More than 6,000 dog incidents were reported last year, and carriers may stop delivery whenever a dog is present or acting aggressively.
USPS carriers are reporting an increase in dog‑related delivery interruptions nationwide, with more than 6,000 incidents recorded last year. According to USPS safety data, dog attacks on mail carriers have reached their highest level in seven years, rising steadily over the past two reporting cycles. The agency says even legally restrained pets can create unsafe conditions for carriers who must enter a dog’s territory to deliver mail.
Local animal‑control ordinances require dogs to be contained or under the owner’s control, and a dog tied, fenced, or otherwise restrained is considered legally compliant. However, USPS policy uses a separate standard focused solely on employee safety. Carriers are instructed to avoid entering any area where a dog is present, regardless of whether the animal is restrained.
If a dog is present and the carrier feels threatened or unsafe due to aggressive behavior, delivery stops immediately.
Aggression may include barking, growling, charging, snapping, lunging, or any behavior that signals the dog may defend its territory. A restrained dog is still considered a hazard if the carrier must pass within the dog’s reach or perceived territory.
USPS officials say these precautions are necessary to prevent injuries. Even dogs described as friendly by their owners may react defensively when a stranger approaches a porch, gate, or yard. When a carrier feels unsafe, USPS may suspend delivery to a single address or, in some cases, to an entire street. Mail is typically held at the post office until the hazard is resolved.
Postal staff emphasize that securing pets is essential for uninterrupted service. Residents who rely on porch delivery, house‑mounted mailboxes, or gated access points are encouraged to keep pets indoors or in enclosed areas during delivery hours.
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