Royal Mail is urging homeowners across the UK to display a simple four-word sign at their properties or risk never receiving post. The postal service, which serves approximately 32 million homes and businesses nationwide, says the notice reading 'I HAVE A DOG' is designed to alert mail carriers that a pet is inside, giving owners time to secure the animal before opening the door.
Policy on Dog Safety
Under company policy, postal workers can stop delivering to an address if they believe a dog poses a safety risk. In such cases, mail is held at the customer's local Delivery Office until Royal Mail is satisfied the hazard has been removed, meaning homeowners must collect their letters and parcels in person.
This guidance follows Royal Mail's revelation that 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 occurred at the front door as residents accepted deliveries, highlighting why even normally well-behaved dogs can react unpredictably when a stranger approaches their home.
Campaign and Sign Availability
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 before they attempt 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.'
Additional Advice for Owners
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, and secure gates and garden access points. The company warns that where a dog continues to pose a risk, deliveries may remain suspended until appropriate safety measures are in place, with customers required to collect mail from their local Delivery Office.
