Royal Mail asks UK homeowners to follow ‘ten-minute rule’ when they get post

The postal delivery service has asked homeowners to follow the rule when receiving a delivery

With the Christmas countdown underway, it’s a busy time of year for the Royal Mail and postal workers. From festive greeting cards to last-minute Christmas presents, many homeowners will be expecting a lot of mail over the coming weeks.

For homeowners with pets, it’s essential to take precautions before postal workers arrive to ensure the safety of both the worker and your pet. As the Royal Mail website points out: “Even the most lovable dog can be a danger to postal workers”.

It adds: “Dogs are territorial by nature and if they feel they need to protect their family, they can become unpredictable.” As such, the postal delivery service has urged pet owners to follow a ‘rule’ to make sure their dog is secure and out of the way before their post arrives.

Fortunately, the Royal Mail has shared several tips that homeowners can use that simplify the process and help to protect postal workers. Firstly, dog owners are advised to secure their dog before anyone arrives at the door.

“Ensure your dog is out of the way before the postman or postwoman arrives,” it says. “Place your pet in the back garden or a faraway room,” the Royal Mail said. “Never open the door when your dog is behind you.”

The delivery service explained: “Dog attacks can happen when you’ve opened the door to sign for an item. Please keep your dog in another room before answering the door and make sure children don’t open the door, as dogs can push by them and attack.”

Owners can give their dog a toy or some food to keep them occupied while the mail is delivered. Lastly, it’s advised to wait for ten minutes before letting the dog back into the hallway.

“Wait ten minutes after your mail has arrived to let your pet back into your hallway”, Royal Mail said. “Keep everything as calm and low-key as possible.”

The website also offers a customer postcard that dog owners can download and display in their window, letting people know they have a dog and asking them to wait while the owner secures the dog before opening the door.

While these tips might help some homeowners, not everyone may find it practical to keep their dog away from the door. In these instances, the Royal Mail asks people to consider getting a mailbox.

The advice explains: “If your dog likes to attack your mail, consider installing a wire letter receptacle. It will protect your post, and your postman’s or postwoman’s fingers. 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.”