Many might think dog stairs are a luxury product for elderly dogs. In fact, dog steps can be a vital addition to the home for dogs of all ages and sizes.
These pooch-sized pieces of furniture are critical as a preventative measure, preserving the joint health of your dog—especially important for breeds prone to joint disease!
Not all dog steps are created equal, so we’ve researched all the top-rated products, read all the reviews, and collated our top picks together so you can find the steps of your doggy’s dreams.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Best Pet Supplies Foam Cat & Dog Stairs
Removable cover
Non-slip bottom
Ranges from 3 to 5 steps
Check Price
Best Value
FurHaven Steady Paws Cat & Dog Stairs
Affordable
Stabilizing poles
Variety of colors
Check Price
Premium Choice
Premier Pet Steps 4 Step Carpet Tread Dog & Cat Stairs
Easy to clean
Extremely sturdy
Beautiful design
Check Price
Best for Puppies
Pet Gear Easy Step Cat & Dog Stairs
Rubber grippers
Only a singular step
Durable
Check Price
PetSafe CozyUp Dog & Cat Steps & Ramp
Transformable: steps or ramp
Adjustable step height
Collapsible
Check Price
The 15 Best Dog Stairs and Steps
1. Best Pet Supplies Foam Cat & Dog Stairs – Best Overall
These fleece-covered foam steps are our best overall pick of dog stairs. This Best Pet Supplies product is medium-priced for a quality product. With the choice of three, four, or five steps, these steps are designed to suit dogs of all types.
Foam structure provides a soft and supportive surface without compromising structural integrity. The five-step design of this product claims to have a weight limit of 190 pounds, but some reviewers say it’s not suited for larger breeds. Owners with dogs 80+ pounds don’t recommend this brand of stairs.
Removable cover
Non-slip bottom
Ranges from 3 to 5 steps
Gentle on joints
- Removable cover
- Non-slip bottom
- Ranges from 3 to 5 steps
- Gentle on joints
Narrow
Not sturdy enough for large breeds
- Narrow
- Not sturdy enough for large breeds
2. FurHaven Steady Paws Cat & Dog Stairs – Best Value
Our choice for the best dog stairs for the money is this excellent value cat and dog steps from FurHaven. Designed with both felines and canines in mind, these steps have a minimalistic design to suit any home decor—it also comes in three different colors.
The steps resemble a multi-leveled scratching post and feature large poles that stabilize the stairs, keeping the stairs steady. The soft carpet cover is gentle on your dog’s joints, but lack of friction can cause balancing issues when placed upon the extra plush carpet. The steps are also awkward spaces, so more nervous dogs may have trouble confidently using them.
Affordable
Stabilizing poles
Variety of colors
- Affordable
- Stabilizing poles
- Variety of colors
Less stable on plush carpets
Awkward step spacing
- Less stable on plush carpets
- Awkward step spacing
3. Premier Pet Steps 4 Step Carpet Tread Dog & Cat Stairs – Premium Choice
If you are looking for a set of dog steps that are sturdy, beautiful, and created with quality materials, you can look no further than Premier Pet. While the price tag of these stairs is higher than average, we would consider this product an investment.
The solid wood structure turns this product from a pet item to a traditional piece of home furniture. With good care, these steps could last you a lifetime. The design is a fabulous piece of rustic home decor. However, the sturdy shape means it does take up a significant amount of space. It is also heavier, weighing 36 pounds, making it challenging to move often.
Easy to clean
Extremely sturdy
Beautiful design
- Easy to clean
- Extremely sturdy
- Beautiful design
Heavy
Takes up lots of space
- Heavy
- Takes up lots of space
4. Pet Gear Easy Step Cat & Dog Stairs – Best for Puppies
This innovative design from Pet Gear puts a spin on traditional pet steps. It serves the same purpose—to assist accessibility for pets—but really couldn’t be called “stairs.” Instead, this pet step involves one singular step followed by a low slope. This design is perfect for dogs who struggle with steps, particularly in a downward motion.
It also features rubber grippers which keep the step stable during use on any surface. We really like that it is durable, having a high weight limit for such a lightweight product. This makes it easy to move about the home and suitable for travel or vehicular use.
