Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Nia Perkins

Veterinarian, DVM

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Nia Perkins

Veterinarian, DVM

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

As our dogs get older, they often begin to suffer from muscle and joint issues, making it a challenge for them to get around. This can cause concern, when they need to climb stairs, get up and down from high pieces of furniture or in and out of the car. Your dog may have trouble jumping like they used to or simply be scared to try. Plus, jumping up and down could cause them possible injury if you’re not careful.

That’s where dog ramps come in. Dog ramps make it easier for our four-legged pals to get where they need to go. However, there are a plethora of them available, and some may not be best suited for older dogs. That’s why reviews are a fabulous place to look for more information on whether a ramp is suitable for your pet or not. To help you find the best possible ramp for your favorite pup, we’ve taken a look at the 10 best dog ramps for older dogs.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023

Image Product Details

Best Overall

PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Car Ramp

Lightweight & compact

Holds up to 300 lbs

Non-slip & non-skid

Check Price

Best Value

Pet Gear Cat & Dog Stairs & Ramp

Easy to put together

Can move from room to room

Check Price

Premium Choice

PetSafe CozyUp Wooden Cat & Dog Ramp

25 inches of height

Stylish

Wooden base for durability

Check Price

PetSTEP Folding Pet Ramp

Rubber grips to prevent slipping

Lightweight for travel

Holds up to 500 lbs

Check Price

Pet Gear Free-Standing Extra Wide Carpeted Dog Car Ramp

Extra-wide

Raised edges

Holds up to 300 lbs

Check Price

The 10 Best Dog Ramps For Older Dogs

If you’re looking for a car ramp for your older dog, get them the best overall ramp with the PetSafe Happy Ride Ramp! Perfect for pups dealing with arthritis, this ramp eliminates the need for any stairs or jumping and allows your dog to get into the car safely. No matter how high or low your vehicle is, this ramp will adjust with its telescoping design. You won’t have to worry about a lack of stability since the safety latch will keep it sturdy and in place. The non-slip tread will keep your pet from sliding around.

Though this ramp is lightweight enough for you to move and store in the trunk, it can hold up to nearly 300 pounds. So no matter what size your pet is, it should be a great fit.

Pros

Lightweight & compact

Holds up to 300 lbs

Non-slip & non-skid

Cons

Some complaints of surface being too rough on dogs’ paws

Some found it too steep for small dogs

For us, the best ramp for the money is this one by Pet Gear. This shorter ramp is great for dogs who are having difficulty jumping up onto sofas and beds. The carpet tread is soft on your dog’s paws and can be removed and thrown into the wash when it gets dirty. Heavy-duty plastic supports your pup’s weight, while rubber grips keep this ramp from sliding all over the place. Plus, it’s lightweight, so it can be easily moved from room to room whenever needed.

Lightweight & compact

Holds up to 300 lbs

Non-slip & non-skid

  • Lightweight & compact
  • Holds up to 300 lbs
  • Non-slip & non-skid

Some complaints of surface being too rough on dogs’ paws

Some found it too steep for small dogs

  • Some complaints of surface being too rough on dogs’ paws
  • Some found it too steep for small dogs

Bonus – this ramp is simple to put together; just lay out the pieces, then snap them together!

Pros

Best value

Easy to put together

Can move from room to room

Cons

Some heavy chewers were able to make a dent in the plastic

Occasional complaints that ramp is too steep

Sometimes getting your older dog a more premium product is the way to go, and our choice for that is the PetSafe CozyUp ramp. Made from wood for durability and featuring a stylish finish that will fit any home, this ramp gives your older dog the ability to get up and down from your bed and other high places with ease. Heavy-duty carpet is used on the ramp to provide traction, so pups aren’t at risk of sliding off.

Best value

Easy to put together

Can move from room to room

  • Best value
  • Easy to put together
  • Can move from room to room

Some heavy chewers were able to make a dent in the plastic

Occasional complaints that ramp is too steep

  • Some heavy chewers were able to make a dent in the plastic
  • Occasional complaints that ramp is too steep

With a 25-inch height, this ramp can cover getting up and down to many higher pieces of furniture and is able to hold up to 120 pounds.

