LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In 2023, close to 6,000 postal service employees were attacked by dogs while delivering the mail and 113 of those bites or attacks were in Kentucky.

The U.S. Postal Service is training its employees to handle being attacked by a dog while on their daily route.

They say there are ways residents can help keep mail carriers safe. 

What You Need To Know

  • Lst year Louisville was ranked 14th in the country for most dog bites or attacks

  • All dogs can bite, even those perceived as nonaggressive

  •  To protect your mail carrier - keep dogs inside the house or behind a fence 

  • According Insurance Information Institute, the average cost per insurance claim for a dog bite is close to $65,000

The postal service says letter carriers are exposed to hazards every day, especially canine encounters.

According to the U.S. Postal Service, last year Louisville was ranked 14th in the country for most dog bites or attacks.

Experts say all dogs can bite, even those perceived as nonaggressive.

Carriers are encouraged to use their hat or their bag as an object to put between themselves and the dog if needed.

Carriers also have dog repellant to use in the event of an emergency. The spray contains extract of cayenne pepper and mineral oil. The spray is more than 99% mineral oil.

The postal service says dogs are protective of their turf and that pet owners have a responsibility to control them for safe mail delivery.

“The most important thing is understanding that the letter carriers are not trespassing. They have a right to be on your property to deliver your package and the mail. Protect them by managing your dog,” said professional dog trainer Hector Hernandez.

Residents can help protect mail carriers by keeping dogs inside the house or behind a fence, away from the door or in another room.

Experts say pet owners also should remind children not to take mail directly from a letter carrier because the dog might see the carrier as a threat.

When a carrier feels unsafe, mail service can be stopped and the mail will have to be collected at the dog owner’s local post office until the mail can be safely delivered. If the issue cannot be resolved, dog owners are required to rent a post office box to receive mail.

According Insurance Information Institute, the average cost per insurance claim for a dog bite in 2022 was almost $65,000.

USPS says when a postal employee is injured, the owner could be responsible for medical bills, lost wages, uniform replacement costs and pain and suffering for the employee.