The Mental Health Benefits of Keeping Tarantulas

3/3/25 Steve Rogers, Wales, UK. 

We don't recommend handling any Tarantula, there is evidence that the handling of the animals is generally bad for them.

Introduction

As a person with poor mental health around anxiety, I wanted to do a meta study of the benefits of Tarantulas on mental health. As such, mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, yet many people struggle with stress, anxiety, and depression in their daily lives. While traditional methods such as therapy, exercise, and meditation are well-known strategies for managing mental health, unconventional approaches are also gaining recognition-noted as holistic approaches. One such approach is the keeping of exotic pets, including tarantulas. While these eight-legged creatures may seem intimidating to some, they can provide numerous psychological benefits to their keepers.

This meta study will explore how keeping tarantulas can positively impact mental health, reduce stress, and promote mindfulness. We will also reference a few studies and expert opinions to support these claims.

1. A Calming Presence

Unlike traditional pets such as dogs and cats, tarantulas require minimal interaction, yet they can still have a soothing effect on their owners. Observing a tarantula’s slow and deliberate movements can be almost meditative, helping individuals enter a calm and focused state. Research has shown that watching animals engage in natural behaviours can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress (Wells, 2009). This is similar to the calming effect of watching fish in an aquarium yet without the large upfront cost and the often overlooked death rate in fish keeping, which can exacerbate an already poor mental state. 

For individuals who experience anxiety or struggle with overwhelming emotions, spending time with their tarantula can serve as a grounding experience. The presence of a quiet, non-intrusive creature allows owners to slow down and find a sense of tranquillity.

2. Encouraging Routine and Responsibility

Caring for a pet, regardless of its species, instils a sense of responsibility and structure in a person's life, the giving of a 'will to get up in the morning' type of thing, that if you cant do on a given day, it doesn't matter to much as the average tarantula can go a few days with no interactions. Tarantulas require a controlled environment, proper feeding schedules, and occasional maintenance, all of which encourage routine and discipline. According to a study published in the journal BMC Psychiatry, individuals who maintain structured routines are less likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety and when they do, those symptoms would be lessened  (Lyall et al., 2018).

By tending to their tarantula’s needs, owners may find a renewed sense of purpose, which is particularly beneficial for those struggling with feelings of stagnation or loneliness.

3. Reducing Social Anxiety and Fostering Connections

Owning a tarantula can serve as a conversation starter and a gateway to connecting with like-minded individuals. The exotic pet community is active both online and offline, with forums, social media groups, and local meetups dedicated to arachnid care and appreciation, that's exactly why we started Tarantula Army, to engage with like minded people. Engaging with this community can help individuals who struggle with social anxiety find a safe and welcoming space to share their interests and experiences.

Moreover, discussing tarantula care with others provides opportunities for meaningful social interactions, fostering a sense of belonging. Research has shown that having a shared interest can improve self-confidence and reduce feelings of isolation (Haslam et al., 2018).

4. Exposure Therapy for Phobias

Arachnophobia, or the fear of spiders, is one of the most common phobias worldwide. However, gradual and controlled exposure to tarantulas can help individuals overcome their fear in a safe and personal way, especially when its a mellow T such B. hamorii, studies have found that exposure therapy—gradually increasing contact with a feared object—can significantly reduce phobia symptoms over time (Zlomke & Davis, 2008).

Many people who have started keeping tarantulas initially had a fear of spiders but found that learning about their behaviour and caring for them changed their perception. This gradual desensitisation not only reduces fear but also instils a sense of achievement and confidence in overcoming personal challenges.

5. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, and many tarantula owners report that watching their pets can be a mindful experience. Observing the delicate way a tarantula moves, constructs its web, or moults can be captivating and requires patience and attention. This process helps individuals momentarily disconnect from intrusive thoughts and focus on the present.

Research suggests that engaging in mindful activities can significantly reduce stress and improve overall well-being (Kabat-Zinn, 2003). The act of feeding a tarantula, maintaining its habitat, and watching its behaviours encourages mindfulness, which can contribute to a calmer state of mind.

6. A Low-Maintenance, Stress-Free Pet

One of the most appealing aspects of keeping tarantulas is their low-maintenance nature. Unlike dogs or cats, they do not require daily walks, constant attention, or expensive vet visits. Their care routine is simple—feeding them every few days, ensuring they have access to water, and maintaining their enclosure.

For individuals with busy lifestyles, limited space, or mental health struggles that make high-maintenance pet care overwhelming, tarantulas offer a stress-free alternative. The lack of demanding responsibilities means that owners can enjoy companionship without the pressure of extensive daily upkeep.

7. Overcoming Negative Stereotypes and Personal Growth

Tarantulas often suffer from negative stereotypes, with many people viewing them as dangerous or frightening. However, tarantula owners frequently find that keeping these creatures helps them challenge preconceived notions and appreciate the beauty of misunderstood animals.

This shift in perspective can extend beyond arachnids and influence personal growth, encouraging individuals to approach other fears, biases, or anxieties with an open mind. Embracing something unconventional fosters resilience and self-awareness, traits that are beneficial for overall mental health.

Conclusion

While tarantulas may not be the first animals that come to mind when considering pets for mental health benefits, they offer unique advantages that can positively impact well-being. From fostering mindfulness and reducing stress to providing structure and encouraging social connections, these fascinating creatures can be more than just exotic pets—they can be therapeutic companions.

Whether someone is seeking a low-maintenance pet, an exposure therapy tool, or a way to engage in mindfulness, tarantulas offer a compelling and unconventional option. As more people discover the psychological benefits of keeping these arachnids, perhaps society will begin to appreciate them not just as fascinating creatures but as allies in mental health and well-being.

References

Haslam, C., Jetten, J., Cruwys, T., Dingle, G. A., & Haslam, S. A. (2018). The New Psychology of Health: Unlocking the Social Cure. Routledge.

Kabat-Zinn, J. (2003). Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Context: Past, Present, and Future. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 144-156.

Lyall, L. M., Wyse, C. A., Graham, N., Ferguson, A., Lyall, D. M., Cullen, B., & Smith, D. J. (2018). Association of disrupted circadian rhythmicity with mood disorders, subjective well-being, and cognitive function: a cross-sectional study of 91,105 participants from the UK Biobank. BMC Psychiatry, 18(1), 1-9.

Wells, D. L. (2009). The effects of animals on human health and well-being. Journal of Social Issues, 65(3), 523-543.

Zlomke, K., & Davis, T. E. (2008). One-session treatment of specific phobias: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 28(4), 676-686.