Things You'll Need:
- Aquarium
- Pet food
- Handling equipment
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Step 1
Find out the danger your desired pet poses to humans. Many venomous animals--including most tarantulas and quite a few scorpions--have venom that is painful but not generally dangerous to a human victim. These animals are much safer pets than those with more lethal poisons.
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Step 2
Find out if your pet is legal where you live. States may choose to prohibit ownership of a specific species because it is nonnative, dangerous, prone to carry disease or for other reasons. Contact your state department of fish and wildlife for a list of prohibited species.
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Step 3
Make sure there are nearby hospitals that carry anti-venom for the species before you buy it. There is no universal antidote for venomous animal bites--the treatment varies by species. Create a medical bracelet with your name, the species of venomous animal you own and the names of area hospitals that carry the antidote and always wear it.
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Step 4
Have someone who owns the particular species you are interested in show you how to handle it if you are getting a highly venomous pet (one which can cause serious injury or death to humans). Try to spend several hours observing him handling his pet and learning how to do it yourself.
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Step 5
Set up a secure environment for your venomous pets. Aquariums are ideal for most venomous species because, as long as they are closed at the top, the animal can't get out. Some other types of cages can develop bent bars, holes or gaps, which could let your venomous pet escape.
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Step 6
Isolate the pet habitat from children, pets and bodies in motion. Your venomous pet should ideally have a cage in its own locked room where no one will accidentally bump into the habitat.
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Step 7
Feed and handle your pet with care. You may need to handle your pet food with forceps and pick it up with a long grabber arm or not pick it up at all. In general, the less you handle a venomous pet, the better.
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Step 8
Always keep your pet's cage closed and locked. This may go without saying, but it is the most important factor in safely keeping a venomous animal.
