Cities With the Most Dog Attacks in the US

Every year, thousands of people across the country suffer injuries from aggressive dogs, and certain cities stand out for having the highest number of reported dog attacks. According to recent data, Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago consistently rank among the cities with the most dog attacks, with hundreds of postal workers and residents bitten each year.

These numbers underscore the importance of responsible pet ownership and stronger community awareness, especially in densely populated urban areas where dogs, mail carriers, and pedestrians interact daily.

The broader picture of US dog bite statistics reveals just how widespread the problem has become. Nationwide, an estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually, with nearly 885,000 victims seeking medical treatment for their injuries and roughly 370,000 requiring emergency care.

Each year, tens of thousands of Americans experience serious or disfiguring dog bite injuries, often caused by familiar pets that were not properly restrained.

From California to Texas to Illinois, these incidents are more than isolated events, they represent an ongoing public safety concern. As urban populations grow and more households own dogs, local governments, animal control departments, and the United States Postal Service (USPS) continue working to raise awareness, improve safety protocols, and prevent avoidable dog attacks in America’s largest cities.

Cities With the Most Dog Bite Incidents According to the United States Postal Service (USPS) Workers

When it comes to dog attacks on postal workers, the latest data from the United States Postal Service (USPS) shows a disturbing upward trend. In 2024, more than 6,000 dog bite incidents were reported involving postal employees across the country, an increase from the previous year.

The data highlights where USPS workers face the greatest danger and which cities record the most attacks by dogs nationwide.

According to the USPS’s national rankings, the top ten cities with the most attacks on mail carriers are:

1. Los Angeles, California – 77 attacks
2. Houston, Texas – 65 attacks
3. Chicago, Illinois – 57 attacks
4. St. Louis, Missouri – 47 attacks
5. Cincinnati, Ohio – 44 attacks
6. Dallas, Texas – 43 attacks
7. Kansas City, Missouri – 40 attacks
8. Cleveland, Ohio – 40 attacks
9. San Diego, California – 35 attacks
10. Denver, Colorado – 34 attacks

These numbers confirm that major metropolitan areas, where dense neighborhoods and high rates of pet ownership intersect, are where delivery persons face the highest risk. Each year, hundreds of postal service workers in these cities suffer dog bite injuries while delivering mail directly to homes.

When looking at the broader picture, several states stand out as having the greatest number of dog attacks on postal workers. The top states include:

1. California – 701 incidents
2. Texas – 438 incidents
3. Ohio – 350 incidents
4. Illinois – 344 incidents
5. New York – 322 incidents
6. Pennsylvania – 316 incidents
7. Michigan – 231 incidents
8. Florida – 210 incidents
9. Missouri – 207 incidents
10. North Carolina – 169 incidents

These dog bite attacks are not only dangerous for postal workers, but they also disrupt neighborhood mail delivery and can lead to costly consequences for dog owners. In many cases, delivery service is suspended until the dog is secured, forcing residents to collect their incoming mail at the post office.

The USPS urges the public to take proactive steps to prevent dog attacks on postal workers, including ensuring that pets are restrained, teaching dog appropriate behavior, and never allowing dogs to roam freely when mail or packages are being delivered.

These preventive actions protect both the community and the dedicated USPS workers who serve it every day.

National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign

The USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign reminds communities each year to prevent dog attacks on postal workers. The 2025 theme, “Secure Your Dog, Keep Deliveries on Track,” stresses that every dog, regardless of breed or size, can bite when startled or protective.

By using tools like Informed Delivery to digitally preview incoming mail, dog owners can plan ahead and keep pets secured before a mail carrier arrives. Responsible pet ownership, a sturdy fence, and a simple leash can go a long way in protecting USPS workers and keeping deliveries safe.

How Mail Carriers Handle Dog Attacks

Postal employees are trained to protect themselves if a dog shows signs of aggression. A letter carrier may use their mail satchel as a shield, back away slowly, or leave the area entirely. If bitten, they must seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to their local post office. When a dog roams freely or continues to threaten workers, the postal service may suspend delivery until the dog is secured, ensuring USPS employee safety remains the top priority.

How Dog Owners Can Help Post Office Workers

Dog owners can help prevent dog bites by:

• Keeping pets secured behind a fence, door, or leash during deliveries.
• Teaching children not to open doors when a mail carrier is present.
• Using Informed Delivery to know when mail is expected.
• Never allowing dogs to roam freely or approach postal workers.

By taking these steps, owners help protect both their pets and the postal service workers who deliver their mail safely every day.

Postal Workers’ Legal Rights Following a Dog Bite in Illinois

Postal employees who suffer dog bite injuries while on duty have strong legal protections under Illinois law. The Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16) holds owners strictly liable when their pets bite someone who is lawfully on their property, including postal service employees.

This means that even if a dog has never bitten before, the owner can still be held responsible for the medical bills, lost wages, and other damages caused by the attack.

Injured USPS workers have the right to file civil claims for compensation after being bitten or attacked by an unsecured dog. Compensation may cover medical bills, therapy, pain and suffering, and any income lost during recovery. Victims should seek medical treatment immediately, report the bite to their local post office, and contact an attorney experienced in dog bite law.

Services We Offer

We represent injured postal workers and other delivery employees throughout Illinois. We understand the physical and emotional toll these dog bites can cause and work to ensure our clients receive full and fair compensation under the law.

Our team assists victims of dog attacks through every stage of the recovery and claims process:

• Filing insurance and civil claims for compensation
• Gathering medical records, photos, and USPS reports
• Negotiating settlements with insurers and dog owners
• Pursuing litigation when necessary to obtain justice

We provide each client with a free consultation to discuss their case and explain their rights under Illinois law. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs, you only pay legal fees if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.

If you are a postal worker who suffered a dog bite while performing your duties, contact our dog attack attorneys in Chicago today. We’re here to help you recover, rebuild, and protect your legal rights.