While delivering, you notice a dog running loose near a delivery point. What is the safest action?

DOG SAFETY is a major focus for mail carriers — dog attacks injure thousands of carriers annually. The safest action is to NOT approach when a loose dog poses a risk: maintain distance, defer/skip that delivery, and report the hazard. Rushing, trying to pet an unknown dog, or running (which can trigger chasing) are all dangerous. The 474 VEA consistently rewards prioritizing personal safety over completing a single delivery — a deferred delivery is far better than an injury. Carriers carry dog deterrent and are trained to read dog behavior and avoid risky situations.