Pros

25 inches of height

Stylish

Wooden base for durability

Cons

Some pet owners found the ramp too steep

Occasional complaint that the carpeting was slippery

The PetSTEP Folding ramp enables your dog to travel with you wherever you go. Though it’s lightweight enough to carry around, this ramp is strong enough to hold up to 500 pounds! Fiberglass and plastic create durability, while rubber provides traction when your dog walks up and down. Non-slip rubber grips cover each end of the ramp to prevent it from slipping off your vehicle or on the ground.

25 inches of height

Stylish

Wooden base for durability

  • 25 inches of height
  • Stylish
  • Wooden base for durability

Some pet owners found the ramp too steep

Occasional complaint that the carpeting was slippery

  • Some pet owners found the ramp too steep
  • Occasional complaint that the carpeting was slippery

Recommended for heights 32-inches and below, you can also use this durable ramp to help your pup get up and down from beds, decks, boats, and more!

Pros

Rubber grips to prevent slipping

Lightweight for travel

Holds up to 500 lbs

Cons

Some found the ramp too bulky to wield

May not be suitable for vehicles other than SUVs and trucks

  1. Pet Gear Free-Standing Extra Wide Carpeted Dog Car Ramp Check Latest Price

Dimensions 55 x 19.25 x 23 in

Weight 19 lbs

Material Plastic

Features Foldable, non-skid, non-slip tread

Pet Weight Up to 300 lbs

This extra-wide ramp is designed for car use but can also be used indoors as a furniture ramp. Larger dogs will do well with this one because of that extra width and the fact that the Pet Gear Free-Standing ramp holds up to 300 pounds. This ramp adds extra stability with slightly raised edges to prevent dogs from slipping off the side. It also has an anti-slip surface and a support panel.

Rubber grips to prevent slipping

Lightweight for travel

Holds up to 500 lbs

  • Rubber grips to prevent slipping
  • Lightweight for travel
  • Holds up to 500 lbs

Some found the ramp too bulky to wield

May not be suitable for vehicles other than SUVs and trucks

  • Some found the ramp too bulky to wield
  • May not be suitable for vehicles other than SUVs and trucks

Though highly durable and stable, this ramp is simple to store or carry in your vehicle. Just fold it, and off you go! It’s also easy to clean – you can use a lint roller or the handheld part of a vacuum to get rid of fur or remove the treads for washing.

Pros

Extra-wide

Raised edges

Holds up to 300 lbs

Cons

Smaller dogs may have trouble with the incline

Takes up quite a bit of room in the car

This dog ramp has three different heights you can work with to get your dog where they need to be. The wooden frame provides stability, as do the rubber grips that ensure it stays where it needs to without slipping. Fabric covers the structure providing traction, so pups don’t fall, as well as comfort. We want to note that this ramp is just for smaller dogs, as it will only hold up to 50 pounds.

Extra-wide

Raised edges

Holds up to 300 lbs

  • Extra-wide
  • Raised edges
  • Holds up to 300 lbs

Smaller dogs may have trouble with the incline

Takes up quite a bit of room in the car

  • Smaller dogs may have trouble with the incline
  • Takes up quite a bit of room in the car

This lightweight ramp is easy to move and store. Wheels on the arms make moving it from room to room a breeze, and when you’re finished with it, you can fold it and slide it under the bed or into a closet.

Pros

Three different height settings

Easy to move from room to room

Simple to store

Cons

Only for smaller dogs

Some ramps broke in a month or less

A few dogs found the ramp too slippery

  1. Pet Gear Reflective Extra Wide Foldable Dog Car Ramp Check Latest Price

Dimensions 71 x 19.5 x 4 in

Weight 26 lbs

Material Plastic

Features Foldable, non-skid, non-slip tread

Pet Weight Up to 200 lbs

Not only is this ramp extra-wide for more stability, but it also has rubber grips that help hold it in place. Plus, this ramp has a reflective surface, making it easier to see for dogs suffering from failing vision. It has reflectors on the side that make the ramp visible to others so that you can use it night or day without worry. The tread on the ramp is skid-resistant, whether dry or wet. Even if it rains, your pet will be able to get up and down.

Three different height settings

Easy to move from room to room

Simple to store

  • Three different height settings
  • Easy to move from room to room
  • Simple to store

Only for smaller dogs

Some ramps broke in a month or less

A few dogs found the ramp too slippery

  • Only for smaller dogs
  • Some ramps broke in a month or less
  • A few dogs found the ramp too slippery

Though a bit heavier than other ramps, you can still easily carry this one around with the built-in handle. Also, because it folds, the ramp can be quickly stored in a car or home.

