Invertebrates

Invertebrates · Philadelphia

Yes — Your Tarantula Can See a Vet.

Invertebrates are some of nature’s oldest and most fascinating creatures — and most vets have no idea what to do with them. Ours do. We see tarantulas, scorpions, hermit crabs, and other invertebrates, with care focused on habitat, molt support, parasite screening, and nutrition.

Who comes through our door

Invertebrates We See

Not sure if we see your species? Give us a call at (215) 516-7000 before booking.

Tarantulas

Spiders

Scorpions

Hermit Crabs

More Invertebrates

Snails

Worms

Cockroach

Grasshoppers

Butterflies

Moths

More than a terrarium check

Why Invertebrates Need Veterinary Care

Most invertebrate health problems start with the habitat — and most owners don’t know what “wrong” looks like until the animal has been struggling for a while. Humidity levels that seem close enough, substrate choices that looked fine in a forum post, temperature gradients that weren’t measured properly: these create chronic stress that compounds over time. A tarantula that refuses food for three months may be approaching a molt, or it may be dealing with a dehydration issue, a parasitic infestation, or an environmental toxin. You often can’t tell without knowing the species and examining the animal.

Our team is familiar with the unique physiology of common invertebrate pets. We look at enclosure conditions first because that’s where most problems originate. We can screen for parasites, evaluate molt status in tarantulas, assess limb integrity and exoskeleton health, and advise on dietary supplementation. Invertebrate medicine is a small field — we’re glad to be part of it.

Before you come in

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Photos of the full enclosure setup

including the substrate, water dish or misting area, hides, and any heating or humidity equipment. This tells us more than you might expect.

Molt records (tarantulas)

date of last molt, any difficulty molting, and whether the animal ate before and after. Molt history is one of the most useful data points we have.

Current diet and feeding schedule

what you’re feeding, how often, and when the animal last ate. Appetite changes are often the first sign something is off.

Any supplements or treatments you’ve used

including misting products, substrate treatments, and anything added to the water. Some common products cause problems in sensitive species.

Your animal, transported safely

use a secure escape-proof container. For tarantulas, a deli cup with ventilation works well for transport. For hermit crabs, include a small amount of damp substrate.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

My tarantula hasn’t moved in three weeks. Is that normal?

It can be. Tarantulas often become very still in the weeks before a molt — they may seal themselves in their burrow, stop eating, and appear nearly lifeless. That said, “pre-molt stillness” can look identical to dehydration or illness. If the abdomen appears shriveled rather than plump, or if the animal is in an unusual position (like on its back, which is normal during the actual molt), those are signs to call us. When in doubt, a quick check-in is worth it.

Do hermit crabs actually need veterinary care?

More than most people realize. Hermit crabs are frequently kept in poor conditions — too dry, too warm, in too small an enclosure, fed an inadequate diet — and they suffer for it quietly. We see hermit crabs for shell health evaluation, limb loss, stress molt complications, and habitat consultations. Many of the crabs we see have lived in conditions that were slowly harming them without any visible signs for months.

Do you see venomous scorpions?

We see commonly kept pet scorpions. If you keep a species with significant venom potency (e.g., Androctonus or Leiurus species), please call ahead before booking so we can discuss safe handling protocols and determine whether we can appropriately serve your animal.

Preventive

Medical & Urgent

Diagnostics & Advanced