However, some reviewers found the low-pile carpet covering to be more slippery than it is “grippy.” This is not an issue for dogs who move quickly, but slow-moving elderly dogs may find it challenging to use. The carpet portion is also hard to clean.
Pros
Rubber grippers
Only a singular step
Durable
Lightweight
Cons
Hard to clean
Slippery
5. PetSafe CozyUp Dog & Cat Steps & Ramp
These convertible steps from PetSafe are the ultimate 2-in-1 deal. Adjustable from a seamless ramp to three-step stairs, this design can be used in many ways. Additionally, each step is adjustable to fit your dog’s specific needs perfectly.
Rubber grippers
Only a singular step
Durable
Lightweight
- Rubber grippers
- Only a singular step
- Durable
- Lightweight
Hard to clean
Slippery
- Hard to clean
- Slippery
Unfortunately, this sturdy and aesthetically pleasing design is available in one size only, so it will only fit particular dimensions. Reviewers are also asking for an added non-slip bottom to be incorporated but say it is still sturdy regardless of lacking one.
Transformable: steps or ramp
Adjustable step height
Collapsible
- Transformable: steps or ramp
- Adjustable step height
- Collapsible
Lacks a non-slip feature
One size only
- Lacks a non-slip feature
- One size only
6. Zinus Comfort Cat & Dog Stairs
These plush steps from Zinus come in a whopping five different sizes ranging from 2–4 steps and extra-small to extra-large, meaning there is a step to suit many dogs and varying home spaces. Despite having extra-large options, the foam structure is considered poor for larger dogs who sink into the foam too easily.
The larger options may be better suited to provide more support for smaller breeds or fit a specific home space.
These steps will blend into your home decor with a stylish design, and don’t worry about the light color; the cover is removable and totally machine washable.
Multi-step and width options
Dense foam for joint support
Removable cover
- Multi-step and width options
- Dense foam for joint support
- Removable cover
Awkward to lift and move
Too soft for large dogs
- Awkward to lift and move
- Too soft for large dogs
7. Pet Gear Pet Step Cat & Dog Stairs
For a simple, sturdy set of stairs, these plastic steps from Pet Gear do the job. The lightweight design makes them a breeze to move, put together, and travel with. However, the weight limit is cut off at 25 pounds, but reviewers say it’s only really suited towards toy breeds due to how narrow the steps are.
However, this simple but efficient design will suit you well for versatile steps for your small dog. Rubber grippers on the base will prevent it from slipping while in use, so your little pup can accent to join you on the couch or bed with ease.
Easy to assemble
Stable
Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Stable
- Lightweight
Only suited for small dogs
Narrow
- Only suited for small dogs
- Narrow
8. Pet Gear Easy Step Cat & Dog Stairs
If your pet needs up to four steps to climb up onto furniture, you’ll find that many stairs will be large and bulky, jutting out into your living spaces. This design from Pet Gear is a customizable shape that can either be put together as a straight step or an L-shape. The L-shape will conform around the furniture to take up less space.
It even includes a storage cubby for you to tuck away other pet items out of sight. While these steps will suit many dogs, they are less suited for the elderly or those unbalanced on their feet. This is due to the narrowness of the steps, causing confidence issues and an unprotected side from a high design.
Doubles as storage space
Straight or L-shaped design conforms to furniture
Tool-free assembly
- Doubles as storage space
- Straight or L-shaped design conforms to furniture
- Tool-free assembly
Costly
Sloped steps
Narrow
- Costly
- Sloped steps
- Narrow
9. PetSafe CozyUp Foldable Wooden Cat & Dog Stairs
For something more suited to dogs of all sizes, a sturdy wooden step like this one from Pet Safe should be considered. Constructed to be foldable, these stairs easily fold and slide away out of sight. They can handle a weight limit of up to 200 pounds.
The steps are great but more suitable as a preventative product than assisting struggling dogs. The steps are steep and don’t have a safe tread, meaning dogs who use it need to move quickly and confidently to not slip. The wooden structure can also be hard on sensitive joints.
