Best Spiders as Pets: Top 10 Species for Keepers

When you think of the perfect pet, a spider might not be the first creature that springs to mind. But for those of us who appreciate the quiet, fascinating world of invertebrates, a pet spider can be an incredibly rewarding experience. They’re clean, silent, and require surprisingly little space, making them ideal for apartment living or for keepers who want a display animal that’s as beautiful as it is unique.

But what are the best spiders as pets? The answer really depends on what you're looking for. Are you a complete beginner who wants a slow-moving, docile animal? Or are you ready for something with more vibrant colors and a bit more speed? This guide will walk you through the top species in the hobby, with a strong focus on tarantulas, which are by far the most common and suitable pet spiders.

We'll explore their temperaments, care needs, and what makes each one a fantastic eight-legged companion. Let's untangle the web of choices and find the perfect pet spider for you.

Why Choose a Pet Spider?

Before we jump into our top 10 list, let's talk about why you might want a spider in the first place. Unlike dogs or cats, spiders are hands-off pets. They are for observing, not for cuddling. If you can appreciate that, you'll find they have some major advantages.

Pros of Keeping Pet Spiders:

• Low Maintenance: Most species only need to be fed once a week or even less as adults. Spot cleaning their enclosure is simple, and they don't make any noise.
• Minimal Space: A spider doesn't need a huge mansion. Many adult tarantulas live happily in a 5- or 10-gallon tank, making them perfect for smaller homes.
• Clean and Odorless: Spiders are meticulous groomers and their enclosures stay clean with basic maintenance. You won't have to worry about pet odors.
• Fascinating Behavior: Watching a tarantula construct its web, hunt its prey, or go through a molt (shedding its exoskeleton) is a captivating experience you can't get with many other pets.

Cons to Consider:

• Not a Handling Pet: Spiders are fragile. A fall from even a few feet can be fatal. Handling also stresses them out and increases the risk of a bite.
• Venom and Urticating Hairs: While no tarantula's venom is medically significant to humans (unless you have an allergic reaction), a bite can be painful. New World tarantulas (from the Americas) also have barbed, irritating hairs on their abdomens they can kick off when threatened.
• The 'Creep Factor': Let's be honest, not everyone in your household may be thrilled with an eight-legged resident. It's important to make sure everyone is on board.

Tarantulas vs. 'True Spiders'

When we talk about pet spiders, we are almost always talking about tarantulas. They belong to a group called Mygalomorphae. These are typically large, heavy-bodied spiders with fangs that point downwards. They are generally longer-lived and more docile than 'true spiders' (Araneomorphae), like orb weavers or wolf spiders, which have pincer-like fangs and are often faster and more defensive.

The one major exception is the jumping spider. These tiny, intelligent spiders have become incredibly popular for their curious nature and big, expressive eyes. They are active during the day and can make wonderful 'micro' pets, but their care is quite different from a tarantula.

Our Top 10 Best Spiders for Your Home

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Here are our top picks for the best spiders you can keep as pets, focusing on species that are known for their calm demeanor and simple care requirements. We've ranked them with beginners in mind.

1. Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula (Grammostola rosea/porteri)

Often hailed as the ultimate beginner tarantula, the Chilean Rose is the little black dress of the spider world: classic, reliable, and always a great choice. They are known for being incredibly docile, slow-moving, and hardy. If you're new to the hobby, this is one of the best places to start.

• Temperament: Extremely docile. They are more likely to walk away from a threat than show any aggression.
• Care Level: Beginner
• Size: 4.5 to 5.5 inches
• Husbandry: A standard terrestrial setup with dry coconut fiber substrate and a hide is perfect. They thrive at room temperature.
• Feeding: Feed adults one or two crickets every 7-10 days.

2. Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula (Brachypelma hamorii)

The Mexican Red-Knee is arguably the most iconic tarantula in the world. You’ve seen them in movies and TV shows for a reason. Their striking black bodies and vibrant orange-red 'knees' make them a stunning display animal. They are also famously long-lived, with females capable of living for over 25 years.

