HOUSTON – Houston has landed near the top of a troubling national list.
According to the U.S. Postal Service, Houston ranked No. 4 in the nation for dog bite and dog-related incidents involving mail carriers in 2025, with 44 reported attacks. Only Los Angeles, Dallas and Denver reported more incidents.
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The ranking comes as USPS launches its annual Dog Bite Awareness Campaign throughout June, urging pet owners to take extra precautions to keep mail carriers safe.
Nationwide, more than 5,200 postal employees were attacked by dogs last year. Texas ranked No. 2 among all states, reporting 358 dog-related incidents involving mail carriers.
Why USPS is sounding the alarm
The monthlong campaign, which begins June 1, carries the theme: “Don’t turn your back on dog bite prevention.”
USPS officials say even well-behaved dogs can become aggressive when they perceive a threat or feel protective of their territory.
“Animal behaviors can change in an instant,” said Leeann Theriault, USPS employee safety and health awareness manager. “Proactive awareness from both our carriers and the customers we serve can stop painful injuries before they ever happen.”
How dog owners can help
USPS recommends several steps to prevent attacks during mail delivery:
- Keep dogs in a separate, closed room before opening the front door.
- Make sure doors and gates are securely latched.
- Keep dogs on a leash if they are outside during delivery times.
- Avoid accepting mail directly from a carrier while a dog is present.
- Teach children not to retrieve mail from a carrier when a dog is nearby.
The agency also encourages residents to sign up for USPS Informed Delivery, a free service that allows customers to preview incoming mail digitally. Knowing when mail is expected can give pet owners time to secure their dogs before a carrier arrives.
Dog attacks can carry a hefty price tag
USPS warns that dog owners may face significant financial consequences if their pet attacks a postal worker.
Medical bills, lost work time, replacement uniforms and other damages can add up to thousands of dollars.
San Antonio letter carrier Fiona Hudson knows those dangers firsthand.
According to USPS, Hudson was attacked after a dog jumped a fence and lunged at her while she was delivering mail. She suffered a broken bone, a severe arm sprain and other injuries that required hospitalization.
While she recovered physically, Hudson said the emotional effects remain.
Unsecured dogs can disrupt mail delivery
USPS says carriers can suspend mail delivery if they believe a dog poses a threat.
In some cases, residents may have to pick up their mail at a local post office until the situation is resolved. If safety concerns continue, homeowners could be required to rent a post office box to receive mail.
Top cities for mail carrier dog attacks in 2025
The cities reporting the most dog-related incidents involving mail carriers were:
- Los Angeles: 70 incidents
- Dallas: 50
- Denver: 45
- Houston: 44
- Chicago: 43
- St. Louis: 40
- Indianapolis: 35
- San Diego: 32
- San Antonio: 31
- Cleveland: 30
States with the most incidents
Texas ranked second nationwide with 358 incidents, trailing only California, which reported 673.
The top five states were:
- California: 673
- Texas: 358
- Ohio: 287
- New York: 269
- Pennsylvania: 267
As mail carriers continue making deliveries to millions of homes each day, USPS officials say a few simple precautions can help prevent painful injuries and keep mail service running smoothly.
The agency will continue promoting dog safety awareness throughout June using the hashtag #DogBiteAwareness.