When I was about six years old, my dad took me to a local pet store. While he was talking to the clerk, I was exploring the shop and looking at all the animals for sale. Among the usual gerbils, lizards, guinea pigs, and frogs, something caught my eye and completely blew my young mind. In a large tank in the middle of the store was the biggest spider I had ever seen. I had seen tarantulas in old horror movies, but those scary images were nothing compared to seeing a real one up close. This amazing creature, which I later learned was a Brachypelma smithi, or “Mexican redknee” tarantula – a classic in the Pet Tarantula world – was the most incredible and terrifying thing I had ever seen.
That moment sparked my lifelong fascination with pet tarantulas.
It wasn’t until about 15 years later, after I moved out and got married, that I finally got my first pet spider. And, although it took a bit of time, I eventually dove headfirst into the hobby, building a collection of over 130 species. As a teacher, I felt driven to share my knowledge about tarantulas and how to care for them, which led to creating my website, Tom’s Big Spiders. There, I could write articles about tarantula care and answer questions from other enthusiasts.
While most people who reach out to me are already tarantula owners or are serious about getting one, some are still unsure if these big, hairy spiders would be good pets for them. I’m definitely a huge fan of the pet tarantula hobby and love these creatures as pets. However, my experience has also taught me that they aren’t for everyone. Like any animal, pet tarantulas have both advantages and disadvantages, and anyone thinking about getting one should know both the good and the potentially bad before bringing a furry, eight-legged friend home.
So, let’s explore the pros and cons of keeping a pet tarantula!
The Upsides of Owning a Pet Tarantula
Space-Saving Pets
One of the biggest advantages of having a pet tarantula is that they don’t need much space compared to many other pets. Most adult tarantulas grow to a leg span of about 5-6 inches, so they only need an enclosure similar in size to a 5-10 gallon tank. Many people keep their spiders on shelves, desks, dressers, or even bedside tables. This makes them ideal pets for smaller spaces like apartments, bedrooms, classrooms, or offices.
Because they don’t take up much room, many tarantula lovers end up collecting several species. You might wonder why someone would want more than one tarantula? Well, that brings us to the next great thing about them…
A Wide Variety of Species
C. versicolor
When you hear “tarantula,” most people picture a basic, big, brown, hairy spider. But what many don’t realize is that there are over 900 species of tarantulas, each with different features and a huge range of sizes, patterns, and colors. Some are terrestrial, living mainly on the ground. Others are fossorial, living in burrows underground. And then there are the stunning arboreal species that live in trees. Some pet tarantulas prefer dry environments, while others need more moisture.
They also come in amazing colors like blues, greens, oranges, and even purples. When I first started learning about keeping pet tarantulas, I thought the photos of brightly colored spiders were fake. I was amazed to find out that these incredible colors were real! With all the variations in patterns, colors, size, and living requirements, there are many fascinating options for anyone interested in the hobby.
Extremely Low Maintenance
Most of us are used to pets that need daily feeding, regular enclosure cleaning, walks, and yearly vet visits. So, it can be surprising to learn that pet tarantulas are some of the lowest-maintenance pets you can get. First, you can forget about daily feedings; tarantulas only need to eat a meal that’s the right size for them once a week or even once a month to stay healthy. They are also very clean animals and don’t need frequent bedding or substrate changes.
If you start with a spiderling (a baby spider), you’ll keep it in a small enclosure and will need to move it to larger ones as it grows. This is called “rehousing,” and most spiderlings will need to be rehoused twice before they become young adults. Once they are in their adult homes, tarantulas can live on the same substrate for years, as long as you spot clean and remove leftover food (called boluses) and old molts. Their waste is small and dry, often absorbed into the substrate. If any gets on the sides of the enclosure, it’s easy to wipe off with a damp paper towel. Besides that, just make sure your pet tarantula has a water dish with fresh water (no sponge needed, they won’t drown!), and that’s about it.
Keeping Them is Budget-Friendly
Because they don’t need much to thrive, pet tarantulas can be one of the easiest and cheapest pets to keep. You don’t need expensive enclosures or heating equipment, and many people successfully keep their spiders in simple containers from local stores. My first spider, The Queen, lived for her first 10 years in a modified plastic storage bin that cost about $3. The truth is, a pet tarantula can do just as well in a basic plastic bin as in a fancy glass terrarium, giving you a lot of flexibility in how much you want to spend. A basic setup for an adult pet tarantula only needs an enclosure, substrate (like coconut fiber or topsoil), a hide (cork bark is popular), and a water dish. That’s all. They do well at room temperature (above mid-60s°F) and don’t require special lighting, so you don’t need expensive lights or heat mats. You could set up a suitable home for your new pet for under $20.
