Fast Food Pets? No Thanks! Why We Don’t Support Buying Spiders from Big-Box Stores

If you’ve ever walked past a spider in a tiny cup at a chain pet store and felt your heart sink—you’re not alone.

It’s tempting to want to "rescue" that little jumper. But here's the hard truth: buying a spider from big-box stores like PetSmart or Petco only signals the store to order more. And those spiders? They’re often wild-caught, poorly cared for, and treated like inventory rather than living beings.

At Spider Stuff Co, we believe our eight-legged friends deserve better.

The Problem with Big-Box Pet Stores

Stores like PetSmart are the fast food of the pet world: cheap, convenient, and ultimately harmful to the animals in their care. Here’s why we discourage buying spiders from these retailers:

❌ Unethical Sourcing

Many of the spiders you see on shelves are wild-caught, old, or sick. They're funneled through suppliers with little to no concern for welfare. These animals are often stressed, dehydrated, or already in poor condition by the time they arrive at the store.

❌ Poor Care = Sick Pets

Most retail employees aren’t trained in proper spider care. From incorrect housing to inappropriate humidity and temperature, the setup is often inadequate—leading to underfed , stressed, or injured spiders.

❌ Profit Over Pets

To chains, animals are SKUs. Numbers on a spreadsheet. They’re stocked like products, not treated like living, sentient beings that need specific care and respect.

The Better Way - Support Ethical Breeders

Instead of buying from big-box stores, choose ethical breeders or reputable hobbyist sellers who specialize in spider care.

When you go this route:

You get a healthier spider that’s been raised in the right environment.

You support small businesses and breeders who care deeply about animal welfare.

You become part of a community of keepers committed to responsible care and conservation.

Plus, ethical sellers are often more than happy to guide you with care advice, setup tips, and species-specific info, something you’ll rarely get from a pet store.

It’s Not Just About the Spider, It’s About the Community

Choosing where you get your spider from shapes the kind of spider-keeping community we build.

When we support ethical, passionate breeders, we’re creating a better experience not just for ourselves, but for the animals we love. Healthier spiders. Happier keepers. Stronger community.

That’s the vibe we want at Spider Stuff Co. 🕸💕

Quick Tips: What to Do If You See a Neglected Spider in a Store

Don’t buy it just to “save” it—this encourages restocking.

Report concerns to the store manager or local animal welfare group.

Spread awareness—many people simply don’t know the issues.

Final Thoughts

Jumping spiders aren’t disposable. They’re curious, quirky, and deserve homes where they’re treated with care and respect. Let’s ditch the fast-food pet mentality and raise the bar for spider care together.

Want to start your jumping spider journey the right way?

Check out our cozy, handmade jumping spider enclosures and browse our shop for spider-themed accessories and decor that celebrate your eight-legged buddies in style!