The 7 Best Dog Ramps For Your Bed, Couch, and Car

As your dog gets older, he or she may need a little help to get up onto your bed or a favorite spot on the sofa. That’s when a dog ramp is invaluable.

“Dogs with arthritis or other mobility issues can benefit from ramps because jumping can cause extra wear and tear on their joints,” says Taylor Bryant, VMD, primary care and general surgery staff veterinarian at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C.. “Breeds such as dachshunds, beagles, and corgis—who are at greater risk for back injuries from jumping from high surfaces—also benefit from a dog ramp.”

Dog ramps can protect your own back, too, and preserve your pet’s independence because he or she can climb into your vehicle or onto the bed without having to be lifted. In addition, ramps protect tiny dogs, who don’t seem to recognize their own limitations, from being injured when jumping from high spots.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Doggo Ramps Dog Ramp at Amazon $325

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Best Budget:

PetSafe Foldable Dog Car Ramp at Amazon $75

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Best for Sofas and Chairs:

Pawnotch Adjustable Dog Ramp at Amazon $160

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Best with Side Rails:

Doggo Ramps Couch Ramp at Doggoramps.com

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Best Stair/Ramp Combination:

Pet Gear Stairs and Ramp at Amazon $66

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Best for Cars:

WeatherTech High-Traction Foldable Pet Ramp at Weathertech.com

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Best for Large Dogs:

PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Car Ramp XL at Amazon $144

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Best Overall

Doggo Ramps Dog Ramp

PHOTO: Amazon

$325 at Amazon View on Doggoramps.com

What We Like

Side rails for safety
Adjustable height
Long enough to reach high surfaces with a gentle slope
Money-back trial period

What We Don't Like

Heavy, so it’s not portable or easy to move

Available in two sizes to accommodate dogs less than 50 pounds (small bed ramp) or dogs weighing more than 50 and up to 200 pounds (large bed ramp), this sturdy ramp is the king of dog ramps. Handmade in North America from solid maple, this ramp is 64 inches long and adjustable to various heights to accommodate beds ranging from 12 to 37 inches tall (or up to 35 inches tall for the large ramp).

The reversible and removable safety rails allow your pet to feel secure when walking up the gentle incline. An anchor rope slides between your mattress and attaches to the bed frame and the ramp to keep the ramp extra-stable. The soft rubbery surface provides traction underfoot.

This ramp comes fully assembled, so all you need to do is choose which side of the bed for placement. It folds flat to 3-inches for storage. But because you will likely keep this in place all the time, it’s available in five different wood finishes (natural clear, walnut, black, white and coastal grey) to coordinate with the rest of your home’s décor. It also has a one-year warranty and a 60-day trial period.

_{Dimensions: 64 x 15 inches | Pet Weight Limit: Small, 50 pounds; Large, 200 pounds | Product Weight: Small, 30 pounds; Large, 46 pounds | Material: Maple}

Best Budget

PetSafe Foldable Dog Car Ramp

PHOTO: Chewy

$75 at Amazon $75 at Chewy $75 at Wayfair

What We Like

Lightweight
Foldable
Reasonably-priced

What We Don't Like

Traction surface is on the rougher side

The PetSafe Happy Ride ramp is 62-inches long, providing a gentle angle when placed between the floor and high surfaces, such as a sofa or car seat. Rubber feet keep it from slipping.

The ramp folds and has a safety latch so it won’t come undone when you’re storing it. Because it weighs just 10 pounds, which is far less than most other ramps, you will be able to transport it from place to place (from your sofa to the car, for example) with ease. Because it’s only 4-inches deep and 31 inches long when folded, it won’t take up a ton of storage space in your car or house when not in use.

It's made from plastic so it can be used outdoors, too, to help your dog get up and down a few steps (although it’s not recommended to be left outdoors for extended periods).

_{Dimensions: 62 x 16 inches | Pet Weight Limit: 150 pounds | Product Weight: 10 pounds | Material: Plastic}

Best for Sofas and Chairs

Pawnotch Adjustable Dog Ramp

PHOTO: Amazon

$160 at Amazon

What We Like

Adjustable height
Sturdy construction
Carpeted surface for delicate paws

What We Don't Like

Steep angle less suitable for high surfaces like beds

Made in Oregon, this ramp has six heights (14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24-inches) to accommodate different size pieces of furniture. At 40 inches long, the Pawnotch ramp has less runway than our favorite, making it a better option for sofas and variable furniture heights than elevated beds.

