If you’ve noticed your dog having trouble getting into your bed or car, it might be time to consider a dog ramp. Ramps support your dog’s joint health, and allow them to regain the mobility they may have lost with age or injury. But with all the options available, you may be wondering which is best for your situation.
To help, we researched hundreds of products, and thousands of verified reviews, to find the 7 best dog ramps available now. We also paired our list with a detailed guide to help you through the process.
Our Picks for the Best Dog Ramps
1. PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp
The PetSTEP Original Folding Ramp is our top choice for cars, boats, and other outdoor uses. Its surface is made with ridged rubber that’s easy on a dog’s paws, yet provides traction even in wet conditions. The ramp is also rated to hold up to 500 pounds of weight and quickly folds up for easy storage.
Key Features:
- Dog ramp with high-traction rubber surface
- Fits vehicles (including most SUVs and trucks), RVs, boats, decks
- Holds up to 500 pounds of dog weight
- Available in two colors: gray and beige
- Dimensions: 70” L x 17” W, weighs 18.5 pounds
Pros:
- Gentle on a dog’s paws: no sandpaper or rough materials on ramp surface
- Rubber ridges provide traction in wet or dry conditions
- Folds in half for quick storage
- Rust and corrosion resistant
- No setup or installation required; just unfold and use
Cons:
- Only available in one size and length
2. PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Pet Ramp
PetSafe’s Happy Ride ramps are quality built, aluminum products available in multiple sizes that fit any car, truck, or SUV. This “telescoping” dog ramp slides in/out and adjusts to fit the exact height of your vehicle. A safety latch then locks the ramp in each position.
Key Features:
- “Telescoping” aluminum dog ramp for cars, trucks, SUVs, and trailers
- Adjustable from 39” to 72” to fit your exact vehicle height
- Independently tested to hold up to 400 pounds
- High traction surface
- Also available in Extra Long size (47-84”)
Pros:
- Lightweight; weighs only 13 pounds
- Safety latch locks ramp at each length
- Includes rubber feet for ground stability
Cons:
- High traction surface is rougher than other options, and can wear over time
3. Doggie Ramps Adjustable Pet Ramp
The Doggie Ramps Adjustable Ramp is a quality built dog ramp perfect for pups that need help getting on beds, couches, and chairs. Each ramp is handmade in the USA with American sourced products, and tested to hold up to 200 dog pounds. The versatile design can also be adjusted to fit multiple areas of your house — bedroom, living room, or kitchen.
Key Features:
- Indoor dog ramp, perfect for beds, couches, chairs
- Adjusts to fit six heights between 14” to 24”
- Walking surface made with a “non-slip” mat
- Designed for all dogs, and rated to hold up to 200 pounds
- Handmade in the USA from 100% American sourced products
Pros:
- Collapsable for easy storage
- No assembly required
- Family owned and operated business based in Oregon
Cons:
- Not weather proof or water resistant
- Quality comes at a price; more expensive than other indoor options
4. PetSafe CozyUp Bed Ramp for Dogs
The PetSafe CozyUp is a stylish wooden ramp made for use next to your bed. At 70 inches, it’s longer than most indoor ramps, with a gentler slope for your dog.
A quick heads up: this option is tested to hold up to 120 pounds, so may not be suitable for extra large breeds.
Key Features:
- Wooden bed ramp, suitable for Queen and King sized beds
- Covered in carpet for additional grip
- Available in two styles: White and Cherry Wood
- Dimensions: 70” L x 16” W x 25” H
Pros:
- Stylish ramp; can fit the decor of your bedroom
- Gentle, long slope for easier climbing
- Designed to fit next to your side table
- Large top landing area
Cons:
- Requires assembly, which takes about 15-20 mins
- Other options have higher weight limits
5. Pet Gear Reflective Extra Wide Dog Ramp
The Pet Gear Extra Wide Ramp is perfect for dogs that need a little extra space on their way into the car — at 19.5 inches across, it’s 3 inches wider than most standard dog ramps. It also includes a skid resistant surface and reflective stripes for added visibility in the dark.
Key Features:
- Wide dog ramp made for cars, vans, SUVs
- High traction surface when wet or dry
- Tested to support up to 200 pounds
- Folds up for easy storage, and includes a built-in handle
- Dimensions: 71” L x 19.5” W
Pros:
- Long length for a gradual ramp slope
- Tethers to a car’s latch for added stability
- Reflective stripes for visibility at night
- Includes a product warranty
Cons:
- Heavy at 26 pounds
- Made of thick plastic, not metal
6. PetSafe Folding Pet Steps
The PetSafe Steps are an affordable, highly-rated set of stairs that helps your dog reach chairs, couches, and beds. While only weighing 5 pounds, these steps can support a hefty 120 pounds for the small version, and 200 pounds for the large version. They’re made in the USA, and available in two sizes and four colors.
