Earthquakes are frightening for pets as well as people. Staying calm will be easier if you know your pet is taken care of as well as your family.

Make sure that your pet is wearing identification at all times. If you have had an identification microchip implanted in your pet, make sure the registration service has your correct address and all of your phone numbers.

Plan ahead for how you will control and transport your pet. Keep leashes and collars in a convenient spot where everyone in the family knows the location. Hard plastic crates and carriers offer more protection for your pet from falling debris in an earthquake. Be sure that any carrier is clearly labeled with your pet's name as well as your name and contact info. Keeping your pet under control helps him to feel safer .

You should have a well stocked emergency kit prepared at all times. Store in it an accessible central location and make sure everyone in the family knows where it is. After a serious quake, roads and stores may be closed and you may face water contamination. We recommend that you have a three day supply of your pet's food and water stored with your other emergency supplies. If you have more than one pet, don't forget that it's threes days supply for each pet.

Other basics you'll want to have on hand include:

• extra leashes, collar or harness
• plastic bags, paper towels for sanitary cleanup
• pet's favorite toy,blanket or bed
• disposable protective booties to protect your pet's feet from debris
• favorite treats
• manual can opener if you feed wet food
• food/ water bowls
• any medications your pet takes
• emergency contact info for yourself and your veterinarian

Your pet will naturally be upset during and following an earthquake. Knowing you have the survival basics taken care of in advance will allow you to spend time comforting your pet. In return, you'll probably find your pet comforting you.