Homeowners with dogs risk having their postal deliveries suspended if they fail to display a simple four-word notice, according to a little-known Royal Mail policy. The rule, which requires a sign reading 'I HAVE A DOG' on doors or windows, is designed to alert posties to the presence of a pet and give owners time to secure the animal before answering the door.
How the Rule Works
The notice is intended to inform postal workers that a dog is inside the property, allowing owners to safely restrain the animal before opening the door. Royal Mail states that the sign can help minimise incidents that might otherwise lead to deliveries being halted. If a postal worker considers a dog a safety threat, they are permitted to cease deliveries to that address. In such cases, mail is retained at the local Delivery Office until the company is satisfied the danger has been eliminated, forcing homeowners to collect their letters and parcels themselves.
Alarming Attack Statistics
Royal Mail recorded 2,197 dog attacks on its staff during the 2024/25 financial year, equivalent to 42 incidents per week. Almost half of these attacks occurred at the front door while residents were receiving deliveries, highlighting why even typically well-mannered dogs can behave unpredictably when a stranger approaches their home.
As part of its canine awareness initiative, Royal Mail has created a downloadable notice that states: 'I HAVE A DOG. Please wait whilst I secure my dog before opening the door.' The printable sign can be placed on a front door or window to alert postal workers before they attempt a delivery.
Official Advice from Royal Mail
A Royal Mail spokesperson commented: '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 recommends that owners 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 confirm that gates and garden entry points are secure.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
Where a dog continues to present a risk, deliveries may remain suspended until suitable safety measures are implemented. Customers in such cases are required to collect their mail from their local Delivery Office. The policy applies to all 32 million homes and businesses that Royal Mail delivers to across the UK.
