Whether your dog is too small to jump up onto the couch or needs to avoid jumping for health reasons, a set of dog stairs can help. It can be heart-breaking to watch our once active canines be unable to access their favorite spot on the couch, and no one wants to spend their night picking their dog back up into their bed. In these cases, a safe, quality set of dog steps is a lifesaver.
We reviewed dozens of dog steps and stairs to find the best of the best. We considered the product’s customer reviews, safety, visual appeal, versatility, and storability when ranking every dog stair.
Careful review led to us selecting the Best Pet Supplies Pet Stairs. These steps are made with premium materials, including CertiPUR-US certified foam. They are available in many different colors and sizes. The outside cover is also washable, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning dirt or fur by hand.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Dog Steps and Stairs
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Best Pet Supplies Pet Stairs | 4.6 |
| Best Pet Stairs for Large Dogs | Pet Gear Easy Step II Extra Wide | 4.5 |
| Best Budget Buy | Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stairs | 4.5 |
| Best Dog Steps for Car | PetSafe Happy Ride Extra Long Telescoping Dog Ramp | 4.3 |
| Best Dog Steps for Bed | PetSafe Solvit PupSTEP Plus Pet Stairs | 4.3 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Dog Steps Overall: Best Pet Supplies Pet Stairs
It is hard to beat the Best Pet Supplies Pet Stairs. These stairs come in a variety of different sizes and colors. You can choose from three steps, four steps, or five steps configuration, with the height increasing accordingly. There are nearly a dozen color options available as well. You can choose everything from grey to brown paw prints. The outside cover is removable and can be machine washed. Plus, you can also change out the outer cover with a different one if you want to change things up. The outside cover is designed to be slip-resistant, making it safer for your pet. Of course, you should still keep an eye on your pet when they’re using it. You never know when they’re going to try to use them with a running start.
The inside of the stairs is made with mattress grade foam that has been CertiPUR-US certified. This is especially important for older dogs who need something extra-soft on their joints. The foam is advertised to hold up to 100 pounds. However, this set of stairs is only designed for small dogs. Some customers reported that it gave way too much for their bigger dogs to use it. With that said, they are an excellent option for smaller dogs.
Best Pet Supplies Pet Stairs Key Features:
- Many patterns available
- Machine-washable cover
- A few different sizes available
Best Pet Stairs for Large Dogs: Pet Gear Easy Step II Extra Wide
Most pet stairs are only designed for smaller animals. After all, it is usually only very tiny puppies that have difficulty reaching the bed, as well as some smaller dog breeds who need to avoid jumping to prevent back problems. However, there are many cases where a giant dog might need a little help as well, like if they have arthritis for instance. In these cases, the Pet Gear Easy Step II Extra Wide is a great option. These steps are designed for dogs up to 200 pounds. They are broader and deeper than most other stairs, making them easily usable for medium and large canines. There are rubber grips on the bottom of the stairs to prevent it from moving around, even when your large dog decides to jump to the stairs from the other side of the room. Of course, small dogs can use these stairs as well – they might be a little larger than what you need.
These stairs do require some assembly. However, everything snaps together and you don’t even need any tools to assemble it correctly. The carpet is removable and can be machine washed, while the rest of the steps are easily cleaned with a wet cloth.
Pet Gear Easy Step II Extra Wide Key Features:
- Easy assembly
- Machine washable carpet
- Designed for larger dogs
- Very wide
Best Budget Dog Stairs: Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stairs
Not everyone needs a large set of stairs. Perhaps your little puppy needs a set of stairs for a month or two until they gain the confidence to jump up by themselves. Or, maybe you have some doubts that your dog will even use the stairs in the first place. Whatever the reason, the Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stairs are an inexpensive option for any smaller dog. This set of stairs is not designed for larger dogs, but it perfect for small to medium canines.
They have broad, deeper steps to help your pet get plenty of footing. This wider design also encourages less-than-eager dogs to give it a try. Even if your pooch has clearly shown that they don’t like other stairs, you might want to consider giving this one a try.
