What to Expect When Ordering a Tarantula Online
Last updated: October 25, 2025
Buying tarantulas online is safe and common, but it helps to know how shipping works and what to expect upon delivery. For over a decade I was worried about ordering a tarantula online, but after doing it I found it to be a better experience than even very good local pet stores.
Pictured: A box I recently received from Fear Not Tarantulas.
TL;DR
- If you order from a reputable vendor there is very little to worry about with ordering a tarantula online.
- Make sure to understand the species and size you are ordering, and set up appropriate housing ahead of time.
- Picking up from a FedEx Hub is ideal to minimize the time the spider spends in transit.
- Unpack your order in a contained environment free of distractions.
Before You Order
- First time buying a sling? If you've never cared for a tarantula spiderling before, I highly recommend reading Tom Moran’s excellent guide on sling husbandry before continuing. Once you’re familiar with the basics, this article will walk you through what to expect when ordering one online.
- Research species care and temperament before you buy.
- Confirm the seller’s reputation by reading reviews and checking social media or forums.
- Check the weather at both the origin and destination. Reputable vendors won't ship during extreme weather, but knowing ahead of the order can save some headache for you.
- Build and fully set up the enclosure before ordering.
- Have a couple backup enclosures at the ready as well. These don't need to be fully set up, but having one slightly smaller and slightly larger ready to put together if needed can be important just in case the size is slightly different than you expected.
- Combining orders can help you save significantly on shipping costs. Be sure to check all species you are interested in on TarantulaList.com and order from a vendor that has all of them.
- Make sure you understand the shipping and Live Arrival Guarantee (LAG) policies. This should be written out somewhere in plain English on the vendor site.
- Check for freebies! Many vendors will allow you to select a freebie with orders over a certain size. Whenever making an order, check their freebie policy and select something if you qualify and it interests you.
✅ Pre-Order Checklist
| Step | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Research species care | Avoid impulse purchases that exceed your comfort level, Ensures you can properly care for the animal |
| Confirm vendor reputation | Ensures a healthy animal and responsive support in the off chance it is needed |
| Prepare enclosure in advance | Allows for easier unboxing and housing |
| Combine orders | Save significantly on overnight shipping |
| Make sure you understand LAG policy | Know what’s required for coverage in the very unlikely event something went wrong |
| Check for Freebies | You don't want to leave a free tarantula on the metaphorical table, do you? |
After You Place the Order
- Most vendors ship overnight via FedEx; you’ll receive tracking info by email.
- Consider selecting "Hold for Pickup". This keeps the package at the carrier’s facility until you pick it up, which is often safer and much faster than home delivery (example: it will arrive to the FedEx Hub at 9AM. You can pick it up at 9AM. With home delivery it goes on a truck and gets to you at some point later in the day). Many vendors strongly recommend this.
- Make sure you are available to receive the package immediately when it arrives.
- Prepare the space where you’ll unbox the tarantula(s): You will want a quiet area with no other pets or distractions, and a large plastic bin to unpack in.
Pictured: My unboxing setup, including a plastic work bin, different size tongs, catch cups, a paint brush, small scissors, and multiple enclosure sizes ready to go.
What to Do on the Day of Arrival
- Expect an insulated box labeled "Live Animal". Inside will usually be a deli cup or vial containing the tarantula, possibly with a heat or cold pack and some padding.
- If the weather is extreme, let the unopened box sit indoors for 15–30 minutes to acclimate before opening.
- Always open the box inside a larger plastic bin to prevent escapes.
- Gently open the deli cup or vial with tongs.
- Slowly and cautiously remove shipping material (either paper towel or sphagnum moss) with tongs. Be cautious not to allow the spider to get tangled in the shipping material.
- If the open vial (or deli cup) fits inside the enclosure, place it in and close the lid. This lets the spider come out on its own, and you can remove the shipping container later.
- If it does not fit, gently nudge the spider out into the shipping container with the soft end of your paint brush.
📦 What’s Inside the Box (Typical Contents)
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Insulated shipping box | Maintains stable temperature |
| Heat or cold pack | Prevents temperature shock |
| Vial or deli cup | Safe transport container |
| Moist paper towel or Sphagnum Moss | Provides padding for the spider in transit |
What if There Are Issues?
- Issues are incredibly rare when ordering tarantulas online, but I understand people want to plan for worst case scenario when ordering.
- Most reputable sellers offer a Live Arrival Guarantee (LAG). This usually covers DOA (dead-on-arrival) spiders if you follow their reporting steps.
- Most vendors require you to contact them within 1–2 hours of delivery, often with timestamped photos or video proof.
- Read the vendor’s terms carefully before ordering so you know what’s covered (e.g., weather exceptions, shipping delays, etc.).
- If the tarantula appears lethargic or unresponsive but not dead, place it in a quiet environment with a small water dish and wait. Sometimes they recover from shipping stress.
Conclusion
Ordering tarantulas online is a routine and safe process. Thousands are shipped every year with no problems. As long as you prepare ahead of time, follow best practices for unpacking, and understand the seller’s policies, your new eight-legged (and two pedipalped) friend should arrive safely and ready to settle into its new home.
Use the TarantulaList.com tool to compare prices, check availability, and make sure you’re getting the best deal from a trusted seller.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ordering Tarantulas Online
Is it safe to order tarantulas online?
Yes. Thousands of tarantulas are shipped every year with no issues. Reputable vendors use insulated packaging, heat/cool packs, and overnight shipping to ensure the spider’s safety.
How long can a tarantula stay in the mail?
Most are shipped overnight and spend less than 24 hours in transit. Healthy tarantulas can survive longer if necessary, but prompt delivery is best.
Can tarantulas survive shipping in winter or summer?
Yes, with proper packaging. Vendors use insulation and temperature packs, but it’s best to avoid ordering during extreme weather. Most vendors will let you know if the weather is too extreme for shipping and will hold to ship at a later date.
What happens if my tarantula arrives dead?
Contact the vendor immediately, most require notice within 1–2 hours of delivery and may need photos or video proof. If you meet the requirements, they’ll either refund or replace the spider. From personal experience, dead on arrival spiders are exceedingly rare. I've never personally received a dead spider. Reputable dealers will have experience with proper packing, and proper packing is the biggest factor in safe arrival for your tarantula.
Should I feed my tarantula the day it arrives?
Generally speaking, no. Tarantulas are hardy animals that can go long stretches without food. Feeding immediately after transit can cause stress and usually does more harm than good. Wait at least a few days for the tarantula to settle in before offering food, and be sure to remove the prey item if the tarantula is not interested in eating.
Do I need a license to order a tarantula online?
In most places, no special license is required. It is always good to check local laws to verify there are no specific species disallowed in your municipality.