Can Tarantulas Be Good Pets? Pros and Cons of Ownership

For anyone wondering if a tarantula could be the right pet, the answer is: yes—but only for the right person. These eight-legged invertebrates offer a unique, low-maintenance, space-efficient, and oddly fascinating pet experience—but they’re not for everyone.

While tarantulas don’t require daily walks, grooming sessions, or social interaction, they also won’t snuggle, bond with you, or show affection.

In fact, they might kick irritating hairs at you or bite if provoked.

Still, for the curious keeper who values observation over interaction, and who has respect for the natural world’s stranger side, tarantulas can be an incredibly rewarding pet.

✅ They Take Up Very Little Space

One of the most appealing aspects of tarantula ownership is the minimal space requirement.

Unlike many pets that need large habitats or open areas to roam, tarantulas thrive in relatively small enclosures.

Because they are solitary, sedentary animals, they don’t require stimulation through movement or interaction.

You can house most adult tarantulas in a 5 to 10-gallon terrarium or even a well-ventilated plastic storage container.

Many seasoned keepers use stackable plastic tubs for efficient storage.

Because they don’t produce waste like mammals or require frequent movement, they are perfect for apartments, dorm rooms, offices, or even classrooms (with permission).

✅ A Diverse World of Species

Tarantulas are not just “big, hairy spiders.” They come in a vast range of colors, sizes, behaviors, and environmental needs.

Some are deep velvet black, others brilliant sapphire blue, fiery red, or even metallic green.

This diversity is one of the most exciting parts of tarantula keeping—you’re not just getting a pet, but potentially starting a collection.

Each species also has different personalities—some are calm and rarely move; others are skittish and lightning-fast.

Whether you want a docile ground dweller or a colorful, agile arboreal species, there’s a tarantula to match your preference.

✅ Low Maintenance Pets

Tarantulas are often hailed as some of the easiest exotic pets to care for—and with good reason.

Unlike dogs or cats that need daily feeding, social interaction, and grooming, or reptiles that require strict lighting and temperature control, tarantulas are hands-off animals with very minimal upkeep requirements.

These spiders are solitary by nature, so they don’t get lonely. They don’t require bonding time, enrichment toys, or exercise routines. In fact, most of the time, your tarantula will remain still in its enclosure, only becoming active when feeding or webbing.

For a beginner, the ease of care can be comforting. You won’t need to worry about vacation plans, pet sitters, or daily obligations. All your tarantula needs is a clean environment, a reliable water source, and occasional food.

✅ Surprisingly Affordable to Keep

If you’re concerned about the cost of exotic pet ownership, tarantulas might be the best budget-friendly option available. Once you’ve made the initial investment in a proper enclosure and setup, the ongoing costs are incredibly low.

Many experienced keepers spend less than $10 a month on all their spiders. For beginners with just one or two tarantulas, costs are even lower.

You don’t need to spend hundreds on fancy terrariums. In fact, many keepers use modified plastic containers with holes drilled for ventilation.

These setups are clean, practical, and often better than glass tanks that retain excess humidity or heat.

✅ Long Lifespan (Especially Females)

@sciencenorth The difference between male and female tarantulas is huge! As a male, Raven will live 5-7 years, Scarlett can live 3 times as long! #arachnids #entomology #spidertok #bugsarecool #sexualdimorphism ♬ Lazy Sunday – Official Sound Studio

One of the most overlooked benefits of owning a tarantula is their incredible longevity.

Many female tarantulas live well over two decades, and some have been documented to live past 30 years in captivity.

That makes them one of the longest-living invertebrate pets you can own according to A-Z Animals.

Males, however, have shorter lives. Once they reach maturity, they typically live only 1–2 years more, as their biological drive is reproduction.

Still, even males can live up to 5–7 years depending on species and conditions.

Because of this long lifespan, a female tarantula is a true long-term companion. When cared for properly, they can accompany you through major life events—graduations, jobs, even raising a family. Just be sure you’re prepared for the commitment!

