Are you considering getting a pet tarantula? These fascinating arachnids make excellent low-maintenance pets for both beginners and experienced hobbyists alike. And one of the most convenient places to find pet tarantulas is at your local PetSmart store.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about PetSmart tarantulas, from the varieties they sell to how to care for your new eight-legged friend. Whether you‘re a first-time tarantula owner or looking to expand your collection, read on for expert tips and advice.
Why Choose a Tarantula?
Before we dive into the specifics of PetSmart tarantulas, let‘s discuss why these creatures make such great pets in the first place. Here are a few key benefits:
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Low maintenance – Tarantulas don‘t require daily walks, training, or frequent attention like dogs and cats. Adult tarantulas only need to eat once every 1-2 weeks.
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Long lifespans – With proper care, tarantulas can live 10-20 years or more in captivity. Males tend to have shorter lifespans than females.
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Fascinating to observe – Tarantulas are ambush predators that stay motionless for long periods before quickly pouncing on their prey. Watching them hunt is an amazing sight.
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Hypoallergenic – Since tarantulas don‘t have hair or dander, they‘re a good pet choice for people with allergies to furry animals.
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Quiet and apartment-friendly – You won‘t have to worry about your tarantula barking and bothering the neighbors. Their housing takes up minimal space as well.
Of course, tarantulas aren‘t the right pet for everyone. They‘re exotic animals that some people may find scary or creepy. Tarantulas also have fragile abdomens and can be easily injured if dropped or mishandled. But if you‘re looking for a unique low-maintenance pet, a tarantula may be perfect for you.
Tarantula Varieties Sold at PetSmart
PetSmart typically sells 2-3 varieties of tarantulas in their stores and online. Availability may vary by location and season, so it‘s best to check with your local store or the website for current stock. Here are the most common PetSmart tarantula species:
Chilean Rose Hair (Grammostola rosea)
The Chilean rose hair is one of the most popular beginner species due to its docile temperament and hardiness. This tarantula has a stocky brown body and pink hairs on its abdomen and legs. Females live 15-20 years, while males live 3-7 years. Chilean rose hairs grow to about 5-6 inches in legspan.
Costa Rican Zebra (Aphonopelma seemanni)
Native to Costa Rica and Nicaragua, this striking species has a dark body with white stripes on its legs that resemble a zebra pattern. They‘re very active and love to dig burrows, so provide plenty of substrate. Females reach 5 inches in size and live 10-15 years. Males are smaller and only live 1-2 years after maturing.
Mexican Redknee (Brachypelma hamorii)
One of the most colorful tarantula species with bright orange joints on its black legs, the Mexican redknee is another great choice for beginners. They‘re very docile and slow-moving. Females grow up to 6 inches and can live 20-30 years with excellent care. Males only live 3-6 years.
Setting Up Your Tarantula‘s Enclosure
Before bringing home your new pet tarantula from PetSmart, you‘ll need to have its enclosure set up and ready to go. Here‘s what you‘ll need:
- 5-10 gallon glass aquarium or plastic enclosure with a secure lid
- Substrate (vermiculite, peat moss, coconut fiber, or potting soil)
- Hiding place (half log, cork bark, or plastic hide box)
- Shallow water dish
- Thermometer/hygrometer to monitor temperature and humidity
For substrate, aim for a depth of at least 3-4 inches to allow for burrowing. Spot clean regularly and replace the substrate entirely every 4-6 months.
Since tarantulas are cold-blooded, they rely on their environment to regulate their temperature. Most species do best between 70-85°F. Use a low-wattage heat mat on the side of the enclosure if needed to maintain temperature. Avoid heat lamps, as they can dry out the air too much.
Humidity requirements vary by species, but most do well around 65-70% humidity. Use a hygrometer to monitor levels and mist the substrate as needed.
Tarantula Diet and Feeding
In the wild, tarantulas eat a variety of insects, other spiders, and even small lizards and frogs. In captivity, they can thrive on a simple diet of gut-loaded crickets, dubia roaches, or other feeder insects. Only feed prey items that are smaller than the tarantula‘s abdomen.
Adults only need to eat every 7-14 days. Offer 3-6 appropriately sized insects per feeding, removing any uneaten prey after 24 hours. Use soft-tipped feeding tongs to place the insects into the enclosure to avoid injuring your tarantula.
Tarantulas get most of their hydration from their food but should still have access to a shallow water dish. Make sure the water is not too deep to prevent drowning and change it out regularly.
Handling Your Tarantula
One of the most common questions new tarantula owners have is whether they can hold their pet. The answer is yes, but with extreme caution. Tarantulas have delicate exoskeletons that can easily rupture if they fall or are gripped too tightly.
Before attempting to handle your tarantula, make sure your hands are clean and free of any residue that may irritate them. Gently coax the tarantula into your flat open palm and keep your hand close to a soft surface in case they fall. Never grab a tarantula from above, as this will startle them.
It‘s best to limit handling to only when necessary for cage maintenance and to keep sessions brief (a few minutes at most). Some tarantulas will kick hairs off their abdomens as a defense mechanism when threatened, which can cause skin and eye irritation in humans.
Common Tarantula Health Issues
While tarantulas are generally hardy pets, there are a few health problems to watch out for:
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Molting issues – Tarantulas molt (shed their exoskeletons) several times per year to grow larger. Sometimes they may get stuck in their molt and need assistance.
