Dog Ramp or Steps for the Car? How to Choose
| Ramp | Steps | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | High boots and larger dogs | Lower heights such as a rear seat or a low boot |
| How the dog climbs | Walks up a slope | Lifts each paw to a new level |
| Space needed | Length to lay it out (a longer ramp is gentler) | A smaller footprint, but the steps must sit securely |
| Storage | Folds, but is long when open | Often bulkier to carry |
| Watch out for | Slippery surface, steep angle, narrow width | Steps that are too tall, too narrow or that wobble |
Start with the height, not the product
The deciding number is the height from the ground to the place your dog has to reach. Park on level ground, load the car as you normally would, and measure straight down from the boot lip or seat edge to the ground.
If you are not sure how, our measuring sheet walks through it, and the ramp angle calculator turns that height into a slope.
When steps make sense
Steps work best when the height is modest and your dog is happy to place their paws one at a time. They are common for sofas, beds and low rear seats.
Check that each step is low enough for your dog, deep enough for a whole paw, and has a surface that grips. Steps that move or wobble can put a dog off for good.
When a ramp makes sense
A boot lip is often higher than a dog should be asked to climb in steps, and for some dogs a ramp feels more natural because they simply walk up.
The trade-off is length. For the same height, a longer ramp gives a gentler slope, so a short ramp on a high boot can be steep. Our ramp length and angle guide has worked examples.
Foldable Non-Slip Dog RampA folding ramp to help a dog get into the car. View
What matters whichever you choose
- A non-slip surface your dog can grip with wet paws
- Raised edges on a ramp so a paw cannot slip off the side
- A width clearly wider than your dog
- A weight rating well above your dog's weight
- A secure position at the top, so it cannot slide as your dog steps on
If your dog is stiff, in pain or recovering from an operation, ask your vet before choosing either. Our guide to getting a dog with sore hips into the car covers the wider picture.
Where our ramp fits
Our folding dog ramp is 155cm long when open, has a non-slip surface and raised sides, and is rated for dogs up to 90kg. It folds in half and has a carrying handle. It is a ramp, not steps, so it suits a car boot better than a low sofa.
Shop the Foldable Non-Slip Dog Ramp
A folding ramp to help a dog get into the car.
View the product — £59.99Related guides
Helping a Dog with Hip Dysplasia In and Out of the Car
How to help a dog with hip dysplasia in and out of the car without jumping: ramps, steps, lifting compared, training steps and mistakes to avoid.
8 Signs Your Dog Needs Steps or a Ramp (And Which to Choose)
Eight early signs your dog may need pet steps or a ramp, how to tell them apart from normal ageing, and how to choose between steps and a ramp.
How to Get an Old Dog to Use a Ramp: A Gentle Training Plan
A calm, step-by-step way to introduce a ramp to an older or nervous dog, with what to do when they refuse and when to ask your vet.
How High Should a Raised Dog Bowl Be? Measuring Guide
How to pick the right height for a raised dog bowl: measure your dog, what the elbow-height rule means, and why a vet check comes first.