SALT LAKE CITY — The U.S. Postal Service and Salt Lake County Animal Services are working together to raise awareness about dog attacks against mail carriers during National Dog Bite Awareness Month.
Officials said mail delivery can become dangerous in seconds when dogs are involved, even if the animal appears friendly.
The Postal Service said carriers are trained to stay alert, use protective tools like mail satchels as barriers and carry deterrents if needed.
A longtime letter carrier shared her experience after being bitten on the job while delivering mail in Salt Lake City.
“We were trying to hurry, of course. Then I went in the gate, and there was no dog when I went in, but it came from around the back and just bit me on the back of my ankle,” said letter carrier Diane Skougard.
Animal services officials said dogs often react out of instinct when someone approaches their home or property.
“They can tell that’s the mail truck. Hearing that door open is an indicator that somebody is going to be walking up to their property, and most dogs want to protect their home,” said Sophia Deacon, with Salt Lake County Animal Services.
Officials describe that behavior as barrier activity, a natural protective instinct that can occur with any dog.
They are encouraging pet owners to secure dogs before deliveries, close gates and use leashes when animals are outside during mail service hours.
Officials said reported dog bite incidents in Utah have declined in recent years, dropping from 55 cases in 2024 to 40 in 2025, including 14 in the Salt Lake area.
They said education and awareness are helping reduce incidents but emphasized that every bite is preventable.
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