Frustrating and painful as it has been to witness the logistical problems associated with getting humanitarian relief supplies and resources to the Haitian people, it has been equally difficult for those of us charged with responding to the needs of the island's animals.

We at Best Friends appreciate the response from members who have sent donations to help with animal relief in Haiti. Best Friends is part of the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH), a collaborative effort of national and international animal welfare organizations, and all money donated will be put in a fund restricted for Haitian animal relief. We appreciate the concern shown by our membership and the general public and we pledge to do everything possible to get help to the animals as soon as possible.

At the present time, access into Haiti is being controlled by the United Nations and the military, and ARCH is in communication with both about our effort to aid the animals, with the goal of ensuring that animal rescue is part of the greater Haiti relief agenda.

Humanitarian supplies have begun to flow, but the process of delivering them to where they are needed is slow because of damaged infrastructure and an overburdened airport. Additionally, another potential pipeline of relief, the damaged road linking Haiti with the Dominican Republic, is not yet passable.

We can’t say how long it will take before a full-scale animal rescue can get in full swing; however, our unwavering goal is to deliver aid quickly to animals in need. ARCH has been working to stock a mobile clinic, establish a supply base, and identify fuel sources so that when permission is granted, Best Friends and the other partner groups can deploy experienced animal rescue personnel as soon as possible.

Best Friends and ARCH are committed to a collaborative relief effort, one that will not only ease the suffering of animals from the earthquake, but go a long way toward improving lives for all the animals in Haiti over the long term. And we pledge that every dime that we take in will go toward helping animals in need.

For more information on this activity visit: Best Friends Network, Rapid Response