The 10 Best Dog Ramps Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024

Dog ramps are a nifty solution that can make you and your canine companion’s life easier in many situations.

Sometimes, having a ramp is just a matter of convenience, but oftentimes it is a necessity (if you have a dog with mobility issues or a small dog like mine, for example). They can be used to assist your pup onto the bed or couch, or taken in the car to make getting in and out easier and safer. 

Today’s article will help you find the perfect dog ramp for your needs. We asked a panel of veterinarians and dog parents to assist is in our research. In doing so, we tested some of the most popular dog ramps, all on our quest to find the best dog ramp Australia offers. And what we discovered is some amazing options to suit a variety of households. Ready to check them out? Let's get to it!

Australia's Best Dog Ramps Reviewed

With all considerations above taken into account, you are now ready to get your first dog ramp. And we did all the research for you after testing dozens and dozens of types.

No matter if you are looking for the best dog ramp for a car in Australia, or simply a ramp to make a part of your home more accessible to your doggo, the list below should help you find what you are looking for.

This i.Pet dog ramp is a basic model, but after giving it a whirl, our team is certain that it is very likely to fulfill the needs of most pet parents and their canine companions.

The ramp is almost 2 m long (precisely, 182 cm) which is enough to create a gentle slope for your dog to climb even into raised and 4x4 vehicles. It's also longer than many of the other ramps we mention ahead.

It’s made from polyethylene with a matte finish. I like how the choice of material makes the ramp fairly lightweight, but also sturdy enough to support weights up to 90 kg. In other words, the ramp is more than strong enough for most medium and large dogs.

The walking surface of the ramp also features a non-slip layer, like all of the ramp options on this list. It ensures your pooch can walk up and down without risking a dangerous accident.

Finally, the ramp folds down threefold. Our expert panel loved this feature because it means the ramp is quite manageable when not in use and can easily fit into your car (dimensions folded: 69 cm x 41 cm x 19 cm).

Overall, this is a reliable ramp that’s also very convenient and easy to use, features that set it apart from many other choices below. 

This ramp from PaWz is a super simple product that might just be exactly what you need.

This ramp is made entirely out of plastic, but it’s designed to still be stable and carry a lot of weight. In fact, it can withstand as much as 90 kg according to the manufacturer. That means the ramp could carry some of the heaviest dog breeds without issue.

If your dog is actually near the 90 kg mark, we’d recommend getting a ramp with a metal frame rather than this one, but this could also work in a pinch. For most standard-sized dogs, though, our expert panel of researchers noted that this simple ramp from PaWz is more than enough.

What I liked most about this ramp is that it’s very lightweight and super easy to set up, you can technically do it in one move. The ramp folds in half, which sets it apart from our tri-fold option in the number one spot. It's also simple to use; all you need to do is open it up and place it where you need it. If you use the ramp often for quick drives with your dog, this could be a great solution.

A telescopic ramp is always a better option if you need it for more than one purpose - for example, both vehicle AND indoor high places your pooch can’t reach without assistance. The longer the ramp is, the less steep the climb. This, in turn, protects your canine companion’s joints when going up and down.

All members of our research team could safely agree that this extra-long telescopic ramp from PetSafe is an excellent choice for everyone, not just for owners of high-profile vehicles.

The ramp can be extended anywhere from 119 cm to 220 cm, making it longer than our first choice. It’s perfect for reaching just about anything - whether it’s furniture or cars. You can also use it to help your canine companion get on a boat. It’s 50 cm wide, so there’s no need to worry about your dog falling into the water.

The ramp is a bit on the bulkier side. It weighs almost 10 kg, which is quite heavy to carry. Luckily, it comes with a rubber side handle that makes it easier to lift the folded ramp in and out of the car. The surface of the ramp slides inward and it locks with a safety latch, after which you can store it in the trunk.

The good side of this ramp being heavy is that it also makes it rather stable when in use. Four rubber feet also help with keeping it in place. The ramp is made out of aluminium and plastic, a combination that is sturdy but not as heavy as some other materials.

Finally, this ramp has a high-friction surface that provides your pooch with sure footing, no matter how steep the climb is. Textured surface allows even the most soaking-wet dogs to easily go up and down the ramp without sliding.

This ramp from Pet Gear features SupertraX mat, and that alone is a feature that allows this ramp to place high up on our list. And here’s why - this mat allows your dog’s paws to grip onto it while getting in a vehicle. It provides sure-footing, so there are no worries that the clumsiest of pooches will slide when entering the car, even with wet paws.

