If it were up to most dog owners, they would take their four-legged companions just about everywhere they go.
If you have an older, immobile or injured dog it can be a lot harder to pick them up and get them into your car though, forcing you to leave them behind more often than you’d like.
A pet ramp is the solution to this problem and can make it a lot easier to take your pet with you wherever you’re heading.
Choosing the best pet ramp is no easy feat though, with so many different manufacturers and styles on the market. That’s why we’ve compiled this buyer’s guide to point you in the right direction and find the best dog ramp to suit your best friend.
We’ve gone through countless reviews for the best dog ramps for SUVs, cars, and trucks, to come up with our top picks to help you transport your pet.
As well as answering some common questions that pet owners have about these travel aids, you’ll be in the best position to choose a ramp that’s right for you and your dog.
Recommendations For The Best Pet Ramps
RANK | Picture | Name | Rating | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 |  | BEST OVERALL PetSTEP Folding Pet Ramp | (4.9) | |
#2 |  | Solvit Pet Ramp | (4.6) | |
#3 |  | PetSafe Pet Ramp | (4.4) | |
#4 |  | BEST TRACTION WeatherTech PetRamp | (4.3) | |
#5 |  | BEST BUDGET Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp | (4.1) |
Pet ramps are primarily designed for getting your dog in and out of the car, but they’re versatile enough to be used elsewhere.
Whether you’re after a dog ramp for bed or one to reach up into an SUV or truck, these are our top picks for the best on the market to make life easier for you and your pet.
Best Overall - PetStep Original Folding Pet Ramp
For a pet ramp that can do it all, our number one choice is the PetStep Original Folding Pet Ramp.
This is a durable ramp capable of holding up to 500lbs of animal weight, and the entire device weighs 18.5lbs.
With dimensions of 70 x 17 x 2.5”, while open, it’s a good size for all vehicles from the smallest cars to the largest trucks.
The best part about this ramp is how easy it is to set up and unfold, and how easy dogs find it to walk on.
It’s stable, even with heavier dogs, and can take multiple pets at a time if they don’t want to wait.
It has a nonslip rubberized surface that helps in wet conditions and there’s no risk of them skidding out.
One thing that reviewers mentioned was the weight of the ramp. At around 18.5lbs it’s pretty heavy if you’re getting it in and out of the car yourself.
Although it does add to the sturdiness of the design, it’s a lot heavier than other ramps on the market that are capable of holding the same amount of weight.
Other noteworthy features include the ergonomic handles on their side that make it easy to store away when you’re not using it. Because it’s a larger ramp at 70” it’s great for all types of vehicles as well.
If you’ve been looking for dog ramps for trucks or SUVs, this one will be able to handle the unique design of your vehicle. Thanks to the materials used, this ramp won’t rust or corrode like others, even with regular washing, so it’s been built seriously tough to last.
The PetStep Original Folding Ramp has been a top seller on Amazon for some time, and with a price tag of around $120, it’s excellent value for money. With color options of grey or beige and a simple foldaway mechanism, it’s got plenty of options for how you can use it.
The PetStep ramp comes with a five-year warranty and is built for dogs and vehicles of all sizes, making it our top pick for this important transport accessory.
Specifications
Runner-Up - Solvit Ultralite Pet Ramp
If you have a smaller dog you’ll probably be looking for a lightweight foldable dog ramp to suit, and the Solvit Ultralite Pet Ramp is the way to go.
Weighing just 10lbs with a capacity of around 150lbs, it’s better for those smaller dogs and owners who don’t want to a lot to carry.
Reviewers loved how easy this was to use and how lightweight it was to lift in and out of the car as needed.
If it gets messy you can easily hose it off and give it a scrub with detergent, so compared to others the maintenance was a lot less hassle.
However, on the undesirable side of things, the plastic can make it feel a little flimsy. In addition, the sandpaper coating on the ramp that’s meant to help with traction can actually rub some dog’s paws and make them feel uncomfortable.
If this happens, you’ll probably find it a struggle to get them to use the ramp again, so keep this in mind if they’re sensitive.
With dimensions of 62 x 16 x 4” it’s not entirely compact, but only weighs 10lbs thanks to the all plastic construction.
When it’s not in use, you can fold the ramp in half and store it in your car or at home without taking up much room at all, so it’s a good dog ramp for car models that have a smaller stature.
