The world continues to respond to the need for assistance in Haiti after the devastating earthquake that hit the island nation this week. And Best Friends will be part of that effort as a member of a newly formed, special relief group — the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH).

Best Friends has joined the coalition because the disaster is so widespread that intense focus of available resources through a single group is critical in order to attain the best possible outcome for animals that are at risk. The coalition is led by World Society for the Protection of Animals and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

In the coming days, members of the coalition, including Best Friends, hope to send staff, specially trained volunteers and crucial resources to Haiti to assist animals in need. Access to Haiti continues to be difficult, but the coalition is diligently working to gain access to the country.

The coalition is working to establish a mobile clinic that can deliver food and water to animals in the areas around the capital city of Port-au-Prince, as well as provide vaccinations to community dogs to help prevent the spread of rabies.

Best Friends will continue to monitor developments and report our future plans as they are solidified.

Written by Best Friends staff
Photo by Molly Wald of stray dog in the wake of the Peru earthquake

January 19, 2010 : 9:30 PM ET
posted by: ladilulu

my heart breaks for all the people and the animals. I want everyone to be safe and okay but I know that is not possible. The people have many to help them but I have not heard a "peep" about our animals, be it dogs, cats, birds, horses, pigs, etc. They need help too and I knew "best friends" would be ready to go as soon as allowed. Thank you best friends. You are truly wonderful.Maybe this horror they have befallen Haiti will bring the country back stronger and better, better for people to live and thrive because they were not in a good place to begin with. Again, thank you....for your kind hearts and love for all the animals. lindy eduarte

January 19, 2010 : 9:06 PM ET
posted by: pksboots1

I am really worried about the dogs, cats and other animals that must be getting pretty desparate for food and water by now. I hope that Best Friends and the newly formed coalition can get into Haiti as soon as possible so the pets can get help and survive. I realize the attention is focused on saving people, but I feel the pets also need help. Please keep us updated on your help with the support of donations we make. I wish I could give more or help myself. I love dogs particularly and I trust Best Friends to do whatever can be done. Thank you, Pam

January 19, 2010 : 10:56 AM ET
posted by: Katiekinz

I think it's wonderful that you are trying to help the animals there in Haiti. I've donated to help the humans and plan to donate to help the animals too. I haven't heard the news mention anything concerning animals except last night on CNN someone mentioned they saw a dog, well, eating a corpse. No nice way to put that. Please keep us all updated on the situation.

January 19, 2010 : 9:41 AM ET
posted by: gena517

To the lady that wrote "I am not concerned about dogs" I am deeply ashamed of you. You have alot of nerve writing that on this site. We who visit this site do love dogs. I am a dog lover. I like dogs much more than cats, but I am also concerned about the cats & all the other wildlike in Haiti. Any animal lover would be. Best Friends will be a great help to any animal in need & I am so thankful that they will be there to help. I wish them all a safe journey!!!

January 19, 2010 : 9:39 AM ET
posted by: jsujen7

This is so wonderful! Thank god for Best Friends! You are in our thoughts and prayers!

January 18, 2010 : 8:18 PM ET
posted by: a.rabbitmom

Thank You and, yes, please be safe.

January 18, 2010 : 6:44 PM ET
posted by: jmuhj

Good on ya, Best Friends. Pray you get in soon and can get to the animals and help them without problem. Personally, I am not concerned with dogs, but care very much about CATS. What if anything will be done for the CATS (and other animals besides dogs) of Haiti?

January 18, 2010 : 6:25 PM ET
posted by: ricky

my parys are with all of you and the animals that you are going to save my gods angles be with you as will to keep you all save and help you save these animals

January 18, 2010 : 6:16 PM ET
posted by: suescats

On all the TV coverage I have seen on the crisis, I didn't see ANY animals anywhere - not one. And I heard nothing about animals either. Today, I received MANY requests for donations from the nationwide groups that I usually hear from in times of crisis. Because I trust BEST FRIENDS, and only BEST FRIENDS, to do the right thing, I will donate here.

