Dogs
Dog car steps
Every journey, together.
7 items picked for everyday life with your pet, with shipping estimates on every item.
Safe and settled on the move.All dogs car & travel →Dog travel water bottles →Dog backpack carriers →Dog seat belts & car harnesses →Dog bike trailers →Dog car seat covers →Dog strollers →Dog car beds →Dog carriers →Travel dog bowls →Dog booster seats →Dog ramps for car →Dog hiking backpacks →
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All dog car steps
Little essentials. Lots of love.
A little guidance
Help choosing dog car steps
Buying guides and care advice written for this range: what to measure, what matters and what to skip.
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This page narrows our dog stairs down to the ones built for vehicles: folding dog stairs for cars, trucks and SUVs, four-step extra-wide foldable stairs, five-step aluminum folding steps, wooden folding stairs, and portable foldable ramps for medium and large dogs. It is for dogs who can no longer jump into the back seat or cargo area, and owners who would rather not lift a heavy dog.
Why use stairs for the car
Jumping into an SUV cargo area or a pickup cab is a big leap, and jumping out onto pavement is harder still on the front legs and shoulders. The AKC lists large breeds getting into cars among the dogs that benefit from stairs or a ramp, along with seniors, arthritic dogs, puppies and dogs recovering from injury or surgery.
Stairs also save your back. Lifting a 70 lb dog into a vehicle several times a week is a common way for owners to get hurt.
Stairs or a ramp
Stairs suit dogs with good balance who are comfortable with steps; they take up less space at the door and many dogs find them more natural. The AKC notes that ramps fold down smaller and weigh less, which suits car use, and can start at a gentle incline, which helps nervous dogs and those with sore joints.
Some products here fold between a ramp and stairs. If your dog has back problems, a ramp is often easier; ask your vet which suits your dog.
Choosing the right height
Measure from the ground to the edge of the seat, cargo floor or truck cab where your dog gets in. The top step should meet that edge closely, so your dog steps across rather than up. Cars usually need fewer steps; SUVs and trucks need four or five.
Check that the stairs hook or rest securely on the bumper, door sill or cargo edge without slipping, and that the base sits firmly on the ground.
Width, grip and weight rating
The AKC advises checking width, a non-slip surface and a weight rating that suits your dog. Extra-wide steps give large dogs room for all four feet and reduce the chance of slipping off the side. Grippy treads matter on wet days.
Aluminum folding stairs are light to carry and resist rust; wooden folding stairs are sturdy but heavier. Choose a model you can lift and fold easily, or you will stop using it.
Training your dog
Practice at home first, with the stairs flat on the ground or against a low step, and lure your dog up with treats. The AKC recommends keeping sessions short, placing equipment with a barrier on at least one side, and never pulling, pushing or punishing.
Then practice at the car with the engine off. Go up and down slowly, rewarding each step. Keep a hand on your dog's harness for balance in the early days.
Health and safety
Once inside, restrain your dog with a seat belt harness, crate or tether so they ride safely. Never leave a dog in a parked car.
A dog that suddenly refuses to jump into the car, hesitates on steps or seems stiff afterwards may be in pain, and a vet check is worthwhile. Weakness or wobbliness in the back legs needs a vet visit promptly.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Are dog stairs or a ramp better for an SUV?
Stairs suit confident dogs with good balance; ramps suit nervous or arthritic dogs and fold smaller. Ask your vet if your dog has back problems.
How many steps do I need for my car?
Measure from the ground to the entry point. Cars often need two or three steps; SUVs and trucks need four or five.
What weight can dog car stairs hold?
It varies by model. Check the weight rating and choose one well above your dog's weight.
How do I teach my dog to use car stairs?
Practice at home with treats, then at the car with the engine off, one step at a time. Never push or pull.
Do car stairs fold for storage?
Yes, all the stairs here fold so they fit in the trunk or cargo area.