Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Swimming is a great exercise that dog owners can share with their four-legged friends. It’s fun to splash around in a pool with an excited pup, but it’s also extremely important to ensure that it’s a safe experience for everyone. Dogs should not be left unattended with access to a pool.
Pool ramps are one of the best ways to teach your dog to play safely in a pool. They’re also great safeguards for dogs that accidentally fall into the water. However, not all pool ramps fit securely onto the different types of pools, so it can be challenging figuring out which one will work for your situation.
Since there are several different types of pool ramps for dogs, we have reviews of some of the most popular kinds. After reading through our reviews, you’ll have a better understanding of what kind of ramp will be the best one for your dog.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
PetSTEP Folding Pet Ramp
Raised grooves and non-slip rubber surface
Ergonomic handles
Versatile usage
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Best Value
PetSafe Foldable Dog Ramp
Affordable option
Lightweight and portable
Fits in most types of vehicles
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Premium Choice
PetSafe Telescoping Dog Car Ramp
Can support all kinds of dogs
Telescoping design
Works on steeper inclines
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KHTS6310 Dog Pool Exit Ramp
Easy to install
Helps ease puppies into the pool
Color and pattern are easy for dogs to spot
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WaterDog Ladder for Pool
Doesn’t damage inside of the pool
Comfortable angle for dogs to climb on
Yellow color makes it easily identifiable
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The 10 Best Pool Ramps for Dogs
The PetSTEP Folding Pet Ramp is the best overall pool ramp for dogs because it’s safe, durable, and comes with many additional useful features. This ramp has a non-slip rubber surface with raised grooves so that your pet can safely enter and exit the pool without slipping around. It also has the capacity to carry up to 500 pounds to ensure that even giant dog breeds can use it.
Material: Plastic, rubber
Weight: 5 pounds
Weight Limit: 500 pounds
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The ramp also folds up easily, lies flat, and has ergonomic handles, so it’s easy to bring around with you. However, it does weigh almost 20 pounds, so it can be a bit heavy for some people to carry.
If you can overlook the weight, you’ll quickly appreciate how versatile it is. It not only works for pools, but you can also use it for vehicles, beds, grooming tables, and many other raised surfaces.
Pros
Raised grooves and non-slip rubber surface
Ergonomic handles
Versatile usage
Cons
Can be heavy to transport
Dog ramps can often cost a lot of money, so it can be a challenge to find an affordable option. Luckily, the PetSafe Happy Ride Foldable Dog Ramp is a little less pricey than the standard dog ramp, and it’s a durable ramp that will last you quite some time.
Raised grooves and non-slip rubber surface
Ergonomic handles
Versatile usage
- Raised grooves and non-slip rubber surface
- Ergonomic handles
- Versatile usage
Can be heavy to transport
- Can be heavy to transport
Material: Plastic
Weight: 10 pounds
Weight Limit: 150 pounds
This pool ramp is lighter than the PetSTEP Folding Pet Ramp, so it’s a lot more portable. The fact that it fits easily in most cars makes it a great travel accessory for any adventurous dog.
We also like the high-traction surface and raised sides to protect your dog from sliding off. The only thing that we wished to see was a great weight capacity. This ramp can support up to 150 pounds, which is substantial for many dogs. However, it’s not the safest option for giant dog breeds.
With all the other great features and for the affordable price, we still consider this option to be the best pool ramp for dogs for the money you pay.
Pros
Affordable option
Lightweight and portable
Fits in most types of vehicles
Raised sides
Cons
Not safe for giant dog breeds
This premium dog ramp is another considerable option to place by above-ground and elevated pools. The PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Car Ramp has a unique telescoping design, so it can fit along with different types of heights. The ramp’s surface also has a high-traction texture that dogs can easily grip, even on steeper inclines.
Affordable option
Lightweight and portable
Fits in most types of vehicles
Raised sides
- Affordable option
- Lightweight and portable
- Fits in most types of vehicles
- Raised sides
Not safe for giant dog breeds
- Not safe for giant dog breeds
Material: Aluminum, plastic
Weight: 18 pounds
Weight Limit: 400 pounds
The weight limit for this ramp is 400 pounds, so it can safely support dogs of all sizes. The aluminum construction helps to support this weight, but it also makes the ramp heavier than other kinds of ramps.
