immediately:The quiet, beautiful, slightly quirk…
Things Only Cat Owners Understand [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:04
Welcome to We’re All Ears.Today’s episode is dedicated to a very special group of people…People who have lint rollers in every room.People who’ve accepted that black clothing is now a memory. People who say things like,…
Sound is Biological For Our Pets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:34
One of the most meaningful shifts happening right now in animal care is the recognition that sound is not just something animals hear—it is something their nervous system uses to regulate their body and behavior.For deca…
2026: A New Era of Compassionate Pet Care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:42
Welcome to We’re All Ears, the podcast dedicated to how animals experience the world through sound, emotion, and connection. I’m Janet Marlow, founder of Pet Acoustics. And today… we’re stepping into the future. 2026 — A…