I personally noticed that this feature is especially great for elderly and injured pets who have trouble walking, like my boy does. The ramp has bottom grippers as well as a safety tether that makes it stay in place when set up.

There are two versions of this ramp - bi-fold and tri-fold. This option sets it apart from others on the list. The first one is 106 cm long while the latter is 180 cm in length. If you own an SUV or other high-off-the-ground vehicles, then you should go for a tri-fold. The shorter version is for lowered cars and other indoor hard to reach places, like beds or sofas. The ramp has slightly raised edges that protect your canine friend from slipping off of it.

One thing we especially like about SupertraX mat is that it’s removable and safe for machine-washing. So, I didn’t need to worry when this ramp served as a paw-cleaning placemat before entering the vehicle since I could easily clean it. Once I was done using it, I could fold it for easy storage.

This Deluxe telescopic ramp is an overall great choice for vehicles. You can adjust it from 99 cm to 182 cm, which means it works for both low profile cars and SUVs or minivans. Safety tests proved that this ramp is durable and can support over 180 kg without the worry of getting bent.

While our expert testers surmise that there’s a rather low chance of having three Great Danes using the ramp at the same time, it’s good to know the ramp is that sturdy.

This dog ramp is made out of a combination of plastic and aluminium. It weighs 5.9 kg, meaning it’s lighter than most ramps on this list. When slid in, it’s 1 metre long, so it doesn’t take up much car trunk space. Like our number three choice, it has a rubber handle that helps with transporting, and a safety release latch that prevents it from opening unexpectedly.

The ramp features a high-traction walking surface so it helps paws grip onto the ramp when walking on it, which is especially important for steep climbs. Four rubber feet keep it stable while it’s in use. Side rails are raised, so your pooch can safely use the ramp. When it comes to cleaning, we quickly learned that this traction surface is quite forgiving. A little bit of mild detergent and water will remove any paw marks. 

There are a lot of things to love about this ramp. The first one is that it’s one of the lightest ramps on the market! It weighs only 4.45 kg, thanks to its all-plastic design. But don’t let the material fool you - this ramp can hold over 90 kg, so even the chubbiest of pooches can walk over it without worries.

Another thing that’s great about this product is that it has rails higher than most other models. Your canine companion will feel secure while going up and down the ramp. It also has a high-traction walking surface that provides safe-footing with less stress on the joints. This rugged surface is also easily cleaned. Most of the time, a simple hose off will do the trick, but with a little bit of a detergent, even the most stubborn mud stains will go away.

Thanks to four rubber feet, you can rest assured the ramp won’t move the slightest while your dog is using it. When it’s no longer needed, simply fold it down for less storage space. A safety release catch will keep it securely closed when stored away. 

Even though these stairs from Best Pet Supplies have many qualities, the one feature that makes them stand out from the crowd is the number of outer cover options. You can choose different materials and patterns or solid colours. Rest assured you’ll find the one that will match your interior. They are removable and safe for machine-washing. You can also buy replacement covers separately, so you can switch up different styles any time you want.

Our research panel appreciated that the stairs feature an anti-slip bottom that ensures they stay in place at all times. They’re made out of foam which is CertiPUR-US certified. This means it’s created without flame retardants, lead, mercury or any other substances that can harm our canine companions.

Now, you might be wondering - why foam? This material is sturdy enough to withstand dog weight, but it’s also gentle enough for pets with arthritis or similar health problems. Since my pupper has osteoarthritis, it is a great option for him.

The foam also gives your pooch traction to climb up and down the stairs. And if you somehow bump into the stairs, this material will surely not hurt as the wooden stairs would. Depending on the height of your furniture, you can choose a 3-step, 4-step or 5-step option. These steps can support dogs up to 68 kg, so not ideal for the largest of dog breeds. 

Our expert researchers could all agree that this ramp from Rosewood has an ingenious folding mechanism. Once packed, it takes no more room than a briefcase would, which is great for small storage spaces. This ramp is also a definition of featherweight - 2.75 kg makes this a total winner. 

However, there are downsides to that. Since this product is so lightweight, it’s obvious it probably can’t hold as much weight as other ramps can. The packaging says that it’s suitable for dogs under 40 kg. That is why we recommend this ramp for use over stairs to make the incline a bit more easier for injured and older pups that find climbing stairs difficult. 

Rubber grippers located at the bottom of the ramp forces it to maintain its position at all times. These grippers, along with ramp joints, make this a great dog ramp for stairs.

