Are Pet Tarantulas the Next Big Thing?

Once considered niche or even creepy, pet tarantulas are quickly gaining popularity — especially among younger audiences and exotic pet hobbyists.

What’s Behind the Trend?

Several factors are driving the rise in tarantula ownership. Tarantulas are low-maintenance, don’t require daily walks, and can be kept in relatively small enclosures. Social media has also played a big role — TikTok and YouTube are full of creators sharing their spider setups, feeding routines, and moulting updates.

Google Search Data

Searches for “pet tarantula” and “best tarantula for beginners” have surged in the past five years, with spikes around Halloween and during lockdown periods. More people are considering inverts as quiet, cost-effective alternatives to dogs or cats.

Who’s Buying Them?

The modern tarantula keeper is surprisingly diverse: collectors, students, parents with bug-loving kids, and professionals who want a pet but travel often. Unlike reptiles or rodents, tarantulas are incredibly hardy and can go a week or more without food when necessary — making them ideal for busy lives.

Should You Get One?

If you're calm, curious, and don’t mind the occasional spider molt sitting on your desk, a tarantula might be a perfect first exotic pet. Just make sure you do your homework — different species have different temperaments and needs.

Popular Starter Species

• Grammostola pulchra – Calm, hardy, and beautiful jet-black appearance.
• Brachypelma hamorii – The classic “Mexican Red Knee,” great for beginners.
• Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens – Stunning colours, fast webbers, slightly more active.

The Verdict

With low upkeep, endless fascination, and a growing online community, tarantulas aren’t just for collectors anymore. They're creeping into the mainstream — and maybe, into your living room too.