What It Means When You See an Orange Paw-Print Sticker on A Mailbox

Most mail carriers do have good relationships with dogs, but if some dogs are nice 364 days in the year, all it takes is a bad day for things to go wrong, and that means a dog bite. In 2023, postal data revealed there were 5,800 incidents involving dogs and postal workers. To address increasing incidents of dog-related injuries, the USPS introduced the Dog Paw Program in select areas involving colored paw-print stickers each with their own meanings.  This initiative provides visible markers to warn mail carriers about nearby dogs, aiming to prevent dog bites and ensure safer deliveries.

Growing Safety Concerns for Postal Workers

With thousands of postal workers facing dog attacks annually, safety concerns have risen. Besides the data of 2023, the USPS reported that in 2020, nearly 5,000 employees suffered injuries from dogs, making it one of the most pressing hazards in their work environment. It was in 2020 that the USPS decided to do something and the Dog Paw initiative was born.

How the Program Works

The Dog Paw Program involves placing color-coded stickers on mailboxes of homes which had dogs: an orange sticker signifies a dog at that house, while a yellow sticker indicates a dog is at the next residence. This visual cue allows carriers to prepare and proceed cautiously, potentially avoiding dangerous encounters. It helped them be on the lookout for dogs at residences or in the neighborhood.

Community Education and Awareness

The USPS complements the sticker system with outreach efforts, including postcards and local alerts to residents, educating them on keeping their pets secured. This approach encourages a community-wide effort to support mail carrier safety.

The New Digital Dog Alert Program

The paw print program was soon stopped to introduce better initiatives in keeping mail carriers safe from aggressive animals. According to the UPS, mail carriers are now equipped with high-tech safety tools. The same scanners used to track package deliveries now provide real-time, location-specific warnings tailored to each carrier’s situation. The handheld scanners that confirm deliveries also alerts carriers to the presence of a dog at the specific address. Additionally, the USPS Informed Delivery service notifies customers about incoming mail and packages, giving them a chance to secure their dogs before the carrier arrives. These measures collectively help reduce the likelihood of accidents.

The Importance of Pet Containment

For dog owners, the program serves as a reminder to contain pets during delivery hours. USPS advises securing dogs indoors or behind fences when carriers are expected, as this simple precaution can significantly improve safety

The Relationship between UPS and Dogs

The UPS relationship between mail carriers and dogs isn’t always a negative one. There are many furry sweethearts who shower affection on mail carriers making their day. Back in 2013, UPS driver Sean McCarren started a Facebook group to honor the furry friends who brighten up delivery routes every day. The group, fittingly named “UPS Dogs,” took off like an excited pup let loose in the park! Today, it boasts over 1.9 million likes on Facebook and 637,000 followers on Instagram. A quick scroll through its feed reveals why it’s so popular: besides dogs, you’ll find alpacas, deer, geese, goats, sheep, chickens, and even cats! Drivers share photos of these lovable encounters, with many forming bonds over years of deliveries. It’s the kind of feel-good content the internet was made for.

Nationwide Expansion Potential

The success of the Dog Paw Program in pilot areas may lead to broader implementation, bringing added protection to carriers across the U.S. This proactive approach underlines USPS’s commitment to employee well-being, striving to make each delivery safer and more efficient.

If you still see a paw-print sticker on a mailbox, leave it there as it helps mail carriers with an additional visual alert to avoid untoward incidents.