Are you pregnant, elderly, or suffering from back pain? Do you have a dog that can’t jump into the car because they have old, achy joints or are too small to get up? Or, if they’re anything like my stubborn Bull Terrier mix, Bonkers, they refuse to jump up even though they’re pretty capable. Thanks to dog ramps, pups have a more convenient way to enter and exit vehicles safely without injuring themselves or their owners. I explore the best dog ramps for vehicles with tips on how to pick the best option for you, your car type, and your needs.
| Winner | Runner-Up | Third Place |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| PetSafe | Pet Gear | PetStep |
| View on Chewy | View on Chewy | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Best Dog Ramps For Cars, Minivans & SUVs
I’ve chosen the best dog ramps for trucks, cars, and SUVs based on technical specifications, price, customer reviews, performance, and more. If you’re looking for ramps inside the home or for your couch or bed, we have a guide on the best dog ramps for indoor purposes. Below are my winners for you or your reduced-mobility dog to help them get in and out of your vehicle.
Winner: PetSafe Happy Ride Foldable Dog Car Ramp Review
The PetSafe Happy Ride folding 62-inch pet ramp is made of sturdy plastic and can reach up to 32″ high. It has four rubber feet to provide sturdy support for the ramp. The sandpaper-like walking surface gives this runway excellent traction, and the side rails create a sense of security for your pup. You can fold it in half to make storing it easy, and it only weighs 10 pounds, so it’s easy for most to lift.
The dimensions of this ramp are 62″ L x 16″ W x 4″ H. PetSafe states that it can support dogs weighing up to 150 pounds. Some buyers complain that this ramp is flimsy for extra-large dogs. However, most owners state that this product is excellent and has made traveling with their pets in the car much easier and more enjoyable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports dogs up to 150lbs | Some users say it’s too flimsy for extra-large dog breeds |
| Bi-fold design | |
| Side rails for security | |
| Easy to clean | |
| Lightweight |
Price
Runner-Up: Pet Gear Reflective Foldable Dog Car Ramp Review
My second pick for the best dog ramp for cars is this Pet Gear ramp. It has a tri-fold design and folds up easily and fast. It compacts into a small, manageable size that can easily fit in your vehicle, and it has a carry handle to make moving it around easier. This ramp has a broader surface than most other options, making it more comfortable for larger dogs, and supports up to 200 pounds. It also has a longer length than my first choice, which means the incline is less steep, which is appealing to many dogs. The dimensions are 71″ L x 19.5″ W x 4″ H.
The ramp’s tread is skid-resistant, whether wet or dry. It also has reflective strips, which can help your dog use it in low-visibility settings or prevent you from walking into it in the dark. The bottom of the ramp has rubber grippers to help keep it in place. The only downside is that it weighs 26 pounds, which some customers felt was quite heavy. Although this product is slightly more expensive than my overall winner, it could be a better option for many families.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports dogs up to 200lbs | This is the heaviest option |
| Wider surface | |
| Tri-fold design | |
| Anti-slip surface | |
| Reflective strips | |
| Sturdy |
Price
Third Place: PetStep Original Folding Pet Ramp Review
Rounding out my top three is this original PetStep folding pet ramp. It has a bi-fold design and can hold up to 500 pounds, the highest weight limit in my top three choices. In addition, the walking surface is made of a non-slip rubber material that works well, whether wet or dry. It also makes cleaning it easier, compared to the previous sandpaper-like material.
It has cut-out handles to help you carry the ramp and heavy-duty rubber grips on the bottom to hold it in place. Only a few customers felt it was too heavy, but at 18.5 pounds, it is a middle-of-the-road weight compared to my first two choices. The dimensions are 70″ L x 17″ W x 2.5″ H, with side rails for additional security.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports up to 500lbs | This is the most expensive option |
| It has a non-slip rubber surface | |
| Bi-fold design | |
| It has side rails | |
| Easy to clean |
Price
Natural-Feel Surface: Gen7Pets Natural-Step Ramp Review
The Gen7Pets didn’t make my top three choices, but it’s still a great dog car ramp. Its unique selling point is that it has a poly grass surface, which some dogs might find more comfortable climbing. However, this can also make it more challenging to clean than others. You can also purchase this ramp with a carpeted surface. It supports dogs up to 250 pounds and locks closed when you fold it up, so it’s easy to put away. Customers state it is sturdy and has good traction for dogs. This ramp has a safety tether strap that clips to a recessed bar to help hold it in place. It measures 72″ L x 16″ W x 1.5″ H and weighs 17 pounds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports up to 250lbs | Not as easy to clean |
| The unique surface is poly grass | |
| Bi-fold design | |
| Locks when folded up | |
| Features a safety strap |
Price
Telescope Style: PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Car Ramp Review
The PetSafe Happy Ride telescoping ramp comes in two sizes: regular and extra-large. The extra-large is slightly broader and longer for bigger dogs (the longest in my review). Both have side rails to help your pup feel more secure. A unique feature is that they slide open to make them more compact than the others, which fold. So, some owners might find this telescoping ramp easier and more convenient to use. There is a safety latch feature that stops them from sliding on journeys.
