Dogs
Dog ramps for car
Every journey, together.
15 items picked for everyday life with your pet, with shipping estimates on every item.
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All dog ramps for car
Little essentials. Lots of love.
A little guidance
Help choosing dog ramps for car
Buying guides and care advice written for this range: what to measure, what matters and what to skip.
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These are ramps and steps for getting a dog into a vehicle: tri-fold and bi-fold car ramps from about 60 to 75 inches long, extra-wide ramps, and folding 4 and 5-step dog stairs for SUVs, trucks and cars. They are for owners of large dogs that are too heavy to lift, senior and arthritic dogs, and dogs recovering from injury that should not be jumping in and out of the back.
Which dogs need a car ramp
The American Kennel Club names arthritic dogs, breeds prone to back problems, puppies, injured and recovering dogs, and large breeds as dogs that benefit from a ramp or stairs, and points out that it also protects owners from lifting injuries. Jumping down from a high SUV or truck tailgate jars the joints more than jumping up.
If your dog has started hesitating at the car, struggling to jump or yelping on the way down, a ramp is worth trying, and so is a check with your vet to find out why.
Ramp or stairs?
The American Kennel Club notes that ramps are usually lighter and better for cars, and gentler on sore joints, while stairs suit dogs that are confident with steps. Ramps fold into a compact shape for the trunk; car stairs are steadier underfoot but bulkier.
For a dog with arthritis or a spinal problem, a ramp at a shallow angle is usually kinder. For a fit dog that just needs a step up into a high truck, folding stairs can be quicker to set up.
Length, angle and width
The higher the vehicle, the longer the ramp needs to be for a comfortable angle. Measure from the ground to the floor of the cargo area or the back seat. Cars and low SUVs work with shorter ramps; trucks and tall SUVs need the long ones in this range, around 70 inches or more, to keep the slope gentle.
The American Kennel Club advises a non-slip surface, a width that comfortably fits your dog, and checking the weight limit, especially for giant breeds. Extra-wide ramps suit big dogs and nervous ones that feel safer with room either side.
Teaching your dog to use the ramp
Start with the ramp flat on the ground so your dog can walk along it like a board. Lure it with treats, then raise one end a little at a time. The American Kennel Club advises starting at a low angle, rewarding each step and never pushing, pulling or punishing a reluctant dog.
Once your dog walks it confidently at home, try the car on a level surface with the ramp hooked securely onto the bumper or sill. Steady your dog with a harness handle the first few times, and practice coming down as well as going up.
Safety and storage
Make sure the ramp's top lip sits fully on the vehicle and the feet sit on firm ground before your dog steps on. Wet or icy surfaces reduce grip, so wipe the ramp and check the treads in bad weather.
Fold and stow the ramp securely in the vehicle so it cannot slide in a sudden stop. This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
What length dog ramp do I need for an SUV?
Measure from the ground to the cargo floor. Most SUVs need a ramp of around 60 to 70 inches for a comfortable angle, and tall trucks need 70 inches or more.
Is a ramp or stairs better for an old dog?
For dogs with arthritis or back problems, a ramp at a gentle angle is usually easier on the joints. Stairs suit dogs that are confident and steady on steps.
How do I train my dog to use a car ramp?
Lay it flat on the ground first and reward your dog for walking across. Raise it gradually, then move to the car, using treats and never forcing your dog.
How much weight can a dog car ramp hold?
It varies by model, so check the stated limit and choose one comfortably above your dog's weight. Wide, long ramps generally suit larger dogs. Wider ramps also feel steadier to nervous dogs.