Confused about which dog ramp is perfect for your car? This helpful guide will cover everything you need to know from a detailed product description and specifications to all the pros and cons to consider. We will help you decide what type of ramp will fit your dog’s features as well as their ability to use their muscles and joints.
We will help you decide what type of ramp is designed for yourself, whether you can maneuver it with ease, store it well, and afford it. We will be showing you the best-rated dog ramps to choose from. Lastly, we will help you decide what type of ramp is developed for your style of the car by giving dimensions and providing the degree of angle for which is best for your dog. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about purchasing dog ramps!
Top 6 Best Dog Ramps for Cars
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1. Gen7Pets Natural Step Dog Ramp
[amazon box=”B00IAX85QU” description=” ” rating=”4.5″]
Last but not least, we have the Gen7Pets Natural Step Dog Ramp. This is still a great dog car ramp even though it is listed lastly. This ramp can hold a pet’s weight of up to 250 pounds.
It measures 72 inches in length, 16 inches in width, and 1.5 inches in height. Once fully opened, it can reach up to 32 inches in height. In addition, it will lock closed immediately so it is easy to store. The Gen7Pet ramp also has high-traction and is well-built for dogs.
A safe feature provided is a safety strap that clips to a recessed bar to help hold the ramp in place. Overall this is a reasonable ramp, but not our personal favorite!
Sample Customer Review… Bought this for a lab who has hurt her back twice jumping out of my CRV and for a collie who has a longer body than she does tall -so it’s awkward for her to jump in and out at that height. It does take a little coaxing at first to get dogs up and down this ramp, but the ramp is steady – not wobbly, easy to open and shut, even semi one-handed as I am using the other hand to keep the dogs from prematurely jumping before I get the ramp set up, and the turf keeps the dogs from slipping. My husband was skeptical that the dogs would use it, and although I still do have to hold their collar to get them up and down, I feel like I am saving their backs.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.
2. PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp
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Our 3rd best dog ramp for cars is the PetStep folding pet ramp. This dog ramp can hold more weight than the previous two mentioned, holding up to 500 pounds for the larger pets. It measures 70 inches in length, 17 inches in width, and 2.5 inches in height.
Similar to the first dog ramp mentioned, it has a bi-fold design to make it easy to store and fold. Additionally, the surface is made of rubber to increase traction for the dog so they do not slip. The bottom also provides rubber grips to prevent slippage as well. This dog ramp also is weather-resistant, which is great for people who live in snowy and rainy areas.
Furthermore, the ramp is easy to carry with cut-out handles intact. The ramp can be washed easily with soap and water. However, customers have complained of this ramp not being light enough to carry weighing up to 18.5 pounds, and not compact enough.
Sample Customer Review… This was the second pet ramp that I ordered. I had to send the first one back (SolveIt brand) because it was total garbage for the exact same price. All the other ramps besides this one were made with sandpaper that cut my dog’s paws and provided no traction for climbing. The PetSTEP is designed more intelligently, made of rubber with horizontal ridges that make it easy for your dog to climb and not slip. It also has guards on the sides and provides good width. My dog who just had knee surgery was having a hard time getting into my Toyota highlander, and this ramp has really helped her regain confidence about going for car rides. It also has a 5-year warranty and doesn’t look like it plans on giving out any time soon. I walked up to it (170 lbs) and it felt very stable. Overall, good product that your dog can use for a long time.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.
3. Pet Gear Stramp
[amazon box=”B006I8LLGK” description=” ” rating=”4.5″]
The Pet Gear Stramp is a great option for those who favor the ease of a ramp combined with the familiarity of stairs for their pets. Depending on the size of the dog or your intended use, you can also choose from a variety of options including a more gently sloped Stramp for smaller dogs or shorter heights, as well as the traditional Stramp’s helpful for vehicles.
Some features of this ramp include a carpet that can be removed and thrown in the washing machine for easy cleaning as well as an easy setup. It can work for pets ranging in sizes up to 150 pounds. However, the unit itself only weighs about 8.7 pounds.
Overall, this is a great option for a family that needs to take their pet on the go, and a pet who needs assistance comfortably getting into a vehicle.
Sample Customer Review… This product is easy to put together, yet very sturdy. I have a 12-year-old golden retriever and a bad back. It was exactly what we needed. I keep it at the foot of the bed, and it only took a couple of tiny treats for Bella to learn how to climb up. I also use it for her to get in the car. I simply set this ramp next to the side door and she climbs right in. I can stick it in the trunk and still have plenty of room for other things. Now, anytime I pick it up she gets all excited because she knows it means she’s getting a car ride. The pics show small dogs, but mine is 80lbs and it is more than strong enough for her.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.
