If you’re expecting mail, you may want to make sure your dog is inside.
June is Dog Bite Awareness Month, and the United States Postal Service is reminding everyone to help protect their mail carriers by securing their dogs during delivery.
The warning is especially prevalent in Illinois, where more than 200 dog bite incidents were reported among carriers in 2025.
Here’s how to do your part in protecting your mail carrier.
USPS reports high level of dog attacks in Chicago, Illinois
Illinois ranked sixth among states with the most reported dog bites, with 260 incidents reported in 2025.
Chicago ranked fifth among cities, with 43 incidents reported in 2025.
In comparison, Los Angeles and California topped the city and state lists, with 70 and 673 incidents reported, respectively.
Tips for dog owners on how to keep mail carriers safe
The USPS notes that even the friendliest dogs can react unexpectedly when defending territory or feeling startled.
The service recommends the following tips:
Dog owners can use the USPS’ free Informed Delivery feature to digitally preview incoming mail and packages from a computer, tablet or mobile device. Sign up at informeddelivery.usps.com to stay on top of your deliveries.
Risks of not securing your dog during deliveries
When mail carriers feel unsafe because of a roaming dog, mail service may be temporarily suspended until they feel safe enough to resume delivery, according to the USPS.
This can result in mail being delivered to the dog owner’s local post office or the owner needing to contact the supervisor at their local post office for more information about their canceled delivery.
If the issue isn’t resolved, owners can be required to rent a post office box to receive mail.
In the case of a dog attack, dog owners could also be required to pay out of pocket for a carrier’s medical care, lost shifts, replacement clothing and emotional distress.
How are mail carriers trained to protect themselves from your dog?
Mail carriers receive extensive training to spot potential dog hazards, according to the USPS.
This involves the following precautions:
Carriers are also instructed to stand their ground against dog attacks, using their mail satchel as a potential shield and using dog repellent if necessary. They are also supplied with awareness tools like handheld scanners to alert them to dog warnings at certain addresses.
What does Illinois law say about dog bites?
Dog owners in Illinois are typically legally responsible for attacks.
Illinois’ Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5) says, “If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack or injures any person who is peaceably conducting himself or herself in any place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner of such dog or other animal is liable in civil damages.”
Chicago law firm Berenz Law Network clarifies that in the case of dog bites, owners are liable regardless of whether they were being negligent or knew their dog would bite. In the case of all other attacks and injuries, the victim typically needs to show some wrongful action or inaction on the part of the owner.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Illinois ranks 6th for mail carrier dog bites. Are owners responsible?
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
