#United States #Washington #USPS #dog bite #dog safety

USPS Addresses Rising Dog Bite Incidents with National Campaign

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has recently launched an initiative to highlight the growing issue of dog attacks against postal workers, with incidents exceeding 6,000 last year alone. This announcement aligns with the start of the 2025 USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, which began on June 1, 2025.

This month-long campaign focuses on educating dog owners about how they can help ensure safe mail deliveries and protect postal workers. The theme of this year's outreach is "Secure Your Dog, Keep Deliveries on Track." The USPS encourages the use of the hashtag #dogbiteawareness to spread the message effectively across social media platforms.

The Importance of Responsible Dog Ownership

As noted by USPS’s Employee Safety and Health Manager, Leeann Theriault, the best way to prevent dog attacks is to promote responsible pet ownership. This includes properly training dogs, understanding commands, and ensuring that pets are not allowed to roam freely. Theriault emphasizes that all dogs, regardless of breed, size, or age, have the potential to bite.

A crucial message from the USPS is that during mail delivery times, dog owners should keep their pets restrained and away from postal carriers. This practice not only keeps the mail on schedule but also enhances the safety of every community member.

Tips for Dog Owners

Most residents know roughly when their mail carrier will arrive, and they can take steps to minimize potential hazards by managing their dogs accordingly. Here are some practical tips for dog owners:

• - Create a Safe Space: When the postal worker approaches, place your dog in a separate room or space away from the door. If you need to be outside with your dog, keep it on a leash at a safe distance from the carrier.
• - Stay Alert: If your dog is outside during the delivery, ensure it is securely leashed and prevent interaction with the postal worker.
• - Educate Your Kids: Teach children not to retrieve mail directly from postal carriers, as dogs may perceive the carrier as a threat to their family.

For added convenience, pet owners can register for the USPS Informed Delivery service, which allows them to preview incoming mail and packages electronically. This service, launched in 2017, has millions of subscribers and helps predict the delivery time, allowing pet owners to better manage their pets.

The Cost of Dog Attacks

Dog attacks can have significant repercussions for the pet owner. If a postal employee is injured in an attack, the owner may face costs amounting to thousands of dollars, which could include medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Jonah Helfrich, a postal worker from Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, shares his personal experience of being attacked by a dog during delivery, stressing the need for owners to take preventive measures.

Training for Postal Employees

Postal workers undergo specialized training to identify areas where dogs may pose a risk. They learn how to approach homes safely, recognizing signs that can indicate a dog's presence. Some of the key training components include:

• - Making non-threatening noises before entering backyards to alert dogs.
• - Maintaining eye contact with the dog, while avoiding sudden movements that could incite a response.
• - Using packages or other objects to create distance between themselves and an aggressive dog if necessary.

Potential for Delivery Services to be Halted

When postal workers feel unsafe due to unrestrained dogs, it may result in mail delivery being suspended. If this occurs, dog owners must pick up their mail from the local post office until the situation is deemed secure. Additionally, to prevent recurring issues, the USPS may suggest that owners rent postal boxes for secure mail retrieval.

Cities and States Noted for Dog Bite Incidents

For 2024, the USPS has identified 20 cities with the highest incidence of dog bite and attack reports:
1. Los Angeles, CA - 77 incidents
2. Houston, TX - 65 incidents
3. Chicago, IL - 57 incidents
4. St. Louis, MO - 47 incidents
5. Cincinnati, OH - 44 incidents
6. Dallas, TX - 43 incidents
7. Kansas City, MO - 40 incidents
8. Cleveland, OH - 40 incidents
9. San Diego, CA - 35 incidents
10. Denver, CO - 34 incidents

Furthermore, the states with the highest number of dog bite incidents are:
1. California - 701 cases
2. Texas - 438 cases
3. Ohio - 350 cases
4. Illinois - 344 cases

The USPS continues to prioritize the safety of its employees and communities, urging dog owners to take responsibility for their pets to create a safer environment for everyone.

For more information about dog bite statistics and campaign efforts, please visit the USPS newsroom.