Texas FedEx Driver Says Family’s Dog Attacked Her: ‘The Last Thing I Want to do is Call Animal Control’

“Please, please put your dogs away.” That’s the simple request a Texas FedEx driver made after she says a family’s dog attacked her during a routine delivery. That vulnerable video moment has since ignited a fierce online debate over pets, responsibility, and worker safety.

The viral clip from delivery driver Sammy Moon (@sammy.r.moon) captures her clearly shaken and upset after the incident, adding to the stress of the holiday delivery rush. We don’t learn if the animal injured her, but even the threat of harm was more than she or most others could handle.

“The last thing I want to do is call animal control and your dog get taken from you, but I don't want to get hurt either,” she said in the clip that’s been viewed more than 465,000 times. “Us delivery drivers, we're just doing our job.”

Common Risk for Delivery Drivers

Encounters with loose or reactive dogs are one of the most common hazards delivery drivers face nationwide. According to the U.S. Postal Service, dog attacks on mail carriers have remained a persistent problem, with more than 6,000 reported incidents in the past year, a figure the agency says likely undercounts close calls and unreported encounters. FedEx, UPS, and Amazon drivers have similarly described dogs as a leading cause of injuries and refused deliveries, particularly in residential neighborhoods where pets are not restrained.

Experts note that dogs are especially likely to react aggressively when a door is opened, and the owner is present, a situation that combines territorial instincts with heightened excitement. The American Veterinary Medical Association explains that even dogs without a prior history of biting can act unpredictably when they perceive a threat to their home or family, particularly during high-stimulation moments like deliveries.

Moon’s video struck a chord in part because of what she didn’t ask for. Rather than demanding punishment, she emphasized that calling animal control was a last resort she hoped to avoid entirely.

In a follow-up comment, Moon confirmed that a report was filed after the incident, though she did not share additional details about the dog, the homeowner, or whether she sought medical attention.
As the video gained traction, the comment section quickly filled with debate over where responsibility lies when a delivery driver encounters a dog at a residence. Many viewers expressed sympathy for Moon and argued that preventing these situations is a basic obligation of pet ownership.

Several commenters identified themselves as owners of reactive or working dogs and said they take extensive precautions when expecting deliveries, including crating pets, securing doors, or stepping outside to sign for packages. Others emphasized that delivery drivers cannot be expected to assess a dog’s temperament on the spot, especially when approaching unfamiliar properties multiple times a day.

Not all viewers agreed. Some commenters argued that dogs act on instinct and that delivery drivers assume a degree of risk when entering private property. Others questioned whether Moon’s experience constituted an “attack” or accused her of exaggerating the encounter. Those comments drew swift pushback from fellow users, including other delivery workers who said even brief or non-injurious encounters can be traumatic.

What Texas Law Says

Under Texas law, dog owners can be held liable for injuries if they fail to exercise reasonable care in controlling their animals. While Texas does not have a single statewide “one-bite rule,” courts often consider whether an owner knew or should have known their dog posed a risk, particularly if the animal has shown aggressive behavior in the past.

Local animal control policies vary widely across Texas municipalities. Filing a report does not automatically mean a dog will be seized or euthanized, though officials may investigate vaccination status, prior incidents, and whether local leash- or containment-ordinance violations occurred. The Texas Department of State Health Services also notes that dog bites requiring medical treatment may trigger additional reporting requirements, depending on the jurisdiction.

For many Texans, the clip landed at the intersection of deeply held values: love for animals, respect for workers, and personal responsibility. Moon’s calm tone and reluctance to involve authorities helped frame the incident not as an attack on dog ownership, but as a plea for basic precautions.

With online shopping surging during the holiday season, delivery drivers are spending more time than ever approaching front doors, often multiple times per day, often alone. Commenters on Moon’s video repeatedly noted that small preventive steps, such as securing pets during deliveries, protect both drivers and animals from consequences that no one wants.

Patch has reached out to Moon via direct message and a comment on the clip. We’ll update this if they respond.

@sammy.r.moon