• Temperament: Very calm and docile. They are known for flicking urticating hairs when they feel threatened, but rarely show any desire to bite.
• Care Level: Beginner
• Size: 5 to 5.5 inches
• Husbandry: Similar to the Chilean Rose. They need a dry, terrestrial enclosure with deep substrate for burrowing and a water dish.
• Feeding: A few crickets or a couple of dubia roaches per week is sufficient for an adult.

3. Curly Hair Tarantula (Tliltocatl albopilosus)

If you want a tarantula with a bit of a unique look, the Curly Hair is for you. As their name suggests, they are covered in long, wiry hairs that give them a fuzzy, almost cuddly appearance. They are one of the most placid species available and are very forgiving of minor husbandry errors, just like the other best reptiles to have as pets.

• Temperament: Exceptionally docile and slow-moving.
• Care Level: Beginner
• Size: 5.5 to 6 inches
• Husbandry: They appreciate slightly higher humidity than the two species above. A weekly overflow of the water dish onto the substrate is usually enough.
• Feeding: These are great eaters, readily accepting crickets, roaches, and worms.

4. Brazilian Black Tarantula (Grammostola pulchra)

For a truly impressive, elegant spider, look no further than the Brazilian Black. This species is a stunning, velvet jet-black from head to toe. They are widely considered one of the most gentle tarantulas in the hobby, often tolerating handling better than any other species (though we still advise against it!). Their only downside is that they grow very slowly and can be more expensive.

• Temperament: Incredibly docile, often called 'pet rocks' for their calm nature.
• Care Level: Beginner
• Size: 6 to 7 inches
• Husbandry: A standard terrestrial setup works perfectly. Keep the substrate dry and provide a water bowl.
• Feeding: They have a strong feeding response but grow slowly. Feed adults a few prey items weekly.

5. Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes)

If you want a spider that gets big without being intimidating, the Chaco Golden Knee is a fantastic choice. They can reach impressive sizes but maintain a very calm and handleable temperament. Their defining feature is the beautiful golden stripes on their leg joints, which contrast sharply with their dark, hairy bodies.

• Temperament: Generally docile and slow, but can be a bit skittish.
• Care Level: Beginner
• Size: 7 to 8 inches
• Husbandry: As a larger spider, they need a bit more floor space. A 10-gallon tank is a good size for an adult. They are hardy and do well at room temperature.
• Feeding: Their size gives them a great appetite. Adults will happily eat several large crickets or a few large roaches at a time.

6. Arizona Blonde Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes)

A beautiful species native to the deserts of the American Southwest. Arizona Blondes are known for being extremely hardy and having a very mellow temperament. Their fuzzy, tan-colored bodies give them a unique look. They are excellent burrowers and will create impressive tunnels if given deep substrate.

• Temperament: Very calm and docile.
• Care Level: Beginner
• Size: 4.5 to 5.5 inches
• Husbandry: They require a very dry environment. Deep, dry substrate is a must. They are used to temperature swings but do well at average room temps.
• Feeding: These are slower growers with a less vigorous appetite. Feed adults one or two prey items weekly.

7. Pink Toe Tarantula (Avicularia avicularia)

Our first arboreal (tree-dwelling) species on the list! The Pink Toe is a classic choice for anyone wanting to try an arboreal tarantula. They are small, fluffy, and have adorable pink 'toes' at the end of their legs. Instead of kicking hairs, their main defense is to jump or shoot a small stream of poop! Their needs are different from terrestrial spiders, making them a great 'next step' for a keeper who has mastered the basics. Learning to care for one can feel as rewarding as discovering the best pet lizards for beginners.

• Temperament: Very docile but can be extremely fast and jumpy.
• Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Size: 4.5 to 5 inches
• Husbandry: Needs a tall enclosure with plenty of anchor points for webbing, like cork bark and silk plants. Good ventilation is critical for this species.
• Feeding: Great eaters that will take down crickets and other flying insects.

