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10 Best Dog Ramps & Stairs for Large Dogs – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Chris Dinesen Rogers

By Chris Dinesen Rogers

brown dog using ramp to get in the car

Getting something to help your dog get in and out of the car or onto the couch is a significant decision. Undoubtedly, you need something sturdy if your pup is a big boy. It also must be safe for your pet to use. However, don’t dismiss your end of the bargain. It also must be light enough for you to put it where your dog needs it. If your pup doesn’t use it all the time, it must be compact enough to store.

Our guide covers what you need to know to make an informed choice. We’ve included both options in our reviews to cover various situations where this product is a godsend. We hope you’ll find the information helpful when you start comparison shopping.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2024)

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Zinus Easy Cat & Dog Stairs Zinus Easy Cat & Dog Stairs
  • Washable
  • Attractive design
  • Different size choices
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Pet Gear Easy Step II Cat & Dog Stairs Pet Gear Easy Step II Cat & Dog Stairs
  • Affordably priced
  • Three color choices
  • Machine washable tread
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Premier Pet Steps 4 Step Carpet Tread Dog & Cat Stairs Premier Pet Steps 4 Step Carpet Tread Dog & Cat Stairs
  • Sturdy
  • Pre-assembled
  • Attractive styling
  • PetSafe Happy Ride Deluxe Compact Telescoping Dog Car Ramp PetSafe Happy Ride Deluxe Compact Telescoping Dog Car Ramp
  • Sturdy
  • User-friendly
  • Thoughtful design
  • PetSafe CozyUp Foldable Wooden Cat & Dog Ramp PetSafe CozyUp Foldable Wooden Cat & Dog Ramp
  • Good-looking product
  • Easy storage, good for small places
  • The 10 Best Dog Ramps and Stairs for Large Dogs

    1. Zinus Easy Cat & Dog Stairs – Best Overall

    Zinus Easy Cat & Dog Stairs

    Check Price on Chewy
    Type: Stairs
    Dimensions: 28”L x 18”W x 22”H (large)
    Weight: 5.42 pounds
    Ease of use: Easy for owners and pets
    Material: Foam and polyester

    The Zinus Easy Cat & Dog Stairs is our pick for the best overall dog ramps and stairs for large dogs. It comes in five sizes to fit most situations. The large one has four steps to reach an accessible height of 22 inches. The manufacturer had the owner in mind with the design, which features a removable and washable cover and its lighter weight to move around the house easily.

    The product is made of high-density foam, making it easy on older pets’ joints. We also liked that the design isn’t gaudy and will fit in with any decor with its minimalist style. It has a non-skid bottom to make it safe to use on hardwood floors or carpeting.

    Pros
    • Attractive design
    • Different size choices
    • Washable
    Cons
    • Occasional quality control issues

    2. Pet Gear Easy Step II Cat & Dog Stairs – Best Value

    Pet Gear Easy Step II Cat & Dog Stairs

    Type: Stairs
    Dimensions: 22”L x 16”W x 16”H
    Weight: n/a
    Ease of use: Easy to use
    Material: Plastic

    The Pet Gear Easy Step II Cat & Dog Stairs is an excellent and affordable solution if you only need to cover a smaller height. That is one factor that put it on the top of our list for one of the best dog ramps and stairs for large dogs for the money. Its small footprint belies that it can handle dogs up to 150 pounds. Overall, it’s well-made and sturdy.

    Of course, the height is both an advantage and a disadvantage, spending on your pet’s needs. It’s a decent choice when you want something shorter yet doesn’t skimp on construction.

    Pros
    • Affordably priced
    • Three color choices
    • Machine washable tread
    Cons
    • Slick tread

    3. Premier Pet Steps 4 Step Carpet Tread Dog & Cat Stairs – Premium Choice

    Premier Pet Steps 4 Step Carpet Tread Dog & Cat Stairs

    Type: Stairs
    Dimensions: 32”L x 15.5”W x 22.5”H
    Weight: 36 pounds
    Ease of use: Moderate for the owner and easy for the pet
    Material: Wood

    The Premier Pet Steps 4 Step Carpet Tread Dog & Cat Stairs is literally a piece of furniture. What else can you say about a product that gives you a choice between Early American, cherry, and walnut? It’s well-made with the attention to detail we’d expect with an item at this price point. Its main benefit is its design. It’s gorgeous for what it is, but it’s also something that your pup will probably take to it easily because it feels like home.

    On the downside, it’s a beast and not as easy to move from room to room. It’s also pricey, which isn’t unexpected, given the stairs’ quality build.

