TORRANCE, CA — June is Dog Bite Awareness Month, and on June 4, 2026, the Torrance Post Office kicked off the campaign in the California 5 (CA 5 – Los Angeles) District with safety conversations and demonstrations aimed at helping prevent postal mail carriers from experiencing dog attacks.

Katiah Gary, Safety Specialist, and Vanessa Garibay, Safety Engagement Leader, are guiding the Safety Tour Bus through the Los Angeles District, making stops at various post offices, with their bus parked in Torrance for this event.

The common goal is to educate employees and ensure they have the necessary tools when out on their routes. “I always want to make sure the carriers have the proper equipment with them. They need their satchel and dog repellent sprays outside the office, and they need their dog warning cards on their cases and dog notification data entered into their mail scanners, so they are notified about a dangerous animal on the route,” said Gary.

Gary and Garibay demonstrated to the audience the proper use of satchels, dog repellent, and the correct stance and positioning while actively engaged in a dog attack. In addition, postal carriers undergo extensive safety training to spot potential canine hazards.

For Garibay, dog bite prevention goes well beyond the month of June—it is a 24/7, 365-day mission. Educating employees includes not only these helpful tips but also activities such as dog bite centers (in every office), safety conferences, and daily safety huddles, all parts of ongoing efforts to ensure employees are properly trained.

While carriers are instructed to remain vigilant and exercise proper precautions, customers are also encouraging customers to be:

• Proactive: Keep dogs in a secure place, away from the front door, during delivery times.
• Intentional: Always use a leash when taking pets outside during mail delivery.
• Aware: Customers can sign up for USPS Informed Delivery. This service can help dog owners anticipate when their carrier might arrive. Sign up at informeddelivery.usps.com.

The CA 5 District, which includes Los Angeles, reported 70 dog bites/incidents, contributing to a total of 109 across the district. The team will continue traveling from post office to post office to make sure the message is loud and clear: Don’t Turn Your Back on Dog Bite Prevention.

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