Can the Post Office Refuse to Deliver Mail Because of a Dog?
Yes, letter carriers who are concerned about the presence of a dangerous dog on a property can suspend delivery to that address. In fact, the USPS can even suspend delivery to an entire block or neighborhood based on a dangerous dog in the area.
Each year, more than 5,800 USPS workers are attacked by dogs. Realizing the threat to worker safety, the USPS allows letter carriers to leave a customer’s mail at the post office if they feel that the mail cannot be delivered safely. In fact, the USPS provides, “If the carrier deems a residence unsafe because of an unrestrained dog, mail delivery service can be interrupted. When service is interrupted at an address or in a neighborhood, all parties involved will have to pick up mail at their local Post Office. Service will be restored once assurance has been given that the animal will be confined during regular delivery hours.”
The USPS also provides a sample letter that USPS supervisors can leave at customers’ homes who have dangerous dogs on the premises:
Dear Postal Customer:
Your letter carrier takes pride in delivering your mail promptly and efficiently. That means being able to approach your mailbox without interference from your pet.
Although your dog may not be known to bite or otherwise be dangerous to people, your carrier has expressed concern about its behavior. I believe you will agree this concern is understandable, since thousands of letter carriers receive bites or other physical harm from dogs each year. Many of these attacks result in serious injury.
This letter is to inform you that we are concerned your dog may have a tendency to attack, bite, or otherwise injure your letter carrier.
To continue providing uninterrupted mail delivery to you while protecting our letter carriers, the Postal Service requests your assistance. Please confine your dog or keep it on a leash — away from the path your carrier uses to deliver your mail.
We appreciate your cooperation.
The safety of letter carriers is more important than a customer receiving their daily mail and packages. Thus, letter carriers are encouraged to report any dangerous dogs along their route to their supervisor, who can take the appropriate action.
Postal Employee Dog Bite Injuries Infographic
If you are a USPS worker who was attacked by a dog while on your route, the Chicago USPS dog bite lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg are here for you. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, our personal injury lawyers have over 30 years of experience helping postal workers obtain the compensation they need and deserve after being bit by a dog. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation, call 1-877-595-4878 today. Because we work on a contingency basis, you will not pay any upfront costs to bring a claim, and we will not charge you for our services unless we can get you the compensation you deserve.
Other Dog Bite FAQs:
- Can the Post Office Refuse to Deliver Mail Because of a Dog?
- How Do Dogs React to Repellant?
- How Many Dog Bites Occur In The US?
- How to Prevent a Dog Bite?
- How to Treat Dog Bites?
- My Child Got Bitten By A Dog; What Are My Next Steps?
- What Breed of Dog Bites the Most?
- What Can I File if I Was Bitten by a Dog During My Delivery?
- What Evidence Is Needed For A Dog Bite Lawsuit?
- What Is Dog Repellant?
- What Is The Total Cost For A Dog Bite Lawyer?
- What Should Letter Carriers Know About Dogs?
- What Should Pet Owners Do Before a USPS Worker Delivers the Mail?
- What to Do If Someone’s Dog Bites You?
- When Should Dog Repellant Be Used?
- Where Should I Discard Dog Repellant?
- Which Cities Have the Most Dog Bites?
- Who Do You Contact After A Dog Bite?
- Why Is Dog Repellant Necessary?