Royal Mail guidance for UK dog owners - or post may not be delivered

Royal Mail guidance for UK dog owners - or post may not be delivered Royal Mail is urging people across the UK to display a simple four word sign at their properties Homeowners with dogs are at risk of never receiving post at their properties thanks to a little-known piece of Royal Mail guidance. The postal service, which serves approximately 32 million homes and businesses across the UK, is encouraging them to display a simple four-word message on their doors or windows to avoid any disruption. A sign displaying the words "I HAVE A DOG" is designed to alert posties that there is a pet inside the property, giving owners time to safely secure the animal before opening the door. Royal Mail says the notice can help reduce the risk of incidents that could otherwise lead to deliveries being suspended. Under company policy, postal workers can stop delivering to an address if they believe a dog poses a safety risk. In some cases, mail will instead be held at the customer's local Delivery Office until Royal Mail is satisfied the hazard has been removed, meaning homeowners may have to collect their letters and parcels in person. It comes after Royal Mail revealed its staff were involved in 2,197 dog attacks during the 2024/25 financial year – the equivalent of 42 incidents every week. Nearly half of the attacks took place at the front door as residents accepted deliveries, highlighting why the company says even normally well-behaved dogs can react unpredictably when a stranger approaches their home. As part of its dog awareness campaign, Royal Mail has produced a downloadable notice reading: "I HAVE A DOG. Please wait whilst I secure my dog before opening the door." The printable sign can be displayed on a front door or window to warn postal workers that a dog is inside before they attempt to make a delivery. A Royal Mail spokesperson said: "Even if your dog is friendly, it can become protective when someone approaches your property. By displaying an 'I HAVE A DOG' sign and making sure your pet is safely secured before opening the door, customers can help protect our posties and reduce the likelihood of deliveries being interrupted." Royal Mail also advises owners to keep dogs away from the front door when expecting a delivery, ensure children do not answer the door if a pet is loose inside the property, and make sure gates and garden access points are secure. The company says that where a dog continues to pose a risk, deliveries may remain suspended until appropriate safety measures are in place, with customers instead required to collect their mail from their local Delivery Office.