January 18, 2010 : 6:12 PM ET
posted by: zzenkats

Updates would be appreciated. Are the groups actually in place in Haiti or still staging in the Dominican Republic. Not hearing anything new the past few days.

January 18, 2010 : 5:31 PM ET
posted by: mardi

Good luck and God speed!!

January 18, 2010 : 10:42 AM ET
posted by: cardiff chris

Be Safe

January 18, 2010 : 10:27 AM ET
posted by: eap78

Way to Go Best Friends. I know there are plenty of humans that need help but so often the dogs are forgotten!! I loved what you did for the Katrina Dogs and that was one of my favorite episodes of DogTown. I can't wait to see the episode that captures your wonderful efforts in Haiti!! And by the way, I am from the Philadelphia area and while at work the other day I was listening to KYW 1060 news and heard the familiar voice of John Garcia. I guess he is becoming quite the celebrity!!

January 17, 2010 : 5:39 PM ET
posted by: propinquity

I knew Best Friends would be helping! You guys are the greatest. Please give us updates!

January 17, 2010 : 3:53 PM ET
posted by: GJWIL

As the people get survival supplies distributed--rescue groups may want to get into the mass grave areas to start--the smell from unsuitable graves will most likely draw many starving animals to that area---get stacks of children ground play swimming pools----place them around the outer perimeters of the grave sites just DUMPED food and water in ---- a monitor camp setup distance away from the grave areas where the food and water is placed for someone to monitor activity -after they start coming routinely a couple of days due to food and water and bc familiar--start trapping .

Good luck if you get in--thanks

January 17, 2010 : 2:56 PM ET
posted by: KathyMc

I have been watching CNN and my heart is breaking for these people. And as always I knew Best Friends would be involved. Please let us know how we can help. I trust BF to do what is best for the animals. Thankyou for being where you are most needed. I will check further into where to send donations. Kathy

January 17, 2010 : 1:35 PM ET
posted by: njanmlrsq3

Heathermoire... go to this address. Has information on how to join the Rapid Response team as a volunteer....

http://network.bestfriends.org/groups/rapidresponse/pages/rapid-response-volunteer-requirements.aspx

You can also become a volunteer on the network.

Best wishes,

George DeGiovanni

January 17, 2010 : 10:24 AM ET
posted by: Veenie

Best Friends I just KNEW that you would go to Haiti!! Hooray for you and horray for all the animals you will rescue. Come back safe.

January 16, 2010 : 9:31 PM ET
posted by: tweedles

Thank you, Best Friends. As I watched CNN, horrified, at the devastation, I could hear dogs barking in the background. And I immediately wondered when Best Friends would be joining efforts to care for the suffering creatures of Haiti.

God Bless.

Tweedles

January 16, 2010 : 7:25 PM ET
posted by: heathermoire

How can we become a volunteer???

January 16, 2010 : 5:52 PM ET
posted by: marys

Any donations you would like to make to go toward the rescue work in Haiti, just put "For Haiti" in the comments section, or if you are mailing a donation, stick a note in saying it is for Haiti. Thanks so much! Best Friends Members ROCK!!

January 16, 2010 : 3:37 PM ET
posted by: ginamomary

Way to go, BF! I'm assuming that donations to the sanctuary as well as the other world organizations will be our way of contributing. We all need to help these groups, NOW! The situation is devastating and they need our help! Thanks, Best Friends!

January 16, 2010 : 3:35 PM ET
posted by: butana

Wonderful news! Is there a seperate fund for this operation?

January 16, 2010 : 1:07 PM ET
posted by: Stack

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! People fortunately will get the help they need but oh it is the animals who suffer also. Now, do we donate to you for this and indicate that it is for the animals in Haiti? Please advise on this as I'm ready to make a donation. Thanks..

January 16, 2010 : 10:57 AM ET
posted by: watsonsmom

Hooray for Best Friends, I was reading about ARCH yesterday and felt that you would be there.. thank you so much on behalf of the animals suffering.. Godspeed!

January 16, 2010 : 9:51 AM ET
posted by: zzenkats

Such good news Best Friends. Good news for Haitis animals that you are joining. BF among the most trusted of organizations.