Pigeonly
Pigeonly - Photo Printing and Letter Delivery Service for Inmates at Any Facility
- 50+
- States Covered
- 3,000+
- Facilities Supported
- 3 of 5
- Services Offered
- Yes
- Mobile App Available
Pigeonly Inmate Communication Overview
Pigeonly is a print-and-deliver service that allows families to upload photos and letters online, and Pigeonly handles printing and mailing them directly to the inmate as physical mail. Because Pigeonly delivers as physical mail rather than electronic messages, it works at nearly any correctional facility that accepts mail, giving it broader reach than most electronic platforms.
Pigeonly is especially useful at facilities that do not offer electronic messaging, or when families want to send physical photos that the inmate can keep. You upload your photo through the Pigeonly website or app, and Pigeonly prints it to facility-compliant specifications and mails it to the correct address.
Pigeonly also offers a phone plan service that provides a local phone number for inmates to call, reducing long-distance charges. The service costs a monthly subscription fee. Pigeonly is not an electronic messaging platform. It does not provide real-time digital communication between families and inmates.
Pigeonly Services
Communication services offered by Pigeonly and what each one includes.
Messaging
Compose messages through the Pigeonly app that are printed as physical letters and mailed to the inmate.
Included in subscription plan. Physical delivery via postal mail — typically 3 to 7 days. Works at virtually all facilities that accept standard mail.
Set Up MessagingVideo Calls
Pigeonly does not offer video visitation services.
For video visits, use GettingOut, ConnectNetwork, or Securus depending on the facility.
Photo Sharing
Upload photos through the Pigeonly app that are printed and mailed as physical photo prints.
Included in subscription plan. Printed on photo-quality paper. Must comply with facility content guidelines.
Set Up Photo SharingPhone Calls
Low-cost calling plans that help reduce the per-minute cost of inmate phone calls.
Pigeonly's calling service works alongside the facility's phone system. Rates and availability vary by state.
Set Up Phone CallsMoney Transfer
Pigeonly does not handle commissary deposits or money transfers.
For money transfers, use JPay, ConnectNetwork, or the facility's contracted money provider.
Pigeonly Coverage
Facility types and geographic regions served by this provider.
Facility Types
Geographic Coverage
All 50 states — physical mail service works at any mail-accepting facility
Coverage Notes
Pigeonly's letter and photo services work at virtually any facility that accepts standard postal mail. Phone service coverage is more limited and varies by state. Families should verify phone plan availability for their specific state.
Facilities Served by Pigeonly
Sample correctional facilities where this provider operates. Full coverage list available on the provider's website.
Pigeonly Pricing Overview
Approximate pricing for common services. Exact rates may vary by facility and state contract.
Pigeonly Fee Schedule
- Monthly Subscription
- Includes letters and photos per month. Higher tiers available.
- ~$9.99/month
- Printed Letter
- In subscription. Additional letters at per-letter rate.
- Included
- Photo Print
- In subscription. Additional photos at per-photo rate.
- Included
- Phone Calling
- Prepay plan — rates vary by state. Lower than standard facility rates.
- Varies
Prices are estimates based on publicly available information and may change. Confirm current pricing on the Pigeonly website before use.
Pigeonly — Pros & Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations of Pigeonly.
Strengths
- Physical letter delivery works at virtually all 3,000+ facilities regardless of digital infrastructure.
- Subscription model makes costs predictable for families who write regularly.
- Phone plans can significantly reduce per-minute calling costs.
- Works at federal facilities where digital messaging options are very limited.
- Family-friendly company with a community-focused mission.
Limitations
- Physical mail delivery is slower than digital messaging, typically 3 to 7 days.
- No video visitation or money transfer services.
- Phone service availability is limited by state and not available everywhere.
- Subscription cost applies even in months with reduced communication.
- Not a real-time communication option. It should not be used as the sole communication method.
Frequently Asked Questions: Pigeonly
Common questions from families about using Pigeonly.
- How does Pigeonly's letter service work?
- You compose a letter through the Pigeonly app or website and submit it. Pigeonly prints your letter and mails it to the facility via the postal service. The inmate receives it as a standard physical letter through the mail. Delivery typically takes 3 to 7 days depending on the facility's mail processing.
- Does Pigeonly work at federal prisons?
- Yes. Because Pigeonly's letter and photo services are delivered as physical postal mail, they work at any facility that accepts standard mail — including federal Bureau of Prisons institutions. Physical mail is generally accepted at all BOP facilities. For electronic messaging with a federal inmate, you still need CorrLinks separately.
- How does Pigeonly's phone plan save money?
- Pigeonly partners with lower-cost calling networks to offer rates below what the facility's default contracted provider charges. The exact savings depend on your state and facility. Pigeonly does not replace the facility's phone system — the inmate still calls from facility phones, but the call is routed through Pigeonly's network at a reduced rate. Phone plan availability is not universal and must be confirmed for your specific state.
- Is Pigeonly a subscription service?
- Yes. Pigeonly offers monthly subscription plans that include a set number of letters and photos per month. This makes costs predictable for families who maintain regular written correspondence. Additional letters or photos beyond the plan allowance are available at per-unit pricing. Phone services are prepay and billed separately from the subscription.
- Can I use Pigeonly alongside JPay or GettingOut?
- Yes. Many families use Pigeonly for letter writing and photos while using JPay or GettingOut for digital messaging and video visits. Because Pigeonly's letter service is postal-based, it works in parallel with any digital platform without conflict. This combination is common for families who want both the immediacy of digital messaging and the personal feel of a physical letter.
Related Providers
Other inmate communication providers you may want to consider.
TextBehind
25+ states
TextBehind - Print and Deliver Letters and Photos to Inmates as Physical Mail
View GuideSmartInmate
20+ states
SmartInmate - Tablet-Based Messaging and Entertainment for Incarcerated People
View GuideJPay
35+ states
JPay - Messaging, Photos, Video Visits and Money Transfer for State Prison Families
View GuideGet Started with Pigeonly
Visit the official Pigeonly website to create your account, or browse supported facilities and compare alternatives to find the best option for your family.