Pros

Extra wide for stability

Reflective surface makes it easier to see

Portable

Cons

Some found the ramp too cumbersome to move

Rare complaints of ramp bowing when in use

A few dogs still slipped on ramp

  1. Frisco Deluxe Wooden Carpeted Cat & Dog Ramp Check Latest Price

Dimensions 72 x 16 x 25.2 in

Weight 7 lbs

Material Wood, carpet

Features Non-skid, non-slip tread

Pet Weight Up to 100 lbs

This stylish dog ramp provides your favorite furry friend with an angle that gets them where they need to be without being overly steep. A reinforced frame made of wood makes this extra stable, and ribbed carpeting offers enough traction for your pet’s paws while still being soft and comfortable.

Extra wide for stability

Reflective surface makes it easier to see

Portable

  • Extra wide for stability
  • Reflective surface makes it easier to see
  • Portable

Some found the ramp too cumbersome to move

Rare complaints of ramp bowing when in use

A few dogs still slipped on ramp

  • Some found the ramp too cumbersome to move
  • Rare complaints of ramp bowing when in use
  • A few dogs still slipped on ramp

Some assembly is required for the Frisco ramp. Though the needed hardware is provided, you’ll need to ensure you have a set of pliers and a Phillips screwdriver on hand. Keeping this ramp clean is a breeze – simply spot clean with a damp cloth when necessary!

Pros

Less steep angle

Reinforced

Ribbed carpeting for traction

Cons

A few people had issues with assembly

Not foldable

Bulky

The Pet Gear Travel Lite car ramp features SupertraX, a material that is activated by pressure, so that the more weight put on it, the better the traction. The SupertraX is on a removable mat. So if it isn’t needed or your pet dislikes it, it isn’t necessary to use. This ramp also provides stability with the use of rubber grips on the ends and a safety tether that attaches to your vehicle. When you finish using the ramp, you can simply fold it up and slide it into your vehicle until next time!

Less steep angle

Reinforced

Ribbed carpeting for traction

  • Less steep angle
  • Reinforced
  • Ribbed carpeting for traction

A few people had issues with assembly

Not foldable

Bulky

  • A few people had issues with assembly
  • Not foldable
  • Bulky

This car ramp is only suitable for use with SUVs and vans.

Pros

Uses SupertraX

Foldable

Safety tether

Cons

Only for use with SUVs and vans

Some complaints of ramp being too short to reach vehicle

Can only be used for rear doors

  1. SASRL Adjustable Pet Ramp Check Latest Price

Dimensions 39 x 15.5 in

Weight 10 lbs

Material Wood, carpet

Features Adjustable height

Pet Weight Up to 100 lbs

The SASRL Adjustable ramp adjusts to four different heights, so your dog can get to anything ranging from 9-24 inches off the ground. The solid wood frame and stainless steel screws offer incredible stability. Each ramp is independently tested for safety and the ability to hold up to 100 pounds. Not only does the carpeting on the ramp provide plenty of traction, but it is also scratch-resistant.

Uses SupertraX

Foldable

Safety tether

  • Uses SupertraX
  • Foldable
  • Safety tether

Only for use with SUVs and vans

Some complaints of ramp being too short to reach vehicle

Can only be used for rear doors

  • Only for use with SUVs and vans
  • Some complaints of ramp being too short to reach vehicle
  • Can only be used for rear doors

The SASRL ramp is simple to clean; you only need a wet towel and a vacuum cleaner. Plus, you can store it easily by just folding it down.

Pros

Four different heights

Independently safety tested

Scratch-resistant carpeting

Cons

Some complaints of ramp not supporting the weight it advertised

Occasionally dogs were fine going up but slipped coming down

Poor customer service

Four different heights

Independently safety tested

Scratch-resistant carpeting

  • Four different heights
  • Independently safety tested
  • Scratch-resistant carpeting

Some complaints of ramp not supporting the weight it advertised

Occasionally dogs were fine going up but slipped coming down

Poor customer service

  • Some complaints of ramp not supporting the weight it advertised
  • Occasionally dogs were fine going up but slipped coming down
  • Poor customer service

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Ramps For Older Dogs

Benefits Of Dog Ramps For Older Dogs

As our beloved pups get older, they start having more difficulty getting up and down from places such as the sofa or our beds, due to joint issues and arthritis. Getting a dog ramp can be beneficial in several ways.

