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Australia Post is calling on dog owners to secure their pets during deliveries after new data revealed postal workers are encountering aggressive or unrestrained dogs at an average rate of nine incidents per day.
In the past six months, more than 1,200 dog-related incidents have been reported across the country, representing a five per cent increase on the same period last year.
That translates to 47 posties encountering a dangerous situation with a dog every week.
New South Wales is the worst state for dog-related incidents involving posties, accounting for more than a third of all reported cases nationally.
Where The Incidents Are Happening
The data shows the majority of incidents occur when dogs are not properly secured during deliveries.
Almost two-thirds of incidents happen on the street after a dog escapes a property or is roaming freely. More than a third of those street encounters involve posties being chased.
The remaining incidents, more than a third of the total, take place on customer properties, typically as a postie approaches or leaves the front door after making a delivery.
The encounters can turn serious quickly. Posties have suffered injuries including bites, puncture wounds, scratches and lacerations. In some cases, postal workers have been knocked off their vehicles or required hospital treatment.
Online Shopping Driving More Frequent Encounters
Australia Post General Manager Safety, Russell Munro, pointed to the growth in online shopping as a factor increasing the frequency of interactions between posties and dogs.
“Posties encounter multiple dogs every day while delivering, and some can pose a real safety risk. What seems like a routine delivery can quickly escalate, and our posties can’t predict how a dog may react, regardless of breed or temperament,” Munro explained.
“Our posties are working hard to deliver parcels safely and on time, and it’s worrying to see the number of incidents increasing. With 9.8 million Aussies shopping online, deliveries and interactions at the front door are more frequent, creating highly stressful situations for dogs and increasing the risk for our team.”
Citronella Spray Proving Effective
Australia Post introduced citronella spray as a last-line-of-defence measure for posties one year ago, and the organisation reports it continues to play a role in reducing harm from aggressive dog encounters.
The non-toxic, water-based spray is designed to briefly distract dogs, giving postal workers time to move to safety. It has proven effective in 95 per cent of cases over the past six months, according to Australia Post’s data.
Posties have reported feeling safer on their rounds knowing they have the spray available as an option if faced with an immediate threat.
However, Munro stressed that prevention remains more important than any reactive measure.
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“While citronella gives our team members an extra layer of protection, prevention remains the most effective solution. If you’re expecting a delivery, make sure your dog is securely contained in another room, behind a locked gate or safely restrained,” he noted.
“If you’re unable to do so, we encourage customers to consider using a 24/7 free and convenient Parcel Locker as a safer alternative.”
Deliveries May Be Suspended
Australia Post reports all dog-related incidents to local councils to support enforcement efforts and may suspend deliveries to a property or street where conditions are deemed unsafe for postal workers.
The organisation is also working with local councils and state governments to strengthen animal management laws aimed at protecting frontline delivery staff.
What Dog Owners Can Do
Australia Post is asking dog owners to follow its three PAWS for delivery steps when expecting a parcel.
The first step is to sit the dog safely in a contained area, separate room or behind a locked gate at the back of the home. The second is to ensure the dog can stay in that location while the postie delivers the parcel. The third is to keep the dog secure behind a door or gate, allowing the postie safe access to make the delivery and leave the property.
For owners who are unable to properly secure their dog, Australia Post recommends using the nearest Parcel Locker as an alternative delivery point.
Last Updated on June 16, 2026 by Nick Ross
