Updated on Sep. 19, 2024
If your pet struggles to climb onto the bed, couch or into the car, a pet ramp is the perfect way to make these places more accessible for them.
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If you or your pet have a tendency to bump into things, you can reduce the chance of anyone getting hurt with a foam ramp. The Royal Ramps Pet Ramp is made from high-density foam that’s sturdy enough to help pets climb on and off the couch, but its cushioned surface will help prevent stubbed human toes. The ramp is 14 inches tall and can support up to 70 lbs., and it comes in a range of colors to match any decor.
“It’s just the right height for my couch and is lightweight, which is great,” writes one reviewer. “The only downside is that the fabric is a little slippery.”
The PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Pet Ramp is a great choice if your pet has trouble getting into your vehicle. The ramp is available in two sizes. The regular size can support up to 400 lbs. and reach heights of 30 inches, while the extra-large option can support up to 300 lbs. and reach up to 36 inches.
The telescoping design makes it easy to tuck into your car during trips, and it features a high-traction walking surface to prevent slips. Getting your dog in your car has never been easier.
“I have a German Shepherd weighing around 135 lbs. with bad hips, and he walks up this with no problem to get into the truck!” says one happy pet parent.
If you want a pet ramp that can be used in numerous places around your home, consider the Merry Products Collapsible Dog & Cat Ramp. This ramp adjusts to three heights, allowing you to use it for the sofa, bed and other surfaces. The whole unit collapses flat for easier storage. Plus, there’s fabric on the ramp for improved traction, and the unit has wheels for increased portability.
“The best part of the ramp is the ability to adjust the height so it’s not too steep, yet they can still access sofas and chairs,” explains one reviewer who owns several small dogs.
If your pet can manage stairs, the PetSafe CozyUp Folding Pet Steps are a more compact alternative to a ramp. These pet stairs are 20 inches tall and can support up to 150 pounds, making them a great option to help pets climb onto the couch or a low bed. The plastic stairs fold flat for easy storage and are extremely lightweight, making them easy to move around your home.
“Purchased for an elderly Golden Retriever,” writes one reviewer. “These steps are ideal for him, easy to set up [and] come with nonslip pads for the steps. They also come with small rubber pads for the bottom of the steps.” If you dog loves spending time on furniture then here are a few tips to build DIY dog stairs.
The Pet Gear Short Bi-Fold Carpeted Pet Ramp is the ideal pet furniture for helping dogs and cats climb up onto your sofa. It’s 42 inches long — best for climbing to heights 20 inches or lower — and can support up to 150 lbs. It has removable fabric along the ramp to give your pets more secure footing, as well as rubber foot grips. And the ramp folds in half when not in use.
“After trying many ramps, I have chosen this one for my senior cat,” explains one reviewer. “We use it to help him access the sofa and put it under the cushion (instead of on top of it as pictured) so that the incline is very gentle, and he has a small step at the top.”
You can help pets safely climb on and off your bed with the PetSafe CozyUp Bed Ramp. The wooden ramp is extremely durable and can support pets up to 120 lbs., but it takes up quite a bit of space at 70 inches long and 25 inches tall. The bed ramp has a ribbed carpet surface to give your pets secure footing, and there’s a “landing area” at the top to ensure they’re comfortable and confident while climbing on and off the bed.
“This product takes a pretty handy person to set it up, and if you’re not so technically inclined, it will likely be a 45–60 minute process,” notes one reviewer. “That said, this ramp is AWESOME! Beware that it is very long. It runs the whole length of my queen-sized bed, but compared to other ramps, this is why it’s so effective.”
Some pets might have trouble climbing steep ramps, and that’s where the Pet Gear Easy Pet Step comes in handy. The ramp is 10 inches tall with an incredibly gentle slope, giving pets a boost onto low surfaces. It can support up to 175 lbs. It has a carpeted surface for improved traction, as well as rubber grips to keep it in place.
“Got this for my beagle who is getting a little older and struggling with the bed/couch on and off,” explains one pet parent. “As you can see in the product photos, for a standard couch (and our bed), there’s still a little ‘jump’ to the top, which is just a short step for her medium legs.”
If you’re handy, you can also opt to build custom pet stairs for your furry friends. These wooden stairs take just a few hours to construct. Depending on what materials you already have, it will likely be cheaper than purchasing a similar model online.
To ensure that your pet is as safe and healthy as possible, here are some important factors to consider when shopping for pet ramps:
“Get a ramp that is sturdy enough for your pet’s weight,” says Woodnutt. This isn’t usually an issue for cats but can concern larger dog breeds. Trustworthy manufacturers list ramp weight capacity so you can easily check if it’s suitable for your pet. Ignoring these limits could lead to a collapsing ramp and cause injury to you and your pet.
Pet ramps are made of plastic, wood, metal and foam. Sturdier options like metal and wood last longer and provide better support but usually cost more. Cheaper choices like plastic and foam offer less support and durability, especially for heavier pets, as they can collapse under weight.
The surface material of the ramp is also important. “You should also ensure that it is not slippery and not too rough on your pet’s feet,” says Woodnutt. “Sandpaper strips can be great for grip but can hurt your pet’s paws, so rubber tracks are generally better.”
Your ramp should be tall enough to let your pet transition comfortably onto furniture and wide enough for safe use. Consider the space it will occupy, especially if you plan to store it between uses.
“Ramps can help older animals regain their independence and, for cats, are a great way to help them feel more comfortable and safe high up without risking more damage to their sore joints,” says Woodnutt. “They’re also very useful for older animals, who are very likely to have arthritis.”
A ramp can be life-changing for a pet struggling with mobility, making daily movements much more comfortable.
If space is a concern, look for collapsible ramps that can be stored easily. Foam ramps are more compressible, while some wooden or metal ramps may fold for compact storage.
Plastic, wood, and metal ramps typically need hand-cleaning, while foam ramps often come with machine-washable covers.
Camryn Rabideau is a writer specializing in home, smart technology and general lifestyle content. She holds a degree in fashion merchandising from the University of Rhode Island. A regular contributor to popular media sites such as Martha Stewart, Food52, InStyle, Taste of Home, USA Today, Reviewed.com, The Spruce, Elite Daily and The Everygirl, she is the ideal candidate to speak on home shopping topics, including dog ramps and other pet content.
We also consulted with Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, MRCVS, a vet with Petlearnia, on this article. After graduating from the University of Nottingham, Dr. Woodnutt worked in numerous companion animal practices in the UK before moving home to the Channel Islands, where she writes and works as a locum relief vet.
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.
Since pet ramps focus on comfort and independence, we began by studying the needs of housepets, particularly cats and dogs, and consulting veterinary experts on factors like ramp angles and construction. Once we understood these needs, we reviewed market options, determining materials, budget and size. By combining research, expert and consumer insights and consulting a seasoned expert, we created the final list, prioritizing trusted brands and products with positive reviews.
Ramps are generally better as they are easier on joints, especially for older or ailing cats.
Ramps are better for dogs, offering an easier climb for older or smaller pets.
The ideal angle is between 18-24 degrees. A gentler slope works best for older cats.
Ramps should have a gentle incline of 18-24 degrees to ensure ease of use, especially for smaller or older dogs.
