Although stun guns are legal in most states, it's usually good to check if your city and county have any restrictions in place.

The Guard Dog Security Hornet is small enough to fit on a keychain but powerful enough to contain a flashlight and an "incapacitating" shock. It has a built-in wall charger that allows you to plug it directly into the wall after use too.

First, and most critical, is understanding the risk. Stun guns deliver debilitating shocks and cause pain. If you cannot see yourself doing this even in self-defense, consider alternatives like a personal safety app or self-defense weapons or courses.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

For more information regarding accessibility options and parking information please refer to the Trent/Campus Safety Office Building Information Webpage.

You can buy a stun gun if you are at least 18 years old in most states. Some states have higher age limits and may restrict possession to non-felons. Most stun gun distributors cannot ship to the following states:

Stun guns and TASERs use a sharp electric shock to deter and subdue attackers, making them an effective alternative to traditional firearms. In particular, stun guns are reusable, affordable, and compact.

The University of Guelph Campus Safety Office service was established in 1967 and is one of the longest serving campus policing services in the nation.

While it's not the smallest stun gun we've seen, it's about the size of a typical smartphone, so you can store it in a bag or pocket. No matter where you store it, we recommend keeping the stun gun in its included holster to prevent the safety switch from moving.

Stunner Safety also holds 0.5 oz of police-grade refillable pepper spray. The canister faces away from the user and has an easy flip switch to disable the safety.

Trent Lane can be reached by driving northwest on Gordon Street, turning right onto College Avenue East and right onto Trent Lane.

The end of the many stun guns delivers a charge when pressed against someone, completing the circuit between the short electrodes. Before contact, many of these stun guns also create a bright electrical charge and crackling sound that can serve as a deterrent to would-be attackers.

Any weapon can also be used against you if you’re not prepared to use it. Regularly practice deploying your stun gun so that you’re ready when you need to.

Its stun gun delivers a powerful shock of up to 20,000 volts. We tested this feature and were surprised at how loud the stun gun is (think fireworks). Thankfully, it's equipped with a conveniently located safety switch on the grip.

Stunner Safety is a newcomer to the world of self-defense devices, but it's nothing to underestimate. This device is an all-in-one stun gun, pepper spray, and flashlight in a light 1lb package. It's small enough to fit in a car glove compartment, bag, or backpack.

This stun gun flashlight is brighter and more useful than others on our list, making it a great pick to accompany you on an evening walk. User reviews seem to agree that it's not going to last as well as a dedicated flashlight, but it can free you from carrying extra items.

Most stun guns will work through light clothing, but keep in mind that heavy or bulky clothing or jackets will reduce their effectiveness.

At the most basic level, stun guns are usually for close quarters, while TASERs use projectiles at a distance. Check out our guide to stun guns vs. TASERs to learn more.

It doesn't have a wrist strap, so you need to keep the included holster on a belt if you don't want to carry a bag while running. None of these drawbacks are deal-breakers, especially if you want a reliable, cheap stun gun.

If you're looking for a place to start improving your safety, most communities offer self-defense courses. For a stun gun alternative, check out our pepper spray review.

The Foxfend Spark looks like a lipstick tube from the outside but sports a hidden stun gun. While we like the lid that protects the stun gun from accidental discharge, it might be slower to access during an emergency. While we like the idea behind this product, the number of poor reviews makes us hesitant to fully recommend the Foxfend Spark.

The building itself is a three-story brown brick building between Maids Hall and Blackwood Hall which is also the home of Fire Safety and Parking Services.

The University of Guelph Campus Safety Office maintains a close working relationship with Guelph Police Services, the Guelph Fire Department and other related agencies to ensure a safer community. University officers are regularly trained at Guelph Police Service in Use of Force and other elements of every day policing.

In any case, we think the Vipertek VTS-195 is a practical alternative to more purpose-built stun guns, especially for vehicle glove compartments.

Some stun guns, like many made by TASER, fire barbed electrodes connected to the gun by wires. The barbs stick to clothing or skin so the charge can be delivered from a distance of 15–20 feet.

Vipertek consistently sells the best stun guns on the market, culminating in the Vipertek VTS-989. Its sturdy hand grip, rechargeable battery, and anti-grab electrodes make for an effective tool to protect yourself wherever you are. It's one of the more expensive stun guns but still quite affordable compared to pricey TASER guns.

While there are no specific federal regulations on stun guns, you can't put them in carry-on luggage when flying. Even though they're allowed in checked bags, they need to be inoperable to prevent accidental discharge.

Always call 911 whenever you use an electroshock weapon for self defense. This allows law enforcement to apprehend dangerous people and facilitate medical assistance if necessary.

The service includes a Director, Manager, four Sergeants, 12 Constables, four full-time dispatchers and several part-time dispatchers.  There are currently four shifts which work a 12-hour schedule, providing around the clock coverage seven days a week.

Yes. An Associated Press investigation revealed over 1,000 police-related deaths involving non-lethal methods, including stun guns. In many of these cases, those on the receiving end of shocks were more vulnerable, thanks to medical conditions or drug use. Repeated use of a TASER or stun gun can seriously disable or injure people, especially those with heart conditions.

