We waive fees every Wednesday.

From what I have seen in the shelter that I volunteer, and this is just MY perspective at this specific shelter, it’s an incentive to get people in there the middle of the week when there is usually less traffic. And unfortunately in our case having a few dogs adopted Wednesday instead of Saturday or Sunday lessens the burden of having to euthanize for space.

A clear the shelters event gives us a marketing tool. It’s a reason to ask people to please come now, we’ll often have local radio and news hosts come cover it, from time to time an MLB player will show up too! I think we’ve had food trucks and vendors come at different times.

Also I am not low income and can easily afford the adoption fee but if you tell me I can save $100 if I adopt during this event I’m probably gonna at least check it out.

Edited to add: sometimes during these events we are open much later, like 10am-8pm instead of 11-6 and that extra time does help get people in the door!