Disaster Assistance
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture encourages farmers and other residents to be prepared to take measures to protect their pets and livestock in the event of a storm.
Those who do not already have emergency plans in place may visit www.ready.nj.gov/, where there are basic preparedness tips and steps listed to protect animals.
The state's County Animal Response Teams are instrumental in the sheltering and rescue of pets during emergencies. They are always looking for volunteers.
Click here to learn more about County Animal Response Teams and to get involved.
- Farmers Who Suffer Losses
- Animal Emergency Information
- County Offices of Emergency Management Contact Information
- Farmers Who Suffer Losses
Farm Service Agency Assistance
April 15, 2014: Sign-ups Underway for USDA Disaster Assistance Programs Restored by Farm Bill.
Nov. 15, 2013: United States Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack has granted a Natural Disaster Designation for eight New Jersey counties following excessive rain, flooding, high winds and hail that caused crop losses for farmers during the 2013 growing season. The disaster declaration includes Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean and Salem counties to cover crop losses that occurred between May 1 and September 24, 2013. For counties to be designated as primary natural disaster areas, they must have sustained a 30 percent or great production loss to a single crop due to the disaster, making them eligible to be considered for assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA), provided eligibility requirements are met. This assistance includes FSA loans. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of a Secretarial disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans. FSA considers each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of production losses on the farm and the security and repayment ability of the operator. Farmers are encouraged to contact their local FSA office for details.
Feb. 15, 2013: Governor Christie Announces Agricultural Natural Disaster Designation Approved for 14 New Jersey Counties
Dec. 19, 2012: Damaged deer fencing is now covered under the Emergency Conservation Program. Please call your local FSA office for details.
Farmers who suffered damage or loss of livestock, crops or buildings should call their local FSA office.
Click here to find your local FSA Office.
- Animal Emergency Information
A helpful brochure on protecting pets in emergencies is available at:
www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/pdf/petbro.pdf.
There also is a brochure on how to protect livestock at:
www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/pdf/livestockbro.pdf.
Pet friendly hotels:
www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/pet-friendly-hotels-newjersey.html, www.bringfido.com/lodging/state/new_jersey/,
www.funnewjersey.com/upload_user/Weekend_Getaways/HOTELS.HTM.
For more links about animal emergency preparedness, visit:
www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/prog/helpfullinks.html.
- County Offices of Emergency Management Contact Information
Click here for a listing of county Offices of Emergency Management contact information.