Make Life Simpler

Having a dog ramp makes things much easier for your dog, who might be wary or downright scared of jumping up and down from heights due to stiff or painful joints. It can make life simpler for you, since it lessens how often you need to pick up your pet and move them around (particularly good if you have a larger dog). With a ramp, your dog can get where they want to be without depending on you, making them more confident.

Relieve Stress On Joints

If your pet has joint problems or arthritis, jumping up and down isn’t doing them any favors. When issues already exist, the less stress you put on a problem area, the better.

Lessen Risk of Injury

Using a dog ramp will help lessen the risk of injury not only to your dog but you as well. If your dog can’t jump as well as it used to, it could miss and fall or land in a way that injures them. Plus, as stated above, dog ramps lessen stress on joints which can also help prevent injury. If you have a large breed pup, constantly lifting them could cause harm to your body. So it’s a win-win all around!

What To Look At In A Dog Ramp For Older Dogs

You want any dog ramp you get for your older dog to be safe, sturdy, and durable. That means there are several factors you should consider when deciding what to purchase.

Size: The size of the ramp is one of the most important things to consider before you purchase it. You need to have the dimensions of where you want to use it and the dimensions of the ramp to ensure that it will meet your needs.  You’ll particularly need to look at the length, as you don’t want to end up with a ramp that goes just shy of where you need it.

Weight: Some dog ramps are much bulkier than others, and ramps’ weights can range significantly. In particular, if you’re in the market for a portable ramp, you’ll want to make sure it weighs an amount that you can easily carry around.

Materials Used: Dog ramps can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. Wood and metal ramps tend to be sturdier and better for larger dogs, while those made of plastic are more suitable for smaller breeds.

Traction: The traction on a ramp is vital to ensuring your dog’s safety. If they can’t get a good grip on the ramp, they can slide and fall. Ramps can be covered in different materials, such as carpet, fabric, or even supertraX, with each providing different traction levels. And while some ramps may promise plenty of traction, to get the best idea of how well a dog can walk up and down, you’ll likely need to read reviews.

Safety Features: Some dog ramps may include extra safety features such as raised edges to prevent sliding off the side, extra-wide width, so dogs have an easier time, reflective surfaces for better visuals, and more. Consider what, if any, extra safety features your dog might require before making a purchase.

Weight Limit: It isn’t just the weight of the ramp you need to consider; you also need to be sure that the ramp will hold your dog’s weight. Ramps vary in how much they can hold – with some being able to hold up to 500 pounds. So check that specification before buying.

Where It Can Be Used: Dog ramps can be used inside and outside the home. But some will be made explicitly for car use, while others can be multi-purpose or only for home use. You don’t want to get a ramp for a location you won’t be using it in, so check the places the manufacturer says it can safely be used.

Ease of Cleaning & Storage: Dog ramps will eventually get dirty (especially if you have a heavy shedder!), so you’ll want something relatively easy to clean. Some ramps may require only spot washing, others may be vacuum only. Some ramps may have removable mats that are machine washable. And, if you only want to use your ramp some of the time or will be traveling with it, check to see how easy it is to store. Many ramps simply fold up, making storage a breeze.

Customer Reviews: Finally, always look at reviews like ours and those from other pet owners. You want to see how well a dog ramp actually worked for dogs of a similar weight and size to yours.

Size: The size of the ramp is one of the most important things to consider before you purchase it. You need to have the dimensions of where you want to use it and the dimensions of the ramp to ensure that it will meet your needs.  You’ll particularly need to look at the length, as you don’t want to end up with a ramp that goes just shy of where you need it.

Weight: Some dog ramps are much bulkier than others, and ramps’ weights can range significantly. In particular, if you’re in the market for a portable ramp, you’ll want to make sure it weighs an amount that you can easily carry around.

Materials Used: Dog ramps can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. Wood and metal ramps tend to be sturdier and better for larger dogs, while those made of plastic are more suitable for smaller breeds.

