The value of auditory enrichment for psychological well-being has been studied in a variety of species, including birds, cattle, horses and primates. To date the effect of auditory stimulation on the behaviour of dogs housed in rescue shelters is unknown. Rescue shelters provide temporary housing for thousands of stray and abandoned dogs every year. However well these dogs are cared for, it cannot be ignored that being in such a situation is stressful. Research suggests that music may be a useful moderator of stress in humans. The question remains as to whether auditory stimulation has such a beneficial effect in dogs. This study investigated the behaviour of sheltered dogs in response to five types of auditory stimulation to determine whether the dogs’ behaviour was influenced by their auditory environment.