❌ Not Cuddly or Affectionate

Tarantulas are invertebrates, and unlike mammals, they lack the brain structure to experience emotions the way cats, dogs, or even rats might.

They are instinct-driven, solitary animals that neither seek nor offer affection. Any interaction with a human is typically perceived as a threat or disturbance.

This means that while they’re fascinating to observe, they don’t give you any emotional feedback. You won’t get wagging tails, excited chirps, or nuzzling—just stillness or defensive postures.

If you’re looking for a social or interactive pet, tarantulas will likely leave you disappointed.

❌ They Are Venomous and Defensive

All tarantulas are venomous, though their venom is usually mild and not life-threatening to humans.

Bites are rare but possible if the spider feels threatened.

Additionally, many New World tarantulas (from the Americas) possess urticating hairs—tiny barbed hairs they can kick from their abdomen as a defense.

These hairs can cause intense skin irritation, rashes, or even serious eye inflammation if they make contact with your face.

While these defense tools make sense in the wild, in a home they require care and respect.

Tarantulas are not toys, and even docile species can react unpredictably under stress.

❌ Feeding Live Insects

Tarantulas are obligate carnivores, and they only eat live prey. This means regular feedings of live crickets, roaches, mealworms, or superworms.

For those with a fear of bugs—or compassion for the insects—this aspect can be difficult or even deal-breaking.

In addition, feeder insects require their own care. Crickets are noisy and smell unpleasant.

Roaches (especially dubia or B. lateralis) are more nutritious, but carry social stigma. If feeders are left in the enclosure too long, they can stress or injure a molting tarantula.

If you’re squeamish about bugs—or uncomfortable watching live feedings—tarantula keeping may not be a good fit.

❌ Legal Restrictions and Social Stigma

While most tarantulas are legal to keep in many countries, some states, cities, or countries ban ownership of exotic or venomous species.

This is especially true in places with strict exotic animal laws or environmental concerns.

Additionally, many landlords, apartment complexes, or homeowners’ associations may have pet restrictions.

Just seems unnecesarry when arachnophobia is one of the most common phobias out there, and there are so many other cool fantasy monster designs. To keep using spiders, the only change usually is that they’re big 🙃

— Gladpus (@Gladpus) March 20, 2023

Beyond legal limits, tarantulas carry a major social stigma. Arachnophobia is one of the most common phobias in the world, and many people respond with fear, disgust, or even hostility when they learn someone owns a spider.

Don’t be surprised if friends or family refuse to visit your home—or react badly to your tarantula pictures on social media.

Legal and Social Considerations

Always do your research before bringing a tarantula home, and be mindful of who else will be sharing your space.

❌ The Hobby Can Become Addictive

Ask almost any seasoned tarantula keeper, and they’ll tell you the same thing: “You never stop at one.”

What starts as curiosity often snowballs into a collection. With so many beautiful and interesting species, many hobbyists end up buying more spiders—sometimes dozens.

While this isn’t inherently a bad thing, it can lead to space, time, and cost issues, especially if you’re unprepared.

Feeding, cleaning, rehousing, and caring for 10+ spiders becomes a weekly project. And you’ll need storage solutions, labeling systems, and temperature control for certain species.

The Tarantula Hobby “Slippery Slope”

Final Thoughts

Tarantulas are unlike any other pet you’ll encounter. They don’t purr, play, or seek affection, and they certainly won’t curl up beside you on the couch.

But what they lack in traditional companionship, they more than makeup for in their quiet mystery, low-maintenance needs, and sheer biological wonder.

Owning a tarantula is more about observation than interaction. It’s a slow-burning fascination that rewards patience, respect, and curiosity.

That said, they’re not for everyone. If you’re someone who craves affection from a pet, dislikes insects, or wants a hands-on experience, a tarantula might feel cold or even unsettling.

You must also be prepared for the reactions of others—friends, family, or roommates may not share your interest, and in some cases, may be openly uncomfortable or even afraid of your new companion.