This set of stairs does require some assembly, but the whole thing just snaps together. You don’t need any tools. The carpet is removable and can be machine washed. The bottom of the stairs features rubber grips, which help keep the whole thing in place while your pet is using it. Plus, there are a few different colors and designs available to better match your furniture.
Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stairs Key Features:
- No-tool assembly
- Washable carpet tread
- Rubber grippers
- Multiple colors available
Best Dog Stairs for Car: PetSafe Happy Ride Extra Long Telescoping Dog Ramp
This PetSafe Happy Ride Extra Long Telescoping Dog Ramp is an excellent option for any dog who needs a little extra help getting into the car. It has an extra-long, adjustable size, making it easier for dogs who might have trouble using a steeper surface or traditional stairs. This ramp is useable with almost car due to its adjustable nature. It is durable and robust and can hold up to 300 pounds. It is made out of aluminum and quality plastic. That is enough for any dog out there. The high traction surface prevents slipping and the outside rails keep your pet moving forward. Your furry friend should have no trouble using this ramp. Rubber feet prevent the ramp from sliding while in use.
The ramp is very lightweight and easy to store. If you have a long road trip ahead, this is the perfect ramp to take with you. It weighs only 18 pounds, making it easy to pull in and out of your car as you need to. The whole ramp easily slides inwards and locks with a safety latch. There is no need to worry about it coming undone while you’re using it and accidentally injuring yourself. Furthermore, this company offers a quality guarantee.
PetSafe Happy Ride Extra Long Telescoping Dog Ramp Key Features:
- Easy to clean
- Safety latch
- Compact
- Weighs only 18 pounds
Best Dog Steps for Bed: PetSafe Solvit PupSTEP Plus Pet Stairs
Weighing only five pounds, the PetSafe Solvit PupSTEP Plus Pet Stairs is exceptionally lightweight. However, it can hold up to 150 pounds, which is more than enough for most canines. The tread and stair spacing are designed for small to medium pets, however. Your large pet might find the steps to close together depending on their overall size. With that said, many dog owners did report that their large dogs were able to use the steps easily. In this case, the particular dog and how confident there are around stairs seems to matter.
It features non-skid feet as well, preventing the whole thing from unnecessarily sliding around when in use. The sides of the stairs are slightly raised. This feature provides some extra security to pets who might no be sure about these stairs. Plus, it prevents anyone from accidentally making a misstep and falling off of the stairs.
Unlike most of the competition, this set of stairs folds up easily for storage purposes. It can be tucked away after folding the back legs inwards. The stairs arrive fully assembled, and your whole thing cleans easily with a mild soap. While these steps are designed for the bed, some pet owners reported great success when using them for their cars as well.
PetSafe Solvit PupSTEP Plus Pet Stairs Key Features:
- Weighs only 5 pounds
- Folds for easy storage
- Useable by dogs of all sizes
- Non-skid feet
Who Should Buy Dog Stairs
There are a few cases where you might want to consider purchasing a set of dog stairs for your pooch. Some dogs are just too small to jump onto the couch or bed themselves. While you could resort to lifting them up, this can get tiresome pretty quickly. Plus, what are you going to do when you aren’t around to save the day?
Furthermore, some breeds should avoid jumping as much as possible. Dog breeds like the Shih Tzu and Dachshund are prone to back problems, which often occur when they jump more than they should. Teaching them to use dog stairs instead of jumping can keep them healthy and help you avoid large vet bills.
Sometimes, bigger dogs need a little extra help as well. Arthritis and hip problems can both make jumping difficult. In many cases, as your dog gets older, you might need to consider getting a set of dog stairs to improve your pet’s mobility.
Important Features to Consider
A collection of stairs for dogs should have a few essential features. Here’s what to consider when selecting dog stairs:
- Weight capacity. Not all dog stairs are designed to hold huge dogs. Many inexpensive options are only made for small to medium dogs. Any more significant than that, and you risk breaking the stairs. If you have a large dog, be sure to purchase a set of stairs designed for large dogs. Typically, you can find this by checking for weight capacity.