If you want a lightweight ramp for a lightweight dog and don’t mind having an all plastic device, the Solvit Ultralite Pet Ramp is our top pick. It’s compact and portable so perfect for smaller cars and priced at around $70 when you shop on Amazon.
For a smaller solution to carrying your dog, this foldable dog ramp is an economic option.
Specifications
Alternative - PetSafe Deluxe Telescoping Ramp
PetSafe has been making dog ramps for years, and their Deluxe Telescoping Ramp shows why people love this brand.
It’s the ideal size weighing just 13lbs but capable of holding up to 400lbs of dog, which should be more than enough for even the largest breeds.
As one of the better pet ramps for SUV and larger vehicles, you’ll love how easy it is to adjust the size and get it just right.
Although not foldable, this is a telescoping design which means you can slide it in and out as you need it. The smaller part fits inside the larger and it will compress down to half of its size, so you’re able to save a lot of room.
If you don’t need it to extend the full length you can adjust it down to 39” so it works with compact cars as well. Because it extends fully to 72” it’s great for SUVs and trucks and is one of the tallest that we’ve reviewed.
On the downside, the gritty sandpaper-like surface used on this ramp can be pretty abrasive for dogs. Some users have mentioned adding their own protective layer on top, but when you can just buy another brand with a softer ramp this might seem like overkill.
Users also found it a little hard to clean because of this material, so if you do purchase it you’ll want to be careful with any mess on your pet’s feet.
Made with both durable plastic and aluminum this ramp manages to be durable but also lighter than others with the same weight capacity.
It also features handy guide rails to help your dog feel safe as they’re walking the ramp and is lightweight enough for any owner to get in and out of their car without a hassle.
The PetSafe Deluxe Telescoping Ramp is great value for money when you shop on Amazon, at just under $100.
With a limited lifetime warranty that vouches for its quality and the option to add a carrying case for an extra charge, it seems that PetSafe has really thought of everything when making this ramp.
Specifications
Best Traction - WeatherTech Pet Ramp
Some dogs require a little bit of extra help with traction when it comes to pet ramps, and if this sounds like your animal, our recommendation is the WeatherTech Pet Ramp.
Made with a specialized rubber texture surface, your pet won’t slip and slide as they walk up it, and it features no abrasive materials that might damage their feet.
This ramp seems to be made with the safety and comfort of your dog in mind, so it’s especially good for immobile or injured pets that need added support.
With a soft surface and rubberized feet, they’ll feel totally safe walking up and down it.
For the owner, you get ergonomic carrying handles and a folding mechanism that lets you set it up anywhere with ease.
Weighing 16lbs, you might expect this ramp to hold a little more, but unfortunately, it can only stand 300lbs. This makes it a pretty heavy device for what it’s capable of, so consider what the specific needs will be for your dog.
It folds down to around 33” when it’s not in use which also takes up some space, making it not ideal for all types of cars.
Made with durable plastics and a USA designed proprietary resin, this ramp has been built to last. It won’t corrode or rust no matter how you wash it, which adds to its maintenance-free approach even more.
It has a simple hinge that connects to your vehicle and keeps it stable for your pet, so it seems WeatherTech has all of the important bases covered.
With a warranty on parts and a price tag of around $110, it’s pretty exceptional for everything it offers. The WeatherTech Pet Ramp might be a little bulkier than some but the good definitely outweighs the bad here.
This ramp was designed with your pet in mind so you’ll feel totally safe knowing that they have a comfortable way to get in and out of the car.
Specifications
Best For The Money - Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp
Shopping for pet supplies can cost quite a bit of money, so if you want a more economic approach to buying the best pet ramp, the Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp is the best choice.
Made of durable plastic and capable of holding up to 200lbs, it’s suitable for most small to medium breeds of dogs and any type of vehicle you own.
Unlike others that cost over $100, this one is constructed with lighter materials and comes with a cheaper price tag, making it perfect for compact pets.
For such a cheap ramp, it’s great to see that this one can extend as far as 71” so even those with larger vehicles will be covered.
The material used to keep your dog steady is like a mixture of carpet and sandpaper so it’s not as abrasive as most other models, making it perfect for dogs with sensitive paws.
It also comes with a safety tether attachment if you want to keep them secure, which is a nice little bonus that other ramps didn’t offer.
The negatives surrounding this ramp is more about its construction, and how it can feel a little unsteady when pushing the weight limit.
