It’s a huge on-the-job hazard for mail carriers, but one that’s entirely preventable, according to the U.S. Postal Service.

More than 5,300 postal service employees were attacked by dogs while delivering the mail last year, USPS said. The dangers involved with the attacks – and a warning about interruption of mail service due to aggressive animals – is part of National Dog Bite Awareness Week.

The campaign runs for June 4-10 with the theme “Even good dogs have bad days.”

“When letter carriers deliver mail in our communities, dogs that are not secured or leashed can become a nemesis and unpredictable and attack,” said Leeann Theriault, USPS employee safety and health awareness manager. “Help us deliver your mail safely by keeping your dog secure and out of the way before your carrier arrives.”

What pet owners should do

When a letter carrier comes to your home, you should keep your dogs:

• Inside the house or behind a fence;
• Away from the door or in another room or;
• On a leash.

Pet owners should also remind children not to take mail directly from a letter carrier as the dog may view the carrier as a threat.

People are also reminded to use Informed Delivery, a free service, so they can digitally preview incoming mail and packages. You can sign up here to better anticipate when carriers will arrive.

READ MORE: Postal service is asking for changes to your mailbox

Mail interruptions

If a dog attacks, carriers are also trained to stand their ground and protect their body by placing something between them and the dog — such as a mail satchel — and to use dog repellent, if necessary.

Carriers also have tools to alert them to dogs on their routes, including handheld scanners to remind them of possible dog hazards or warning cards used during mail sorting.

If a carrier still feels unsafe, mail delivery can be interrupted, USPS warned, and not just for the dog owner but for the entire neighborhood. When mail service is stopped, mail must be picked up at the Post Office. Service will not be restored until the aggressive dog is properly restrained.