Key Features:
- Foldable dog steps
- Lightweight at only 5 pounds
- Suitable for chairs, couches, and most beds
- Tested to support up to 120 pounds (200 pounds for large version)
- Dimensions: 24” L x 16” W x 19.5” H (standard), 28” L x 18” W x 25” H (extra large)
Pros:
- Affordably priced
- Non skid fabric coverings on each step
- Available in two sizes and four colors
- Folds flat for easy storage under the bed or chair
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Steeper slope compared to most ramps
- Not made for car use
7. Gen7Pets Natural-Step Dog Ramp
The Gen7Pets Dog Ramp is another long, sturdy ramp made for your car. Where this ramp shines is its surface; artificial turf is easy to grip and soft on your dogs paws. It’s tested to hold up to 250 pounds, and folds together for easy storage.
Key Features:
- Dog car ramp made with artificial turf surface
- Tested to hold up to 250 pounds
- Rubber grips on both ends for extra ground traction
- Dimensions: 72” L x 16” W
Pros:
- Long length for a gradual ramp slope
- Tethers to a car latch for added security
- Easily folded up for compact storage
Cons:
- Not as wide as other car ramps (it’s 16” wide)
- Heavier than other options
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Dog Ramp Buying Guide
Guide provided by Marguerite Larsen
Before buying a ramp, it’s important to think about the reasons you’ll need a dog ramp, the benefits for different ages and breeds, and its overall build. We’ll explore all of these topics and more in this helpful buying guide.
Reasons to Use a Dog Ramp
There are several reasons to consider a ramp, depending on your dog’s age, breed size, and use case.
At Home: Helping Your Dog Reach the Sofa or Bed
A common use for dog ramps is to assist your pup with getting on the bed or sofa. These kinds of ramps are perfect for small dogs, seniors, or dogs with arthritis, mobility issues, or neurological issues.
Small Dogs and Toy Breeds
An in-home dog ramp may be helpful for smaller dogs or toy breeds (such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, etc), as they can lack the strength or momentum to leap onto taller furniture. A ramp can help them do so comfortably and independently!
Ramps are especially beneficial if you don’t want to continually lift your small dog onto furniture, or if they jump from heights beyond their limitations. Small dogs can hurt themselves by jumping onto or off of higher beds — a ramp can prevent such injuries.
Aging or Senior Dogs
Dog ramps are also perfect for senior dogs of any breed. As dogs get older, their joints start to wear down, they may develop balance issues, and their vision can become impaired. As such, they typically aren’t able to jump as high as they once did.
A dog ramp is a great tool to help protect your senior dog from injury while still allowing them to enjoy the routines they’re used to, such as cuddling with you on the bed or couch.
If you’re unsure whether your senior requires mobility assistance, here are some signs they may need a ramp:
- Struggling to complete their jump
- Appearing uncomfortable after jumping, either by panting or yelping
- Hesitating or spending too long “lining up” their jump
Dogs with Arthritis, Mobility Issues, or Neurological Issues
Often, these conditions go hand-in-hand with advancing age, but not always. If your dog has joint issues, lameness, vestibular disease, or any other issue that affects their stability, invest in a dog ramp to help them navigate your home.
On the Go: Getting Into & Out of the Car
Chances are, if you need a dog ramp in the house, you’ll probably also need one for the car. However, there are some scenarios when dogs without a home ramp will still need one for the car.
Dwarf Breeds
Dwarf breeds (such as Welsh Corgis, Dachshunds, or Basset Hounds) may not have trouble getting onto a couch, but lofting themselves into an SUV is another story. Breeds with short legs and long bodies can benefit from a ramp for higher-clearance vehicles.
Large Dogs
You may not think your Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd needs a ramp for the car, but it’s actually much safer to avoid having these types of dogs make jumps. Some large breeds such as Goldens and Labs, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers, are prone to arthritis. Encouraging them to use a ramp even when they don’t appear to need one can prevent joint problems later in life.
Even if your dog isn’t from a breed prone to joint issues, large jumps can be difficult on a dog’s spine and joints. Ironically, although it appears that dogs have an easier time getting out of cars, it’s precisely these large jumps onto hard surfaces that puts the most stress on their joints.
Lastly, it’s wise to train your large dog how to use a ramp if your dog is heavier than you can (or should) lift. This can prevent both your dog and you from injury.
Are Dog Ramps or Dog Stairs Better?
