Royal Mail ‘wait 10 minutes’ safety rule could affect deliveries to millions of UK homes

Posties are asking for just 10 minutes of peace

The guidance includes a simple “10-minute rule” aimed at preventing unwanted encounters between dogs and posties during deliveries.

The warning comes after there were 2,019 dog attacks reported against Royal Mail workers last year, averaging around 38 incidents every week across the country.

In their post, Royal Mail encourages households to wait 10 minutes after their post has arrived before allowing dogs back into hallways or near the front door. 

The aim is to give pets time to settle down and avoid any excitement or unexpected reactions when a delivery has been made.

Royal Mail has also urged owners to keep the process as calm as possible and avoid making a fuss when the post arrives. 

Before answering the door, owners are advised to move dogs to another room, place them in the garden or keep them away from the delivery area.

The organisation also suggested using treats or toys to distract pets while post is being delivered. 

Dog owners can also help posties by displaying one of Royal Mail’s free downloadable postcards on their door or window to let workers know a dog is present.