Photo by Drew Easley on Unsplash
The United States Postal Service (USPS) launched National Dog Bite Awareness Month, observed annually in June, by revealing the most dangerous states and cities for mail carriers in 2025.
With 267 incidents, Pennsylvania came in fifth behind California, Texas, Ohio, and New York. Both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia made the list of the most dangerous cities, coming in at 16 and 17 respectively. The number of incidents in Pittsburgh tallied 21 while Philadelphia had 20.
Tips for Keeping Your Dog and Mail Carrier Safe
Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash
We’ve all seen videos of mail carriers and other delivery professionals bonding with dogs – petting them, giving them treats, and even playing with them. But, as the statistics illustrate, not all dogs are safe around strangers, something of which we should all be aware.
The USPS shines the spotlight on the dangers dogs present to mail carriers, and ways to keep everyone safe, throughout June each year. Among the ways mail carriers protect themselves from aggressive dogs is to carry, and when necessary, use dog repellant.
However, mail carriers can only do so much to ensure their safety. When a mail carrier doesn’t feel safe delivering to a home due to an unrestrained or aggressive dog, the homeowner may be required to pick up their mail at the post office until they confine their dog.
While mail carriers can take steps to stay safe, pet parents must be proactive, too. Here are a few ways to keep mail carriers, and other delivery professionals, safe when delivering to your home:
Keep your dog inside
Chances are your mail carrier delivers the mail around the same time each day. If you know it’s around the time the mail normally comes, bring your dog inside and keep them indoors until the mail has been delivered.
Put your dog in a room with a closed door
If the mail carrier comes to your door for whatever reason, such as to deliver a package, do not answer the door until your dog is safe in another room and the door is securely closed.
Leash your dog
If your dog must be outdoors around the time the mail carrier arrives, ensure they are securely on a leash.
Do not take mail directly from the mail carrier
USPS advises against allowing the mail carrier to hand the mail to you if your dog is with you. Your dog may think the mail carrier is a threat and attack. The best bet, if possible, is to ensure your dog is not near the mail carrier when they deliver the mail.
Leave packages outside until the mail carrier leaves
If the mail carrier or delivery driver leaves a package on your front porch or stoop, do not attempt to retrieve it until they are gone. That way, your dog can’t accidentally wiggle their way out of the door.
Consider obedience training
Obedience training has countless benefits for both you and your pooch. As a dog parent, you’ll strengthen your bond with your pup, learn how to establish boundaries, and create consistency with your words and actions.
Your dog, on the other hand, will learn new commands, how to better communicate with you, and what you expect of them. You can generally find both private and group training lessons, so opt for what will work best for both of you.
Keeping these dog safety tips in mind will help ensure the safety of your dog, your mail carrier, and other delivery drivers who come to your home. What other dog safety tips would you share with other dog parents? Stop by the Pet-Friendly PA Facebook page and let us know.
On the lookout for fun ways to spend time with your dog? Lace up your hiking shoes for a stroll along one of these pet-friendly paved hiking trails or dog-friendly hikes in Pennsylvania.
