🐾 Dog Bites and Delivery Risks: What Michigan Homeowners Should Know

#dogbiteawareness | June 2025

More than 6,000 USPS workers were attacked by dogs in 2024, prompting the U.S. Postal Service to launch its National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign this June. The theme:
“Secure Your Dog, Keep Deliveries on Track.”

While this may sound like a mail carrier issue, it's something that hits much closer to home — especially for Michigan residents.

Michigan Ranked #7 in the Nation for Dog Bite Incidents

In the latest USPS report, Michigan ranked 7th for the highest number of dog attacks on mail carriers, with 231 reported incidents in 2024. Detroit alone ranked among the top 10 U.S. cities, tied with San Antonio and Columbus at 32 incidents.

What’s important to recognize is that these numbers only reflect USPS data. With the continued growth of Amazon, FedEx, and UPS deliveries, the risk to delivery workers entering residential properties is higher than ever — and so is the potential liability for homeowners.

Why It Matters to Homeowners

Many pet owners assume their dog would never bite. But even calm, friendly pets can act unpredictably when startled, sick, or feeling protective. That split-second reaction could result in:

• Injury to a delivery person

• Medical bills and lost wages

• Potential legal or insurance claims

If a dog bite occurs on your property, you could be held legally and financially responsible — even if your pet has no prior history of aggression.

Simple Precautions to Reduce Risk

Knowing when your mail or packages arrive makes a big difference. Here are a few practical ways to avoid unexpected interactions:

• Secure your dog indoors during delivery times.

• Keep pets away from doors and entryways.

• Avoid accepting mail or packages with your dog nearby.

• Enroll in USPS Informed Delivery to preview incoming mail.

How Insurance Fits In

Homeowners insurance often includes personal liability coverage, which may help cover costs associated with dog bite claims — but not all policies are the same. Breed restrictions, claim limits, and exclusions can vary widely by carrier.

At Michigan Community Insurance, we regularly review these details with our clients to help make sure their policies reflect their real-world risks — including pet liability.

If you're unsure whether your current policy covers dog-related incidents, or if you’ve made changes to your household (like adopting a new pet), it might be a good time to have a conversation.

#dogbiteawareness