Royal Mail Dog Warning Sign: Display This 4-Word Notice or Risk Losing Deliveries

Royal Mail is urging dog owners across the UK to display a simple notice on their front door if they have a pet, warning that failing to do so could put postal deliveries at risk. The advice follows another year of rising dog attacks on postal workers, with the company reporting more than 2,100 incidents during the latest reporting period. In serious cases, Royal Mail says it may suspend deliveries to properties where staff face an ongoing danger.

The recommended message is straightforward: “I have a dog.” A clearly visible sign gives delivery staff time to wait while a pet is secured before approaching the door, reducing the chance of sudden encounters that can lead to injuries.

Dog attacks on postal workers remain a nationwide concern

Royal Mail recorded 2,197 dog attacks on employees during the 2024/25 reporting year, equivalent to around 42 incidents every week. The latest figures represent a 2% increase compared with the previous year and underline an issue the postal operator says continues to affect delivery workers across the UK.

Many attacks occur when a front door is opened unexpectedly, while others happen through letterboxes or after dogs escape from gardens or driveways. Some incidents have resulted in serious injuries requiring lengthy recovery and time away from work.

Royal Mail says protecting employees is its first priority. If a dog has attacked a postal worker or is considered an ongoing safety risk, deliveries to the address can be temporarily suspended until suitable precautions are in place.

Why Royal Mail wants households to display a warning sign

As part of its Dog Awareness campaign, Royal Mail has produced a printable notice stating:

“I HAVE A DOG. Please wait whilst I secure my dog before opening the door.”

The sign is intended to prevent surprise encounters by alerting postal workers before a resident opens the door. That gives homeowners time to secure their dog and helps reduce the risk of avoidable injuries.

Royal Mail says even dogs that are usually friendly with family members can react differently when an unfamiliar person approaches the property. Territorial instincts, sudden movements or loud noises can trigger defensive behaviour, regardless of breed or size.

Dog owners are encouraged to:

• Keep pets in another room before answering the door.
• Check that gates and garden entrances are securely closed.
• Fit a letterbox guard or wire cage to stop dogs reaching through the letter slot.
• Install a secure external mailbox if practical.
• Keep dogs occupied with toys or treats during regular delivery times.

Postcode areas recording the most incidents

Royal Mail’s latest statistics show that dog attacks continue to occur throughout the UK, although several postcode areas reported particularly high numbers during the year.

• Sheffield (S) – 66 attacks, up 61% from the previous year.
• Portsmouth (PO) – 60 attacks.
• TN postcode area (covering parts of Kent, Sussex and Surrey) – 56 attacks, up 33%.
• Other high-incident areas included Guildford (GU), Nottingham (NG), Chelmsford (CM), Brighton (BN), Belfast (BT), Newcastle (NE), Swindon (SN), Doncaster (DN) and Staffordshire (ST).

The repeated appearance of several postcode areas suggests the problem remains an ongoing challenge rather than a short-term trend.

What happens if deliveries are suspended?

When a delivery worker is attacked or faces a significant risk, Royal Mail says it may report the incident to the police and temporarily stop deliveries to the address. Mail is generally held until the company is satisfied that appropriate safety measures have been introduced.

For households waiting for prescriptions, financial documents or important parcels, a suspension can quickly become more than an inconvenience. Similar service interruptions can create additional challenges during wider transport disruption, such as the recent rail disruption across southern England.

Royal Mail says the purpose of the campaign is to prevent injuries rather than penalise responsible pet owners. A simple warning sign and securing dogs before opening the door can significantly reduce the likelihood of an incident. Taking practical precautions at home is just as important as staying informed about wider public safety issues, including new EU entry checks that could affect UK travellers.

More information, including downloadable warning signs and practical safety guidance, is available on the official Royal Mail Dog Awareness page.