Virginia mail carriers were attacked by dogs more than 120 times in 2025, according to U.S. Postal Service data, a reminder that dog bites remain one of the most common, and most preventable, hazards faced by those who deliver to our doorsteps.
Statewide, dog attacks on postal workers actually declined slightly, dropping from 157 incidents in 2024 to 126 in 2025. Still, that’s well over a hundred carriers who were bitten or attacked simply for doing their jobs.
The Virginia cities with the highest number of reported attacks in 2025 include:
- Richmond: 10 attacks
- Norfolk: 8 attacks
- Alexandria: 7 attacks
- Newport News: 6 attacks
- Hampton: 5 attacks
- Arlington: 5 attacks
One Richmond-based carrier described being bitten on the calf while delivering a package to a home where the dog had shown no prior signs of aggression. He also noted that dogs often seem to react specifically to the sight of a uniform, treating the carrier as a threat.
His experience reflects what USPS officials stress every year, which is even a dog with no history of biting can attack without warning, and it can happen anywhere.
Virginia’s experience mirrors a national trend. USPS recorded roughly 5,200 dog attacks on postal employees across the country in 2025, down from nearly 6,000 the year before. That improvement is encouraging, but it still represents thousands of injuries that could have been avoided.
What USPS Recommends to Dog Owners
To help reduce the risk of an attack, USPS advises pet owners to:
- Keep dogs in a separate, closed room before opening the door for a carrier
- Make sure any exterior door is firmly latched if the dog will be nearby
- Always leash a dog that is outside during mail delivery
- Never accept mail directly from a carrier while a dog is present, and teach children to avoid doing so as well
These precautions sound simple, but the data shows they aren’t always followed and it’s the workers delivering our mail and packages who pay the price.
When “Man’s Best Friend” Becomes a Legal Matter
A dog bite is never just an inconvenience. Mail carriers and other delivery workers who are attacked can suffer puncture wounds, torn muscles, nerve damage, infections, and lasting scars.
Some injuries require surgery, physical therapy, or time away from work altogether. Others leave lasting psychological effects, including anxiety about approaching homes with dogs.
Under Virginia law, dog owners can be held liable for injuries their animal causes, particularly when the owner knew or should have known the dog posed a danger.
For mail carriers and delivery drivers, workers’ compensation may cover some medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, but it typically doesn’t account for pain and suffering, permanent scarring, or the full extent of a worker’s lost earning capacity.
A separate claim against the dog owner may be necessary to recover full and fair compensation.
Contact Our Virginia Dog Bite Lawyers
If you’re a mail carrier, delivery driver, or member of the public who has been bitten or attacked by a dog anywhere in Virginia, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our attorneys have helped injured victims across the state pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills, including emergency care, and surgery
- Future medical or reconstructive care
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Contact our office today for a free consultation to discuss your case.