A series of small earthquakes has rattled parts of the Midlands in recent days, shaking buildings and startling residents – including workers and pets at a local boarding facility.

Jennifer Lily, co-owner and manager of the Carolina Pet Resort, said she has worked in the business for nearly 25 years. She said no two pets react the same way to stressful situations.

“They all have their own personalities, so they’re all different,” Lily said.

But during a recent 3.0 magnitude earthquake, Lily said the reaction inside the facility was immediate.

“You felt it rumble. The groomer came running – everybody came running – like, ‘What just happened?” she said.

According to reports, five earthquakes have been felt across Columbia and surrounding communities, including one near Lake Murray, one in Lexington and three in Irmo. Magnitudes have ranged from 1.8 to 3.0.

Ademar Fernandez, a Geophysics Ph.D. candidate at the University of South Carolina, said the measurements recorded help determine the true strength of an earthquake and its potential impact.

“These measurements determine how bad an earthquake truly is,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez said current activity remains within normal expectations for the region.

For Lily though, the warning signs inside her business were less technical.

“The dogs got silent, but then they all freaked out,” she said

Despite the recent seismic activity, Lily said no pets have been injured at the Carolina Pet Resort.

Officials continue to monitor earthquake activity in the Midlands.