Royal Mail has issued a safety reminder to millions of UK households with dogs, advising a '10-minute rule' to reduce the risk of attacks on postal workers. With an estimated 15.5 million dogs living in UK homes, the guidance aims to protect both staff and pets.
What is the 10-minute rule?
On its website, Royal Mail advises dog owners to keep pets in a separate room or the back garden before opening the door to a postal worker. After the mail is delivered, owners should wait 10 minutes before letting the dog back into the hallway. This helps keep the situation calm and prevents the dog from associating the postman with a threat.
"Even the most lovable dog can be a danger to postal staff. Dogs are territorial by nature, and if they feel they need to protect their owners, they can become unpredictable," Royal Mail stated.
Over 2,000 attacks reported
The reminder comes after Royal Mail reported more than 2,000 dog attacks on postal workers in the last year alone. Although this figure is down from previous years, the company says it remains largely preventable. Sheffield has been named the highest-risk postcode area for the second consecutive year.
Royal Mail also offers a free downloadable postcard for owners to display on their door or window, alerting postal workers to the presence of a dog. A handwritten sign is also acceptable.
What if you're not home?
For households where owners are not home during delivery times, Royal Mail suggests installing a secure mailbox at the edge of the property. Options include standard wall-mounted mailboxes or 'through-the-gate' boxes that keep postal workers safely outside the perimeter. Parcel boxes are also available for larger items.
"If it’s not practical for you to keep your dog away from a postman or postwoman delivering your mail, please consider fitting a secure mailbox on the edge of your property," Royal Mail added.
