It’s no secret that pet owners love their dogs. But, with that being said, it also means they are willing to give them the best of everything – including dog steps! If you’re looking for the best dog steps for your car in 2021 and want to know what would make the best choice, take a look at our top eight picks.
All of these dog steps are made with your pet’s safety and comfort in mind, so you can be sure that they’ll love using them just as much as you love having them around.
If you have a large dog and are looking for the best way to get them into your car, you may be wondering about Dog Steps for Car. There are a few different types of steps on the market, and each has its benefits. The best option for your pet will depend on their size, age, and abilities. But what is the best one for your pet in 2021?
When you look at the options, dog car steps can be a great way to help your dog into your car. The following guide will offer some guidelines on what to consider when looking for the best dog steps for a car. The recommendations will also include a comparison of our top picks. By knowing more about these products, it will be easier to get your furry friend into the car with as little pain as possible.
In a rush? Here are the top picks!
Why do I need a Dog Step or Ramp?
If you have a large dog, they may not be able to jump into the car on their own, and also, if they are old and can’t jump so well, this is an option for them. So there’s nothing worse than having to lift your dog into the car because they don’t have the proper steps to get in.
Furthermore, if you are looking for something easy to store when not in use, many of these models can be compacted to fit under a bed, car trunk, or in a closet efficiently; this will ensure it doesn’t take up much room when not in use.
What types of dog steps for cars are there?
There are a few different types of steps on the market, and each has its own benefits. The best option for your pet will depend on their size, age, and abilities. For instance, if you have a big dog that may need some help getting into the car, you will want a model with a longer ramp. If your puppy can jump up into the vehicle on his own, then you may only need a small set of steps.
Here are the three main types of dog steps:
Folding Dog Ramp
This is an excellent option for larger dogs that may have difficulty getting into the car. The ramp is typically made of heavy-duty materials and features a non-slip surface to ensure your pet’s safety. For example, the dog ramp for cars can be easily folded for storage when not in use.
Telescoping Dog Ramp
This type of ramp is also great for larger dogs, as it can extend up to 62 inches. It is typically made of aluminum, which makes it ultra-lightweight. This can be helpful when you need to lift the ramp into and out of your car.
Carpeted Dog Steps
This option may be best for smaller dogs that can jump in and out of the car independently. The steps are typically made of carpet, which gives your puppy a comfortable surface to stand on. These car dog steps are also lightweight and easy to move around.
- Pros
- Crafted with durable aluminum
- Able to customize the length of the ramp from 47-87 inches for vehicles with steeper inclines.
- Can support up to 300 lbs.
- Features a carrying handle
- Stable & secure
- Features a built-in latch
- Rubber feet for traction
- Cons
- One of the best ramps on the market, but it doesn't have 90 degree angle steps
The PetSafe Happy Ride Extra Long Telescoping Puppy Ramp and the Grip-n-Grab Portable Dog Ramp are accessible for your pet to use and are sturdy and safe. This ramp measures 47-87 in length by 20 in width by 4 in height.
This product features a telescoping ramp to help your puppy get in and out of trucks, cars, minivans, or SUV all by themselves. The longer length and extra wide telescoping ramp allow you to help your pet get in and out of vehicles with steeper inclines and decreases the amount of bending you have to do.
The Happy Ride Extra Long Ramp is also very lightweight, weighing only 18 pounds, so it is easy for anyone to carry and use. This ramp has a high-traction surface to keep your pet safe while using it and folds up fast for storage when not in use.
Features
- Over 3,900 positive reviews
- Weighing 18 pounds
- Safety tested & durable
- High-traction surface and side rails
- Simple to store
- Extra-long telescoping dog ramp
- Pros
- Free standing ramp
- Reflective ramps provide extra safety
- Ideal for pets up to 200-lbs
- Built-in handle and easy fold
- Crafted with supertax x mat
- Safety tether included
- Crafted with pressure-activated grip for paws to sink in.
- Cons
- There's usually a small gap between the ramp and car since it's free standing
The Pet Gear Free Standing Ramp is an excellent choice for those looking for an easy-to-use, no assembly required option. This ramp is made of plastic and folds up easily for storage when not in use.