- Non-skid. Since dog stairs aren’t attached to the floor, they mustn’t slide around while in use. A set of stairs that slides everywhere isn’t going to be very useful in the least. Luckily, most stairs come with non-skid feet of some sort to prevent these problems.
- Aesthetic. Dog stairs these days come in many different designs. You can get stairs in almost any pattern or style you can imagine. With so many options available, there is no reason to purchase a set of stairs you don’t like. Shop around a little bit for a product that you won’t mind looking at.
- Weight. In some cases, you are not going to use your dog stairs in only one location. You might place them against the couch during the day, and them up against the bed at night. You may not even have the dog stairs out at all times. For all of these reasons, the weight of the stairs is essential. If the stairs weigh a considerable amount, you’re not going to be moving them around very much. Choose a set of stairs that don’t consider more than you can carry easily.
- Storability. You may not need to have the dog stairs out at all times. How storable the dog stairs are matters. If the stairs are just a giant piece of foam, you’re likely going to have a hard time finding a place to put them. If you plan on storing your stairs away occasionally, be sure to grab some that fold for secure storage.
- Washable. Some stairs have covers that can be thrown into the washing machine. Others have carpets that are machine washable as well. However, some aren’t machine washable at all and require you to wash them by hand. Others have small sections that are washable, like the carpet, for instance but require hand washing everywhere else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you use dog steps?
You can use dog stairs wherever your dog needs to access a higher area. Often, pet owners use them for couches and beds. However, they can theoretically be used anywhere, including your car.
Are stairs or a ramp better for dogs?
It depends. Stairs take up less floor space and should be easily used by any dog who has the agility to use other stairs. If your dog is already plenty familiar with stairs around the house, they should have no issue using these stairs.
Ramps are a good option for dogs who can’t (or won’t) climb stairs. Sometimes, arthritis and other illness might affect the joints that move during stair climbing. In this case, a ramp is the best option. However, ramps often take up more floor space since the incline must be gentler.
How do I know if my dog needs dog stairs?
If your dog requires your assistance to reach the couch or bed, they need a set of dog stairs. Besides this instance, certain dog breeds should also use dog stairs. Dogs with long backs, like the Dachshund and even the Beagle, should use stairs instead of jumping as much as possible. These breeds are prone to IVDD, which is a back problem where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae enter the spinal column and press of the nerves. This disorder can often be brought on by jumping, so it is essential to discourage it.
Are stairs bad for dogs with arthritis?
Like the answer to so many other questions, it depends mostly on your specific dog. It depends mainly on where your dog is experiencing their arthritis pain. If it is in their knees and elbows, they might have difficulty bending their legs properly to climb stairs. However, if their hips are the issue, stairs are often a better option than a ramp.
If your dog seems fine using other stairs, they’ll probably be okay with a set of dog stairs.
Other Dog Steps and Stairs We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other stairs for dogs. Even though they didn’t make our best steps for dogs list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still an excellent option for your pooch. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Dog Steps for Large Dogs
PAWLAND 2-in-1 Portable Folding Pet Stairs for Dogs
This set of stairs can easily be adjusted to suit many different pets. The aesthetic design fits with most home styles.
Key Features:
- Easy to assemble
- Wood construction
- 2-in-1 dog ramp and stairs
Cost: $120
Petmaker Folding Plastic Nonstick Pet Stairs with Multi-Steps
These stairs are made with durable plastic that can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. The whole thing folds for secure storage.
Key Features:
- Easy to store
- Guard rails
- Easy to clean
Cost: $31
PetSafe Solvit PupSTEP Wood Pet Stairs
These wooden steps support up to 150 pounds. It features a carpet cover that prevents slipping and sliding and can fold to lay down flat.
Key Features:
- Folds for storage
- Carpet cover
- Wooden
Cost: $65
Range Kleen Petstep Gray Folding 2 Step Dog Assist
This product is designed to be used throughout your home as well as for your car. They are rigid and sturdy, which makes them suitable for large dogs.
