Mail company launches four-word warning sign as dog attacks continue to rise

Royal Mail is taking unusual, but practical, steps to protect its delivery staff after a rise in dog attacks.

The postal service is now urging households to display a simple sign reading 15 words or fewer in their windows or on their doors to alert delivery workers when dogs are present.

More than 2,000 Royal Mail employees are bitten or threatened by dogs each year, with many injuries happening at front doors or through letterboxes. Some cases have led to severe or even life-changing wounds, highlighting the hidden dangers of everyday deliveries.

To help prevent incidents, Royal Mail has made a printable warning card available online: it reads, “I HAVE A DOG. Please wait whilst I secure my dog before opening the door.” Households are encouraged to place the sign where postal workers can easily see it, and pet owners can also create their own versions.

The organisation reassures customers that delivery staff are happy to wait while dogs are safely secured in another room or behind a gate. Additional safety tips include keeping pets away from front doors during deliveries, closing garden gates, or using treats and toys to distract dogs.

Royal Mail statistics show that dog attacks on staff have increased slightly over the past year, rising by 2 per cent to a total of 2,197 incidents in 2025. This averages out to around 42 attacks every week, with some victims suffering lasting injuries. Beyond the immediate harm, repeated incidents can lead to delivery suspensions at addresses where dogs pose a serious risk.

A spokesperson for Royal Mail explained: “We have around 2,000 colleagues injured by dogs every year. When attacks happen, we must report them to the authorities and temporarily halt deliveries to ensure no one else is at risk.”

While the signs may seem simple, postal workers say they could make a big difference in preventing accidents and keeping everyone safe, both humans and canines.