Quick Take
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- The surge in online shopping has quietly made a bad problem significantly worse for mail carriers, though the connection between the two is not obvious. See how packages play a role →
- USPS has quietly deployed technology that flags specific front doors before a carrier even walks up the path. Most residents have no idea it exists. Explore the warning technology →
If you’re of a certain age, you’ve likely heard the stereotype that dogs attack postal workers on a regular basis. In fact, the idea that mail carriers are constantly under threat from canines has become something of a comedic trope over the decades. However, this idea is anything but a joke. In fact, dogs bite or otherwise intimidate thousands of postal workers across the United States, and they’re a serious threat that can cause painful injuries, missed work, emotional trauma, and costly medical treatment.
In 2025 alone, over 5,200 postal workers were attacked by dogs. It’s become such a problem that the United States Postal Service has begun issuing warnings to mail carriers and the general public about the threats. In this overview, we’ll tell you where these dog attacks are most common and what you can do to make your neighborhood a safer place.
The Cities with the Most Dog Attacks
While dogs attack postal workers in many areas around the country, there are some states where attacks are more common than others. Some of the highest-ranking places for dog attacks in 2025 may surprise you. They include:
- Los Angeles, California – 70 attacks
- Dallas, Texas – 50 attacks
- Denver, Colorado – 45 attacks
- Houston, Texas – 44 attacks
- Chicago, Illinois – 43 attacks
Other large cities that appear high on the list include Philadelphia, San Antonio, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. There are also some repeat entries on the list, including Los Angeles, which has led the nation several years in a row. Texas also has many cities on the list. The list of attacks in specific states for 2025 is as follows:
- California – 674 attacks
- Texas – 358 attacks
- Ohio – 287 attacks
- New York – 269 attacks
- Pennsylvania – 267
The rankings generally reflect areas with high dog ownership rates, large populations, and extensive residential delivery routes where carriers regularly encounter pets.
When Do These Attacks Occur?
When you put the numbers in perspective, you’re looking at more than 14 dog attacks every day somewhere in the United States. Now, all of these attacks don’t involve bodily harm, but they are often dramatic. The definition of attack may also include tearing clothing, scratching, lunging, knocking carriers to the ground, and causing injuries when workers attempt to escape.
Many USPS carriers deliver mail on foot, particularly in residential neighborhoods. During their work, these mail carriers frequently approach mail slots, front porches, mailboxes, and apartment entrances. Every attempt to put mail in a slot can potentially bring them in contact with a dog.
Even if an area seems secure, it’s not unlikely that a dog may escape from a home when they hear the gate open. Other dogs may jump over fences or slip out of garages. Attacks have also likely become more common over time, driven by the increase in package deliveries over the past several years. Many people order from Amazon and other e-commerce websites, and this can lead to an uptick in issues. Unlike traditional mailbox delivery, package deliveries often require carriers to enter yards, approach doorsteps, and interact directly with residents, and a dog may be nearby.
Are Loose Dogs the Main Problem?
It should also be noted that the rise in attacks is not due to feral dogs roaming the streets. Instead, most incidents involve owned pets that are simply not properly restrained. Even the most well-loved pets can behave unpredictably, especially when they perceive that a stranger may be approaching their territory or their family is in harm’s way. Dogs are naturally territorial animals. When a stranger enters the yard, it can trigger a threat response. When the mail carrier approaches the front door, the chance of an attack increases further.
Another misconception USPS leaders have found is that many dog owners believe their pet is not a threat if it has never bitten anyone. However, animal experts note that many dogs involved in bite incidents often have no previous history of aggression. Sadly, it often comes down to a postal worker being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Dog Attack Prevention is a Number One Priority
It’s clear that dogs attack postal workers more often than many people realize. To help prevent further attacks on these vulnerable civil servants, many initiatives have been put in place.
Postal Service Training
The United States Postal Service has made it a priority to reduce the risk of dog attacks by implementing a comprehensive training program. To begin, mail carriers receive instructions on recognizing canine warning signs, such as raised fur, a stiff posture, growling, rapid barking, and bared teeth.
Postal workers are also taught defensive techniques, such as keeping their satchel between themselves and an approaching dog, backing away slowly, avoiding direct eye contact, and remaining calm to the best of their ability. Mail carriers must also be aware of their surroundings, so they’re not caught off guard.
New Technology
The United States Postal Service has also used technology to improve carrier safety. One such implementation is the creation of the Informed Delivery program, which alerts customers when mail and packages are arriving so they can take appropriate preventive measures. There are also internal USPS systems that help to identify addresses with known dog hazards so carriers can take the proper precautions.
Some delivery scanners also contain alerts that notify carriers when previous incidents have been reported at specific addresses, so they can be on guard.
Dog Owner Education
Finally, dog owners must do their part. To help, USPS officials have compiled several tips for pet owners to follow to ensure everyone’s safety. They include:
- Keeping dogs inside during delivery times
- Securing pets in separate rooms before opening doors
- Ensuring gates and fences are secure
- Using leashes whenever dogs are outside
- Supervising children around pets and never allowing children to accept mail directly from a carrier when a dog is present
Perhaps the most important recommendation is to avoid direct handoffs of mail in front of a dog. After all, what seems like a harmless interaction may be interpreted differently by your pet.
The Bottom Line
The stereotype that dogs attack postal workers is very real, and something has to be done. With over 5,000 attacks in 2025 alone, this is a serious issue that needs immediate resolution. Knowledge is key. Dog owners who understand the risks must take action to ensure everyone in the community can do their jobs safely and without fear. By taking a few simple actions, such as closing a gate, securing a leash, and keeping a dog inside during delivery, you can help postal workers do their job in confidence.
