Is it legal to own a tarantula in the UK and do they make good pets?

The idea of keeping an exotic pet like a tarantula may appeal to some people in the UK, but is it actually legal to do so? Famous for their distinct appearance and large size, tarantulas are mainly found in tropical regions such as South America. If you want to keep one in the UK here's all you need to know about the legality of it and if they would be suitable for you. Is it legal to own a tarantula in the UK? It is legal to keep a tarantula as a pet in the UK, as it is not listed under The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (Modification) (No.

2) Order 2007. It is important to not overfeed tarantulas (Image: Getty Images) As you do not need to apply for a licence to keep a tarantula under this legislation it is legal to keep one as a pet. Do tarantulas make good pets? Whilst it is legal to keep a tarantula as a pet in the UK you will need to be prepared to look after it properly.

The British Tarantula Society is keen to emphasise that owners will need plenty of time and patience to make sure it is well looked after. In terms of enclosures, they say: "There are very basically two kinds of tarantula. Tree dwelling and ground dwelling.

Tree dwellers need to be kept in tall enclosures but ground dwellers must be kept in lower ones. "Some ground dwellers stay on the surface, others require deep burrows. Spiders require some kind of hideaway away from the light.

They should never be exposed to sunlight." As tarantulas originate from warm climates they need to be kept in warm environm.