The ramp surface is covered in a thick, ribbed carpet, which provides good traction. The entire thing folds flat to a height of about 4 inches for storage when not in use.

_{Dimensions: 40 x 16 inches with adjustable heights | Pet Weight Limit: 200 pounds | Product Weight: 17 pounds | Material: Wood}

Best with Side Rails

Doggo Ramps Couch Ramp

PHOTO: Doggos Ramps

View on Doggoramps.com

What We Like

Side rails for additional safety
Adjustable height
Money-back trial period

What We Don't Like

Pricier than many other sofa ramps

If you have a dog who tends to be skittish in new situations, this ramp has side rails that provide an additional feeling of security—plus, it will discourage your dog from jumping off the ramp. Like the bed ramp by the same company, this ramp is made in North America from solid maple. It accommodates dogs up to 150 pounds and is also height adjustable to reach surfaces of 14, 17, 19, or 21 inches tall.

The ramp folds to 3 inches flat for storage. At 36 inches long, it will allow you to set up a gentle incline to reach most chairs and sofas so your pet can access his or her favorite napping spot. If you purchase the couch ramp with the optional rails (for a small additional fee), you’ll receive two sets of side rails and one top rail so that you can block it off as needed, depending on how you place it up against the sofa or chair.

Because it’s something you’ll likely leave out all the time, it comes in five wood colors (natural wood, walnut, coastal grey, black and white) to match your décor. It has a one-year warranty and a 60-day trial period, or your money back.

_{Dimensions: 36 x 16 inches | Pet Weight Limit: 150 pounds | Product Weight: 20 pounds | Material: Maple}

Best Stair/Ramp Combination

Pet Gear Stairs and Ramp

PHOTO: Chewy

$66 at Amazon View on Chewy

What We Like

Space-saving design for small rooms
Machine-washable carpet tread

What We Don't Like

Requires minimal jumping from where the ramp ends to the floor

This combination step/ramp has one step, a gently-sloping ramp, and a 9-inch-wide landing at the top which makes it easy for little dogs to get where they need to go. It’s a good alternative if you need a ramp that doesn’t take up a ton of space in small rooms or areas of your home.

The plastic pieces snap together, while the removable carpet tread is machine washable. Although the steps are for dogs up to 150 pounds, this step is best with small to medium-sized pets, not the big boys and girls. Pet parents say it’s fairly sturdy, but it’s not tall enough for most beds. Also, the bottom step has a 5-inch rise, so that still requires a small jump for very small dogs.

_{Dimensions: 28 x 16 inches | Pet Weight Limit: 150 pounds| Product Weight: 11 pounds | Material: Plastic}

Best for Cars

WeatherTech High-Traction Foldable Pet Ramp

PHOTO: WeatherTech

View on Weathertech.com

What We Like

Sturdy construction
Fits most vehicles at a gentle angle
Grippy walking surface, even when wet

What We Don't Like

Somewhat awkward to carry even when folded

Manufactured by the same company that makes high-quality floor mats for vehicles, this sturdy ramp has a skid-resistant surface to help dogs feel secure. Rubber feet on each end of the ramp keep it in place when your pet walks on it. It has a grippier surface than other ramps, making it a good pick for large breeds.

At 67 inches long, it reaches into SUVs and trucks without needing to be set up on a sharp angle that your dog won’t be able to navigate. It folds to 33.5 inches when not in use and has carrying handles for easier transport. Made in the United States, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. There’s also an optional storage bag (sold separately) to stow it when not in use.

_{Dimensions: 67 x 15 inches | Pet Weight Limit: 300 pounds | Product Weight: 16 pounds | Material: Resin}

Best for Large Dogs

PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Car Ramp XL

PHOTO: Chewy

$144 at Amazon View on Chewy $144 at Walmart

What We Like

Lightweight
Telescoping design for reaching tall surfaces such as trucks and SUVs

What We Don't Like

Pet parents say the non-slip sandpaper-like surface tears easily

If you have a big boy or girl, you’ll need a large ramp to accommodate their weight and girth. This ramp is designed for pets that weigh up to 300 pounds. At 20 inches across, it’s also wider than most ramps so it’s a better choice for dogs with muscular bodies. Pet parents say it doesn’t flex when dogs walk on it.

This ramp has a telescoping design from 47 to 87 inches long so that you can access tall surfaces such as an SUV or truck at a gentle angle. Because it’s constructed from aluminum, it’s relatively lightweight at only 18 pounds, so you can use it as a portable unit for getting in and out of cars. Pet parents say it also can be used outdoors, such as to help large dogs down a few steps out of the house.

