How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Alleghany County Animal Control.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Alleghany County Animal Control is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Alleghany County Animal Control.

Frequently asked questions about Alleghany County Animal Control

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Alleghany County Animal Control.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Alleghany County Animal Control?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Alleghany County Animal Control?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Alleghany County Animal Control. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Alleghany County Animal Control. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Alleghany County Animal Control?

   Mailing address:

   Alleghany County Animal Control
   268 W Main St
   Covington, VA 24426
   Phone: (540) 965-1770

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Alleghany County Animal Control?

   Visiting hours at Alleghany County Animal Control vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (540) 965-1770 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Alleghany County Animal Control?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Alleghany County Animal Control for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Alleghany County Animal Control?

   You can send money to an inmate at Alleghany County Animal Control through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Alleghany County Animal Control?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Alleghany County Animal Control, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Alleghany County Animal Control?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Alleghany County Animal Control for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Alleghany County Animal Control, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

The Alleghany Regional Jail has implemented a comprehensive video visitation system that connects individuals with their families and support networks through both remote and on-site video visits. This modern approach to maintaining family connections operates daily from 9 am to 10 pm for remote visits, while on-site visits are available Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday during the same hours. The facility recognizes the importance of confidential communications by providing private meeting opportunities for inmates with attorneys, probation officers, social workers, ministers, healthcare providers, and mental health professionals.

Beyond visitation services, the facility typically may offer educational programming to help individuals work toward their GED or develop basic literacy skills. Vocational training programs often include opportunities to learn job skills in areas such as food service, maintenance, or computer literacy that can support successful reintegration into the community. The jail may also provide substance abuse counseling and mental health services, as these are common needs within the correctional population.

Support services at Alleghany Regional Jail likely include medical care, library access, and recreational activities to help maintain physical and mental well-being during incarceration. The facility's mail policy allows for correspondence with family and friends, which can be an important component of maintaining community connections. Additionally, the jail may offer religious services and chaplaincy programs to address spiritual needs, along with case management services to help individuals prepare for release and connect with community resources.

Daily Life & Visitation

Video visitation at Alleghany Regional Jail operates on a structured schedule that shapes much of the connection between inmates and their loved ones. Off-site video visits are available daily from 9 am to 10 pm, requiring pre-registration through Paytel Communications/Homewav, while on-site visits follow a more limited schedule running Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday during the same hours. Each visit is restricted to 15 minutes, with inmates allowed up to five visitors per week for on-site visits, creating a carefully managed system that balances family contact with facility operations.

The facility typically maintains structured daily routines common to Virginia correctional institutions, which may include scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and program activities. Inmates often have access to educational opportunities, work assignments, and recreational time, though specific programming details vary based on security classification and individual circumstances. The jail's location at 268 West Main Street in Covington provides a downtown setting that may facilitate certain services and transportation arrangements.

Communication with the outside world extends beyond visitation through standard mail services, with the facility maintaining specific policies regarding acceptable correspondence. Inmates retain important rights including confidential visits with attorneys, probation officers, social workers, ministers, doctors, and mental health professionals, who can arrange meetings by signing in at the main control room entrance. The facility reserves the right to temporarily suspend video visitation for security or maintenance reasons, reflecting the ongoing balance between maintaining connections and ensuring institutional safety.