As Dog Bites Against Letter Carriers Rise USPS Begin Awareness Campaign

HICKSVILLE, NY — Dog may be man's best friend, but not necessarily if that man, or woman, is a letter carrier.

Last year, more than 300 dog bites in New York, including 83 involving letter carriers on Long Island.

Overall, incidents involving dog attacks on Postal Service employees rose to more than 6,000 cases last year.

“This is where I started and this is where I will retire,” said Diane Villatoro, a letter carrier in Hicksville for 23 years.

Fifteen years ago, Villatoro was bit by a dog on her route and it’s an experience she has not forgotten.

“I was delivering mail and unfortunately, it was a situation that was out of my control. It was a stray dog with no collar or leash,” Villatoro said. "I tried to turn slowly and move my hand to reach for my bag and the dog spray. As I reached for my bag, the dog snapped at me and grabbed a hold of my hand. With my other free hand, I started knocking on the door of the house I was delivering to."

Ultimately, a resident came out and scared the dog away.

As part of the 2025 USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, the organization is offering crucial information on how dog owners can be good stewards for safe mail delivery and ensure the safety of its employees.

Securing your dog before the carrier approaches your property will minimize any potentially dangerous interaction, the USPS said.

Villatoro has 526 deliveries on her route, and she sees around 30 dogs each day.

Her advice to customers is simple. “Always walk your dog on a leash and try to keep the dogs inside when you know your letter carrier is coming. We just want safety."