The 5 best dog ramps for your home in 2023

What we love: This bed ramp from PetSafe is both beautiful and durable at the same time. The wood finish adds a decorative element to any home with two color options (cherry or white). It’s outfitted with heavy-duty carpet to give your dog traction while walking up and down the ramp without slipping. The ramp is also long enough to have a steadily gradual incline so it isn’t too steep for your dog to comfortably climb.

What customers say: Customers gave this ramp 4.5 stars out of 4,000+ reviews. The majority of the reviews said building the ramp was easier than anticipated and it was sturdy for all sizes of dogs. They also mentioned that dogs took to the ramp easily and it didn’t take much convincing for them to use it, likely thanks to the gradual incline. It was also noted, however, that because of the gradual incline, the ramp was longer than most and took up more space.

Size: Measures 70” length x 16” width x 25” height.

Weight load: Supports dogs up to 120 lbs.

What we love: PetSafe’s wood ramp is the perfect height for helping your pup get on and off almost every couch. It’s made from a beautiful cherry wood that complements any interior and heavy-duty carpeting to give your dog traction. We love how easy it is to fold up to make storage a breeze while still being durable during use.

What customers say: Customers love the height and gradual incline of this folding dog ramp and the landing area at the top of it. Assembly was easy and the foldable feature makes storing it simple. One note some customers made was the carpet being a little slippery for their senior dogs, while others with more mobile dogs said they had no issues. Customers also mentioned the ramp is the perfect width and depth for most dogs.

Size: Measures 45” length x 14” width x 14” height.

Weight load: Supports dogs up to 100 lbs.

What we love: This dog ramp from Pet Gear features a reflective surface material to aid your dog while walking up or down from your car. It’s also skid-resistant, even when wet, to keep your pup safe and steady. We love the rubber grippers on the bottom of the ramp to keep it stable while in use. It also has a built-in handle to make portability easy and a folding design to minimize storage space.

What customers say: Out of almost 4,000 reviews, customers give this car ramp a 4-star rating. They love the sturdiness that comes from the rubber underside and the foldable feature to make storing it in your car or in your house easy. Customers noted that, while it may be a steeper incline than other ramps that sometimes pose issues for older dogs, they didn’t have any issues getting their dogs accustomed to this dog ramp.

Size: Measures 71″ length x 16″ width x 4″ height.

Weight load: Supports dogs up to 200 lbs.

What we love: PetSafe’s CozyUp Folding Pet Steps require no assembly and are collapsible to easily store under your couch or bed when not in use. They have non-skid feet and fabric tread covers to keep your pup steady while climbing on and off of furniture. You also have the option of a large option, which has an extra-wide ramp to accommodate all breed sizes.

What customers say: With over 44,000 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, it’s safe to say that customers love these dog steps. These steps are super lightweight yet highly sturdy, holding dogs of all sizes. They also have built-in side rails to prevent your pup from slipping off while climbing the stairs. Customers noted that one downside is the rubber pads on the bottom weren’t as skid-proof as they expected. Putting down a rug or towel seemed to help prevent any unwanted movement.

Size: The standard measures 28” length x 18” width x 25” height. The extra-large measures 28” length x 18” width x 25” height.

Weight load: The standard supports up to 150 lbs. The extra-large supports up to 200 lbs.

What we love: This deluxe dog ramp from Chasing Tails is incredibly safe, made with a paw-friendly anti-slip material and adjustable rails to keep your pup from falling off the side or top of the ramp. We love how easily the ramp can be adjusted, ranging from 10 to 20 inches to match the height of most sofas and beds. It’s easy to assemble and conveniently folds flat for simple storage when you aren’t using it. It’s built with high-quality wood for stability, but is best suited for small to medium-sized dogs.

What customers say: Even with only 360 reviews on Amazon, this dog ramp has been a customer favorite. They love the minimal assembly and the flat-fold feature to easily store it when not in use. The 6-level height adjustability gave them the versatility to be able to use it in multiple places in their home. Some customers noted that it didn’t hold up well for their large dogs and that this ramp is best for small or medium breeds.

Size: Measures 39.8” length x 15.7” width x 4” height.

Weight load: Holds up to 70 lbs.

If you have a senior dog with arthritis or a dog with mobility or accessibility issues, a dog ramp can make their lives easier. Ramps help any pups who struggle to get up on the sofa, the bed, or into the car. They also make it easier on owners who have large dogs since it can be difficult to constantly lift and carry them.

Dog ramps are also helpful for small dogs or breeds with short legs, like dachshunds and corgis, who may have trouble maneuvering the stairs in your house (and don’t let the name fool you, dog ramps are great for both dogs and cats).

When looking for a dog ramp or dog stairs, there are some things you should consider before you buy:

• Height. With both ramps and stairs, the height should be appropriate for your furniture or car. For stairs specifically, each step should be equivalent to that of indoor stairs.
• Weight support. Not all ramps are built equally, be sure to choose a ramp or stairs that can support your dog’s weight.
• Anti-slip surface. It’s easier on your dog if the ramp or stairs have an anti-skid or carpet surface. Your dog’s paws must be able to grip the surface so that they don’t slide off.
• Storage. If space is an issue, find a ramp that folds up for easy storage.
• Ramp vs. stairs. Whether you choose stairs or a ramp, you may have to teach your dog to use them. You know your dog best, so use your best judgment on which type of ramp or stairs would be easiest for your pup to learn to use.

To train your dog to use a ramp, all you’ll need is a ramp, some tasty treats, a piece of furniture to practice climbing onto, plus a little bit of patience.

Step-by-step ramp training

1. Exploration. During the first steps of training, start by laying the ramp on a flat area where it won’t slide, such as in the grass or on carpet. Let your dog investigate it without force. A gradual approach with positive reinforcement will be the best way to get your dog comfortable using it.
2. Practice with treats sans incline. Once they’re comfortable around the ramp, lure them to it with some treats and ask them to step onto it with it still lying flat. Treat them for putting just one paw on it to start. Once they’re okay with putting a paw on the ramp, ask for a little more and treat them for placing two paws on it. Progressively move the treat toward the middle of the ramp to encourage them to stand on it completely.
3. Get your pup to follow the treat from one end to the other. As soon as all four paws are up, reward your dog with treats as they follow your hand across the ramp to the other end. The goal is to have your pup willingly follow the treat in your hand from one end of the ramp to the other. If your dog jumps off the ramp, simply move them back to the beginning of the ramp and restart.
4. Add the incline (gradually, if possible). Once your pup is comfortable crossing back and forth across the flat ramp, it’s time to add the incline. Reintroduce it to your dog slowly now that the ramp has changed. If the style of your ramp allows it, increase the incline in stages rather than all at once.
5. Repeat with treats. Do the same routine again with guiding your dog to the ramp and treating as they put a paw up on it. Then gradually ask (and reward) for two paws, three paws, and finally all four paws up on the ramp. Once they’re comfortable, guide them up the ramp completely with a treat and reward when they’ve accomplished the whole climb!

👉 With enough practice, your pup should get comfortable enough to climb up and down the ramp easily without needing a treat as bait.

If you can’t find exactly the type of ramp you want for your furry friend, building your own is a possibility. You’ll need a variety of materials (like plywood, sandpaper, screws, etc.) and should feel comfortable using tools such as a saw and a drill. If you feel like taking on the task of a DIY pet ramp, here’s a step-by-step process.