NewsUK NewsRoyal Mail Ltd.Royal Mail has a simple solution to help keep postal workers safe11:59, 03 Jul 2026Updated 12:02, 03 Jul 2026Homeowners could reduce their risk of having their Royal Mail deliveries suspended by putting up a simple sign in their front window. Millions of households are being encouraged to put one up to avoid disruption to their letters and parcels.‌Royal Mail warns that injuries to postal workers caused by pets can include severe bites to the hands through letterboxes, as well as attacks from dogs that escape from properties or gardens when staff arrive. Fortunately, there is a free solution to help keep everyone safe - including both pets and posties.‌Royal Mail is urging dog owners to display a simple sign in their window to alert their local postal worker that a dog is present at the property. Ideally, it should be placed in a window close to the front door so it is visible before the pet is alerted to the postie's arrival.‌The free printable sign can be downloaded from the Royal Mail website. It reads: "I HAVE A DOG. Please wait whilst I secure my dog before opening the door."Approximately 41% of UK households - roughly 12 million homes - own a dog. Royal Mail reserves the right to suspend deliveries if a dog is loose or aggressive, or poses a safety risk to its postal workers, reports the Express.‌The postal service's warning sign could help protect postal workers from the thousands of dog attacks that occur every year. For those without access to a printer, a handwritten sign will do the job just as well.Dog attacks are a serious danger and could lead to deliveries to your property being suspended. Alongside putting up the sign, dog owners are urged to control their pets when anticipating post or parcels:Move your dog: Always put your dog in a different room or behind a gate before you open the front doorSecure the garden: Keep all garden gates shut so the dog cannot jump outHide the post slot: Put a wire cage over your letterbox. This stops your dog from biting fingers when letters are posted through‌It's also recommended that distracting a dog's attention with treats or a toy while mail arrives could help lower their anxiety or excitement around delivery staff. If you get regular deliveries, it might even be worthwhile to teach your dog to go to a designated "place" or bed when the doorbell rings, and reward them for staying there until the delivery is complete.What happens if there is an incident?If Royal Mail suspends your delivery following a dog incident, all post to your property will be stopped straight away and kept at your local Delivery Office. This suspension can affect just your household or your entire street if the dog is 'loose' and considered a general danger to the postal worker.‌A Royal Mail manager will usually send a formal letter notifying you of the suspension. It will specify the particular safety measures you must implement before deliveries can restart, which typically include:Installing an external mail box at your outer gate boundaryFitting a secure wire letterbox cage inside your doorProviding written assurance that the dog will be kept in a secure, separate room during delivery hoursMeanwhile, 'banned' households must travel to their local Royal Mail Delivery Office to pick up their letters and parcels. You will need to bring proof of address and a valid photo ID.Article continues belowUnder a 2020 High Court ruling, dog owners can be prosecuted if their dog bites a postal worker, even if the worker was putting mail through the letterbox while the owner was not home. Dogs may be seized or put down.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Royal Mail Ltd.AnimalsDogsMy PetsExpert Adviceproperty news