Annual Probability of USPS Carrier Dog Attack

The United States Postal Service reports approximately 5,300 dog attacks on mail carriers each year, making it one of the most significant occupational hazards for letter carriers. With about 350,000 city and rural carriers, this means roughly 1 in 66 carriers is bitten in a given year (about 1.5%).

The cities with the highest dog attack rates include Houston, Los Angeles, Dallas, Cleveland, and St. Louis. Dog attacks spike during summer months when more dogs are outside and doors and windows are open. Children are present during about 25% of carrier dog attacks, suggesting that dogs may become more territorial when children are playing nearby.

USPS carriers are equipped with dog spray (a citronella-based deterrent) and receive training in dog behavior recognition. Postal service can be suspended to an entire neighborhood if a carrier is attacked and the dog is not secured. Dog owners may be liable for medical costs, lost work time, and other damages resulting from their dog attacking a mail carrier (or any person) in most states through strict liability statutes. Prevention includes securing dogs during mail delivery times, meeting the carrier outside to collect mail if dogs are present, and using secured mailboxes.