It can hold puppies up to 200 pounds and is available in a chocolate color to match your home décor. We like this dog car ramp because it’s good value for the price and is very lightweight and easy to move around. It also comes in 4 sizes for all dog breeds and supports itself. You don’t have to rest it on a vehicle or any piece of furniture. If you’re wondering on how to use a dog car ramp please see video below from Pet Gear.
Features
- Over 2,000 positive reviews
- Patented free-standing design
- It easily folds for compact storage and portability.
- Raised edges help prevent slipping off the side
- Pros
- Crafted with heavy-duty solid plastic
- Weighing in at 9.9 lbs.
- Polished sleekly and smoothly
- Features raised sides for optimal pet safety
- Formulated with 4 rubber feet for stability
- High traction surface that dogs feel safe on
- Cons
- Might not work for large cars like trucks or SUVs
The Alpha Paw Car Ramp is a wonderful choice for those looking for a very durable, heavy-duty ramp option. This ramp is made from aluminum and polypropylene. The large size allows larger dogs to quickly get into your car or truck and make it easy for them to get out. We like this dog car ramp because it is also foldable and easy for long-time storage when not in use.
Features
- Durable,
- Ultra-wide aluminum ramp with the textured truck bed surface
- Compact & lightweight
- Portable design that is perfect for home or travel
- Designed specifically for SUVs, trucks, and cars with a wide variety of different angles
- Pros
- Easy storage
- Lightweight at 5.75lbs
- 24 / 7 support team
- Crafted to prevent the stress to their muscles and joints caused by jumping and landing.
- Suitable for SUV, truck, RV, or boat
- Cons
- Won't work for large cars
This supports up to 300 pounds. The patented, one-hand, open & close design makes it easy to use and prevents stress to a puppy’s muscles and joints caused by jumping and landing.
This product is an ideal choice for those looking for a lightweight, portable option with a very durable design. The one-handed open and close design makes it easy to use, and the folding feature means it can be easily stored when not in use.
We like this brand because the pet stairs are designed to be convenient to carry and weigh just 5.75 lbs., and are also only 1.5 inches thick when folded!
Features
- Designed to support up to 300lbs
- Sturdy design
- Patented, easy folding, & portable pet step
- Affordable
- Over 1,000 positive reviews
- The one-hand open & close, slim design
- Pros
- Plastic board-no sagging
- Crafted with a quick-connect carabiner for securing the stairs
- Easy to use and carry
- It can withstand the weight of small, medium, and large dogs
- Crafted as a folding pet stair that supports up to 150 lbs.
- Cons
- The steps don't have a ton of grip
The Heeyoo Upgraded Nonslip Car Dog Steps is a lightweight, black metal frame dog stair option perfect for high beds, trucks, cars, and SUVs. This product can support up to 150 pounds and easily fold up for storage when not in use.
The wide steps make it easy for your puppy to walk up and down, and the non-slip design helps keep your pet safe. We like this product because it is very versatile and features a very durable design. So before ordering, make sure that your car door clearance is more significant than 19.6.
Features
- Over 1,000 positive reviews
- Weighs 10 pounds
- Affordable & durable
- Anti-skid rubber feet
- Pros
- High-traction surface and side rails
- The ramp easily folds in half and locks with the safety latch
- Made in the US
- Supports up to 150 lbs.
- U.S.-based experts available for 24/7 customer service
- Global brand
- Crafted with 4 rubber feet for non-slip safety measures when loading pets
- Helps protect your dog's joints
- Cons
- None, we like the PetSafe brand
If you’re looking for the best dog steps for a car in 2021, we recommend the PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Pet Ramp. This durable ramp is made of lightweight materials and folds up for easy transport, making it perfect for taking your pet on road trips and camping adventures. This best-selling pet ramp measures 62 inches L X 16-inch W X 4-inch H.
The high traction surface ensures your pet’s safety, while the side rails keep them steady as they climb into your car or truck. This ramp also includes an integrated handle for easy carrying and rubber over-molded feet that grip the floor to prevent sliding, eliminating the risk of injury to you, your pet, and your vehicle.
The PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Pet Ramp is one of the best dog steps for the car in 2021 because of its durable construction and easy transportability. So if you’re looking for a safe, reliable way to get your pet into your vehicle, this ramp is the perfect solution. Order yours today!
