Canada Post is raising awareness about dogs and the safety of delivery agents on postal routes.

Ann Reardon, a Collection Delivery Supervisor with Canada Post, loves dogs, but has been bitten herself and they want people to be aware of the hazards posed by dogs.

She says a Canada Post delivery agent had a recent incident in the metro area involving a dog that was outside on a neighbouring property and broke the rope on which it was tied.

She says as the postal employee got out of his vehicle to deliver a parcel, the dog broke his rope and ran toward the the Canada Post mail carrier who just made it back to his truck on time.

Reardon says such incidents can be frightening and add a hazard to a delivery agent’s route. Collection Delivery Supervisor Krista Pennell says mail carriers have repellent spray with them just in case, but they prefer not to use it, unless absolutely necessary.

She says it’s impossible for delivery agents to know how a dog will react, so they have to keep safety top of mind.

Canada Post is asking that dog owners be aware of delivery agents and keep dogs secured in a gated backyard, or indoors if at all possible.