The Vipertek VTS-989 won't turn on accidentally since there's a safety switch on the other side of the unit that you can also use to turn on the LED flashlight. The rechargeable battery is great for keeping it ready for anything.

*SafeWise has conducted impartial research to recommend products. This is not a guarantee. Each individual’s unique needs should be considered when deciding on chosen products.

While stun guns provide convenient, chemical-free self-defense, they're not an excuse to slack off on smart security habits. You still need to pay attention to your surroundings and be ready to react in an emergency.

Campus Safety Office Special Constables are sworn in by the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and have similar powers and authorities as municipal officers.  However, authority for the University Special Constables, is limited to the areas within the boundaries of the University of Guelph.

There are two electrodes on the business end of the stun gun to help you make skin contact through clothing for a more effective defense. Alongside the electrodes are two metal strips that shock attackers who are trying to grab it. Even without shocking someone, this thing's loud sound is an extra layer of intimidation.

Check out our YouTube channel to see our demo video and interview with inventor and owner of Stunner Safety, Sydney Marvin.

If a compact size is more important than a lower price, consider spending an extra dollar to buy the Vipertek VTS-881, which has a slightly smaller design.

Because Stunner Safety is a new small business, this product does cost significantly more than other products on this list. But with all these features on board, it makes for an excellent one-hit punch to any attacker. We especially recommend Stunner Safety for college students and young women.

Besides enforcing Federal, Provincial and Municipal laws, the Campus Safety Office may also lay charges under University of Guelph Student Rights and Responsibilities, providing an internal disciplinary procedure for students who do not follow the University's code of conduct.

The Campus Safety Office dispatching centre responds to all emergencies on campus as well as monitoring video surveillance cameras, intrusion alarms, fire alarms and emergency phones.  It is also the communication centre for after hours non-emergency situations such as maintenance issues and lock-outs.

We like that you don't need an extra charging cable for this unit since it has a small plug built into the base. As with any stun gun, you'll get loud sounds to help deter attackers from getting closer.

We researched top stun gun brands using online specifications, product listings, and customer reviews to find our top picks. While we include multiple picks from Vipertek, its pricing and customer satisfaction stood out better than the competition.

Alongside pepper spray, stun guns are among the most popular self-defense products around. Whether you feel uncomfortable walking alone or want a little extra confidence while traveling, you won't want to be on the wrong end of these stun guns. Our favorites include the Vipertek VTS-989, Stunner Safety, and Vipertek VTS-195.

For over 11 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to create unbiased, human reviews. Learn how we test and review.

In your research, take into account your individual habits and situation. If you frequently travel by air, you won’t be able to take a stun gun with you on the plane. Do you rarely carry a bag? A smaller design that fits in a pocket may better serve you than a bulky one.

This mini stun gun is smaller than a cell phone and can slide easily into pockets and bags. But don't underestimate it—even with its small size and low cost, this stun gun is strong enough to disarm an attacker.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

It depends on where and how you're traveling. Electroshock weapons like stun guns are illegal in Rhode Island and Hawaii but legal in 48 other states with some exceptions in cities and counties. But if you plan on flying with your stun gun, be sure to leave it in your checked baggage and completely discharged.

In some states, you can expect additional ownership restrictions generally based on age, criminal history, and whether you need a permit. As you research your state laws, you'll find that stun gun restrictions are usually a few common rules:

Unlike our top pick, this stun gun is too small for metal strips along the sides to prevent attackers from grabbing the device. Still, the small size won't stick out of your hand as far, so it's harder to grab anyway.

Much like the other Vipertek stun guns we looked at, the VTS-195 comes with a rechargeable battery, so you don't need to buy replacement batteries.

Some have switches, others have buttons, and some have both. There are dozens of designs available. Some look like brass knuckles, others are also flashlights, and some are traditional hand-held designs.

While flashlights are usually a secondary feature on stun guns, the Vipertek VTS-195 does the opposite by taking on the looks and functionality of a tactical flashlight. Because it looks like a flashlight, it's less likely that an attacker would swipe it right away, giving you more time to defend yourself.

From its handgrip and size to its power, the Vipertek VTS-989 is a classic stun gun. Its secure wrist strap positions your hand right at the easy-to-reach power button, keeping your grip steady and preventing attackers from using the device against you.

We also talked to an expert about stun gun tips and looked into state laws to teach you the basics of stun gun legality (especially since they're illegal in two states). Read on to learn how stun guns and TASERs are more affordable and come with lower stakes than purchasing a gun.

If you have a limited budget or don't want to spend a ton of money on a stun gun, check out the Vipertek VTS-880. This cheap stun gun costs around $10 (much less than a self-defense class).

While it doesn't function as a standard pen, it has a strong metal clip to keep it secured to your pocket or bag. Its safety switch is easy to access, and it comes in multiple colors, like bright pink and purple, to make it easy to differentiate from a real pen.

The Street Wise Pain Pen is a stun gun disguised as a standard ballpoint pen. It's the same size and even has a strong metal clip for pockets and bags. But take a closer look and you may notice that it has two metal prongs designed to create a powerful charge instead of a writing nib.