Creepy, crawly and kinda cool

Originally published in LEO on April 19, 2000 • Updated with modern guidance in 2026

From The Pet Guy Archives

Tarantulas are among the most misunderstood animals kept as pets. In this 2000 column, Jeff Seidenfaden explores how his own perception of these fascinating spiders evolved—from fear and disgust to appreciation and respect. He also shares practical advice for anyone considering keeping a tarantula, emphasizing proper housing, handling, and care.

While our understanding of tarantula husbandry has continued to improve over the past two decades, the message remains relevant today: many animals deserve to be judged by facts rather than fear.

Original Article

The following article is transcribed from the original publication with only minor formatting changes for online readability.

I have often wondered why people keep exotic animals as pets. For me, it has never made a lot of sense to cage a tiger, a bear or even a wild parrot. How much fun can come of watching an animal pace around and go crazy in a cage? For years I have included some of the creepier pets in this same category. One of these sometimes misunderstood pets is the tarantula. When I began working in a pet store almost 13 years ago, I would stare at these hairy spiders and wonder just what type of person it takes to actually pick one up and even let it crawl around on him or her! I was completely creeped out at the thought of seeing it walk — it was gross to see it attack, kill and eat a cricket — and it seemed like one of God's more interesting choices of life. Thirteen years later, I still have to question some of the people who buy these pets, but I have actually grown fond of these freaky little creatures.

To care for a tarantula, you have to know several things. If you've ever kept a Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish) as a pet, then you know they are a solitary fish. They will kill other fish that resemble themselves. A tarantula is much the same. You don't want to keep two in the same enclosure, or by morning, you will most likely have only one.

Another misconception of the tarantula is that they are deadly. Folks with an allergy to them may become sick if bitten, but to most of us, it is no worse than a bee sting. If you ever have the opportunity to see the underside of a tarantula, you will notice how they keep their fangs tucked up close to their mouth. The fangs are proportionately large to the body, and as yet, I have never seen one raise or show its fangs to a human. These little guys are more frightened of us than we are of them. I should also make it clear that I have a phobia regarding spiders. I can't even hold a daddy-long-legs, but the tarantula has found a special place with me. Maybe it's because they are furry — I have a thing for the more furry creatures, such as dogs and cats. Or maybe it's because I know they are very misunderstood, and I feel sorry for them. Who knows?

Housing a tarantula doesn't have to break you. My experience has been to keep them in a small aquarium with reptile turf on the bottom. You may also use a peat moss surface for the bottom, but be sure to keep it clean and free of mold and fungus. The important thing is to keep a little humidity in the container. You can do this by keeping a small water bowl with an airstone attached to an aquarium pump. You'll want to have a secure top so the little guy won't wind up in bed with you some night. The best way I have found to keep them well hydrated is to place a wet sponge in a small ceramic bowl. They like to drink from this rather than from a bowl or saucer. Feeding your tarantula when it is young will require a steady supply of live crickets. Always buy them from a pet store — catching crickets in your house or yard can poison your tarantula if the cricket has traveled through an area that has been treated with pesticides. As the tarantula grows, it will need to eat several crickets a day, so be prepared to have a cricket house to keep a steady supply. Tarantulas are a fragile pet and shouldn't be a pet for kids. If dropped, even a couple of feet, the tarantula can die. I find it best to handle them on a table or solid surface where they can crawl and be safe. Even to my own surprise, by spending time with them, I have faced and conquered my fear of spiders. Now onto snakes!

Creepy, crawly and kinda cool: The Pet Guy Perspective Today

One of the greatest lessons I've learned over the years is that animals we fear are often the ones we understand the least.

Today, tarantulas remain popular pets for experienced exotic animal enthusiasts, and advances in husbandry have given owners a much better understanding of proper humidity, enclosure design, nutrition, and stress reduction. While I still recommend that prospective owners research the specific species they're considering, tarantulas can make fascinating pets when their unique needs are met.

This article also reminds me how rewarding it can be to challenge our own assumptions. Years before writing this column, I couldn't imagine voluntarily holding a tarantula. By spending time learning about them instead of simply fearing them, I discovered an appreciation for an animal that most people never give a second chance.

That lesson extends far beyond spiders. Whether we're talking about reptiles, insects, birds, or mammals, education almost always replaces fear with understanding. Responsible pet ownership begins with learning about the animal before bringing it home—and recognizing that every species deserves respect.

Continue Reading in The Pet Guy Archives

This article is part of The Pet Guy Archives, a collection of Jeff Seidenfaden's original newspaper columns preserving practical pet care advice, memorable animal stories, and the evolution of responsible pet ownership over more than three decades.

Browse the complete archive for additional articles covering dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, exotic pets, animal behavior, training, and the special bond between people and their pets.

About The Pet Guy Archives

The Pet Guy Archives preserve the original newspaper columns written by Jeff Seidenfaden, nationally recognized pet expert, television host, newspaper columnist, and animal advocate. Originally published beginning in the 1990s, these articles have been carefully restored to make them accessible to today's pet lovers while preserving the original voice and perspective of each column.

About the Author

Jeff Seidenfaden is an entrepreneur, former television host, newspaper columnist, and lifelong animal advocate best known as The Pet Guy. For more than three decades, he has educated pet owners through television, newspapers, radio, public appearances, and community outreach, helping families build happier, healthier relationships with their pets.