SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The United States Postal Service is offering a special program at the South Bend Post Office on June 30 that is aimed at raising dog bite awareness. 

According to the USPS, in 2024, more than 6,000 postal service employees were attacked by dogs while delivering the mail. In Indiana, there were 143 dog bites or dog attacks, seven of which were in South Bend.

Organizers say renowned professional dog trainer Hector Hernandez will demonstrate his "Preparing Yourself for Dog Encounters and Attacks" training philosophy.

Hernandez will be joined by letter carriers, and local USPS management.

The program will take place at the South Bend Main Post Office at  424 S. Michigan St at 9 a.m. on  Monday, June 30.

"The Postal Service offers crucial information on how dog owners can be good stewards for safe mail delivery and ensure the safety of our employees," organizers said.

"When a letter carrier comes to your home, keep dogs inside the house or behind a fence, away from the door or in another room, or on a leash. Pet owners also should remind children not to take mail directly from a letter carrier as the dog may view the carrier as a threat to the child."

The USPS says, according to the most recent information available from the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost per insurance claim for a dog bite is $69,272.

"When a postal employee suffers an injury, the owner could be responsible for medical bills, lost wages, uniform replacement costs, and pain and suffering for the employee," the USPS said.