_{Dimensions: 87 x 20 inches | Pet Weight Limit: 300 pounds | Product Weight: 18 pounds | Material: Aluminum}

Final Verdict

The Doggo Dog Ramp is our top pick because it’s sturdy, has side rails for additional protection, and offers a gentle incline. It’s an especially good pick for high beds. We also like the PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Dog Ramp because it’s versatile, reasonably-priced, and lightweight.

What to Know About Ramps For Dogs

While a ramp or dog stairs may be the obvious choice for a dog suffering from limited mobility, there are also other circumstances where a ramp should be considered. Jumping to high surfaces can put a strain on some dogs, especially small and long breeds like corgis or dachshunds, meriting a ramp for high surfaces even if they’re otherwise in good health.

Using ramps to prevent injuries down the line, can be especially important for dogs with certain health conditions. “In dogs with a history of IVDD, or intervertebral disc disease, or neurologic deficits, ramps also are beneficial,” Dr. Bryant told The Spruce Pets.

Wobbling

Ramps that rattle or flex as your dog walks across it may frighten them and make them averse to using it. “A heavy, sturdy ramp that will not wobble is preferred so that the pet doesn’t feel uneasy on it,” says Dr. Bryant.

Surface

To provide traction, the walking surface of most ramps are covered in rug, sandpaper-like material, or rubber mats. Dogs have preferences and may not feel comfortable walking up every surface. Some surfaces, such as artificial turf, can be slippery when wet.

If the surface doesn’t hold up over time or if your dog doesn’t like it, it can be re-covered with a more grippy material, such as rubber matting or textured carpet remnants. Admittedly, it’s inconvenient to have to make adjustments to a product you’ve purchased. But many pet parents have found it’s the only way to accommodate your pet’s specific preferences and needs.

FAQ

Where can you use dog ramps?

You can use ramps anywhere, indoors or outdoors, to assist senior dogs and protect your dog from injury when jumping down from high places, says Dr. Bryant. Common areas that are helpful for placement include on stairs inside the house, to get on and off furniture and beds, to get in and out of a car, or to get up steps into the house.
Are dog ramps better than steps?

It depends on the dog’s history and the reason for using a ramp or steps. “Stairs can be helpful for pets who have good agility and can use regular stairs well,” says Dr. Bryant. “But ramps are safer, easier on joints, and lead to a lower chance of injury for pets who have arthritis, back issues, previous injuries or chondrodystrophic breeds which have short legs and long bodies, such as dachshunds and corgis.”
Ramps do take up more space in your home, especially if you plan to keep them as a permanent part of your dog’s world. But the incline is gentler and easier for pets with arthritis and back issues.
However, you need to be aware of the slope of the ramp when in use. To choose the right length ramp for your application, find the length of the product, then hold a rigid metal measuring tape at this length from the sofa or bed surface to the floor. If the angle appears too steep for your dog to navigate safely, you need a longer ramp.
How do you teach your dog to use a ramp?

Most dogs can be taught to use a ramp, and some will simply start using it on their own, especially if you encourage them with treats and praise. “Ramps can be introduced at a young age, though any age dog can be introduced to a ramp,” says Dr. Bryant.
Start by letting your dog get used to it in their environment, says Dr. Bryant. Place treats near and on it while it’s still flat on the floor. After your dog seems comfortable, set up the ramp and place some treats near the end of the ramp. Over the course of a few days to weeks, start placing treats slightly higher and higher on the ramp. Do the same thing coming down. Standing alongside the ramp and using a leash or harness to provide gentle guidance also may give your pet extra confidence.
It’s important to remember every dog is an individual and will learn at his or her own pace. Never force your pet onto the ramp by placing or pushing them onto it. Be patient, and let your dog explore on his or her own terms. “Dogs often need time to adjust to the ramp, so even if they don’t use it at first doesn’t mean they won’t ever use it,” says Dr. Bryant.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

We based our recommendations on criteria from Taylor Bryant, VMD, primary care and general surgery veterinarian at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C., as well as by delving into market research, reviews, and personal experience with products.

This roundup was written by Arricca SanSone, who writes for websites such as Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Southern Living, and more. She also has tested products with her two papillons, one of whom requires assistance onto high places due to a back injury.

Arricca also has provided guidance for the best dog paw balms, best dog ID tags, best mosquito repellents for dogs, and the best whisker fatigue bowls for cats. She even can help you pick your first beekeeping suit or the best filter for your axolotl tank.

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