4. Pine Dog Ramp Steps
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The Pine Dog Ramp Steps are made for dogs who need the option of using the ramp as either steps or a ramp. This two-in-one option is easily accessible for dogs who need to reach higher surfaces but may find it difficult due to conditions such as arthritis.
You can purchase this product with options of two or three steps, and the pine structure creates a reliable product for your pets. Also, if storage is a worry for you, the ramp steps easily fold up so that you can store it in small spaces such as under the bed.
Other features of the ramp include the ability to hold up to 130 pounds, an easy assembly, and soft carpeting covering for a comfortable feel on pet paws.
Sample Customer Review… Came fully assembled, double boxed, well packaged. Has a nice handle on the backside to help carry it & it sets up super easy. It’s very sturdy, even I walked up and down it, in stair form (to get my dog to follow me) and I’m a good 140 lbs. My dog is a 12 yr old red-nose boxer who’s about 65 lbs and didn’t want to walk up the ramp as a ramp, so the stair’s option is Great! I have wood floors & the legends are padded, so it doesn’t slide or scratch. Two thumbs up & well worth the money from what I can see.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.
5. Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp
[amazon box=”B000GIPWMM” description=” ” rating=”4.2″]
Our 2nd best option for dog ramps for cars is this Pet Gear ramp. With a tri-fold design, it is perfect for road trips and transporting, making it easy and efficient! The tri-fold ramp folds into a compactable size that can easily fit into your car.
It has a skid-resistant surface making it easy for pets to walk up so they do not slip whether it is wet or dry. The high-traction surface can also be removed for cleaning purposes.
At the bottom of the ramp, rubber grippers are put into place to support pets up to 200 pounds. It is measured to be 71” in length, 19.5” in width, and 4” in height. The Pet Gear Trifold ramp lands its place in 2nd because it is more expensive and slightly heavier than the 1st pick weighing about 25 pounds. This may be perfect for the side entry of a truck for larger dogs.
Sample Customer Review… For my 15-year-old dog, this is a lifesaver. I have a 2011 Ford Explorer and it sits perfectly in place and doesn’t scratch any surface. The ramp surface is heavily textured, but if your dog has trouble with it, just lay some old towels on top for better traction. I also lay a treat at the top of the ramp so she will willingly go up and into her kennel. It folds up easily, locks together with a hook, and I put it next to her kennel to have when we are at our destination. She had to have surgery and I needed a way to have her get in and out of the vehicle and not be handled and not put any stress on the incision area. Perfect. It is also wider and longer than some as steepness can be an issue depending on the vehicle height.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.
6. PetSafe Pet Ramp (Solvit Pet Ramp)
[amazon box=”B0016HNU12″ description=” ” rating=”4.2″]
Starting off with our number one recommendation, The PetSafe Solvit pet ramp can support up to 150 pounds and is very lightweight, which is great for transporting it. It has a bi-fold design making it easy to fold up and store easily.
It can reach up to 24 inches in height while providing sturdiness with four rubber feet to prevent any slips while loading your pet into your vehicle. With a high-traction surface, it will help your furry friend walk safely along with rails along the sides for extra protection.
Although, there were a few complaints on the surface not having enough traction for the paws of their pets. For your first time purchasing a dog ramp, this is overall one of the safest and easiest options for loading up your pet.
Sample Customer Review… If possible, we would give this folding Pet Ramp 10 stars for its quality and the professionalism of the sellers. We ordered it to hopefully make it easier and safer for our 15 yr old Blind/Diabetic Pom. The ramp was as advertised, very sturdy, easily folded to portability, and had nice foot treads but was just too large for our 9 lb Pom. Since she is recently blinded from diabetes, she did not feel secure in the larger space and would just shake when we tried to train her to use it. Had we known she would be blind was soon after her diagnosis, we would have ordered this sooner while she still had some sight to become familiar with it. We returned it to the seller and they made the return so easy and stress-free. We will definitely do business again with this seller.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.
Buying Guide: What to Consider Before Buying a Dog Ramp for a Car
Dog ramps are essential for some pets regardless if it is for the use of the owner or pet. Suffering from back pain or simply your dog not being able to jump up high? We can help you find the perfect dog ramp for your vehicle to prevent any injuries to yourself or your pets.
