GRAND RAPIDS MI — On average, nearly 15 mail carriers get bitten by dogs every day. 

With deliveries every day, including Sundays and holidays, Postal Service officials report carriers continue to experience dog bites in urban, suburban and rural settings. Dog attacks have risen over 50% in the Greater Michigan District compared to the same period last year.

Dog attacks and bites are 100 percent preventable when dog owners remain vigilant and properly restrain their dogs.

To ensure mail carriers’ safety, dog owners must securely lock their dog in another room until a delivery exchange is done. If outside, dogs must be leashed at a distance from the mailbox.

When a carrier feels unsafe, mail service could be interrupted, not only for the dog owner, but for the entire neighborhood. When mail service is interrupted, mail must be picked up at the Post Office. Service will not be restored until the dog is properly restrained.

With your help, we can keep our carriers, your neighbors and your dog’s safe. Thank you for protecting your pet and our mail carriers as we continue to bring packages and correspondence to your door each day.

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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