This can become an issue because there’s a chance that the aluminum can corrode when left in water. Therefore, to keep using the ramp for a long time, you’ll have to transport it indoors when it’s not in use, and it can be a bit of a hassle because of the weight.
When stored properly, this ramp will last you a long time, so it can be a great investment.
Pros
Can support all kinds of dogs
Telescoping design
Works on steeper inclines
Heavy-duty material
Cons
Aluminum can corrode
Can be heavy to transport
The KHTS6310 Dog Pool Exit Ramp is a great option for puppies and small to medium-breed dogs. It’s easy to install, and it floats securely by the poolside.
Can support all kinds of dogs
Telescoping design
Works on steeper inclines
Heavy-duty material
- Can support all kinds of dogs
- Telescoping design
- Works on steeper inclines
- Heavy-duty material
Aluminum can corrode
Can be heavy to transport
- Aluminum can corrode
- Can be heavy to transport
Material: Plastic, stainless steel
Weight: N/A
Weight Limit: 70 pounds
The design of this ramp helps make entering a pool less nerve-wracking for puppies because it allows them to slowly get into the pool without having to make a splash. The blue and yellow striped pattern makes it easy for puppies to find, so they don’t have to face any struggles when getting out of the pool.
As of now, this ramp only works with in-ground pools with cement sides, but the developer has noted the possibility of making updates to have models that work with other kinds of pools.
Also, since the ramp can hold up to 70 pounds, it won’t grow with large breed puppies when they reach adulthood.
Pros
Easy to install
Helps ease puppies into the pool
Color and pattern are easy for dogs to spot
Cons
Only works with in-ground pool with cement sides
Won’t support large dog breeds
The WaterDog Adventure Gear Dog Ladder for Swimming Pool has a thoughtful design and is one of the best options for ensuring that your pool doesn’t get damaged. It doesn’t touch the inside of a pool, so the pool’s lining and finish can’t get scratched or scuffed.
Easy to install
Helps ease puppies into the pool
Color and pattern are easy for dogs to spot
- Easy to install
- Helps ease puppies into the pool
- Color and pattern are easy for dogs to spot
Only works with in-ground pool with cement sides
Won’t support large dog breeds
- Only works with in-ground pool with cement sides
- Won’t support large dog breeds
Material: Stainless steel
Weight: 16 pounds
Weight Limit: 130 pounds
The angle of the ladder is also set to help dogs easily climb up and down the stairs, and the steps have a bright yellow color that is easily identifiable for dogs. The steps are also set at a height of 4 inches, so dogs of all sizes can easily walk up and down them. Just keep in mind that the weight capacity is 130 pounds, so it can’t safely support giant dog breeds.
Overall, this pool ramp has a thoughtful design and is made with durable material. You can also pivot the steps around or easily remove them from the mount so that the ramp can stay out of sight when not in use.
Pros
Doesn’t damage inside of the pool
Comfortable angle for dogs to climb on
Yellow color makes it easily identifiable
Steps are spaced out for many kinds of dogs to use
Easily removable
Cons
Doesn’t support larger dogs
The Skamper Ramp Super has a very simple yet effective design and helps dogs get out of the pool safely if they accidentally fell in.
Doesn’t damage inside of the pool
Comfortable angle for dogs to climb on
Yellow color makes it easily identifiable
Steps are spaced out for many kinds of dogs to use
Easily removable
- Doesn’t damage inside of the pool
- Comfortable angle for dogs to climb on
- Yellow color makes it easily identifiable
- Steps are spaced out for many kinds of dogs to use
- Easily removable
Doesn’t support larger dogs
- Doesn’t support larger dogs
Material: Plastic, vinyl
Weight: 4 pounds
Weight Limit: 200 pounds
The ramp has drainage holes so that water quickly falls through as your dog steps onto it. The material is UV-resistant and chemical-resistant, so you can leave it in the water without worrying about it yellowing or growing barnacles and mildew. It’s also easy to install and remove when not in use.
Along with installing it by the poolside, you can also quickly attach this ramp to boats and docks. However, this ramp isn’t meant for soft-sided vinyl pools and above-ground pools.