Features
- Affordable
- Raised rails for optimal security
- Over 8,300 positive reviews
- Safety tested & durable
- Lightweight at 10 lbs.
- Pros
- A non-slip surface that's covered with anti-slip sandpaper
- Max weight 200lbs- works for large & giant-sized dog breeds
- Features rubber grippers, keeping the ramp stable
- Crafted with premium material, lightweight, strong and sturdy
- Raised sides, providing extra safety
- Portable handle design
- Made to lock when stored securely.
- Cons
- Not much grip on the ramp
The Coziwow 62-inch is a popular and highly rated dog ramp on the market that works for trucks, SUVs, and cars and can support pets up to 200 lbs. This dog ramp features a non-slip design that makes it extra safe for your pet, as well as textured surface grips that can prevent trips and falls.
We like the Coziwow for its durable construction and easy portability – it can be folded up for easy transport and storage. This product features over 1,000 positive reviews. With this ramp, you should not set it too high. It is better to set it at a flatter angle; otherwise, the incline angle will be too high, and it may cause your puppy to slip.
Features
- High-traction surface gives pets sure footing
- Affordable & durable
- Over 1,000 positive reviews
- Easy to fold
- Crafted from high-quality plastic
- Heavy-duty pet folding ramp for car and trucks
- Pros
- Made with premium reinforced plastic material.
- Safety guard rails for pet safety when loading into cars
- Convenient & transportable
- Features non-slip feet
- Crafted with thick grass turf that claws, paws for optimal grip
- Features a strong connecting hinge for optimal weight support
- Cons
- Grass adds grip, but is quite unnecessary
If your puppy dislikes traditional car ramps, this may work for him because of the durable grass turf look and feel. For example, the Downtown Pet Supply Dog Foldable Pet Stairs or Ramp is an excellent option for those looking for the best dog steps for the car. This product can be used by small and large dogs and is designed to fit most trucks and SUVs.
It is made of durable grass turf and has a rubber grip to keep your pet safe. The product is foldable and can be stored away easily. It comes with a carry bag so you can take it anywhere. We like these car steps for dogs because they are easy to set up and store and are very safe.
Features
- Affordable
- Load capacity at 150 lbs.
- Easily portable
- 2 traction options
- Crafted with safety bumpers to secure ramp onto the car
What should I consider when choosing dog steps for a car?
When looking for the right steps for your pet, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind:
Size
Make sure to choose a set of steps that are big enough for your dog. If the steps are too small, they may not use them comfortably.
Weight Capacity
Each set of steps will have a weight capacity, so be sure to choose one that can support your pet’s weight. If your dog is older or has difficulty jumping, then you will want to choose a model with a ramp. The ramp will help them get into the car without any problems.
Material
These ramps are typically made of plastic or metal and can be folded up for easy storage. They are also lightweight, making them easy for you to carry. The ramp makes it easier for your pet to get into and out of the car but can be tricky if they are scared of heights.
Another type is a wooden step commonly made from wood or covered in carpeting. These steps typically sit next to the door and lift when you lift to the store. Another type of step is made out of fabric. This type is covered in a material that makes it easy for your pet to get in and out of your car. The step also has a non-slip surface to keep your pet from slipping.
Measuring Your Puppy
The key takeaway here is to measure your dog before purchasing a car ramp, because each product has different weight limits. Remember also to consider your vehicle’s angle. If it is not level, you may need to purchase a ramp that can accommodate that angle.
With any product, please be sure to read reviews on Amazon so you know what works for others before purchasing, as well as what doesn’t.
Whichever type of car pet step you choose, make sure that it is easy for your pet to use. You also want to ensure that the dog step is sturdy and will not move when your pet uses it. Safety is essential when it comes to your puppy’s well-being. Choose a step that will keep your pet safe and comfortable while in your car.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Steps for Cars
How do I know if my dog needs stairs or a ramp for my car?
You should consider getting your pup stairs or a ramp if they have difficulty jumping into the car, are elderly, or disabled.
What is the weight capacity for these products?
All of the ramps and steps we looked at have a weight capacity between 150 and 200 pounds.
How do I know how much space I need to accommodate these items?
Each product has a different weight capacity, so be sure to check the specifications before making your purchase.
How easy are these products to fold up and store?
