What USPS Wants You to Know About Dogs and Mail Delivery

If you're like me, you have dogs in your home. I have two very large dogs who love barking when someone comes to the door, and that includes our mail carrier. Every day, they let the carrier know someone is home, and they better get away from the door.

This is a normal daily occurrence. There have been times when another mail carrier fills in, and it's funny watching on the camera because they usually just tell my dogs to shut up, drop the mail, and continue to the next house.

Why Some Mail Carriers Refuse to Deliver Mail

On other occasions, we have had a carrier that refused to deliver our mail if our main door is open and the dogs are visible. We have a glass storm door on there as well, so we can leave the main door open, which will keep the dogs safely inside the house.

Read More: 30 Worst Cities to Be a Mail Carrier Thanks to Attacking Dogs

However, if there is a fear of dogs, I understand the hesitation. It's possible that this particular mail carrier had a run-in with a dog behind a door. Luckily, mine don't know how to open it, so they aren't going through the door.  I'm sure dogs do bust through those glass doors all the time.

Why USPS Is Warning Dog Owners

Dogs must be a big problem in the area for our USPS employees because the Postal Service has dedicated the month of June to dog bite awareness and has sent out fliers reminding people to secure their dogs.

USPS Dog Safety Protocols Explained

According to the USPS, over 6000 postal employees were attacked by dogs in 2024.  As part of their training, mail carriers are trained to deal with dogs. They have steps they follow when they encounter a dog:

• Make a non-threatening noise when entering a yard
• Don't startle a dog
• Keep an eye on the dog
• Don't assume the dog won't bite
• Don't pet or feed a dog
• Place a foot against a door to keep a dog from escaping.

If mail carriers come into contact with a dog attack, they are told to stand their ground and protect their body by placing something between them and the dog. They also carry repellent with them, in case they have to use it on a dog.

READ MORE: Why You See Paw Print Stickers On Mailboxes In Texas

New Tech Alerts Mail Carriers About Dogs

The USPS also provides its carriers with a dog alert feature on their handheld scanners that lets them know if there is a dog at or near a home.

Texas is #2 in the US for dogs biting or attacking mail carriers, and 5 Texas cities are in the top 38 for dog bites.

What Happens If Your Dog Scares the Mail Carrier

It's best to make sure your dogs are secured, because if a mail carrier doesn't feel safe with your dogs or delivering to your home because of a dog, then delivery may be suspended.