One-year-old Snowflake is among the dogs currently up for adoption through the Humane Rescue Alliance. (Photo via Facebook)

Why spend the rest of the waning afternoon working when you can browse adoptable pets instead?

Now is a particularly good time for it, seeing as D.C.’s Humane Rescue Alliance is once again waiving adoption fees as part of a national drive. The “Clear The Shelters” event, organized in conjunction with NBC, will take place on August 18 at both of HRA’s D.C. adoption centers. The Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Prince George’s County Animal Services, and Northern Virginia’s Fancy Dogs and Cats Rescue Team are also participating, along with others around the region and country.

“The idea is two things: one is to clear the shelters so we get as many pets in qualified homes as possible, and also always to call attention to the fact that there are great pets in shelters and they need homes,” says Humane Rescue Alliance spokesperson Matt Williams.

Regular adoption fees at HRA for dogs and cats range from $25-$250 depending on their age. For small animals including birds, rabbits, and guinea pigs, fees range from $10-45.

While HRA occasionally offers discounted days, it is rare that they waive fees entirely (take note that at this event, new pup parents will still have pay $15 for a mandatory dog license, and there are also charges for cat carriers and e-collars for those who need them.)

The event has drawn large crowds in recent years, including people who show up before doors even open, according to Williams. More than 150 animals were adopted last year.

But he emphasizes that the interview and application process is no less rigorous than on a regular day. “We want to make sure we make good matches,” Williams says, encouraging all members of the family to show up to greet their potential new pet. He expects that there will be around 250 animals up for adoption, including a large number of kittens, on Saturday.

Here’s one of their sweetest success stories from last year’s event:

“Clear the Shelters” takes place in D.C. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 18 at the Humane Rescue Alliance’s shelters at 1201 New York Avenue NE and 71 Oglethorpe Street NW. See here for a full list of participating shelters.