When you think about fieldwork hazards, you might picture traffic, slips and falls, or extreme weather. But one of the most frequent — and often underestimated — hazards for field workers is contact with dogs.
Whether you’re a delivery driver, utility technician, postal worker, or field inspector, encountering dogs on the job is almost inevitable. According to the U.S. Postal Service, over 5,300 postal employees were attacked by dogs in 2022 alone. Countless more dog-related incidents happen to field workers every year, many of which go unreported.
Learning how to prevent dog bites and manage canine encounters is essential for protecting yourself, your team, and the community. Let’s dive into the best practices every field worker should know.
Before you can manage a dog encounter, it helps to understand how dogs think. Dogs are territorial by nature and may perceive a uniformed worker as a threat to their home or family. Even normally calm dogs can become reactive if startled or challenged.
Here are a few canine behavior cues to watch for:
✅ Relaxed tail and ears — generally calm
✅ Tail tucked, ears pinned back, cowering — fear or anxiety, may lash out if cornered
✅ Growling, baring teeth, stiff posture — aggression or warning
✅ Barking and lunging at a fence or gate — highly aroused, possible aggression if loose
Recognizing these warning signs gives you time to back away or take defensive measures before a bite occurs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also provides helpful guidelines on interpreting dog body language and preventing bites.
Your organization should develop policies and training to help workers handle dog encounters safely. Here are proven strategies:
1. Incorporate Dog Safety in Orientation
Make dog encounter training part of your onboarding process. New hires may not realize how common dog-related incidents are and how to prepare.
2. Provide Pre-Visit Awareness
Whenever possible, ask customers to secure pets before a field visit. A simple note on an appointment reminder can help.
3. Maintain Situational Awareness
Workers should look for “Beware of Dog” signs, dog toys, water bowls, or fencing that signals a dog may be present before approaching a yard or home.
4. Don’t Assume a Fence Will Hold
Many dog bites occur because a gate was left ajar or a fence was too low. Workers should never rely on barriers alone and should proceed cautiously.
5. Carry Defensive Tools
Many field workers carry dog deterrent sprays, air horns, or umbrellas (to create a barrier) as a last line of defense. These tools should be used responsibly and in line with company policy.
6. Keep a Safe Distance
If a dog is present, maintain distance and do not try to pet or engage the dog. Even friendly dogs can become defensive unexpectedly.
7. Don’t Run
Running may trigger a dog’s prey instinct, making it more likely to chase and bite. If a dog approaches, stand still with your arms at your sides and avoid eye contact.
8. If Attacked, Protect Vital Areas
If a bite seems unavoidable, use a bag, clipboard, or jacket to shield yourself. Try to protect your face, neck, and hands as much as possible.
Employers have a duty under the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act to provide a workplace free of recognized hazards — including dog attacks. Here are steps employers should take:
✅ Include canine encounter training in your safety program
✅ Provide or approve dog deterrent tools
✅ Develop reporting procedures for near-misses and incidents
✅ Track dog-related injuries in OSHA logs if treatment beyond first aid is needed
✅ Educate customers about keeping dogs restrained during service visits
These proactive measures can lower injury rates, reduce worker stress, and protect your organization from liability.
In many communities, animal control laws hold dog owners responsible for restraining their animals. However, local ordinances vary, so field workers should not assume dogs will be securely contained.
Some states, like California, also enforce “strict liability” laws, meaning a dog owner is responsible for injuries even if the dog has never bitten before. Learn more through local animal control authorities and consider incorporating local laws into your safety policies.
Here are a few examples that highlight why dog safety is so important:
✅ A cable technician was bitten by a customer’s normally friendly Labrador after stepping into the yard unannounced. The customer had left the gate open.
✅ A delivery driver sustained a serious hand injury when a small terrier squeezed through a damaged fence.
✅ A meter reader was chased across a yard by a shepherd mix whose owner insisted “he doesn’t bite.”
Each case shows how even “nice” dogs can react protectively when they feel their territory is threatened.
For workers in outdoor environments, there is another factor to consider: dogs exposed to hot conditions can become more irritable or stressed, increasing their risk of aggressive behavior.
If you see a dog in distress — excessive panting, drooling, confusion, or collapse — report it to animal control right away. In some jurisdictions, emergency responders are authorized to remove dogs from dangerous heat conditions to protect their welfare.
While dog deterrence is essential, field workers should also show respect toward dogs as living beings. Avoid teasing, yelling, or throwing objects at dogs. These behaviors can escalate aggression.
Instead, approach situations calmly, use your voice with confidence, and let dogs see you are not a threat. Building a culture of empathy and respect goes hand in hand with effective dog safety.
Dog encounters are a fact of life for many field workers, but they don’t have to end in injury. With the right training, equipment, and awareness, employees can stay safer and more confident in the field — while treating animals with respect.
Sentry Road can help your organization build strong, practical field safety programs that address canine encounters and much more. Reach out today to learn how we can support your team.