WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Postal Service (USPS) has kicked off the 2025 National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign to address a troubling rise in dog attacks on its employees. More than 6,000 incidents involving postal workers and dog attacks were reported nationwide last year, underscoring the need for comprehensive action to protect mail carriers.
This year’s campaign runs throughout June, with the theme, “Secure Your Dog, Keep Deliveries on Track.” USPS is using the campaign to educate dog owners on their responsibilities and promote safer mail delivery practices. The campaign urges people to share the message with the hashtag #dogbiteawareness.
According to Leeann Theriault, USPS employee safety and health awareness manager, preventing dog attacks starts with responsible pet ownership. “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,” Theriault said. “Help ensure the safety of everyone in our communities.”
Tips for Dog Owners
USPS emphasizes that even well-trained dogs can behave unpredictably when they feel startled, protective, or unwell. To ensure the safety of both mail carriers and pets, USPS recommends that dog owners take the following precautions:
- Secure dogs inside the home or away from the door when the carrier arrives.
- Ensure doors and gates are fully closed to prevent dogs from escaping.
- If outside with a dog during mail delivery, keep the dog leashed and far from the carrier.
- Avoid accepting mail directly from the carrier, as dogs may perceive the carrier as a threat.
- Teach children not to interact with the carrier when the dog is present.
The Financial and Operational Cost of Dog Attacks
Dog-related incidents can have serious consequences for pet owners. Injuries to postal employees may result in significant costs, including medical bills, lost wages, and uniform replacements. Furthermore, mail delivery can be suspended if a carrier feels unsafe. Dog owners may then need to pick up their mail at the local Post Office or even rent a P.O. box if the issue is unresolved.
The impact on carriers is profound as well. Jonah Helfrich, a mail carrier from Blue Bell, PA, shared his experience, explaining how a dog recently broke free from a door and bit him on the wrist, requiring medical care. “I strongly encourage all dog owners to take precautions to make sure their dog is secure when mail is being delivered,” Helfrich said.
Carrier Training and Safety Measures
USPS mail carriers are extensively trained to handle situations involving dogs. Their training includes techniques such as:
- Alerting dogs to their presence by making non-threatening noises.
- Staying aware of dogs’ movements and avoiding assumptions about their behavior.
- Using tools like mail satchels or repellents to protect themselves during an attack.
Carriers also rely on systems that track potential dog hazards. For instance, their handheld scanners include a feature to flag the presence of dogs, and warning cards are used during mail sorting to remind carriers of potential risks at specific addresses.
Supporting Safe and Reliable Mail Service
Through its 2025 campaign, USPS is not only prioritizing the safety of its employees but also highlighting the role of responsible pet ownership in maintaining seamless mail service. By securing their dogs and following safety guidelines, pet owners can help prevent potentially harmful interactions and ensure the continued delivery of their mail.
The USPS encourages everyone to participate in spreading awareness of this important issue to protect both postal workers and the pets they serve.
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