Dog ramps can help prevent your dog from tearing joints later in your dog’s life. Although this seems like an easy purchase to look for, it can be complicated to find the right dog ramp for your car and pet. We are here to help make this uncomplicated by informing you and keeping you updated on what you need to keep in mind when searching for your dog ramp for your car.
Materials
Ramps can be either plastic or metal and both can work depending on your dog size. Ramps made of sturdy plastic are great for durability and weatherproof. Plastic ramps are best for smaller dogs because although these ramps are durable, they tend to be less sturdy than metal ramps. Metal ramps are more heavy and sturdy. These ramps can be used for either small or large dogs and for more frequent use as well. Although, the metal is more susceptible to rusting in the rain.
Folding vs. Telescopic
Telescopic dog ramps are easy to set up right away. Just unlock it and the bottom slides out from the top part and it locks. All done! Folding dog ramps can fold into a tri-fold or bi-fold. The benefit of these is they are much easier to store away and can become compact.
A tri-fold dog ramp can be folded much more compact since you are folding it three different ways. These are great if you do not have much storage or if you will be storing the dog ramp in a more compacted car.
A bi-fold dog can be folded in one way, usually in half. Some are more compact than others, but they are still great dog ramps and can still fold up in compact spaces if you do the research and determine the dimensions of the ramp.
Weight
When looking for the perfect dog ramp for your car, weight is a beneficial factor for the individual carrying the ramp. There are all different shapes and sizes and ways to fold them up. It is important to look at the weight to see if you can realistically carry it or to see if the dog ramp can hold your pet’s weight as well.
The weight of the ramp is different from the weight capacity that it can hold. The weight of the ramp will help you determine if you can physically carry the dog ramp with your weight which helps you determine if it is good for your needs. If you travel a lot or transport dogs a lot, then a more lightweight dog ramp will be more beneficial to your needs. The weight capacity will help you determine if your pet will be able to be held up on the ramp.
The weight capacity is determined by the quality and the material that the dog ramps are made out of. If it is more durable, then the weight capacity will be higher. If it is made from less sturdy materials, the weight capacity will be lower. Always be sure to take the weight capacity into account to prevent injuries.
Safety
Although keeping your vehicle safe from your pet jumping up and scratching your seats or paint, it is also good to keep in mind the safety of yourself and your dog. Dog ramps help to avoid issues of joints and hips occurring in dogs. It also helps to avoid issues with your own joints and muscles.
When looking for the perfect dog ramp, it is important to consider the safety features of the dog ramps. An important safety feature to look out for is if there are safety rails in place on either side of the ramp. This could help prevent a dog from falling off.
Another thing to keep in mind is rubber grips on the bottom of the ramp to help prevent the ramp from slipping underneath from the ground. The traction on the surface of the ramp is important as well for the dog who will be using the ramp.
Traction
It is important to keep the surface of the ramp in mind when looking for one for your pet. Having a high-traction surface, otherwise known as a skid-resistant surface will help ensure your pet can walk safely on the ramp without slipping off.
Some dog ramps have a rougher surface or a rubber surface to help the dogs avoid slipping, especially if it is raining or snowing outside. There are also features to look out for on the bottom of the ramps. Sometimes, ramps will have rubber grips on the bottom to help avoid slipping from underneath.
Measurements
Be sure to measure from the ground to the opening of the vehicle. It will be different for every vehicle size so it is important to measure ahead of time. When searching for your perfect ramp, look at the dimensions to match what would fit your car perfectly.
Measure at an angle you think your pet would comfortably be able to walk up. To determine the incline your dog should walk up, you should determine the state of being of your dog.
For young and healthy dogs, a climber slope is okay, which is 26 degrees. For dogs getting older, a normal slope is adequate, which is about a 22-degree angle. And for dogs with bone or joint issues, an easy slope is sufficient, which is at about an 18-degree angle.
Conclusion
There are a lot of dog ramps out there for cars, beds, boats, couches, you name it! There is a reason for so many different types of dog ramps and that is because they are built for different types of dogs.
The best dog ramps for cars can range from all different sizes and shapes, ways to fold them, textures, safety features, and materials. It is important to do research to find the perfect ramp for your dog. We wouldn’t want the dog or owner to ever struggle about their dogs entering their vehicle with any harm. We hope this makes finding a dog ramp more manageable for anyone who is looking. Overall, all these options are great, it just depends on your dog and vehicle. Stop wasting your time and purchase one now!
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Written by Hannah Coates