Pros
Can support all kinds of dog breeds
Have drainage holes to quickly remove water
UV and chemical-resistant
Can use on boats and docks
Cons
Not for soft-sided vinyl and above-ground pools
The Drifter Marine Dog Boarding Boat Ladder is a very portable and lightweight option. It has an aluminum frame and mesh surface. The mesh cover has a non-slip texture and water easily falls through it, so dogs can get a firm grip on it as they climb up the ramp.
Can support all kinds of dog breeds
Have drainage holes to quickly remove water
UV and chemical-resistant
Can use on boats and docks
- Can support all kinds of dog breeds
- Have drainage holes to quickly remove water
- UV and chemical-resistant
- Can use on boats and docks
Not for soft-sided vinyl and above-ground pools
- Not for soft-sided vinyl and above-ground pools
Material: Aluminum
Weight:
Weight Limit: 150 pounds
The manufacturer does state that this ramp can be used on both boat gunwales and the sides of above-ground pools. However, it may need some extra reinforcement if you want to install it along the side of a pool.
The ramp definitely excels as a boat accessory. It has hooks on the top that rest perfectly on a gunwale, and it also has a set of rubber-tipped legs that rests against the side of the boat so that it doesn’t damage any structures.
Pros
Portable and lightweight
Non-slip mesh cover
Doesn’t accumulate water
Possible to install on an above-ground pool
Cons
Doesn’t fit most pool designs
Added reinforcement needed for above-ground pool
The Paws Aboard Doggy Boat Ladder and Ramp is a great option if you’re looking for something portable and versatile. It fits on pools, decks, and boats, and it’s rather lightweight and easy to carry around.
Portable and lightweight
Non-slip mesh cover
Doesn’t accumulate water
Possible to install on an above-ground pool
- Portable and lightweight
- Non-slip mesh cover
- Doesn’t accumulate water
- Possible to install on an above-ground pool
Doesn’t fit most pool designs
Added reinforcement needed for above-ground pool
- Doesn’t fit most pool designs
- Added reinforcement needed for above-ground pool
Material: Plastic
Weight: 12 pounds
Weight Limit: 150 pounds
This ramp is designed to fit on ladders, so it can work for above-ground pools. However, if your pool doesn’t have a ladder, it’s not going to sit securely at the edge of the pool.
We love that the ladder has a bright yellow color that’s hard to miss. However, the material is plastic, so it can become pretty slippery when wet. So, whenever you use this ladder, it’s important to keep an eye out on your dog when it climbs the ladder, and you might have to help it up, especially if you’re on a rocking boat.
Pros
Lightweight and portable
Can fit on the above-ground pool ladder
Bright yellow color
Cons
Slippery when wet
Need to attach to a ladder
The Solstice Inflatable Pup Plank Pet Ramp Series is another creatively designed pool ramp for dogs. It’s designed for small to medium-sized dogs and can support up to 110 pounds.
Lightweight and portable
Can fit on the above-ground pool ladder
Bright yellow color
- Lightweight and portable
- Can fit on the above-ground pool ladder
- Bright yellow color
Slippery when wet
Need to attach to a ladder
- Slippery when wet
- Need to attach to a ladder
Material: Mesh
Weight: 13 pounds
Weight Limit: 110 pounds
This ramp has a weighted mesh that sits below water and a traction pad to help dogs have a strong grip as they enter and step onto the platform. The weighted mesh also helps dogs slowly enter into the water without jumping in.
Along with poolside use, this ramp also attaches to boats and docks, and it’s easy to transport. So, it’s a great accessory to take with you on all your water sports adventures.
As innovative as this design is, there are some improvements that could be made. First, the mesh gets slippery when it comes in contact with the water, so it’s difficult for dogs to get a secure footing. The ramp is also much more expensive than other pool ramps, so if it doesn’t work perfectly for your dog, it’s really not worth the investment.
Pros
Lightweight, portable design
Also fits on docks and boats
Dogs can slowly step into the water
Cons
Doesn’t support over 110 pounds
Mesh can be very slippery when wet
Very expensive
The Pet Gear Free-Standing Foldable Cat & Dog Ramp is a great accessory for elevated pools. It’s free-standing and has rubber grips on the bottom of its legs to stay planted securely. It also stands at the perfect height for dogs to use to easily walk off the poolside.