Great for all sizes
Come in larger and wide sizes
Foldable
- Great for all sizes
- Come in larger and wide sizes
- Foldable
Hard on sensitive joints
Slippery steps
- Hard on sensitive joints
- Slippery steps
10. Range Kleen Foldable Dog Car Stairs
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Number of steps: 2
Weight limit: 300 pounds
Materials: Plastic
Even if your dog is slower on their feet, they still love to explore and adventure with you. These steps from Range Kleen are the ultimate traveling steps. Built to hold a massive 300 pounds, they’re perfect for getting your larger dog in and out of the car without hurting yourself!
The stairs are lightweight and a breeze to fold and tuck away. While they certainly are sturdy, they’re not made to be used heavily, so they better suit a car step than a regularly used bed or couch step. Car steps can take the pressure of big dogs’ joints and are ideal to use as a preventative measure to prevent joint deterioration in aging.
Non-slip grips on feet and step surface
Ideal for traveling and vehicle accessibility
Easy to store
- Non-slip grips on feet and step surface
- Ideal for traveling and vehicle accessibility
- Easy to store
Not durable enough for heavy use
- Not durable enough for heavy use
11. Frisco Foldable Nonslip Cat & Dog Stairs
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Number of steps: 4
Weight limit: 50 pounds
Materials: Plastic
These plastic steps from Frisco are an excellent choice if you are looking for something on the cheaper side. The design is sleek, with raised edges to provide extra security when in use. The small size is only suited for small breeds and low furniture.
These stairs do the trick as something simple but do not provide many extra benefits or uses. This product is not suitable for larger dogs or those with higher needs.
Raised edges
No assembly
Non-slip
- Raised edges
- No assembly
- Non-slip
Small dogs only
- Small dogs only
- Gen7Pets Conversion Deluxe Wooden Dog Stairs
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Number of steps: 3
Weight limit: 200 pounds
Materials: Wood and carpet
These steps from Gen7Pets turn away from tacky plastic designs to create a good-looking and sturdy wood product. These steps are built to last with furniture-grade wood and even feature a cool hidden storage compartment.
Check Latest Price
Number of steps: 3
Weight limit: 200 pounds
Materials: Wood and carpet
What stands out with these steps from the other wooden designs is the carpet step cover is removable, making it very easy to clean. Of course, quality materials mean a heftier price tag. These steps are only suited for able-bodied dogs due to their narrow width and steepness.
Hidden storage compartment
Furniture grade construction
Removable carpet covers
- Hidden storage compartment
- Furniture grade construction
- Removable carpet covers
Costly
Steep
- Costly
- Steep
13. Zinus Easy Cat & Dog Stairs
These soft pet stairs from Zinus come in five different sizes with varying amounts of steps and widths. Despite having an extra-large size, this product is still only limited to a weight of 30 pounds due to a foam construction. The foam creates a soft surface to reduce the impact on feet and joints.
This softness comes at a price as the foam will wear down over time, and the stairs will lose their structure with heavy use. However, they are lightweight with a sleek design.
Removable & machine washable cover
Soft foam is easy on feet and joints
Lightweight
- Removable & machine washable cover
- Soft foam is easy on feet and joints
- Lightweight
Foam wears out overtime
Low weight limit
- Foam wears out overtime
- Low weight limit
14. Pet Gear Easy Step IV Deluxe Soft Cat & Dog Stairs
Many products aimed towards larger dogs tend to be harder materials. These steps find a happy medium with a solid plastic base able to hold up to 150 pounds but still have a plush cover for reduced impact. The size is not only great for large breeds but also fits nicely with tall furniture.
The softcover is reviewed to fit loosely, making the steps slippery. Many were happy to simply remedy this by gluing or sticking down the cover. Others used Velcro so the cover could still be removed easily.
Sturdy but soft
Perfect for high furniture
- Sturdy but soft
- Perfect for high furniture
Cover fits loosely
Sloped steps
Requires assembly
- Cover fits loosely
- Sloped steps
- Requires assembly
15. Pet Adobe High-Density Foam Dog & Cat Steps
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Number of steps: 3
Weight limit: 25 pounds
Materials: Foam and polyester
These affordable steps from Pet Adobe are a cute and simple addition to the home. Made from high-density foam, they offer soft support for small breeds. They are also easy to clean with a removable and machine washable cover.