They are lightweight but durable aluminum and have a handle on the side for easy transporting and carrying. The dimensions of the regular ramp are larger ramp is 72″ L x 17″ W x 4″ H, and the extra-large ramp is 87″ L x 20″ W x 4″ H. Each ramp can hold up to 300 and 400 pounds, respectively, and weigh 13 and 18 pounds. Although customers rate these ramps highly and describe them as having a high traction surface, a few mention that the surface doesn’t offer enough traction for their dogs. The regular size can reach up to 30 inches, and the extra large up to 36 inches.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Support up to 400 pounds | Some customers report the surface doesn’t offer enough traction for their pups |
| 2 size options | One of the pricier choices |
| Telescoping design | |
| It is relatively lightweight, considering its sturdiness | |
| Raised side rails for security | |
| Features a safety latch |
Price
- Starts from $119.95
Dog Steps For Car: Pet Loader Light Platform Review
Pet Loader makes folding stairs for multiple uses in homes and cars. The Pet Loader 4-Step ramp is a great pick for most needs and the most popular, although it is available in various sizes and lengths. Pet Loader offers detailed instructions on how to pick the best size for you and your vehicle. Some dogs are more comfortable climbing stairs because they are more accustomed to them. It weighs 24 pounds, making it a heavy option unsuitable for some (although it’s not the heaviest I’ve reviewed). It has wheels to help you transport it.
This car stair ramp for dogs is made of sturdy plastic and can support dogs weighing up to 150 pounds. It is an accordion-style ramp that folds down for easy storage and has a carry handle. The stairs lock into place for additional security with locking arms, and each step has an anti-slip carpeted surface. It is the most expensive option in my review but can be the best option for some families. You can also purchase or remove additional steps from your ramp, making it versatile. This is useful for different vehicles and pets and can save you from buying a new ramp if you change vehicles.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports up to 150lbs | Expensive |
| It works with cars of all sizes and comes in multiple-step options | Heavy |
| Folds up to a compact size | |
| Steps instead of a ramp | |
| Can reach up to 40″ high (depending on size and number of steps) | |
| Made in the USA | |
| You can remove or purchase additional steps |
Price
- Starts from: $244.00
How To Pick A Dog Ramp For SUVs: 4 Criteria To Consider
Here are some things to consider when picking a car ramp for your pets.
- Safety First. Remember that a ramp for your dog is not only to ensure their safety getting into your car but also to keep you safe. Look for safety features such as an anti-slip surface, rubber feet or a safety tether, and a locking latch for transporting.
- Gripping Surface. One of the most essential safety considerations is to ensure the ramp has an anti-slip walking surface that your dog can grip.
- Measurements Matter. Measure the width and height of your vehicle’s access point beforehand so you purchase the proper size. The access point may be at the top of the bumper, the trunk floor, or the backseat floor. Dogs need a comfortable incline that’s sturdy for their weight.
- Ramp Weight. Consider the ramp’s weight. It’s ideal to have something lightweight that’s manageable to lift, but you don’t want to sacrifice quality, sturdiness, or durability. Know what you’re capable of lifting.
Tip: Watch Your Fingers
Some of these pet ramps are pretty heavy, and I’d hate for you to get your fingers caught or broken, so please be careful when using them.
4 Ways On How To Train Your Dog To Use A Ramp
- Training Takes Time. Don’t expect your dog to start using a ramp overnight. Training and patience are crucial to success, so go at your dog’s pace.
- Try It Out Flat At First. Start slowly by introducing your dog to the ramp on a flat surface. Have them sniff around it and walk on it without an incline.
- Build Up To A Small Incline. Once they have spent time on or around it, build up to a small step before moving it to your car.
- Use Positive Reinforcement. Use training treats, toys, and gestures to help reinforce positive behavior until your pup gets the hang of it.
Training Your Dog To Go Up A Car Ramp
This video by PetSafe walks you through the steps to help your dog learn to use the ramp into and out of your car, minivan, or SUV.
Now that you’ve trained Fido to use your car ramp, be sure to read more tips on traveling with dogs. Whether you have a small car, a huge pickup truck, or a minivan, traveling safely with your dog is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many readers still have questions about using a dog car ramp and which is best for them. If you don’t see your question below, let us know in the comments, and we’ll respond with an answer.
Why Do Dogs Need A Car Ramp?
Some dogs need a leg-up getting into a car. Common reasons include old age, injury, or being too short. Some owners might need to use a dog car ramp for the same reasons. Using a dog ramp can also prevent injury to the owners, especially large breed owners. Many pick their dogs up and end up injuring themselves because the dog is too heavy or they wail in their owner’s arms.
What Is The Best Dog Car Ramp?
The best dog car ramp depends on your needs. There are a range of factors to consider before purchasing one. The two most important factors to consider are your vehicle’s height and your dog’s weight. If you have a small car, you only need a shorter option. However, if you have an SUV or minivan, you might need a longer option for your taller vehicle. My number one choice for the best dog car ramp is the PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Dog Car Ramp 62 inches, but others might suit your needs better.
Additional Dog Gear For Your Vehicle
If your dog’s mobility is limited by injury, arthritis, or old age, a dog sling or lift harness might be beneficial to add stability and reduce pain when getting into your vehicle. Prevent Fido from ending up in your lap rather than staying safely in your vehicle’s cargo space with a dog car barrier. A dog seatbelt can also prevent this and keep them safe during transport. You can also get dog seat covers, which can help protect your vehicle from muddy paws and excessive dog hair from shedding.
Have you used any of these dog car ramps? Perhaps you use another option you think I should consider adding to this list? We love to hear from our readers, so please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a dog mom to two rescue pups, Bonkers and Chips. As a professional dog walker and sitter, she has used dog car ramps for her clients with mobility issues and knows they can make a massive difference for some owners and their pets. Emma spends hours researching the best products, training techniques, and health-related issues to help her clients and two best buddies stay healthy and happy. She works with a dedicated team to ensure that Canine Journal is a reputable and reliable online source for all things dog.
