33 cities with highest number of dog attacks on mail carriers, according to USPS

The United States Postal Service is sounding the alarm on pet safety after reporting more than 5,200 dog attacks on mail carriers throughout 2025. To help prevent future injuries and keep mail delivery consistent, the agency is pushing for better pet management from homeowners nationwide.

A Growing Danger

For many postal workers, the threat is real and life-changing. San Antonio Letter Carrier Fiona Hudson shared her harrowing experience of being blindsided by a dog that cleared a fence to attack her. The encounter left her with a broken bone, a severe arm sprain, and lasting trauma. Hudson emphasized that dog owners bear the responsibility of keeping their pets secured during delivery hours.

Taking Action

In response to the danger, the USPS launched its Dog Bite Awareness campaign on June 1. The initiative aims to promote shared vigilance between community members and carriers, with the central theme of 'don’t turn your back on dog bite prevention.'

High-Risk Cities

According to USPS data, several major metropolitan areas reported high numbers of attacks in 2025, including Los Angeles (70), Dallas (50), Denver (45), Houston (44), and Chicago (43).

The Cost of Negligence

USPS spokesperson Leeann Theriault noted that preventing these incidents is a matter of constant awareness. 'Every single day, our postal employees serve their communities across dynamic, fast-changing environments,' Theriault said. 'Preventing dog-related incidents requires constant, shared vigilance.'

Owners should be aware that according to USPS, they can be held financially liable for medical costs, lost work time, damaged clothing, and emotional distress caused by their pets. Furthermore, when carriers deem an area unsafe, they may suspend delivery, requiring residents to retrieve their mail from the local post office. In persistent cases involving dangerous dogs, owners may be forced to rent a P.O. Box to continue receiving mail service.

As Theriault highlighted, 'This campaign reinforces a vital truth: Animal behaviors can change in an instant, but proactive awareness from both our carriers and the customers we serve can stop painful injuries before they ever happen.'