The U.S. Postal Service says its employees suffered more than 5,200 dog attacks while on duty in 2025, and Chicago landed near the top of the list with 43 reported incidents. The announcement comes as the Postal Service prepares a monthlong Dog Bite Awareness campaign that begins June 1, adding fresh urgency to long-running worries about safety for carriers working busy urban routes.
Where the attacks were concentrated
According to U.S. Postal Service data, Los Angeles led the nation with 70 reported attacks in 2025, followed by Dallas with 50, Denver with 45, Houston with 44 and Chicago with 43. The agency also tallied state totals, with California reporting 673 incidents and Texas 358. WGN‑TV highlighted Chicago’s spot on the national list after the postal service released the figures.
How carriers are being protected on the job
The USPS release details a playbook of training and equipment for letter carriers. “If a dog attacks, carriers are trained to stand their ground, use their mail satchel as a protective shield and deploy dog repellent if necessary,” the Postal Service said. Carriers are also equipped with handheld scanners that include built-in dog-warning alerts, and the agency uses physical warning cards in sorting cases to flag addresses where dogs are known to be present.
Owners face big bills and legal risk
Beyond the immediate injury, the financial fallout can be substantial. The Insurance Information Institute reported that U.S. insurers paid $1.57 billion for dog-related injury claims in 2024, with an average payout of roughly $69,272. USPS materials point out that owners may be on the hook for medical bills, lost wages and other costs after an attack, and that mail delivery to a home can be suspended until a dog is properly secured.
What Chicago residents can do
USPS guidance for pet owners is straightforward: keep dogs secured and away from the door during deliveries, use a leash if a pet is outside and avoid accepting mail while a dog is in the room or yard. The agency also points residents to services such as Informed Delivery so owners know when mail is coming and can plan ahead to keep pets clear of a carrier’s route.
Legal note
Liability for dog bites varies widely by state. Many jurisdictions use strict liability rules, while others follow a “one-bite” or negligence standard, which affects how and when victims can recover damages. For a state-by-state breakdown, see FindLaw. Anyone dealing with a bite incident or potential claim should review local animal-control regulations and consider getting legal advice about specific risks and responsibilities.
