U.S. Postal Service Reports Alarming Rise in Dog Attacks on Employees

In a startling revelation, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) reported that the number of dog attacks on its employees has surged to over 6,000 incidents last year. This statistic underscores the pressing need for dog owners to adopt responsible practices to prevent such occurrences and guarantee the safety of postal workers during their daily routes.

To address this issue, USPS has launched its 2025 National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, which starts on June 1. The campaign aims to raise awareness among dog owners about the importance of controlling their pets to ensure safe mail deliveries. This year’s theme is straightforward: “Keep Your Dog Leashed for Deliveries.” As part of the campaign, USPS encourages residents to adopt the hashtag #dogbiteawareness to spread the message.

Leeann Theriault, the safety and health awareness manager at USPS, emphasized that the best defense against dog attacks is through promoting responsible pet ownership. This entails training dogs to follow commands and refraining from allowing them to roam freely. The message is clear that any dog, regardless of size, breed, or age, has the potential to bite if startled or threatened.

The Importance of Dog Control

Many people may view their pets as harmless, but dogs can exhibit unpredictable behaviors, especially when they sense a perceived threat. It's crucial for dog owners to be proactive about controlling their pets during the mail delivery hours, which are typically consistent each day. Theriault suggests that ensuring the dog's environment is secure before the mail carrier approaches can minimize the risk of an incident.

To facilitate safety, USPS advises owners to keep their dogs in a separate room during deliveries, ensuring they are secured away from doors. When outside, leashing the dog and maintaining distance from the postal worker is essential. Additionally, children should be reminded not to approach the mail carrier directly, which could be viewed as a threat by the dog.

Use of Technology for Safety

The USPS Informed Delivery program offers a practical solution for dog owners. This free service allows customers to view their incoming mail and packages digitally through their devices, providing foresight on when the mail carrier is scheduled to arrive. Since its launch in 2017, millions have subscribed to this service, gaining an extra layer of awareness about delivery times.

Financial Implications of Dog Attacks

The consequences of dog attacks extend beyond physical injuries; they can also be financially devastating for pet owners. If a postal worker is injured, the dog’s owner may face penalties amounting to thousands of dollars, including medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for emotional distress.

For instance, Jonah Helfrich, a mail carrier from Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, shared his recent experience of being bitten while delivering mail. He remarked on the immediate risk every dog poses to postal workers during deliveries and urged owners to take necessary precautions.

Training and Awareness for Postal Workers

Mail carriers are trained to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, recognizing areas that may contain aggressive dogs. They are instructed on how to handle encounters with dogs, such as making non-threatening noises or alerting the dog before entering a property. If a dog attacks, they are trained to keep their distance and protect themselves with any available item (like a mail bag) while also utilizing dog repellents if necessary.

USPS has integrated technology into their training, with tools that detect potential dog hazards on their routes. Alerts on handheld scanners serve as reminders for mail carriers to exercise caution, while warning cards during mail sorting flag homes where dog interactions are likely to be dangerous.

Suspension of Mail Delivery Due to Dog Attacks

If mail carriers feel unsafe due to uncontrolled dogs, they have the authority to suspend mail delivery to that address. Owners will then need to pick up their mail at the local post office until it’s deemed safe to resume home deliveries. In some cases, if dangerous situations persist, postal employees may require owners to rent a P.O. box for receiving mail.

Cities and States with High Dog Attack Rates

The 2024 rankings for dog attacks revealed that specific cities and states reported alarming numbers. Los Angeles topped the list with 77 incidents, while Texas had the highest state count at 438 incidents. The overall issue of dog attacks on mail carriers highlights a nationwide concern that requires immediate attention from dog owners and local communities to ensure the safety of postal workers.

In conclusion, the USPS's proactive stance through campaigns and community involvement plays a vital role in reducing dog attack incidents. By fostering awareness and encouraging responsible pet ownership, both postal employees and neighborhood residents can work together to ensure safer delivery practices for everyone involved.