Best Dog Ramp 2023 (Steps, Stairs, Folding & More)

Dog ramps can help our pooch reach otherwise higher places like our bed, the couch, our vehicle, and even the pool. This helps improve his mobility, reduce risks of falls and injuries and even give our pooch the necessary push to be more independent.

So, we’ve gathered some of the ramps in the market to make it easier for other pet parents to choose the right ramp for dogs.

Best Dog Ramps

Here are our top picks!

• Best Overall: PetSafe CozyUp Folding Dog and Cat Stairs
• Best Budget: Pet Gear Bi-Fold Half Ramp
• Best Ramp for Senior Dogs: PetSafe CozyUp Bed Pet Ramp
• Best for Larger and Heavier Dogs: PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp
• Best for Medium-Sized Dogs: Pet Studio Pine Frame Dog RampSteps
• Best Stair/Ramp Combination: Pet Gear Stramp Stair and Ramp Combination
• Best for Cars and SUVs: PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Pet Ramp
• Best for Couches: Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stair
• Best Steps for Smaller Dogs: Armarkat Pet Steps
• Best Steps for Seniors: Best Pet Supplies Foam Pet Stairs

Best Overall: PetSafe CozyUp Folding Dog and Cat Stairs

Key Features:

• Side rails
• Fabric covers
• Non-skid feet
• Can support up to 150 lbs
• 24 x 16 x 20 inches
• Weighs 5 lbs
• Comes in 2 sizes

The PetSafe CozyUp Folding Dog and Cat Stairs can be a great choice if our pooch can easily navigate stairs. This is extremely portable and lightweight, helping our pooch can use this to go up our couch or bed. We just wish the incline is a little less steep to accommodate older dogs.

Best Budget: Pet Gear Bi-Fold Half Ramp

Key Features:

• Removable SupertraX tread 
• Rubber grippers
• Attached handle
• Folds into two
• Can support up to 150 lbs
•  42-inch by 16-inch 

If we want a ramp that can offer sure-footing, easy-to clean, effortless to store and can hold dogs up to 150 lbs, then the Pet Gear Bi-Fold Half Ramp can be a great choice. It offers a gentle slope for our pooch and is perfect for smaller vehicles since it sits 20 inches off the ground.

One con pet owners found is that the walking surface can be slippery if our pooch’s paws are wet when using the ramp.

Best Ramp for Senior Dogs: PetSafe CozyUp Bed Pet Ramp

Key Features:

• Durable wooden construction
• Heavy-duty carpet surface
• Can accommodate up to 120 lbs
• Comes in 2 colors
• Weighs 28.25 lbs
•  25 inches tall

If we need a permanent ramp for our pooch who is already aging or has mobility issues, then we can consider investing on the PetSafe CozyUp Bed Pet Ramp. It offers a heavy duty construction with a heavy duty carpet to match. But due to its heavy construction, it can be hard to set up and move around.

Best for Larger and Heavier Dogs: PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp

Key Features:

• Bi-fold design
• Composite plastic and fiberglass construction
• Soft non-slip rubberized surface
• Non-slip grip
• Ergonomic handles
• Can support up to 500lbs
• 70″L x 17″W x 2.5″H
•  Weighs 18.5 lbs
• Comes in 2 colors

For our larger, heavier canine buddy, the PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp can match his special needs. He can use it even when he is wet or dry, which means we can take it to our car or even inground pools. One cone is that the ramp is a little narrow for larger dogs to cross.

Best for Medium-Sized Dogs: Pet Studio Pine Frame Dog RampSteps

Key Features:

• Steps can convert to ramps
• mahogany-finished pine frame 
• soft, on-slip carpeting
• can support up to 130 lbs
• Comes in 2 variants

The Pet Studio Pine Frame Dog RampSteps is a 3-steps ramp that helps even arthritic and aging dogs safely go up and down the couch or bed.

It can accommodate dogs up to 130 lbs in weight, has a soft, easy to clean carpeting and folds flat for easy storage. The rampsteps are on the more expensive side and can be a bit hard for some pet owners to fold flat.

Best Stair/Ramp Combination: Pet Gear Stramp Stair and Ramp Combination

Key Features:

• Carpeted tread
• Bottom rubber grippers
• Can support up to 150 lbs
• 28 x 16 x 16 inches ‘
• Weighs 9 lbs
• Comes in 3 styles

If we are torn between a stair and ramp-style, the Pet Gear Stramp Stair and Ramp Combination solves the problem for us. It offers a natural slope, a removable carpet and the ability to turn into stairs as needed. One con is that smaller dogs may still need to jump a little just to get on the ramp.

