DETROIT, MI — The Postal Service is ready to deliver more than 16 billion cards, letters, and packages this holiday season, including more than 900 million packages. With the increase in package delivery, more customers will be opening their doors to accept deliveries, increasing the potential for dog attacks.

To help letter carriers deliver the mail, the Postal Service is highlighting these safety tips to pet owners:

• If a letter carrier delivers mail or packages to your front door, place your dog in a separate room and close that door before opening the front door. Dogs have been known to burst through screen doors or plate-glass windows to attack visitors. Dog owners should keep the family pet secured.
• Please make sure your dog is contained during the hours the letter carrier may be in your neighborhood.
• Parents should remind their children and other family members not to take mail directly from letter carriers in the presence of the family pet, as the dog may view the letter carrier handing mail to a family member as a threatening gesture.

 Reminder: Mailing Deadlines (Domestic Services)

• Dec. 14 - USPS Retail Ground
• Dec. 20 - First Class Mail (including greeting cards)
• Dec. 20 - Priority Mail
• Dec. 22 - Priority Mail Express

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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