Considering that they eat insects and only need to be fed a couple of times a month, the low cost of keeping them compared to other pets is even more impressive. Feeding your pet tarantula crickets weekly might only cost you about $0.60 a month. Mealworms are another cheap option, and you can keep the uneaten ones in the fridge for later. People with larger collections might even breed their own feeder insects like mealworms or roaches to have a constant and cheap food supply.
Even the pet tarantulas themselves can be quite affordable. While adult, sexed tarantulas can be pricey, spiderlings can often be bought for under $50. Finally, pet tarantulas don’t need annual vet checkups, vaccinations, or expensive medications. Most of these amazing arachnids will grow from spiderlings to adults without any health issues; they are generally very healthy pets.
Creating Habitats Can Be a Fun Hobby
For many pet tarantula keepers, creating beautiful and natural-looking enclosures is part of the fun. While fancy setups aren’t necessary and don’t really benefit the spider, they add another layer of enjoyment for many hobbyists. Instead of simple setups, some keepers choose premium glass or acrylic enclosures and add live plants and natural elements like moss, leaf litter, and backgrounds. These setups can bring a touch of nature into a room and become a conversation starter for visitors. For some, designing stunning, visually appealing homes becomes a key part of the hobby, much like setting up a beautiful aquarium is for fish keepers.
Long Lifespans
When I got my first pet tarantula, a young adult Grammostola porteri or “Rose hair tarantula,” back in the mid-90s, I was worried she wouldn’t live very long. I was definitely wrong. This spider, who I named The Queen, lived for another 26 years with me. Most female pet tarantulas can live for 10 to 30+ years, depending on the species, and many beginner-friendly species are slow-growing and can easily live 20 years or more. While males have shorter lifespans, many can still live for 5 years or longer. If you want a pet that will be with you for many years, there are many pet tarantula species to consider.
Helping Overcome Arachnophobia
When I got my first pet tarantula in the ‘90s, it was partly to help me get over my lifelong fear of spiders. While it took some time, caring for tarantulas helped me completely overcome my fear of these misunderstood creatures.
And I’m not the only one.
Over the years, I’ve talked to many keepers who were arachnophobic when they first got their pet tarantulas and now have no fear of spiders. It might sound strange, but many say they find the large, hairy spiders less scary than the common house spiders they see around their homes. As a result, they find it easier to handle pet tarantulas without the same fear they would feel with, say, a wolf spider. For those who keep tarantulas, the fascination of watching and caring for these animals starts to replace their fear with respect and eventually admiration.
They are Simply Fascinating
Search for “tarantula feeding videos” on YouTube, and you’ll find thousands of videos of keepers feeding their prized pets. These videos have millions of views because many people find spiders hunting and eating incredibly fascinating. There’s something captivating about watching a 6-inch arachnid doing the “tarantula happy dance,” spinning around while webbing up its prey.
Feeding time is just one of the many fascinating aspects of keeping a pet tarantula. Raising a tarantula from a tiny spiderling to a strong adult is an amazing and rewarding process. Even though I’ve seen hundreds of spiders molt, I’m still amazed every time it happens. And for those who want to breed their pet tarantulas, it’s one of the most incredible and fulfilling experiences the hobby offers.
Sometimes, just watching them sit there and do nothing is cool too… after all, it’s a giant spider. Pet tarantulas are naturally cool and fascinating animals.
The Downsides of Pet Tarantula Ownership
Not Cuddly or Affectionate Pets
Unfortunately, if you’re looking for a pet that will show affection like a dog, cat, or even a rat, a tarantula is not for you. While there’s debate about how intelligent they are, and some people think they can “learn,” they are not wired to be affectionate. Just like you wouldn’t cuddle a pet fish, most keepers agree that pet tarantulas should be treated with the same respect and distance.
Although some people who handle their tarantulas say they seem to get used to it, there’s no evidence they enjoy or benefit from handling. Also, a tarantula’s personality can change after each molt, so a usually calm spider might become more skittish or defensive after molting. If you want a pet to cuddle with on the couch, you should look for a furry, more conventional pet.