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Dehydration – Tarantulas that don‘t have enough moisture in their diet or environment may become dehydrated, leading to lethargy and death.
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Mites – Small parasitic mites can infest a tarantula‘s enclosure and stress or kill them. Quarantine any new tarantulas and sterilize enclosures thoroughly.
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Injuries – Falls, getting stepped on, or being dropped can easily injure or kill a tarantula. Always handle them with care over a soft surface.
If you suspect your tarantula is sick or injured, consult an exotic animal veterinarian who has experience with arachnids. PetSmart also offers a 14-day health guarantee on their tarantulas if anything goes wrong.
PetSmart Tarantula Supplies and Accessories
In addition to live tarantulas, PetSmart also sells many of the basic supplies you‘ll need to care for them, such as:
- Glass tanks and screen lids
- Heat mats
- Thermometers and hygrometers
- Feeding tongs
- Substrates
- Hides and decor
- Water/food dishes
While it‘s convenient to pick up everything you need in one shopping trip, don‘t feel limited to only buying tarantula supplies from PetSmart. You can often find suitable supplies cheaper at hardware stores, garden centers, or online retailers.
How to Pick a Healthy Tarantula at PetSmart
When selecting a tarantula at PetSmart, look for these signs of good health:
- Active and alert when disturbed
- Plump, shiny abdomen
- No visible injuries or missing limbs
- Clear, dark eyes
- Healthy appetite
Avoid tarantulas that are skinny, lethargic, oozing fluid, or have a dull/deflated abdomen, as these are red flags. Don‘t be shy about asking to see the tarantula uncurled out of its hide to check its condition.
It‘s also a smart idea to watch the tarantula eat before purchasing to confirm it has a healthy appetite. A reputable store will not mind this request.
Adopting vs Buying a PetSmart Tarantula
In addition to purchasing tarantulas, PetSmart also has an adoption program where you can give a home to a tarantula in need. Adoptable spiders are typically surrendered by previous owners who could no longer care for them.
The adoption fee is usually lower than purchasing a tarantula, plus you have the satisfaction of knowing you helped an animal in need. However, adopted tarantulas may be older or have existing health issues.
Ultimately, the decision to adopt or buy comes down to your personal preferences and what‘s available at your local store. Regardless of which route you choose, make sure you‘re prepared to provide a lifetime of quality care.
PetSmart‘s Tarantula Guarantee and Return Policy
PetSmart offers a 14-day guarantee on all the pets they sell, including tarantulas. If your new tarantula dies or is deemed unhealthy by a veterinarian within two weeks of purchase, PetSmart will replace it or refund your money.
If for any reason you‘re unsatisfied with your tarantula or unable to keep it within 14 days, you can also return it to the store with your receipt for a refund. Returned tarantulas are evaluated by PetSmart staff and put up for adoption if healthy.
Note that the 14-day return window only applies to live tarantulas, not supplies and accessories. Regular return policies apply to non-live items.
Alternatives to PetSmart for Getting a Tarantula
While PetSmart is a convenient option for getting started with tarantulas, they‘re far from the only source. Here are a few other places to check out:
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Other chain pet stores – Petco, Pet Supplies Plus, and local pet shops may sell tarantulas and have different species available. Shop around.
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Online breeders – There are many reputable tarantula breeders that sell a wide variety of species and ship directly to your door. Always research a breeder thoroughly before ordering.
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Reptile expos – Reptile and exotic pet shows are a great place to see tarantulas in person, ask questions, and buy directly from breeders. Prices are often lower than pet stores too.
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Classifieds – Sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Fauna Classifieds sometimes have tarantulas for sale or adoption from private individuals. Exercise caution and ask for photos and health history.
Tarantula FAQs
Q: How often should I feed my tarantula?
A: Adult tarantulas only need to eat every 7-14 days. Juveniles and spiderlings should be fed more often, every 5-7 days.
Q: How long do tarantulas live?
A: With proper care, female tarantulas can live 10-30 years depending on the species. Males have much shorter lifespans and only live a few years after maturing.
Q: Do tarantulas make noise?
A: Yes, some tarantulas can make a faint hissing sound by rubbing their bristles together. This is called stridulation and is often a sign of stress.
Q: Are tarantulas venomous?
A: Yes, all tarantulas have venom that they use to paralyze their prey. However, most species‘ venom is not dangerous to humans. A bite may cause localized pain and swelling similar to a bee sting.
Q: How often do tarantulas molt?
A: Spiderlings molt every few weeks, while adult tarantulas only molt every 6-12 months. Molting frequency depends on the tarantula‘s age, species, and living conditions.
Q: Can tarantulas see well?
A: Not really. Tarantulas have poor eyesight and rely mainly on vibrations and chemical cues to navigate their environment and detect prey.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide has given you a thorough overview of PetSmart tarantulas and how to care for these incredible creatures. Whether you‘re drawn to their unique appearance, low-maintenance needs, or fascinating behavior, tarantulas make rewarding pets for the right owner.
By providing your tarantula with proper housing, diet, and care, you can enjoy observing this awesome arachnid for many years to come. If you have any questions or concerns, don‘t hesitate to reach out to the knowledgeable staff at your local PetSmart store or an exotic animal veterinarian.
Happy tarantula keeping!