If you have two or more dogs who like to walk the ramp at the same time this won’t work anymore, and you’ll notice the plastic starting to bow in the middle. As a cheaper model, it’s to be expected, as long as you’re prepared for something a little less durable.
The Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp measures 71 x 16 x 4 inches when it’s fully extended and folds away into three parts for a compact fit. You also have the option of upgrading to a reflective lamp for an extra cost, but unless you plan on using it at night it’s probably not necessary.
This is a great size that can be used for all types of vehicles, especially those that are higher off the ground.
For the price, the Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp certainly has a lot to offer and is available from Amazon for under $60.
As long as you’re able to stick to the weight guidelines and not push the limits, you’ll get a lot of joy out of this hard plastic ramp, and your dog will appreciate having something a little softer on their feet.
The Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp is a budget-friendly option for smaller dogs and has all of the necessary features to make it a smart investment.
Specifications
The Benefits of Having a Dog Ramp
If you’re like most dog owners, you don’t like leaving your pet companion alone for very long.
Whether you travel on the road a lot or need help getting them in and out of the car to go for a drive to the park and beach, having a dog ramp can offer plenty of benefits for both of you.
Eases their pain
Dogs that have issues like hip dysplasia, arthritis, amputation, or are recovering from a recent surgery or illness will be able to get in and out of the car with ease and no pain.
Rather than letting your dog attempt to jump into the car and doing further damage, these ramps make it comfortable and safe for them to walk on their own.
Gives you support
Larger breeds of dog can be very heavy, with some close to 200lbs.
With a pet ramp ready to go you don’t have to worry about carrying them yourself, potentially hurting your back or dropping your pet in the process. You simply connect the lightweight ramp and let them walk up it themselves.
Calms your dog
Some dogs have an issue traveling in the car as it is, and this can start as soon as they’re forcibly lifted into their seat.
By attaching a dog ramp and letting them walk up at their own pace on a steady and stable surface, you’ll take away some of these feelings of anxiety.
Takes up minimal space
Other contraptions used to help get dogs in and out of the car take up a lot of room.
A pet ramp is usually foldable or collapsible so they virtually use no room at all when they’re not being used. Even people with compact cars will still be able to fit a ramp in their trunk to aid in transporting their dogs.
Commonly Asked Questions About Pet Ramps
Purchasing a pet ramp is a big investment to make and you have to be sure the one you choose ticks all of the boxes you and your dog have.
When shopping for this travel accessory, there are some common questions that pet owners have that can make the task a lot easier to complete.
We’ve got the answers to these FAQs and some essential information on using pet ramps.
What Ramp Will Fit Your Car?
A car ramp is designed to attach to the trunk of the car, but some can be used on a door entrance. To ensure it will fit, you have to measure the dimensions of the ramp and whether it will fit your specific make and model of car.
The width should be enough to fit the trunk but length is also important when factoring in the height of your car and how far it needs to reach without being too steep of an angle.
How To Teach Your Dog To Pet Ramp?
Some dogs won’t have an issue following your orders to walk up the ramp, but you may need to persuade them.
A simple dog treat waiting for them at the end of the pet ramp can entice them to start walking up, or you could attach a lead and show them how to make their way up to the top.
How To Install Pet Ramp?
Pet ramps don’t require much in the way of installation and usually rest on the edge of the trunk or passenger door, with some having rubber feet for stability.
Ramps come folded so you’ll have to unfold them and lock into place before attempting to set it up. Once your dog is in, the folding mechanism collapses them back down to a compact size for storage.
Different Uses For Pet Ramp
In addition to using your pet ramp to get your dog in and out of the car, it can also be used in the following ways:
Making Travel Easy For You and Your Friend
For dog owners, our pets are a huge part of our lives and for most of us, we treat them like family.
Being equipped to take them with us wherever we go, whether it’s a short drive to the park or a longer road trip, means there’ll be no hassle or stress getting them into and out of the car.
These days, even SUVs and trucks are catered for with pet ramps that can reach these heavy-duty vehicles.
With convenient features like folding mechanisms and lightweight materials that are capable of holding heavy loads, the best pet ramp is now easier to find than ever.
This one simple device can make life and car travel a lot more enjoyable for both you and your dog.
You’ll never have to be without your pet again with one of these stored away and ready to go, and your pet will appreciate having their comfort and support catered to as well.