    Pros
    • Sturdy
    • Attractive styling
    • Pre-assembled
    Cons
    • Heavy to lift and move around
    • Spendy

    4. PetSafe Happy Ride Deluxe Compact Telescoping Dog Car Ramp

    PetSafe Happy Ride Deluxe Compact Telescoping Dog Car Ramp

    Type: Ramp
    Dimensions: 70”L x 16”W x 5”H
    Weight: 14 pounds
    Ease of use: Easy on all scores
    Material: Aluminum, plastic

    The PetSafe Happy Ride Deluxe Compact Telescoping Dog Car Ramp is the first of its type on our list. It’s best used outdoors because of its rust-resistant aluminum and design. It folds up into a compact size, making it portable. You may not get as much out of it inside unless the room in which you plan to use it is larger. However, it’s a well-made product that can handle pets up to 300 pounds.

    The ramp folds up into a manageable size for easy storage between uses. It has a non-skid tread to make your dog feel more secure when on it. Its quality is evident when you see it.

    Pros
    • Thoughtful design
    • User-friendly
    • Sturdy
    Cons
    • Can be costly for those on a budget

    5. PetSafe CozyUp Foldable Wooden Cat & Dog Ramp

    PetSafe CozyUp Foldable Wooden Cat & Dog Ramp

    Type: Ramp
    Dimensions: 45”L x 14”W x 14”H
    Weight: 12 pounds
    Ease of use: Easy all around
    Material: Wood, carpet

    The PetSafe CozyUp Foldable Wooden Cat & Dog Ramp stands out on several scores. The design is eye-catching and doesn’t call attention to itself. It is sturdy with its wood frame. The carpet on the surface gives it the necessary grip to make it non-skid. It’s something you’d probably just use inside the house unless the weather is favorable.

    The only issue with this product is that it’s spot clean only. That definitely puts it in the indoor-only use category as it will get to dirty if used outside.

    Pros
    • Good-looking product
    • Easy storage, good for small places
    Cons
    • Lower weight threshold
    • Occasional quality control issues
    • Spot clean only

    6. Range Kleen Foldable DogCar Stairs

    Range Kleen Foldable Dog Car Stair

     

    Type: Stairs
    Dimensions: 19.5”L x 20”W x 17”H
    Weight: 5.75 pounds
    Ease of use: Easy all around
    Material: Plastic

    The Range Kleen Foldable Dog Car Stairs is an excellent choice if you want something you can toss in the trunk or back to keep on hand in your vehicle. You can use it indoors, too. However, it has a practical look to it that we felt better for outdoor use than inside our home. It’s still easy to lug around and something you may even find helpful for getting a leg up in tall cabinets.

    The stairs can handle up to 300 pounds, making them suitable for pets of all sizes. The width is generous at 20 inches, which is in line with the weight limit. It’s also foldable for convenient storage.

    Pros
    • Lightweight,
    • Easy to use
    • Decent width
    Cons
    • Some might consider it an unattractive design

    7. Gen7Pets Mini Indoor Foldable Dog Ramp

    Gen7Pets Mini Indoor Foldable Dog Ramp

    Type: Ramp
    Dimensions: 42”L x 16”W x 1.5”H
    Weight: 11 pounds
    Ease of use: Flat folding
    Material: Plastic, carpet

    The Gen7Pets Mini Indoor Foldable Dog Ramp is surprisingly sturdy for its size, and able to handle weights up to 200 pounds. The frame is plastic with a carpeted surface for traction. The design makes it suitable for indoor use or smaller vehicles with its usable height range of 24 inches H. We liked the style, which made it seem less obtrusive and part of the decor.

    You can spot-clean the ramp to get the most out of it. The width is decent, although we can see how some dogs might have a problem using it.

    Pros
    • Easy storage
    • Non-slip tread
    Cons
    • Spot clean only
    • Limited height range

    8. Best Pet Supplies Linen & Foam Cat & Dog Stairs

    Best Pet Supplies Linen & Foam Cat & Dog Stairs

    Type: Stairs
    Dimensions: 16”L x 30”W x 22.5”H (large)
    Weight: n/a
    Ease of use: Easy
    Material: High-density foam

    The Best Pet Supplies Linen & Foam Cat & Dog Stairs is appropriately named because of its convenience and ease of use. It comes in three height options with three, four, or five stairs. The width is spot-on with all three. Your pet will have an easy time using it. The pattern hides stains well, although the cover is machine-washable. It ticks off the boxes we like in a user-friendly product.

    Pros
    • Stain-hiding pattern
    • Good-looking design
    • Low rise
    Cons
    • Slick on hardwood floors

    9. Pet Gear Free-Standing Extra Wide Carpeted Dog Car Ramp

    Pet Gear Free-Standing Extra Wide Carpeted Dog Car Ramp

    Type: Ramp
    Dimensions: 55”L x 19.25 inches W x 23 inches H
    Weight: 19 pounds
    Ease of use: Easy
    Material: Plastic, carpet

    The Pet Gear Free-Standing Extra Wide Carpeted Dog Car Ramp fits its name, an excellent choice for large pets. That, combined with its carpeted surface, makes it worthy of being on your shortlist. It’s easy to use, albeit a bit on the heavy side. The design makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It’s durable and able to hold weights up to 300 pounds.

