USPS Pushes Bite Prevention

Every day across America, mail carriers walk familiar streets, climb front steps, cross lawns and approach doors that may seem routine to the rest of us. But for the men and women delivering mail, one ordinary stop can become dangerous in seconds.

The U.S. Postal Service is once again warning dog owners to take prevention seriously after more than 5,200 postal employees were attacked by dogs last year. As part of its annual Dog Bite Awareness campaign, which begins June 1, USPS is urging Americans not to “turn your back on dog bite prevention.”

It is a message aimed not just at pet owners, but at neighborhoods everywhere. A loose dog, an open door or a quick grab for the mail can turn a calm delivery into an emergency.

Even Friendly Dogs Can React Unexpectedly

USPS officials say one of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming their dog would never bite.

Many dogs are friendly, loving and well-behaved with their families. But postal workers often represent something different: a stranger approaching the home, entering perceived territory or handing something directly to an owner. In that moment, even a normally calm dog may act on instinct.

“Animal behaviors can change in an instant,” said Leeann Theriault, USPS employee safety and health awareness manager, in the release. She emphasized that preventing attacks requires shared awareness from carriers and customers alike.

USPS recommends that dog owners secure pets before opening the door, keep dogs in another room during deliveries and make sure doors are firmly latched. If a dog is outside, it should be on a leash. The Postal Service also warns customers not to accept mail directly from a carrier while a dog is present, because dogs may misunderstand the interaction as a threat.

Children should also be taught not to take mail from a carrier when the family dog is nearby.

A Bite Can Change More Than One Day

The consequences of a dog attack can be serious, painful and expensive.

USPS notes that dog owners may be responsible for medical care, lost work time, damaged clothing and other costs if their dog attacks a postal employee. But beyond the financial damage, attacks can leave lasting emotional scars.

San Antonio letter carrier Fiona Hudson described being injured after a dog jumped a fence and lunged at her while she was on her route. She said she used dog repellent and her mail bag to defend herself, but still suffered serious injuries that sent her to the hospital.

“While my physical wounds have healed, the trauma of that vicious attack stays with me,” Hudson said.

Her story is a reminder that this is not simply a workplace inconvenience. It is a safety issue for people who serve communities every day.

Unsafe Dogs Can Stop Mail Delivery

USPS also makes clear that unsecured dogs can affect service.

If a carrier feels unsafe because of a roaming or aggressive dog, mail delivery can be temporarily suspended. In that case, residents may have to pick up their mail at the local Post Office until the issue is resolved. If a dangerous dog problem continues, owners may even be required to rent a Post Office Box.

That makes prevention not only the right thing to do, but the practical thing to do.

Customers can also use USPS Informed Delivery, a free service that lets them preview incoming mail and packages digitally. More than 70 million customers have enrolled since the service launched in 2017. USPS says it can help dog owners better anticipate when a carrier may arrive.

America’s Dog Bite Hot Spots

The latest USPS rankings show dog attacks are a coast-to-coast problem.

Los Angeles topped the city list with 70 incidents, followed by Dallas with 50, Denver with 45, Houston with 44 and Chicago with 43. Other cities in the top rankings included St. Louis, Indianapolis, San Diego, San Antonio, Cleveland, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Detroit and Philadelphia.

By state, California ranked first with 673 incidents, followed by Texas, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Florida, Missouri, Michigan and Indiana.

The numbers tell a simple story: this is not a local issue. It is a national one.

Mail carriers are trained to stay alert, use protective equipment and recognize possible canine hazards. But the most important line of defense begins at home.

A closed door, a secured leash and a few moments of awareness can prevent an injury, protect a pet owner from costly consequences and help ensure mail keeps moving safely through American neighborhoods.

Dog bite prevention is not complicated. It just requires people to remember that even a beloved family pet can react differently when the mail carrier comes to the door.