Don’t Turn Your Back On Dog Bite Prevention

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is intensifying efforts to prevent dog attacks on its employees, reporting over 5,200 incidents last year. In response, USPS is conducting a month-long "Don't turn your back on dog bite prevention" campaign throughout June.

"Preventing dog-related incidents requires constant, shared vigilance," stated Leeann Theriault, employee safety and health awareness manager. "Animal behaviors can change in an instant, but proactive awareness from both our carriers and the customers we serve can stop painful injuries before they ever happen." The campaign emphasizes that even predictable pets can react unpredictably when defending territory or feeling startled.

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Every single day, our postal employees serve their communities across dynamic, fast-changing environments. Preventing dog-related incidents requires constant, shared vigilance. This campaign reinforces a vital truth: Animal behaviors can change in an instant, but proactive awareness from both our carriers and the customers we serve can stop painful injuries before they ever happen.

USPS provides vital safety guidance for dog owners to protect mail carriers and ensure uninterrupted service. Key recommendations include keeping dogs in a separate, closed room before opening the front door, ensuring the door is latched if stepping outside, and always using a leash when the dog is outdoors during delivery times. Owners are also advised never to accept mail directly from a carrier in the presence of their dog, as it can be misinterpreted as a threat. Teaching children to avoid this interaction is also crucial.

The Postal Service also promotes its free Informed Delivery feature, allowing customers to digitally preview mail and packages. This service, with over 70 million enrollees since 2017, can help owners anticipate carrier arrival times. The USPS, an independent federal establishment funded by postage sales, serves all communities reliably. Dog attacks can result in significant financial burdens for owners, covering medical care, lost wages, and emotional distress for the injured postal worker. San Antonio Letter Carrier Fiona Hudson shared a harrowing experience: "I was walking my route when a dog jumped the fence and lunged at me. I used my dog repellent and mail bag to defend myself, but it was too late. I was rushed to the hospital bleeding, with a broken bone, a severe arm sprain and was barely able to m."

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I was walking my route when a dog jumped the fence and lunged at me. I used my dog repellent and mail bag to defend myself, but it was too late. I was rushed to the hospital bleeding, with a broken bone, a severe arm sprain and was barely able to m.