Lightweight, portable design
Also fits on docks and boats
Dogs can slowly step into the water
- Lightweight, portable design
- Also fits on docks and boats
- Dogs can slowly step into the water
Doesn’t support over 110 pounds
Mesh can be very slippery when wet
Very expensive
- Doesn’t support over 110 pounds
- Mesh can be very slippery when wet
- Very expensive
Material: Plastic
Weight: 17 pounds
Weight Limit: 200 pounds
However, we can’t ignore that this ramp doesn’t have an adjustable height. So, it wouldn’t work very well with above-ground pools, which have heights that can exceed 48 inches.
It’s limited in the types of pools that it can pair with, but it’s extremely safe and effective for pools with walls that have a matching elevated height. The surface of the ramp also has a unique pressure-activated mat to help keep your dog from slipping.
This ramp also folds up easily, so once your dog’s finished using it, you can quickly stow it away and keep it out of sight from your beautiful poolscape.
Pros
Great height for many elevated pools
Pressure-activated ramp
Easy to stow away
Rubber feet to prevent slipping
Cons
Height isn’t adjustable
Restricted pool options
- See Also: 5 DIY Dog Pool Ramp Plans You Can Make Today (with Pictures)
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Pool Ramp for Dogs
Now that we’ve gone over the different types of pool ramp options, here’s some helpful information that will help you identify key features to look for when shopping for pool ramps.
Great height for many elevated pools
Pressure-activated ramp
Easy to stow away
Rubber feet to prevent slipping
- Great height for many elevated pools
- Pressure-activated ramp
- Easy to stow away
- Rubber feet to prevent slipping
Height isn’t adjustable
Restricted pool options
- Height isn’t adjustable
- Restricted pool options
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Visibility
Make sure to buy a pool ramp that stands out from the water so that your dog has an easy time locating it. Dogs can see blue and yellow most easily, so many pool ramps come in these colors.
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If you like the structure of a ramp, but it doesn’t appear very visible, you can add reflective tape or yellow-colored duct tape to the surface to help your dog spot it more easily.
- See Also: 15 Dog Breeds That Love Water & Swimming
Grip
Water can easily make many surfaces slippery, so it’s crucial to find a ramp with a non-slip surface. Look for rubber material as well as grooved or textured surfaces. Some ramps come with raised sides which can further stop your dog from falling off.
Portability
It’s hard to find a dog pool ramp that’s both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Ramps may also not be able to withstand being outdoors for a long time. Elements, such as sunlight and rain and pool chemicals can easily damage or corrode ramps.
Therefore, it’s essential to find a ramp that’s easy to stow away. Look for ramps that you can quickly dismount from your pool and fold up. Ramps with flat stowaway designs can also help make cleanup an easier process.
- See Also: 10 Best Dog Ear Infection Medications – Reviews & Top Picks
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Versatility
Some pool ramps can also fit on boats and docks. So, if you enjoy boating or water sports, it may be worth the investment to find a pool ramp with versatile installations.
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A post shared by Grange Spa Doggy Daycare (@grangespa.tauranga)
If you don’t have an interest in these things, then there’s really no need to find a pool ramp that also attaches to different surfaces. You can end up saving a lot of money by purchasing a sturdy pool ramp instead of looking for a versatile ramp with features you won’t end up using.
Conclusion
Based on our reviews, the PetSTEP Folding Pet Ramp is the overall best pool ramp for dogs. It fits with different kinds of pools and can also support all kinds of dogs. The PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Car Ramp is a great premium option. It uses high-quality material and the fact that it’s easily adjustable makes it a very attractive option.
Our first three ramp choices are not dedicated pool ramps and can be used for loading into and out of the car or other elevated surfaces. Check your dog ramp warranty and instructions to determine which activities it can be safely used for.
Overall, pool ramps are important safety features for dogs. They’ll help you have peace of mind, and you’ll enjoy water activities with your dog knowing that it has a safe way to enter and exit the water.
See also: 8 Strong & Waterproof DIY Dog Pools (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: GoDog Photo, Shutterstock
