Philadelphia ranks among the worst cities in the United States for dog attacks on mail carriers, according to recent data from the United States Postal Service (USPS). In 2024, there were more than 6,000 reported incidents of dog attacks on postal workers across the country, including 32 in Philadelphia and 316 in Pennsylvania.
The USPS data reveals that Philadelphia is ranked 12th nationwide for dog attacks on its mail carriers. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania holds the 6th spot for the highest number of dog-related incidents affecting postal employees.
As part of the 2025 USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, the Postal Service is highlighting key steps that dog owners can take to ensure the safety of their pets and postal workers. The campaign emphasizes the importance of securing dogs during mail delivery to prevent potential attacks.
Jonah Helfrich, a letter carrier from Montgomery County, shared his own experience of being bitten while on duty. “I was recently delivering mail when a dog rushed through a door and bit me on the wrist, which required medical treatment,” he said. “I encourage all dog owners to take precautions to secure their pets when mail is being delivered.”
The USPS is urging dog owners to take simple steps to avoid dangerous interactions. One recommendation is to secure dogs in a separate room or away from the door during delivery. When leaving or entering the home, owners are advised to make sure doors are securely closed so dogs cannot escape unexpectedly. If a dog is outside while the mail carrier arrives, it should be kept on a leash and away from the postal worker.
The Postal Service also advises pet owners to instruct children not to accept mail from a carrier while the dog is present, as the animal may view the carrier as a threat to the child.
In addition, USPS encourages residents to sign up for the Informed Delivery service, which allows customers to preview incoming mail and packages on their devices. This can help dog owners anticipate when their mail carrier will arrive, providing an opportunity to secure their pets in advance.
The financial implications of a dog attack on a postal worker can be significant. Dog owners may be held liable for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with the incident. If a carrier feels unsafe due to an aggressive dog, they may stop delivering mail. In such cases, mail must be picked up at the local Post Office until it is deemed safe to resume delivery.
In extreme cases, if the safety issue is not resolved, dog owners may be required to rent a P.O. box to receive their mail.
As part of the effort to reduce these incidents, the USPS has compiled a list of the top cities and states with the highest number of dog attacks on postal workers. Among the worst offenders are Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago, with Philadelphia ranking 12th nationwide. California, Texas, and Ohio are the leading states for dog-related attacks on mail carriers.
The USPS continues to stress the importance of dog owners taking responsibility for their pets to help ensure the safety of postal employees and maintain smooth mail delivery services.
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