Both work great; it all depends on your dog’s preferences! Dogs used to going up and down multiple stories at home can benefit from familiarity when using dog stairs. Those who live in a single story house may feel more comfortable with a ramp.
What to Look For When Buying a Dog Ramp
Whether you’re buying a ramp for the house or the car, take note of a few general principles when making your purchase:
- Proper Length: Make sure the ramp is long enough to support your dog’s size. As a general rule, a ramp for the couch/bed should be at least 3 feet long, while a car ramp should be at least 5-6 feet long (depending on the height of the car). If you want a more accurate measurement, see our table below.
- Proper Width: After calculating length, make sure the ramp is wide enough for your dog’s body type. For small dogs, 11-12 inches is sufficient, while 18-22 inches should be good for larger dogs.
- Sturdy and Weight-appropriate: Make sure the ramp can handle your dog’s weight without wobbling or toppling. Be sure to check weight limitations to ensure it’s within the correct range for your dog’s size.
- Anti-skid with Non-slip Feet: Both of these are important to prevent your dog’s feet from slipping on the ramp, or the ramp itself from slipping down from its elevated surface.
Pictured: non-slip rubber surface on the PetStep
Ramps for Varying Uses: Features To Look For
In addition to the four essentials above, there are other features you may want to consider depending on the use case.
For your home, look for space-saving options and dog ramps with landings. There are also foldable and portable options for home use.
For the car, make sure the ramp you purchase has a safety latch that keeps the ramp from flying open during travel. Portable dog ramps come in two varieties: free-standing, or those that attach to the car. Both options are fine, but make sure whichever option you choose, that the mechanism for attaching the ramp is secure and unlikely to slip or give-way.
What to Watch Out For
Several things to watch out for when purchasing a dog ramp:
- Flimsy attachments
- Foldable ramps that don’t lock in place
- Surfaces that the dog might slip on
- Ramps that are too narrow for larger or wider dogs
Dog Ramp Safety
There are general safety principles to consider with a ramp, wherever you intend to use one.
- Visibility: Make sure your dog can see the ramp, even in the dark, so they can use it safely without running into it or toppling off.
- Stability: Make sure the ramp is sturdy and unlikely to slip or collapse. If it attaches to the back of your car, make sure the attachments are firmly secured before your dog attempts to walk on it. The surface of the ramp should also be skid-proof so the dog doesn’t slip.
- Angle: There are a lot of variables that go into the geometry of a dog ramp, including the length of the ramp, the height you want to reach, and the angle of incline. Ideally avoid an incline that’s too steep for your dog to ascend, particularly if they are old or have joint issues. For small dogs, the ideal angle is 18-20° while larger dogs can handle an incline closer to 22-25°.
How Long of a Ramp Do I Need?
Figuring out how long of a ramp you need requires some geometry. Remember, the goal is to figure out the proper length to reach the height you want, without creating an angle that’s too steep for your dog.
Don’t worry though, we’ve done the math for you. Simply measure the height you want the ramp to reach and compare it with the values in our chart below.
The chart gives the recommended length for various heights, depending on whether you have a large or a small dog. As you can see from these lengths, having a ramp that folds up is ideal, especially for use on the go.
| Height of Car, Bed, etc. | Ramp Length for Small Dog | Ramp Length for Med/Lg Dog |
| 15 in. | 3.5 ft. | 3 ft. |
| 20 in. | 5 ft. | 4 ft. |
| 25 in. | 6 ft. | 5 ft. |
| 30 in. | 7.5 ft. | 6 ft. |
| 35 in. | 8.5 ft. | 7 ft. |
| 40 in. | 9.75 ft. | 8 ft. |
For any heights other than those listed above, use the formulas below:
For Small Dogs:
Length (ft.) = 2.9 x height (in.) ÷ 12
For Large Dogs:
Length (ft.) = 2.9 x height (in.) ÷ 12
How to Teach Your Dog to Use a Ramp
Before using a ramp, it’s important to slowly introduce your dog. This can be done with treats and rewards. Here’s a helpful video to use when training them for the car:
You may notice in the video that his dog rides in a crate while in the car. For more information on these kinds of portable crates and why you might need one, check out our article on the best dog travel crates.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why you’d want a dog ramp, and several types of ramps to fit each case. Whether you have a small dog who can’t get onto your bed, or an aging senior who’s recently had a near miss, a dog ramp is a great option to improve mobility both at home and on the go.
References
Signs Your Dog May Need a Ramp and Dog Ramp Safety:
https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/do-you-need-dog-ramp
Dog Ramp Measurements:
https://www.patrickmahaney.com/services/blog/pet-physical-therapy-tip-month-ramps
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