Dogs

Dogs are man’s best friend and at the same time meter man’s biggest hazard. When making contact with a customer ask them to please secure their dog(s). Securing a dog does not mean they hold them on a leash or by a chain, securing them means they bring the dog inside the house or in the garage so you can do your job safely and not have to worry about an attack. Many people will tell you “oh my dog is just a big baby” or “my dog doesn't bite.” This may be true, but the reflective gear we wear bothers the dog’s eyes especially on a sunny day. Take into account that dogs are territorial, you are a stranger, and things can get bad.

• Do not reach over a fence and pet a dog.

• Do not enter a yard with a dog.

• Dogs are protective, if there are small children ask that the customer bring in the kids and the dogs. A dog sees kids as their kids, if they see a stranger and their kids outside things can get bad. Dogs have broken out windows to protect their kids.

• If you pull up to a house the and dogs are not in a fenced in yard, honk your horn to alert the owner.

• The dog breed and size has no impact on the chances of being injured.

• If it happens to be a neighbor’s dog or a roaming dog, call your Field Manager, he will call the appropriate person or agency.

• Do not carry milk bones or treats to try to “befriend” the dog. You don’t know if the dog has an allergy.

• The company does not issue dog spray and does not advise you carry dog spray. Avoiding a dog avoids a dog bite.

• If you have to skip a house due to a dog, arrangements will be made from the utility with the customer to have the meter changed.