Royal Mail asks homeowners to ‘wait 10 minutes’ when they get post

Royal Mail customers are being advised to stick to a ’10-minute rule’ to safeguard postal workers. The recommendation is aimed at protecting delivery staff when they’re dropping off parcels and letters at homes with animals. The postal service outlines the guidance for households across the UK on its website.

Bosses have emphasised that all dog owners should take precautions. The Royal Mail website said: “Even the most lovable dog can be a danger to postal workers”. It explains: “Dogs are territorial by nature and if they feel they need to protect their family, they can become unpredictable.”

As such, Royal Mail has called on pet owners to follow a ‘rule’ ensuring their dog is safely contained both before the post turns up and for ’10 minutes’ after. According to bosses, pet owners should make certain their dog is secured before anyone approaches the front door.

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

The guidance continued: “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.” Dog owners can distract their pet with a toy or treat during mail delivery, reports the Mirror.

Dog owners should also wait 10 minutes before letting the dog back into the hallway. Royal Mail explained: “Wait 10 minutes after your mail has arrived to let your pet back into your hallway. Keep everything as calm and low-key as possible.”

To assist postal workers, Royal Mail’s website offers a postcard that dog owners can download and display. This informs people that there is a dog and the owner needs time to secure their pet before opening the door.

The customer postcard is designed for display in a window. It reads: “I have a dog. Please wait whilst I secure my dog before opening the door.”

While these tips may be beneficial for some households, they might not be practical for everyone. In these cases, 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.”