Best for Cars and SUVs: PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Pet Ramp

Key Features:

• High-traction surface
• Side rails
• Folds in half with safety latch
• Rugged, all plastic construction
• 62 inch X 16 inch X 4 inch
• Can support up to 150 lbs
• Weighs 10 lbs

If we want a portable and lightweight US-made ramp for our pooch, consider the PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Pet Ramp. It is a folding pet ramp which aids dogs easily reach higher surfaces like our car, mini van or SUV. We just wish it came with a carpeted walking surface.

Best for Couches: Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stair

Key Features:

• Polyester, rubber, plastic construction
• Carpet tread
• Wider stair landings
• Rubber bottom grippers
• Can accommodate up to 150 lbs of weight
•  Weighs 7lbs
• 22 x 16 x 16 inches
• Comes in 5 colors

The Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stair has two wide steps perfect for smaller to medium-sized poochs who need a hand getting up our bed or couch. The carpet treads are easy on our dog’s paws and can be easy to clean once it gets dirty. We might need to invest in a non-slip rug as the step tends to be a little bit slippery.

Best Steps for Smaller Dogs: Armarkat Pet Steps

Key Features:

• Faux fleece cover
• Durable pressed wood
• Easy assembly
• 4 convenient step
• 17 x 25 x 25 inches
• Can support up to 70 lbs

Decorative, durable, and easy to assemble are the best ways to describe the Armarkat Pet Steps. The durable pressed wooden frame is covered in faux fleece, and can be perfect for our pooch to share with his best friend cat. We just wish the head bolts were taken into account as it can scratch hardwood floors. 

Best Steps for Seniors: Best Pet Supplies Foam Pet Stairs

Key Features:

• Non-slip bottom material
• Removable ultra-soft fleece fabric
• Available in 3 varieties

If we want an easy to maintain pet stairs for our pooch, then we can consider the Best Pet Supplies Foam Pet Stairs. This can be a great choice if he suffers from old age, mobility issues and achy joints. Note that the more accurate color is cream and dirt is very visible and hard to remove by hand.

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What is a Dog Ramp?

A dog ramp is a perfect tool for dogs who need a leg up. Our pooch can use this to navigate higher surfaces, like our bed, couch, car and even pools. These offer a gentle slope and high-traction surface to ensure our pooch’s safety and stability.

Types of Ramps

Ramps can either be stairs, steps, or ramps and come in three different types. These are as follows.

Fixed ramps

If we need a permanent ramp near our bed or couch, then we can consider a fixed ramp. They don’t offer much portability and easy storage. But these are usually the most durable types of ramp due to its heavy construction.

Folding ramps

These are the kind of ramps with hinges in the center. These are usually lightweight and can fit most cars, making these the perfect ramp for pooch that are always on the go.

Telescopic ramps

There are also ramps that have panels that slide over the other for easy storage. We can usually adjust the incline to accommodate a more comfortable angle for our pooch. These usually cost more than the fixed and folding ramps.

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How to Choose the Best Dog Ramp

When choosing the best ramp for our pooch, we need to consider the following.

Materials

We want our dog ramp to be durable, non-slip and light-weight. This is especially true if we intend to use the ramp in multiple applications. By checking what material the ramp is made of, we can already tell if it can last long, if our pooch can stay safe when using the ramp and if

Height, Slope, and Length

Dog ramps come in various heights, slopes and lengths. We need to consider our dog’s preferences in buying a ramp as some dogs need a longer ramp which offers a more gentle slope while others do not. We also need to consider where we intend to place the ramp to determine how many inches off the ground the top part of the ramp needs to be.

Folding, Fixed, or Telescopic?

The type of ramp we are to invest in can either be a folding ramp, a fixed ramp or a telescopic ramp. We need to consider the application, how often we need to move or bring the ramp around and how much weight we can carry each time we take it to another place.

Assembly

How easy is it to set up the ramp and how stable is it once our pooch finds a need for it? Some ramps offer pet owners with a choice of configurations while others don’t.

Appearance

Appearance can be the last among our worries. But if we intend to turn it into a permanent fixture in our home, then it is worth investing in a ramp that can complement our interiors.

