Effective February 5, 2026, the Postal Service™ is amending Chapter 5 of Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Pub 52) to clarify the disposal procedures for live animals who perish while in Postal custody.
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Publication 52 – Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail
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5 Perishable Matter
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52 Disposal
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524 Disposal
[Revise section as follows:]
Any mailpiece containing live animals that cannot be delivered to the addressee or returned to the sender within 72 hours (for live, day-old poultry) or within the delivery period marked on the package (for other mailable animals) must be disposed of immediately. For safety reasons, mailpieces not marked with a delivery period must be sold or disposed of when it reasonably appears the animals cannot be delivered or returned in viable condition. The addressee or postal employees cannot purchase any such items. The postmaster must send proceeds from the sale, less 25 percent commission (but not less than 1 dollar) and the proper money order fee and postage to the mailer by postal money order with an explanation on PS Form 3820, Sale or Destruction of Perishable Mail and the action taken. Retain a copy of the PS Form 3820 in the office financial paperwork. Contact local waste management or health department personnel for guidance on specific requirements or restrictions for animals that have perished.
For complete disposal information, refer to the Postal Operations Manual (POM) 691.52. For the disposition of mailpieces that are refused by air carriers, refer to 712.
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Although effective immediately, the Postal Service will incorporate this revision into the next update of the Pub 52, which is available via Postal Explorer® at pe.usps.com.
—Product Classification,
Product Solutions, 2-5-26
