The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has joined the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti, a coalition created to address the needs of animals in Haiti following the country's devastating earthquake, and has pledged an initial $25,000 to support ARCH's relief efforts.

The Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) is headed by The International Fund for Animal Welfare and the World Society for the Protection of Animals. In addition to the ASPCA, ARCH consists of a number of animal welfare groups including the American Humane Association, Best Friends, The Humane Society of the United States, Kinship Circle, and Humane Society International.

A team of animal responders is staging in the Dominican Republic awaiting access to Haiti to begin work. ARCH plans to deploy a mobile clinic with vaccines, antibiotics, bandages, food, and other supplies in anticipation of bringing direct aid to animals. There are an estimated 5 million head of livestock in Haiti, mostly goats, as well as a large stray dog population, an untold number of companion animals, and native wildlife–all affected by the earthquake.

"The ASPCA extends its full support to those organizations providing humanitarian relief in this ravaged island nation, and in the coming days, weeks, and months, the animal victims of this disaster will also need aid," said ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres. "The ASPCA will continue to make financial resources available to ARCH as appropriate in order to provide food, water, and medical care to livestock, domesticated animals, and wildlife