USPS Reveals the Cities Where Dogs Still Have Beef With Mail Carriers
For most dogs, the daily arrival of the mail carrier is just another part of the neighborhood routine. For others, it is apparently a personal rivalry that has been going strong for years. While plenty of pups are content to watch deliveries from the window, thousands of mail carriers still encounter dogs that see the postal service as public enemy number one.
The U.S. Postal Service recently released its latest dog-bite data, and the numbers show that mail carriers continue facing a surprising amount of canine pushback. More than 5,200 postal employees were attacked by dogs in 2025, prompting USPS to launch its annual Dog Bite Awareness Campaign and remind pet owners that even the friendliest dogs can react unpredictably when protecting their home turf.
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USPS Dog Bite Data Reveals Which Cities Have the Biggest Mail Carrier Problems
According to USPS, Los Angeles ranked first in the nation for reported dog attacks on mail carriers with 70 incidents in 2025. Dallas followed with 50, while Denver rounded out the top three with 45 incidents. Houston and Chicago completed the top five with 44 and 43 attacks, respectively.
California also topped the list of states with the highest number of reported dog-bite incidents, at 673. Texas came in second with 358, followed by Ohio with 287. New York and Pennsylvania rounded out the top five.
The report serves as a reminder that dog bites are not limited to certain breeds, sizes or regions. USPS officials emphasized that even well-behaved dogs can become defensive when a stranger approaches their property unexpectedly. A dog that greets guests politely inside the home may react very differently when a mail carrier approaches the front door, mailbox or yard.
The agency's campaign theme this year is "Don't Turn Your Back on Dog Bite Prevention," encouraging owners to take simple precautions during delivery hours. USPS recommends securing dogs in another room before opening the door, ensuring gates are properly latched and never accepting mail directly from a carrier while a dog is present.
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While stories about dogs often make us smile, like this patriotic pup enjoying an Aldi-themed hot dog toy, the reality is that dog-related injuries can have serious consequences for both pets and people.
The Postal Service also noted that attacks can lead to costly medical bills, lost work time and emotional trauma for mail carriers. In some cases, mail delivery may even be suspended until safety concerns are resolved.
For many dog parents, these statistics may come as a surprise. After all, most people view their pets as loving family members. But behavior experts frequently point out that dogs experience the world differently than humans do. Territorial instincts can override familiarity, which is something one owner learned firsthand in this cautionary story from a Golden Retriever mom sharing what prospective owners should know.
The good news is that most incidents are preventable. A little awareness, a closed door and a secure leash can go a long way toward keeping both dogs and mail carriers safe.
Because while your dog may think they're defending the kingdom, the person carrying those packages is probably just trying to deliver your online shopping.
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This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 12:40 PM.