However, owners found the design to be unbalanced and prone to tipping over for heavier dogs. The size is suited only for small dogs. Reviewers also said that the non-slip skid pads were low quality and did not prevent all slippage.
Removable and machine washable cover
High-density foam
- Removable and machine washable cover
- High-density foam
Unbalanced
Poor skid pads
Very small
- Unbalanced
- Poor skid pads
- Very small
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Dog Stairs & Steps
As we said at the beginning, not all stairs are equal! We’re sure you’ve seen this for yourself as you got to know our top picks today. You may see the clear difference between products but are still unsure what type of dog stairs is best for your best friend.
Read on through our buyer’s guide to get more of an idea of dog steps and how to pick the best one for you, your dog, and your home.
Benefits of Dog Stairs
Dog Accessibility
Dog stairs are rather simple in what they look to achieve. They are designed to help dogs independently get to high areas. Usually, this is the bed, the couch, or into a vehicle. However, you can use the steps any way you choose to improve your dog’s life, allowing them to do all that they want to throughout their life.
Reducing Impact
Over time, jumping on and off furniture or up and down from the car will have effects on your dog’s joints. These impactful and repetitive movements will wear down joint cartilage and fluid, increasing the risk of joint issues in the future and worsening joint discomfort.
Steps can be used to reduce the impact of these daily motions. As a preventative measure, they can significantly reduce the amount of impact your dog experiences in their younger lives, reducing joint aging and the risk of joint-related diseases. This is helpful for all breeds but especially vital for purebred breeds prone to these alignments.
Less Work for You!
For most people, picking up a chihuahua and putting it into the car is no big deal. But imagine doing that same thing for a German shepherd? Even if you could easily do so, this lifting will cause strain and risk injury.
Many owners have mobility difficulties themselves, making bending, reaching, and carrying difficult and painful. Accessibility steps for your dog can be beneficial for you, too, by reducing the amount of physical work you need to do to care for your dog.
What to Look for in Dog Stairs
- Sturdy: Consider the weight limit and construction materials of a product and whether they suit your dog. Not all dogs are the same!
- Non-skid: Most of the stairs we reviewed today had some sort of non-skid feature, making them safe to use on all surfaces. However, not all steps will have this, and some are superior to others. Check out reviews to see what other owners are saying.
- Ease of use: The stairs need to be easy for you to assemble, move, and store. So, consider products that come already assembled, lightweight, and collapsible.
- Easy to clean: Anything that comes into contact with feet will collect dirt over time. You’ll need to regularly clean your dog’s steps for hygienic use. Look for removable covers, machine washable materials, and easy to wipe surfaces.
- Size: Sounds self-explanatory, right? Well, there’s more to it than small versus large. Consider the distance between each step and whether your dog will be able to climb that height. Also, measure the furniture you intend to use it against to make sure it fits.
- Purpose: The type of step you need will depend on why you need it. If it’s for a puppy who can’t reach furniture, consider the size and their future adult size. For joint issues, think of the material used—soft materials will be better than hardwood.
Stairs vs. Ramps
Stairs are not the only popular product designed for dog accessibility. Ramps are also commonly used. Each of these products has specific pros and cons. Determining which is best for you will ultimately come down to your dog’s needs.
Usually take up less space
Better for able-bodied dogs
Requires training and condition
Takes up more space
Better for disabled, injured, or immobile dogs (less impact and easy to use)
More natural to use
Conclusion
For our best overall dog stairs, we really liked the Best Pet Supplies Foam Cat & Dog Stairs. It is a well-balanced product that offers great structure and support for many uses.
For best value, FurHaven’s Steady Paw Cat & Dog stairs beat the pack with the perfect balance between quality and value. For something simple, this product will fit the bill.
Our premium choice is for those looking for top-quality. We recommended Premier Pet Steps Carpet Tread Dog & Cat Stairs. This solid wood product is built to last. Sturdy and beautiful, it’s where form meets function.
You don’t have to take our word for it because all our picks today were backed up by hundreds of happy customer reviews!
