PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — As dog attacks on mail carriers continue to rise nationwide, the U.S. Postal Service is urging dog owners to take greater responsibility for ensuring safe mail delivery. California led the country in dog-related incidents in 2024, with more than 770 reported attacks on postal workers.
In response, USPS is ramping up public awareness through its 2025 National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, themed “Secure Your Dog, Keep Deliveries On Track.” The campaign emphasizes the importance of keeping pets secured during mail delivery to protect postal employees and others who visit residential properties.
To put a human face on the issue, Palm Springs letter carrier Angelita Ordonez will speak with the media on Friday, June 13 at 9:45 a.m. about her experience with dogs while delivering mail. Ordonez, who is bilingual, will offer interviews in both English and Spanish along her carrier route.
Nationwide, more than 6,000 dog attacks on postal workers were reported last year. Many of these incidents occurred despite the dogs being considered “friendly” by their owners.
“Even the most docile dog can become territorial or anxious in certain situations,” said USPS officials. “Dogs act on instinct, and when startled or protective, they can bite without warning.”
USPS recommends that dog owners secure pets indoors, behind a closed door, or in a separate area when mail is being delivered. If outside, dogs should be kept on a leash and away from carriers. Owners are also advised not to accept mail directly from a carrier while a dog is present and to teach children not to do so either.
One tool that can help is Informed Delivery, a free service allowing customers to digitally preview their mail before it arrives. This allows pet owners to anticipate when a carrier may be on their property.
The cost of a dog attack can be high. Owners may be held financially responsible for medical bills, lost wages, uniform damage, and pain and suffering. Blue Bell, PA, letter carrier Jonah Helfrich described being bitten on the wrist by a dog that burst through a door. “To the owner, the dog wasn’t dangerous. To me, it was a threat,” he said.
Postal carriers are trained to minimize risk. They remain alert to dogs on their routes, avoid startling them, and use protective techniques, such as placing a mailbag between themselves and an aggressive animal. Carriers also rely on internal tools such as scanner alerts and dog warning cards to flag hazardous locations.
If a dog is deemed a threat, mail service can be suspended to that address until the issue is resolved. In unresolved cases, owners may be required to rent a PO Box to continue receiving mail.
This campaign comes as the USPS celebrates 250 years of service. The organization continues to deliver to over 169 million addresses across the U.S. and is in the midst of a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, aimed at modernizing operations and securing long-term sustainability.
Through education and cooperation, USPS hopes to protect its workers and keep deliveries safe and on time — for everyone.