Dog attacks on USPS workers rose last year. These cities saw the most attacks.
Postal workers in the United States faced over 6,000 incidents of dog attacks last year, marking an increase of more than 200 cases since 2023, according to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
California topped the list with 701 reported incidents, followed by Texas with 438, and Ohio with 350 cases. Other states in the top 10 included Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida, Missouri, and North Carolina.
The USPS also highlighted the top 10 cities with the most dog attacks in 2024:
- Los Angeles – 77
- Houston – 65
- Chicago – 57
- St. Louis – 47
- Cincinnati – 44
- Dallas – 43
- Kansas City – 40
- Cleveland – 40
- San Diego – 35
- Denver – 34
According to the USPS, dog owners can take steps to prevent such incidents by ensuring the safety of postal workers. Leeann Theriault, USPS employee safety and health awareness manager, emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership. This includes teaching dogs appropriate behavior and commands, as well as not allowing them to roam freely.
The USPS recommends securing dogs before the mail carrier arrives, keeping them on a leash when outside, and ensuring that children do not interact directly with the mail carrier to avoid triggering a dog’s protective instincts.
Jonah Helfrich, a postal worker from Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, shared his own experience of being bitten by a dog while on duty, underscoring the need for all dog owners to take precautions.