    You get what you pay for, and this product proves this adage. It is on the pricey side while offering a decent return on your investment.

    Pros
    • Secure locks
    • Wide ramp, good for large dogs with mobility issues
    Cons
    • More costly than other ramps on the market
    • Heavy, making it hard to lift for some people

    10. Pet Gear Easy Step Cat & Dog Stairs

    Pet Gear Easy Step Cat & Dog Stairs

    Type: Stairs
    Dimensions: 22”L x 20”W x 10”H
    Weight: 10.5 pounds
    Ease of use: Easy
    Material: Plastic

    The Pet Gear Easy Step Cat & Dog Stairs are a decent choice if your pup only needs just a little help up to the bed or couch. It is only one step with just a 10-inch boost. It has a carpet tread that you can machine wash between uses. It has a plastic base with assembly required before your pet can hop onto it. Even though it has a small footprint, it can handle weights up to 175 pounds.

    Its size is both good and bad since you won’t get a lot of use out of it in all cases. It has textured pegs on the bottom to help keep it in place.

    Pros
    • Decent width
    • Well-made
    Cons
    • Not suitable for all situations
    • Assembly required
    • A bit pricey

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    Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Ramps and Stairs for Large Dogs

    A ramp or set of stairs can make life so much easier for your older pet. It can also reduce the risk of an injury if your pup misses the mark and falls. It can also help your dog recover if it gets hurt. These factors set the stage for the importance of your buying decision. It underscores the fact that it’s part of the solution and not the cause of a problem.

    Fortunately, you have many options. It may surprise you that your pup might balk at using either type the first time. We don’t know if it’s vertigo or just because it’s something new with instincts kicking in, making them cautious. Of course, treats are the ultimate motivator. Many manufacturers recommend using them to create that all-important first impression.

    Things to consider when looking for an accessibility device include:
    • Type
    • Dimensions
    • Ease of use
    • Materials
    dog using dog stair for sofa at home
    Image By: Chewy

    Type

    Our round-up includes both ramps and stairs because each offers a viable choice. The differences may lie with your pet’s acceptance of using one over the other. The chances are your pup is familiar with using stairs. A ramp may seem odd to your dog if it’s never walked up one. However, don’t dismiss the latter simply for this reason. You may find that your pet hasn’t a problem with a ramp, even if it’s your pup’s first encounter.

    Dimensions

    The width of a ramp or stair is essential when dealing with a large dog. Your pet may feel uncomfortable walking a gangplank. We recommend focusing on products that are at least 15 inches wide. This size will also provide enough balance to make your dog feel secure while using it. The length comes into play more so with ramps than stairs since it’ll affect the steepness. That can, in turn, influence your pup’s comfort level.

    We suggest verifying the dimensions when the ramp or stair is fully expanded and the storage size. Either set can make a difference in whether it’ll work for your situation. Don’t take any chances if the dimensions will affect its usability.

    Ease of Use

    Ease of use encompasses several things. It can pertain to the weight of the ramp or stairs if it’s a portable model. It can also involve how easy it is to get into place for foldable products. We suggest checking how it attaches to a vehicle, if applicable. That’s part of its usability and security for the animal that will depend on it for accessibility.

    dog using ramp to get up the sofa
    Image Credit: Chewy

    Materials

    Materials come into play with safety and durability. It also must strike a balance with the cost. You can have the most secure ramp or set of stairs ever. If it’s too expensive, it may negate the positive aspects of owning one of these products. You’ll see many items made of plastic. It takes both elements into account. It’s also a good choice for products that you’ll use outside.

    Aluminum or stainless steel are other materials you’ll often find. They offer durability at the price of weight with the latter. We suggest taking your expected usage into the mix to help you decide what you want out of a ramp or set of stairs.

    Features

    Many of the other features you’ll see involve safety. They often include a non-skid surface and rubber feet with ramps. You may find similar things with stairs. We suggest checking the weight limit for either type, especially if your dog is particularly heavy. Bear in mind that the manufacturers take the pain to verify these figures. Don’t opt for a smaller product just to save a few bucks. Your pet’s safety isn’t worth the risk.

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    Conclusion

    The Zinus Easy Cat & Dog Stairs topped the list of our reviews as the best overall product. It’s as decorative as it is functional. The Pet Gear Easy Step II Cat & Dog Stairs is an excellent choice if you need something with a shorter height that doesn’t skimp on features. As you’ve seen, accessibility is a non-issue with so many viable options to make it easier for your pup to get into the car or on the sofa.


    Featured Image Credit: Chewy

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