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Royal Mail said there were 2,197 incidents of staff members being attacked by dogs, marking a two per cent increase from the previous year.
This equates to an average of 42 attacks a week, with some resulting in permanent and disabling injuries.
The number of significant injuries did, however, decrease, down to 74 in 2024/25 from 82 in 2023/24.
The highest-risk area was the Sheffield (S) postcode, with 66 attacks, followed by Portsmouth (PO) with 60 attacks, and the Kent/Sussex/Surrey (TN) postcode area with 56.
Lizz Lloyd, health and safety director at Royal Mail, said: “Dog attacks remain one of the most significant safety risks faced by postal workers.
“In many cases, these incidents result in serious injuries, emotional distress, and time away from work.”
She urged dog owners to ensure their pets pose no threat to delivery workers by securing them before opening the door to receive mail or packages.
Other areas with an increase in dog attacks include Guildford, Nottingham, Chelmsford, Brighton, Belfast, Newcastle, Swindon, Doncaster, and Staffordshire.
Dog attacks led to 2,700 days of absence in 2024/25, with the longest period of absence being 108 days.
