Dog Bites SURGE – USPS Workers at RISK

The U.S. Postal Service has launched a nationwide safety campaign after reporting over 6,000 dog bite incidents against mail carriers last year, with Los Angeles topping the list as America’s most dangerous city for postal workers.

At a Glance

  • 6,088 postal workers were bitten by dogs in 2024, showing a concerning increase in attacks
  • Los Angeles led the nation with 77 dog attacks on mail carriers, followed by Houston, Chicago, St. Louis, and Cincinnati
  • California ranked highest among states with 701 incidents, while Texas placed second with 438 attacks
  • USPS emphasizes that mail service can be suspended if carriers feel threatened by dogs
  • The National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign promotes responsible pet ownership and proper safety measures

California Leads Nation in Dog Attacks on Mail Carriers

The U.S. Postal Service has released alarming statistics showing that 6,088 postal workers suffered dog bites while performing their duties in 2024. Los Angeles emerged as the most dangerous city for mail carriers with 77 recorded attacks, followed by Houston, Chicago, St. Louis, and Cincinnati. San Diego ranked ninth nationally with 35 incidents. California topped the state rankings with a staggering 701 attacks, while Texas followed with 438 cases. These numbers represent a slight uptick from previous years, prompting immediate action from postal authorities.

National Campaign Targets Prevention

In response to the rising number of attacks, the USPS has launched its annual National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, beginning this Sunday. The initiative aims to educate both postal workers and pet owners about preventive measures that can reduce these dangerous encounters. Mail carriers receive specialized training to handle animal interactions and identify potential threats. The campaign also emphasizes that mail service can be suspended to homes where carriers feel threatened by dogs, creating a powerful incentive for residents to keep their pets secured during delivery times.

“The best way to keep safe from dog attacks is to recognize and promote the responsibility of pet ownership, such as teaching your dog appropriate behavior and commands and not allowing your dog to roam freely. All dogs — regardless of breed, size or age — have the potential to bite.”, said Leeann Theriault, USPS employee safety and health awareness manager.

Practical Safety Measures for Pet Owners

The USPS is providing clear guidelines for dog owners to follow during mail delivery. Residents are advised never to take mail directly from carriers in the presence of their dogs, as pets may view this as a threatening gesture toward their owner. Similarly, children should not be allowed to receive mail directly from carriers when dogs are present. Keeping dogs secured behind a fence, on a leash, or inside the house during delivery hours is essential to preventing attacks. These simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of injuries to postal workers.

“Dog bite attacks on postal employees are preventable. The most important message for our customers to remember during the 2025 USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign is keep your dog secured and away from the carrier as the mail is being delivered. Help ensure the safety of everyone in our communities.”, added Theriault.

Community Responsibility and Consequences

The rising number of dog attacks represents not just a safety issue but a significant financial burden for the postal service and taxpayers. Medical treatments, workers’ compensation claims, and delivery disruptions all contribute to increased operational costs. The USPS reminds communities that mail delivery service can be suspended to entire neighborhoods if carriers face repeated threats from unrestrained dogs. This policy underscores that dog bite prevention is a community responsibility, not just an individual one, with potential consequences affecting mail service for everyone in affected areas.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR