Animals Earn Our ‘Stamp’ of Approval

It’s easy to see why “Owney” goes down in history as one of the United States Postal Service's most popular stamps. In 1888, staff at the Albany, New York, post office adopted the adorable mixed-breed terrier as their mascot, and he quickly gained notoriety across the country. In 2011, the USPS issued a stamp in Owney’s honor, drawing a huge crowd to the unveiling ceremony at Washington, D.C.’s Smithsonian Museum. "Owney was extremely popular and, in fact, we sold out," said Mark Saunders, a spokesperson for the USPS stamp program.

The United States Postal Service’s 1869-1870 Pictorial Issues included the first images of animals ever to be seen on a US stamp. They went with all-American classics, a horse and an eagle. Here, the trusty postman atop his steed is on a mission to deliver the mail with utmost urgency, embodying the USPS's unofficial motto: "Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds."

These stamps from October 1998 highlight four well-loved birds found on the Caribbean island of Aruba. Clockwise from bottom left are the Tropical Mockingbird, which resembles its U.S. counterpart; the American Kestrel; the Venezuelan Troupial, a striking oriole; and the Bananaquit, whom the locals call by the charming name "chibichibi."

Issued in 1999, this set of stamps was illustrated by Irish artist Finbarr O’Connor. The series includes stamps depicting a brown bear, giant Irish deer, mammoth and wolf. 

These gorgeous stamps include images of a dozen captivating birds, like the exotic Purple Swamphen and Rainbow Lorikeet, that are found on this South Pacific island chain.

Hawaii-based artist John D. Dawson was commissioned to create this striking series of 39-cent stamps highlighting the Southern Florida Wetlands. This scaly fellow is part of the Nature of America series, created to increase appreciation of America’s sensitive plant and animal communities.

Who wouldn’t be delighted to receive a letter with this handsome cat gracing the envelope? This striking stamp was released in celebration of the 1998 Chinese New Year, the Year of the Tiger, by the New Zealand government, which oversees the tiny South Pacific island group.

Here’s a message we can all get behind: It’s important to spay or neuter our puppies and kittens! In 2002, the United States Postal Service got on board with that concept, enlisting longtime animal advocate Bob Barker to generate hype for the campaign. During his nationally broadcast game show, The Price is Right, Barker unveiled the adorable stamps — a kitten, seen here, and a fuzzy puppy — urging each of us to do our part to prevent pet overpopulation. The postal service also helps cosponsor National Dog Bite Prevention Week.

Garfield, a crabby tabby who is perhaps the world's most famous cartoon cat, had to share top billing with his canine sidekick, Odie, when the United States Postal Service unveiled its Sunday Funnies stamp series in 2010. Garfield creator Jim Davis attended the dedication of the stamp.

The face of Lassie has become an enduring emblem of canine love and loyalty. The famous Collie’s stamp was issued in 2007 as part of the United States Postal Service’s series on Early TV Memories. According to Mark Saunders, a spokesperson for the USPS, dog stamps like Lassie, Owney and the 2012 Dogs at Work series are among the post office’s most popular issues.

In 2002, this beautiful and artistic paper-cut rendition of a horse designed by Hawaiian artist Clarence Lee was issued as the 10^th in a series of colorful animal stamps that marked the start of the Chinese New Year.