Can Pet’s Sense Earthquakes?

We experienced a 5.7 magnitude earthquake in Northern Nevada last week, and it really shook our community. Living on the West Coast, we know that earthquakes are a possibility, but are we truly prepared? What about our pets? Do you know what signs to look for and what to do if and when an earthquake occurs?

Did you know that your pet might be able to detect an earthquake seconds before it occurs? According to USGS.gov, while they cannot predict earthquakes, they can sense the faster, weaker P-waves (primary waves) that arrive before the stronger, more destructive S-waves (secondary waves). Additionally, pets may hear high-frequency sounds emitted by underground rocks shifting or react to pre-seismic air ionization.

Key Signs to look for:

Behavior Change: Some pets might act abnormally by exhibiting any of the following:

• • restlessness
  • shaking
  • anxiety
  • excessive barking
  • hiding

• Physical Sensitivity: Dogs have superior hearing. (My dog can hear a drop of food in his bowl from 100 yards away).  This allows them to pick up low-frequency sounds or vibrations that humans can’t detect.
• Prediction: No, your pet can’t help you there.  But with their keen senses, they can give you a few seconds of early warning before a quake.  Again, watch for any changes in behaviour, especially if you live in an earthquake-prone area.

Premium Dog Emergency Kit

Ensure you have a family emergency plan that includes your pets. Prepare a bucket or backpack filled with all your pet’s supplies and store it in a central room in your home or in a basement without windows. Remember, at the first sign of danger, if you can’t reach your safe space, get under a sturdy table, desk or doorway with your pets.

For more information on what to put in your pet’s emergency kit, check out our blog “Pet Emergency Planning for 2026”

After a quake, keep your pet on a leash and with you at all times. Not only will they be stressed and could run away, but there may also be downed power lines, broken gas lines, or even fires burning.  Aftershocks are always a possibility, so stay safe and wait for help.