Independent · not a carrier

"Delivery Exception, Animal Interference" (USPS): what it means and how long it lasts

The carrier didn't deliver because of an animal, usually a loose dog. The package usually goes back to the Post Office.

Normally lasts: Next attempt or pickup is usually within 1-2 business days once the animal is secured.

When to act: If there is no new attempt or pickup notice after 1-2 business days.

Also shown as: Animal Interference

What to do

  1. Secure pets at delivery time.
  2. Call or visit the local Post Office to arrange redelivery or pickup.
  3. If it doesn't move, submit a service request.

USPS service alerts now

Last checked: · USPS service alerts 14 min ago· Facility facts reviewed November 14, 2026. How we check

Which facility is it at?

The location next to the scan tells you. Type it here, or pick one of the busiest USPS hubs below, for live alerts and how long packages normally sit there.

Jamaica NY International Distribution Center (ISC)Jamaica, NYJAMAICA NY INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERChicago IL International Distribution Center (ISC)Chicago, ILCHICAGO IL INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERJersey City NJ Distribution Center (RPDC)Jersey City, NJJERSEY CITY NJ DISTRIBUTION CENTERWarrendale PA Distribution Center (NDC)Warrendale, PAWARRENDALE PA DISTRIBUTION CENTEROpa Locka FL Distribution CenterOpa-locka, FLOPA LOCKA FL DISTRIBUTION CENTERSpringfield MA Distribution Center (NDC)Springfield, MASPRINGFIELD MA DISTRIBUTION CENTERUSPS Jacksonville NDC / RPDCJacksonville, FLJACKSONVILLE FL DISTRIBUTION CENTERNorth Houston TX Distribution CenterHouston, TXNORTH HOUSTON TX DISTRIBUTION CENTERMiami FL International Distribution Center (ISC)Miami, FLMIAMI FL INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERLos Angeles CA Distribution CenterLos Angeles, CALOS ANGELES CA DISTRIBUTION CENTERAtlanta GA Distribution Center (RPDC)Palmetto, GAATLANTA GA DISTRIBUTION CENTERQueens NY Distribution CenterFlushing, NYQUEENS NY DISTRIBUTION CENTER

All USPS facilities

Questions

What does "Delivery Exception, Animal Interference" mean?

The carrier didn't deliver because of an animal, usually a loose dog. The package usually goes back to the Post Office.

How long does "Delivery Exception, Animal Interference" usually last?

Next attempt or pickup is usually within 1-2 business days once the animal is secured. If there is no new attempt or pickup notice after 1-2 business days.

What should I do if my USPS package is stuck on "Delivery Exception, Animal Interference"?

Secure pets at delivery time. Call or visit the local Post Office to arrange redelivery or pickup. If it doesn't move, submit a service request.

Related USPS messages

Sources