The Good, the Bad and the Ugly...

A list of pro's and con's gathered (and adapted) from online sources whom we agree with on these points:

PROS:

1. They don't bark, and are generally very quiet (although some can make sounds).
2. They don't claw/chew/pee on the furniture. They don't need a litter box or poop scoop.They are very low-maintenance pets, you don't have to bathe them - they groom themselves... They are odorless. (Assuming you clean out the left-over cricket parts.) 
3. If you go away for a week (or even 2), they don't die of starvation.
4. They don't need to be walked and take up very little space. (If you limit how many you buy! 'looks atTyran')
5. They are interesting and educational, can also be helpful in getting rid of unwanted visitors. (I'd invite you over, but my Tarantula doesn't like strangers.) Even some of the more plain patterns are beautiful and striking. Gives you something really different to talk about. ("You'll never believe what my Tarantula did yesterday".) They are great for breaking the ice with new people. Tarantulas are a great conversational piece. 
6. If caged properly, they aren't under your feet. No license, shots, collars, brushes, or other extra (expensive) equipment needed! They carry no diseases/ticks or fleas. Like fish they are enclosed in a tank, no mess to step into.
7. They teach discipline, not always the easiest to care for so you must stay vigilant. The bite of MOST species is NOT medically significant.Keeping one can change mild arachnophobes into arachnophiliacs.

CONS:

1. You have to listen to crickets chirping (until you learn to buy super worms/cockroaches).
2. Must be cared for diligently, no putting off like with fish (Also can be listed a Pro).
3. Some people are intimidated of them. This fear can range from mild to a extreme phobic of spiders. You may be called 'Weird' or at least 'Eccentric' (Could be listed as a Pro).
4. Once you're hooked you'll learn that these creatures are a necessary and wonderful addition to our natural world and to those of us that maintain them. Once you've got one, you'll want more!