All of the products reviewed here are easy to fold up and store when not in use. This is especially important for ramps, as they can be cumbersome to move around.
Are dog ramps or steps better?
Smaller breeds may prefer the steps better, whereas senior breeds and dogs with joint issues do well with ramps. For example, we Love Doodles explains that there are many different sizes of ramps for all dog breeds and that the best option will depend on your dog’s size, age, and abilities.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) explains that stairs are a good choice for dogs with the agility and balance to use household stairs, adding that stairs take up less floor space and are easily portable.
Are dog steps good?
Yes, dog steps help your dog get into a car if he’s unable to jump up. There’s nothing worse than lifting your dog into a car to get him to the vet or dog park. Dog steps and ramps can also be used inside homes to help your dog get up onto a bed or couch. Disabled pets benefit immensely from both.
Some dog steps may have a larger weight capacity for larger breeds. You should always check the weight capacity of the dog steps or ramp before purchasing them. The AKC explains that if your dog is having issues with stairs at home or if he’s unused to climbing stairs at home, then you should consider a ramp.
Are foam steps suitable for dogs?
Foam steps for dogs help disabled dogs get to their favorite spots in the home. They accommodate senior dogs suffering from joint issues who cannot jump or move around quickly.
How do I make my dog step in the car?
Please watch the video below to make your dog step into the car using steps. It’s quite easy once you train your dog to use dog steps to easily get in and out of the car.
Video credit: Robert Cabral
How tall should dog steps be?
Broader and deeper steps work well for larger dog breeds up to 200 lbs. Look for ones with rubber grippers on the bottom to prevent the steps from moving. Then, measure your dog’s leg length and add 2 inches to get an approximate idea of the correct size.
Read the dog steps reviews from We Love Doodles to get a good idea of which dog steps may work best for your pet. The steps crafted with a pressure-activated grip for paws to sink in help pets feel more secure when using the steps.
How deep should dog steps be?
The ones that work the best are dog steps with a depth of between 10-12 inches. The depth should help allow for a more secure feel when your dog uses the steps.
All dog steps and ramps should feature an anti-skid surface to prevent accidents. The material should allow your dog’s paws to sink in and grip the material so that he doesn’t slip off sideways.
Is a ramp or stairs better for small dogs?
Stairs are better for small breeds because they’re more compact, and little dogs can jump from step to step. Ramps are also workable for small breeds and are sturdy, and easy to use if you’re a multi-pet household.
The pet ramp is easy to maneuver and works for dogs of different sizes and mobility levels. As usual, reach out to your veterinarian to learn more about what will work best for your dog.
What size dog steps do I need?
The easiest way to do this is by looking at the We Love Doodle dog step product reviews and instructions to learn more about the weight capacity. You should also consider the following before purchasing dog steps or a dog ramp:
- Rise and height of each step
- Opt for steps that are between 10-12 inches.
- Peruse through the We Love Doodles dog steps and dog ramp buying guides
- Dog’s steps should feature 4 or 5 steps (step count and size matter)
- Opt for four smaller steps for tiny breeds instead of 2 high steps, which would work for larger breeds.
Conclusion for the Best Dog Steps for Cars
Dog stairs for cars, trucks, and SUVs are used in homes with older dogs, young puppies that are not 100% steady on their paws, senior dogs, or disabled pets. Some owners have one pet for whom they supply stairs and another too small to need steps.
Step sizes for cars are an essential factor to consider, especially for large dogs. Some of these are more like a ramp and are wider at the base to make it easier for dogs to navigate.
Whichever set of stairs or ramp you decide is best for your dog for an outdoor adventure, make sure they are comfortable with it before taking them on a car ride.
You also want to ensure the steps or ramp are sturdy and can hold your pet’s weight. With these considerations in mind, your dog can safely and comfortably ride in the car with you.
When looking for the best dog steps for a car, you will want to consider your pet’s size, age and abilities, and the weight capacity of the steps.
Video from Pet Gear on how to use dog car steps:
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Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
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At We Love Doodles, we’re a team of writers, veterinarians, and puppy trainers that love dogs. Our team of qualified experts researches and provides reliable information on a wide range of dog topics. Our reviews are based on customer feedback, hands-on testing, and in-depth analysis. We are fully transparent and honest to our community of dog owners and future owners.