Here's Where SF Ranked Amongst Dog Attacks On Mail Carriers

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Mail carriers in San Francisco can breathe a little easier than their counterparts in Oakland, as newly released data from the United States Postal Service shows it ranked lower in the number of dog bites on carriers last year.

San Francisco had a three-way tie for No. 20 on the list, with 16 dog bites on mail carriers in 2025. It shares the distinction with Miami and Rochester, New York.

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Oakland ranked No. 12 on the list —tied with Phoenix — with 27 dog bites on mail carriers recorded in 2025.

Los Angeles took the No. 1 spot with 70 dog bites on mail carriers in 2025. California took the top spot statewide with 673 bites, data shows.

The data was released as part of the United States Postal Service's efforts to ensure the safety of its mail carriers.

Through June, they're running a month-long Dog Bite Awareness Campaign. The theme is "Don’t turn your back on dog bite prevention," according to officials.

"Every single day, our postal employees serve their communities across dynamic, fast-changing environments," said Leeann Theriault, employee safety and health awareness manager at USPS. "Preventing dog-related incidents requires constant, shared vigilance. This campaign reinforces a vital truth: Animal behaviors can change in an instant, but proactive awareness from both our carriers and the customers we serve can stop painful injuries before they ever happen."

There were more than 5,200 dog attacks on mail carriers in the United States last year, officials said.

Fiona Hudson, a letter carrier in San Antonio, recalled the moment a dog jumped a fence and went after her.

She used her dog repellent, but by then it was too late; the dog had gotten a hold of her, USPS officials said.

"I was rushed to the hospital bleeding, with a broken bone, a severe arm sprain and was barely able to move," Hudson said. "While my physical wounds have healed, the trauma of that vicious attack stays with me. Customers must take responsibility and secure their dogs during delivery hours."

USPS officials say they stop mail delivery when carriers feel unsafe, and that mail will transition to pick-up only if that's the case anywhere.

Officials ask that dog owners take the proper precautions to avoid issues with carriers, including keeping them leashed if mail delivery is going on.

"Even the most predictable pets can act unpredictably when defending territory or feeling startled," officials said. "Because dogs rely on protective instincts, owners must manage their dogs during delivery times to prevent accidents."

For the full list of cities with the most dog bites, click here.