Traction: The traction on a ramp is vital to ensuring your dog’s safety. If they can’t get a good grip on the ramp, they can slide and fall. Ramps can be covered in different materials, such as carpet, fabric, or even supertraX, with each providing different traction levels. And while some ramps may promise plenty of traction, to get the best idea of how well a dog can walk up and down, you’ll likely need to read reviews.

Safety Features: Some dog ramps may include extra safety features such as raised edges to prevent sliding off the side, extra-wide width, so dogs have an easier time, reflective surfaces for better visuals, and more. Consider what, if any, extra safety features your dog might require before making a purchase.

Weight Limit: It isn’t just the weight of the ramp you need to consider; you also need to be sure that the ramp will hold your dog’s weight. Ramps vary in how much they can hold – with some being able to hold up to 500 pounds. So check that specification before buying.

Where It Can Be Used: Dog ramps can be used inside and outside the home. But some will be made explicitly for car use, while others can be multi-purpose or only for home use. You don’t want to get a ramp for a location you won’t be using it in, so check the places the manufacturer says it can safely be used.

Ease of Cleaning & Storage: Dog ramps will eventually get dirty (especially if you have a heavy shedder!), so you’ll want something relatively easy to clean. Some ramps may require only spot washing, others may be vacuum only. Some ramps may have removable mats that are machine washable. And, if you only want to use your ramp some of the time or will be traveling with it, check to see how easy it is to store. Many ramps simply fold up, making storage a breeze.

Customer Reviews: Finally, always look at reviews like ours and those from other pet owners. You want to see how well a dog ramp actually worked for dogs of a similar weight and size to yours.

  • Size: The size of the ramp is one of the most important things to consider before you purchase it. You need to have the dimensions of where you want to use it and the dimensions of the ramp to ensure that it will meet your needs.  You’ll particularly need to look at the length, as you don’t want to end up with a ramp that goes just shy of where you need it.
  • Weight: Some dog ramps are much bulkier than others, and ramps’ weights can range significantly. In particular, if you’re in the market for a portable ramp, you’ll want to make sure it weighs an amount that you can easily carry around.
  • Materials Used: Dog ramps can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. Wood and metal ramps tend to be sturdier and better for larger dogs, while those made of plastic are more suitable for smaller breeds.
  • Traction: The traction on a ramp is vital to ensuring your dog’s safety. If they can’t get a good grip on the ramp, they can slide and fall. Ramps can be covered in different materials, such as carpet, fabric, or even supertraX, with each providing different traction levels. And while some ramps may promise plenty of traction, to get the best idea of how well a dog can walk up and down, you’ll likely need to read reviews.
  • Safety Features: Some dog ramps may include extra safety features such as raised edges to prevent sliding off the side, extra-wide width, so dogs have an easier time, reflective surfaces for better visuals, and more. Consider what, if any, extra safety features your dog might require before making a purchase.
  • Weight Limit: It isn’t just the weight of the ramp you need to consider; you also need to be sure that the ramp will hold your dog’s weight. Ramps vary in how much they can hold – with some being able to hold up to 500 pounds. So check that specification before buying.
  • Where It Can Be Used: Dog ramps can be used inside and outside the home. But some will be made explicitly for car use, while others can be multi-purpose or only for home use. You don’t want to get a ramp for a location you won’t be using it in, so check the places the manufacturer says it can safely be used.
  • Ease of Cleaning & Storage: Dog ramps will eventually get dirty (especially if you have a heavy shedder!), so you’ll want something relatively easy to clean. Some ramps may require only spot washing, others may be vacuum only. Some ramps may have removable mats that are machine washable. And, if you only want to use your ramp some of the time or will be traveling with it, check to see how easy it is to store. Many ramps simply fold up, making storage a breeze.
  • Customer Reviews: Finally, always look at reviews like ours and those from other pet owners. You want to see how well a dog ramp actually worked for dogs of a similar weight and size to yours.

Conclusion

When you want the best overall dog ramp for older dogs, our pick is the PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Car Ramp. Its telescoping design allows for adjustable heights, and it is lightweight while still being able to hold up to 300 pounds. The ramp with the best value for the money, is the Pet Gear Stairs & Ramp.  It’s heavy-duty while still being lower in price. Finally, if you’re looking for a premium dog ramp, we suggest the PetSafe Cozy Up Ramp since it’s both durable and stylish.