Dog Attacks On Mail Carriers Jump To Seven-Year High

Dog attacks on mail carriers in the United States have reached a seven-year high, with over 6,000 incidents reported last year. According to data from the U.S. Postal Service, this marks a 5% increase from 2023 and a 15% rise from 2022. The Midwest, particularly states like Illinois, Iowa, and Ohio, has the highest rate of attacks when adjusted for the number of households.

With more than one in three American households owning dogs, mail carriers face significant risks. David Coleman, a spokesperson for the Postal Service, highlighted the instinctive nature of dogs, noting that "all it takes is just one wrong interaction/movement for our carriers to be injured." The Postal Service releases these figures annually as part of its Dog Bite Awareness campaign, which includes incidents like chases, bites, and even fatalities, such as the tragic death of a mail carrier in Florida in 2022.

For the 300,000-plus mail carriers across the country, the financial and emotional impacts of dog attacks can be substantial. In 2024, the average cost per insurance claim for a dog bite was nearly $70,000. To mitigate risks, the Postal Service has implemented guidelines for interacting with dogs, including carrying dog repellant and using mail satchels for protection.

Coleman advised dog owners to practice responsible pet ownership by teaching dogs appropriate behavior and commands and ensuring they do not roam freely.