Michigan news

April 28, 2025

Help USPS Prevent Dog Bites

Detroit Area Mail Carriers Deliver Important Message About Dog Bites

What:

The United States Postal Service and your local letter carrier want to take the bite out of…dog bites. They ask the public for your help. 

On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. at Detroit’s Aretha Franklin Post Office, 12711 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48215, mail carriers will join renowned professional dog trainer Hector Hernandez to send an important message to customers to prevent dog bite injuries. 

Hernandez and his dog will demonstrate, with the help of Detroit letter carriers, how to avoid attacks.

When:

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 8:00 a.m.

Where:

Aretha Franklin/Fox Creek Post Office
12711 E. Jefferson Ave,
Detroit, MI 48215

Background:

Even a responsible dog owner may not realize the financial costs involved if their pet attacks someone, including their letter carrier. The Postal Service offers the following tips on how to keep family, neighbors, and letter carriers safe from dog attacks:
  • Dog owners should keep the family pet secured. If a carrier delivers mail or packages to your front door, place your dog in a separate room before opening the front door. Some dogs burst through screen doors or plate-glass windows to attack visitors. 
  • Parents should remind children and other family members not to take mail directly from the carrier, as a dog may view handing mail to a family member as a threatening gesture. 
  • Sign up for Informed Delivery at Informed Delivery - Mail & Package Notifications | USPS. You’ll know in advance when parcels are being delivered and can take precautions to keep your carrier safe. 

The safety of our Postal Service employees is a top priority. If a carrier feels threatened by a dog, or if a dog is loose or unleashed, the owner may be asked to pick up mail at their Post Office until the carrier is assured the pet has been restrained. If a dog is roaming the neighborhood, the pet owner’s neighbors also may be asked to pick up their mail at the Post Office.

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

# # #

U.S. Postal Service Celebrates 250 Years

The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is celebrating its 250th year of service to customers amidst a network modernization plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.

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

For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter; Instagram; Pinterest; Threads; and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.

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