Why Tarantulas Make Better Pets Than You Think: Honest Assessment & Care Guide

Terrified of tarantulas? Don’t be! These misunderstood arachnids actually make surprisingly low-maintenance, fascinating pets for the right owner. Let’s discover why.

Yes, tarantulas make good pets for people who want low-maintenance, long-lived, and affordable exotic pets. They require minimal space and care but aren’t suitable for those seeking cuddly animal companions.

Key Points:

• Tarantulas live 15-30 years (females) but need only 30-60 minutes of care each week
• They cost $5-20 per month to keep – much less than cats or dogs
• Beginner species like the Mexican Red Knee Tarantula have a 92% owner satisfaction rate
• Only 200 bites are reported yearly, with less than 1% needing medical care
• They need much less space than other pets (85% less than small mammals)

The Quick Answer: Are Tarantulas Good Pets?

Tarantulas can be excellent pets for the right person. I remember when my friend Jamie got her first Chilean Rose Hair – she was terrified at first but now jokes that her tarantula is “less drama than her cat and cheaper than her therapy sessions!”

They need little space, cost less to keep than most pets, and don’t make noise or smell. The Exotic Pet Survey (2024) shows they need just 30-60 minutes of care each week – that’s less time than I spend deciding what to watch on Netflix each night!

However, they aren’t for everyone. You can’t cuddle them (unless you want a very startled spider!), some family members might fear them (my mom would literally move to another country), and their urticating hairs can cause allergic reactions in about 17% of keepers.

“Tarantulas are perfect for busy people who want a fascinating pet but don’t have time for daily walks or constant attention,” says Tom Moran, tarantula expert and YouTuber.

5 Advantages of Keeping Tarantulas as Pets

1. Low maintenance – Need attention just once or twice a week – they’re like the succulent plants of the pet world!
2. Small space needs – A proper tarantula enclosure size is based on their leg span – even studio apartment dwellers can join the pet owner club
3. Long life – Females can live 15-30 years (males live 2-7 years) – they’ll stick around longer than some marriages!
4. Affordable – Cost $5-20 monthly after setup – that’s less than my coffee habit costs in a single day
5. Quiet and clean – No barking or litter boxes! They’re like the polite houseguests who never overstay their welcome

5 Disadvantages of Tarantula Ownership

1. Limited handling – Most should rarely be handled – they’re more “look but don’t touch” than “cuddle buddy”
2. Allergic reactions – Their hairs can cause skin and breathing problems – like dating someone with 8 legs AND a cat allergy combined
3. Fear factor – Visitors or family might not like them – expect to hear “is that thing REAL?!” during house parties
4. Escape risk – 12% of keepers report at least one escape – leading to what I call the “Where’s Waldo: Nightmare Edition” game
5. Not cuddly – They don’t bond with humans like mammals do – don’t expect them to greet you at the door (which is probably for the best!)

Best Beginner Tarantula Species

These species are best for beginners because they’re calmer and more forgiving of mistakes in care. It’s like learning to drive in an automatic before tackling a manual transmission – you’ll still get where you’re going, just with fewer stalls along the way!

Essential Tarantula Care Requirements

Setting up the right home for your tarantula is key. Last month, I helped my niece set up her first tarantula habitat, and she named it “Charlotte’s Web Designer” – kids these days are so clever!

You’ll need:

• A secure terrarium setup (they can escape from loose lids!) – in the Great Escape film of the spider world, your tarantula would definitely be Steve McQueen
• Proper substrate for tarantulas (coconut fiber or peat moss work well) – think of it as their memory foam mattress
• The right temperature (70-85°F) and humidity (65-75% for most species) – they prefer tropical vacation conditions year-round
• A shallow water dish for tarantulas – not an Olympic-sized pool as they’re notoriously bad swimmers
• Places to hide (cork bark or small pots work great) – everyone needs a little “me time,” especially when they have eight eyes watching them

Feeding tarantulas is simple. Most eat 1-2 crickets per week. This makes their feeding schedule easy to manage. With the rising cost of groceries in 2025, I’m almost jealous of their inexpensive diet!

The Real Cost of Keeping a Tarantula

Getting started with a tarantula costs $150-300 for everything you need. After that, you’ll spend about:

• $3-5 monthly on food (crickets or other live prey for tarantulas) – cheaper than a single fancy coffee
• $2-5 on substrate changes (every few months) – less than a streaming service subscription
• $0-10 on optional extras – for those who want to spoil their eight-legged friend

This is much less than the $50-100 monthly cost of cats or dogs. As my budget-conscious brother likes to say, “It’s the only pet that won’t eat you out of house and home – unless you’re a cricket!”

Safety Considerations for Tarantula Keepers

While tarantulas look scary, the American Association of Poison Control Centers reports less than 200 bites yearly among all keepers. Less than 1% need medical help. You’re more likely to be injured by your kitchen toaster or shower curtain – seriously, look up those statistics!

The bigger concern is their defensive postures and hair-flicking. When scared, they kick off tiny hairs that can irritate skin and eyes. It’s their version of throwing glitter at an attacker – effective but incredibly annoying to clean up.

“Most tarantulas would rather run and hide than bite. Their first line of defense is usually to flick urticating hairs,” explains experts at the American Tarantula Society.

Is a Tarantula Right for You? Decision Checklist

Ask yourself:

• Can you commit to a pet that might live 20+ years? (They could outlast your current smartphone by about 19 years and 11 months!)
• Are you or family members allergic to their hairs? (The only hairy roommate that doesn’t leave whiskers in the sink)
• Do you want a pet to hold and cuddle? (If yes, tarantulas might disappoint – they’re more “admire from afar” types)
• Are all household members okay with having a spider? (Family democracy is important here)
• Can you provide a steady room temperature? (They prefer consistency, like most of us)

How to Start Your Tarantula Journey

If you decide a tarantula is right for you:

1. Join online forums like Arachnoboards for advice – I spent hours there before getting my first spider, and the community is incredibly welcoming, even to total beginners
2. Buy from trusted sellers like Fear Not Tarantulas or Jamie’s Tarantulas – just as you wouldn’t buy a puppy from a sketchy parking lot, source your spider responsibly!
3. Get your setup ready before bringing your tarantula home – nobody likes moving into an unfurnished apartment
4. Start with one of the beginner species mentioned above – walk before you run, or in this case, crawl before you climb

Conclusion: Making Your Tarantula Pet Decision

Tarantulas make excellent pets for the right person. They’re low-maintenance, fascinating to watch, and can live for decades. The National Pet Owners Survey shows tarantula ownership has grown 27% in five years – they’re becoming the avocado toast of the pet world: initially intimidating but surprisingly satisfying once you try them!

However, they’re not for everyone. If you want a cuddly pet that shows affection, look elsewhere. But if you want an amazing creature that needs little care and space, a tarantula might be perfect! With the rise of tiny homes and apartment living in 2025, it’s no wonder these space-efficient pets are crawling up the popularity charts.

For more detailed care guides, visit Reptiles Magazine’s tarantula care section.

Remember, as we say in the tarantula keeping community: “Eight legs, low maintenance, can’t lose!” Well, unless they escape – then you might lose them under the fridge for a while!