Royal Mail asks UK households to follow simple ‘ten minute rule’

Royal Mail has shared crucial safety advice for dog owners, including the ‘ten-minute rule’ to protect postal workers during busy Christmas deliveries

With the festive season rapidly approaching, it marks a particularly hectic period for Royal Mail and its postal workforce. Between seasonal greetings and those urgent last-minute gift deliveries, countless households will be anticipating a surge in mail deliveries throughout the forthcoming weeks.

For pet-owning residents, it becomes crucial to implement safety measures ahead of postal workers’ arrival to safeguard both the employee and your beloved animal. The Royal Mail’s official guidance emphasises: “Even the most lovable dog can be a danger to postal workers”.

The service further explains: “Dogs are territorial by nature and if they feel they need to protect their family, they can become unpredictable.”

Consequently, the postal organisation has implored pet owners to adhere to a specific ‘rule’ ensuring their canine companion remains safely contained and away from harm’s reach before mail delivery occurs.

Thankfully, Royal Mail has outlined various straightforward recommendations for homeowners that streamline this procedure whilst safeguarding postal staff. Initially, dog owners receive guidance to restrain their pet prior to any visitor reaching the doorstep, reports the Mirror.

“Ensure your dog is out of the way before the postman or postwoman arrives,” the advice states. “Place your pet in the back garden or a faraway room,” Royal Mail recommended.

“Never open the door when your dog is behind you.”

The delivery organisation elaborated: “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.”

Pet owners can provide their canine with a plaything or treat to maintain their attention whilst post is being delivered. Finally, it’s recommended to allow ten minutes to pass before permitting the dog to return to the entrance hall.

“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 additionally provides a customer notice that canine owners can obtain and exhibit in their window, informing visitors they have a dog and requesting they pause whilst the owner restrains the animal before answering the door.

Whilst these suggestions might assist certain householders, not all may find it feasible to restrict their dog’s access to the entrance. In such circumstances, Royal Mail encourages people to contemplate acquiring a letterbox.

The guidance states: “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.”