Legal Restrictions in Some Areas
While not common, some towns, states, and even countries have rules against keeping pet tarantulas. Sometimes it’s only certain species, and sometimes it’s any venomous arachnid. Make sure to check your local laws before getting one.
Venomous and Can Bite or Flick Hairs
While pet tarantulas can be great pets, remember they are exotic animals that haven’t been domesticated. If they feel threatened, they all have fangs and venom to defend themselves. Most common pet tarantulas are New World species from North and South America and nearby islands. These spiders have mild venom, and a bite is usually compared to a bee sting. However, New World tarantulas have another defense: urticating hairs. These are irritating, barbed hairs on their abdomens that they can kick off in a cloud if they feel threatened. These hairs can get into your skin and cause burning, itching, and discomfort. Anyone who treats their pet tarantula with respect and caution can easily avoid bites or hair flicking. But it’s important to be aware of these potential risks.
Feeder Insects Can Be Unpleasant for Some
Believe it or not, for some pet tarantula keepers, the biggest problem isn’t the spider itself, but the insects they need to feed them. People who are squeamish about bugs might find crickets, roaches, or mealworms disgusting. I’ve talked to keepers who dread feeding time because they don’t like dealing with the feeders. Others struggle with feeding live prey because they feel sorry for the insects.
Negative Reactions from Others
Recently, my wife, who’s also into the hobby, posted pictures of some tarantula molts on Facebook. After she mentioned we keep pet tarantulas, one of her “friends” bragged about how many tarantulas she had killed. Sadly, pet spider keepers are used to hearing comments like, “I’d smash it,” “Kill it,” and “Burn it” when they try to share their pets. Some people have even told me they wouldn’t visit my home because I have spiders.
The fact is, arachnophobia is one of the most common phobias in the world, and fear leads to disgust. Instead of respecting these creatures and seeing their benefits, many people hate them. If you want to share your love of pet tarantulas with friends, you might face a hostile reaction. Even worse, if you live with roommates or family, they might not want a pet spider in the house. I was forbidden from having any pet tarantulas when I lived at home because my mother was arachnophobic. Others have also been turned down by roommates or partners. If you live with others, discuss any potential issues early on.
Can Attract Irresponsible Keepers
In my years of working with pet tarantula keepers, I’ve met people from all walks of life, including teachers, doctors, lawyers, vets, and even grandparents. The stereotype of tarantula keepers as tattooed outcasts who play with spiders in the dark while listening to heavy metal is just that – a stereotype.
However, some people are drawn to pet tarantulas because they see them as “scary” and “dangerous,” and they want to show off their “bravery” and recklessness. A quick search on YouTube will show you many sensational videos of keepers calling their spiders “aggressive” and “deadly” to get views. Some use poor husbandry, like keeping adult tarantulas in tiny cages without enough substrate, to provoke “aggressive” behavior. Others post photos and videos of themselves teasing their spiders, handling highly venomous species, or even putting them on their faces. These people are bad for the hobby because they endanger themselves and their animals while reinforcing the idea that spiders are dangerous and scary. Pet tarantulas are not toys, and they deserve keepers who will treat them with respect and present them responsibly.
The Hobby Can Be Addictive
Maybe this is more of a warning than a downside, but it’s important to mention. Whenever someone gets their first pet tarantula, I always say, “Be careful: they’re addictive!” Most people laugh it off at first but then contact me months later when they have dozens of these creatures. It’s true that most people who get one pet tarantula eventually get more. It took me years after getting my Grammostola porteri to really get “bit” by the hobby. Now I have over 200 spiders. I’m an extreme case, but collections of 30 or more are common. If you like collecting things, consider yourself warned…
So, Is a Pet Tarantula Right for You?
For anyone looking for an unusual and truly fascinating pet, a pet tarantula can be an amazing choice. Beautiful, hardy, and endlessly interesting, these incredible animals are much more than the scary creatures the media portrays. If you treat them with respect and care, they can be wonderful pets that bring years of joy.
If you’re thinking about getting a pet tarantula, doing your research is ESSENTIAL. I created this website for beginner keepers, and the information is current and based on personal experience. Also, consider joining tarantula forums or Facebook groups to talk to other keepers.
Tom Moran – Tom’s Big Spiders