Key Features:
- 300-pound weight capacity
- Lightweight
- Easy to carry
Cost: $56
Made out of high-density CertiPUR-US Certified foam, this set off dog steps is perfect for larger pets. The outside cover is removable and washable.
Key Features:
- Washable
- Easy assembly
- Multiple colors available
Cost: $62
Dog Steps for Cars
Designed to be used in the car and indoors, these stairs fold up very small for easy storage. They can be adjusted to match many surfaces and are completely waterproof.
Key Features:
- Non-slip
- 135-pound weight limit
- Durable
Cost: $57
Niubya Upgraded Car Dog Stairs
This set of stairs folds for easy storage and can hold dogs up to 150-pounds. It is made out of thick, rustproof metal.
Key Features:
- 150-pound capacity
- Non-slip rubber coating surface
- Easy to carry
Cost: $58
These folding stairs feature 1680D Oxford cloth that is both durable and easy to clean. The whole stair system folds up for easy storage in your car.
Key Features:
- Foldable
- 100-pound weight limit
- Non-slip surface
Cost: $44
Upgraded Pet Dog Car Step by Snagle Paw
Lightweight and durable, these stairs can hold up to 100 pounds. They are heavy-duty and made to provide plenty of friction, preventing slippage.
Key Features:
- Anti-slip rubber grippers
- Easy to wipe down
- Reinforced for durability
Cost: $60
YEPHHO 5 Steps Upgraded Folding Pet Stairs
These adjustable stairs are suitable for small to large dogs. They are lightweight and durable, with non-slip oxford fabric.
Key Features:
- Weighs only 10 pounds
- 150 weight limits
- Bottom rubber pads for traction
Cost: $60
Dog Stairs for Beds
Dallas Manufacturing Co. 3 Step Home Décor Pet Steps
These lightweight stairs can easily be moved around your home for use in the bedroom and living room. They are extremely lightweight but can hold up to 150 pounds.
Key Features:
- Lightweight
- Padded
- Non-skid bottom
Cost: $47
Pet Gear Easy Step IV Pet Stairs
If you have a small pet, these stairs might be a good option. They are smaller than most options, which makes them take up less room.
Key Features:
- Snaps together easily
- Rubber grippers
- Designed for small pets
Cost: $40
PETMAKER High-Density Foam 3 Tier Pet Steps
These foam stairs are easy to clean and made out of high-density foam. They are sturdy and stable, as well as well-balanced, to prevent slippage.
Key Features:
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Easy to clean
Cost: $23
Petmaker Folding Plastic Nonstick Pet Stairs
Created to be lightweight and compact, these stairs are easy to move around and store when not in use. The plastic construction is easy to clean and durable.
Key Features:
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Durable
Cost: $30
These carpeted stairs provide stability and plenty of friction. They are made out of sturdy wood and can support up to 80 pounds.
Key Features:
- Made out of wood
- Carpeted
- 4-step design
Cost: $53
Dog Steps for Small Dogs
These stairs are beautifully crafted and available in a dark, espresso color. They are smaller, so they are only really suitable for small to medium dogs.
Key Features:
- Durable fabric lining
- No assembly required
- Can support up to 100 pounds
Cost: $70
These stairs have a unique design that comes in multiple colors. It features a faux fur cover that provides padding and friction.
Key Features:
- Different colors available
- Faux fur cover
- Washable
Cost: $36
With four silicone suckers attached to the bottom, these stairs do not slide as much as other options. They are lightweight but sturdy enough for 70 pounds.
Key Features:
- Non-slip
- Washable cover
- Supports over 70 pounds
Cost: $30
Made with CertiPUR-US certified form, these stairs are designed for interior use only. It comes with a removable and washable cozy cover.
Key Features:
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Easily assembled
- Washable cozy cover
Cost: $40
These foldable dog steps are made of orthopedic pet bed materials, which is easy on your pet’s joints and bones. It is made with a soft, comfortable material.
Key Features:
- 2-in-1 bed and stairs
- Orthopedic materials
- Soft material
Cost: $60