8. Green Bottle Blue Tarantula (Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens)

Often called the GBB, this is arguably one of the most beautiful spiders on the planet. With a metallic green carapace, vibrant blue legs, and a bright orange abdomen, they are a showstopper. They are not as docile as the others on this list, tending to be skittish and fast, but they are not typically aggressive. They are also prolific webbers, covering their entire enclosure in a silk wonderland.

• Temperament: Skittish and fast, not for handling. More of a display species.
• Care Level: Intermediate
• Size: 6 to 6.5 inches
• Husbandry: A semi-arboreal setup with some height and ground space is ideal. They thrive in dry conditions with good ventilation.
• Feeding: Voracious eaters with a dramatic hunting response.

9. Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax)

Here’s our 'true spider' representative! Bold Jumping Spiders are tiny dynamos full of personality. They are known for their intelligence, excellent vision, and inquisitive nature. They will watch you, track your movements, and are incredibly fun to interact with. Their small size and short lifespan (1-2 years) make them a lower-commitment pet.

• Temperament: Curious, active, and rarely bite. Not 'cuddly' but can become accustomed to gently walking on your hand.
• Care Level: Beginner
• Size: About 0.5 to 0.75 inches
• Husbandry: A small, well-ventilated arboreal enclosure is needed. Think a large jar or a small critter keeper with twigs and leaves.
• Feeding: They need smaller prey, like flightless fruit flies when young and small crickets or mealworms as adults, every 2-3 days.

10. Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater (Lasiodora parahybana)

This one is for the keeper who wants a true giant. The Salmon Pink Birdeater is one of the largest tarantulas in the world, capable of reaching a leg span of 10 inches. They are impressive, fast-growing, and have a great feeding response. However, their size and willingness to kick irritating hairs mean they are best for someone with some experience.

• Temperament: Can be defensive and is quick to flick urticating hairs. Not for handling.
• Care Level: Intermediate
• Size: 9 to 10 inches
• Husbandry: Needs a large terrestrial enclosure (a 20-gallon long is a good start). Their hairs can be very irritating, so care should be taken during maintenance.
• Feeding: Will eat almost anything that moves. Large crickets, giant roaches, and even occasional frozen-thawed pinky mice (as a rare treat) are on the menu.

Basic Spider Care Essentials

No matter which of the best spiders as pets you choose, their basic needs are similar. Focusing on these fundamentals is just as important as when you're setting up a home for the best snakes to have as pets.

Enclosures: The enclosure must be secure. A tarantula or spider can fit through surprisingly small gaps. For most terrestrial species, an Exo Terra Glass Terrarium is a great investment. For arboreal species, you need something taller than it is wide.

Substrate: The most popular and effective choice is Zoo Med Eco Earth Coconut Fiber Substrate. It holds humidity, allows for burrowing, and is mold-resistant.

Heating: Most of these species will be perfectly happy at the room temperature of a typical home (70-75°F). If your home is cooler, a small, thermostat-controlled reptile heat mat placed on the side of the tank can provide supplemental warmth.

Feeding and Water: Always provide a shallow, wide water dish. Spiders get most of their hydration from their prey, but a dish is crucial. Feed them appropriately sized prey, like crickets, dubia roaches, or mealworms. A good rule of thumb is to offer prey that is no larger than the spider's abdomen. Always remove any uneaten food after 24 hours.

A Final Word on Handling

While you'll see many pictures and videos online of people handling their tarantulas, we strongly advise against it. It offers no benefit to the spider and puts both you and the animal at risk. A fall can easily kill a heavy-bodied tarantula, and even the most docile spider can bite if it feels scared or trapped. Enjoy your pet for what it is: a beautiful, fascinating piece of living art.

Choosing one of the best spiders as pets can be the start of a wonderful journey into the invertebrate hobby. By starting with a docile and hardy species like a Chilean Rose or a Curly Hair, you set yourself up for a successful and rewarding keeping experience.