Traction

Does the ramp offer a stable and non-slip walking surface? Is it made from carpet tread or not? The kind of traction the ramp offers can determine the safety of our pooch.

Replacement Covers

Some dog ramps come with replacement covers for easy cleaning. Heavy use can easily wear down replacement covers. For larger dogs and heavier use, we need to find a ramp that also offers replacement covers as needed.

Purpose of the Ramp

Some ramps are meant for cars, SUVs, and other vehicles. Others are mainly for indoor use while some dog ramps are made for boats and pools. Knowing where we intend to take the ramp will determine the kind of ramp we need to invest in.

Durability

No one should take durability for granted when buying a dog ramp. It needs to be made from high-quality materials, can support our dog’s weight and won’t easily fall apart for our dog’s safety and our wallet’s sake.

Ease of Handling

Some dog ramps can be pretty lightweight while others can be heavy. The last thing we need is to strain ourselves trying to move a ramp. Choose a ramp that is easy to handle, won’t break our backs during transport but still offers excellent stability and strength.

Safety

We want a ramp that is stable, sturdy and has non-slip bottoms to ensure the ramp stays in place while our pooch navigates his way up or down. It can also be a good idea if we can find a ramp that has reflective strips to make it easier for him to know exactly where to step on.

Weight Limit

Different ramps can hold different amounts of weight. Some are for meants for smaller, lighter dogs while others are for canine buddies that are on a heavier side. We want to make sure the ramp we are going to buy can easily support our dog’s weight.

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Benefits of Buying a Dog Ramp

Dogs ramps offer numerous perks, such as:

• Greater versatility
• Prevent injuries
• Facilitate ease of handling and transport
• Easy storage

Safety Tips When Using a Dog Ramp

There are a couple of ways we can increase the safety of our pooch when using the dog ramp. Some of these are as follows.

• Choose the right ramp and consider all factors before buying
• Proper training of our furry friend
• Adequate supervision whenever he use the ramp
• Place the ramp firmly on the ground for better stability

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between dog stairs and dog ramps?

Dog stairs are a series of steps perfect for dogs with no mobility issues and can easily go up and down the stairs. Dog ramps, on the other hand, are a better choice for dogs who are older, has joint pain or has mobility issues. These offer a more gentle slope which helps reduce the pressure on our pooch’s joints and legs.

What size will I need to buy for my dog?

The size of a ramp we are going to buy will depend on where we plan to set it on, the amount of space we have where we will place the ramp and the amount of slope our dog needs to easily navigate the ramp. The longer the ramp, the gentler the slope gets.

How do I keep the ramp from slipping on cement or tile surfaces?

The great thing about modern ramps is that these usually come with non-slip feet. This means the ramp won’t slip easily even if our pooch is in the middle of his climb. If our ramp can use a little bit more help in ensuring its stability, we can use a bit of carpet, area rug or even adhesive tape to fix the ramp on the floor.

Can I use dog ramps in pools?

Some dog ramps are made for wet applications. But there are other ramps that can double as dog pool ramps. We might just need to be creative in anchoring the ramp in the pool and make sure it does not fall or float away.

Are ramps good for dogs?

Ramps are good for dogs as these help our pooch easily access higher areas without our help. With a reliable ramp, we no longer need to carry our pooch every time he needs to go up our couch or down our car. This is also a great way to ensure our dog’s comfort easily if he is in pain or now has mobility issues.

What angle should a dog ramp be?

The angle or a ramp should be dependent on our dog’s ability to climb up and dog the ramp, and if he has any mobility issues. Dogs that are older, have smaller legs or have mobility issues can benefit from an 18-20 degrees incline angle. If he is starting to show signs of mobility issues of aging, 22-24 degrees would be enough.

For younger and smaller dog breeds, they usually require 26 degrees to minimize the need to jump when going up higher places.

How do I train my dog to use a ramp?

We need to be patient and consistent when training dogs to use a ramp. We can start with simple hand signals, verbal encouragement and his favorite treats to practice going up and down the ramp. He will eventually get used to the ramp and won’t need much of our help when navigating his way up and down.

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Conclusion

Dog ramps can come in different styles, types, and shapes, making it hard for us pet parents to decide which one will best suit our pooch. Thankfully, the experts are here to our rescue and already did the hard part of reviewing the best ramps in the market.

All that is left for us to do is to consider our canine buddy’s special needs, where he could use the ramp best and consider all the factors involved before making a dog ramp investment.