Like many other ramps on our list, the surface is skid-resistant, which should help your dog walk steadily over it. However, some members of our testing panel noted that this product can be slippery when wet, so it’s advisable to wipe your pooch’s paws before going up on it.

These steps from Roomnhome feature a simple but fashionable design that will suit different interior styles, similar to our number seven option. There are two-step and three-step model variations, depending on your pooch’s needs.

What sets these steps apart is that underneath each step, there are storage spaces where you can put dog toys, leash or just about anything you need. The lids don’t have Velcro or any type of fasteners which isn’t really important. But keep in mind that your dog can easily open it, so it’s not a great place for storing dog food, for example.

Related: Dachshund Ramps Australia.

These steps are great for Dachshunds, Yorkshire terriers and other dogs weighing less than 8 kg. If your pooch is close to the weight limit, the steps can be a bit flimsy. We noticed during the testing phase that one way to deal with that is to simply fill up storage space, which made the steps sturdier. The bottom features a non-slip fabric, so it won’t move even if your playful canine companion jumps excitedly onto it.

When the stepper is not in use, it can be folded and takes up almost no storage space. It’s made out of polyester and filled with sponge, so you can easily carry it around.

These PupSTEP stairs are an ideal product for every pooch that needs help with reaching their favourite place. Not only do these stairs look stylish, they’re sturdy but lightweight, and they’ll look amazing in every room of your house.

The stairs come in standard and extra-large size. The first one can hold up to 55 kg, while the second one claims to withstand up to 90 kg. While the weight test proves stairs’ sturdiness, they are still intended for small and medium-sized pooches. Each step is 18 cm wide, which would make it difficult for larger dogs to climb down.

PupSTEP stairs feature 17 cm tall side-rails that keep your canine companion safe when going up or down. Each step is carpeted, which prevents your dog from sliding even with wet paws - this is especially important for elderly and injured pets. If it gets dirty, the rugged fabric can be cleaned with a bit of water and mild detergent.

The stairs have non-slip rubber feet that keep them in place when used. Unlike the steps we review at number seven and nine, when not needed, you can simply fold the legs down and store it in narrow places, like under the bed, or beside the couch. I love how this type of storability gives them the convenience of a ramp but with the style of steps.

Who Needs A Dog Ramp?

Any dog could use a dog ramp. Whenever there is an area in your home or yard where you’d like your dog to go, but it is too high, a dog ramp can offer a solution. Dog ramps are also great for getting your dog in the car without any accidents or accidental scratches.

Of course, most dogs don’t actually need a ramp for most of their lives. It is when dogs start getting older, or get injured, that a ramp sometimes becomes necessary. If you notice your dog starts having trouble getting to some spaces inside your home, you should definitely consider getting a ramp. It has become an indispensable part of my household for this reason.

Additionally, if you have a small or tiny dog, it is possible that they simply can’t reach some spaces inside your home (like the couch, for example). Sometimes they can’t even get up the stairs. In that case, you’ll want to look for some aesthetically pleasing indoor ramps that can stay in place (you’ll find some nice suggestions below).

How to Choose a Ramp for Dogs

If your canine companion is on the smaller side, they will probably need a ramp in the house, for things like climbing into the bed or getting up the stairs. If your dog is large, a dog car ramp makes getting into the car much easier and safer - for your pup and your back! But how do you choose the right ramp for your situation? We consulted our expert panel, and here is what they want you to consider:

Weight Limit

Before settling on a dog ramp, you should definitely check the weight limit. If your dog is tiny, this will not be much of an issue, but if you have a large dog, you definitely want the ramp to be able to support their weight.

Safety Features

Some ramps come with additional safety features. These are important to consider especially for senior dogs, and in general, dogs with mobility issues, such as problems with the joints or injuries. My dog is a small breed but has mobility issues, so I had to take his special needs into consideration during our dog ramp testing phase.

The most important safety feature to look for is a non-slip walkway. Since the ramp can be a bit steep, you don’t want your pooch’s feet to slip, which is totally possible, especially if they walk slow.

Indoor Ramps

When you want to place a dog ramp indoors, you usually want a ramp that can stay in place permanently. Most of the time, these ramps are put in place to let the dog climb into the bed, on the couch, or to any raised surface inside your home.

When you are looking for an indoor ramp, you’ll want to look for something that also looks fairly nice. Ramps made of wood, or little stairs with pretty exterior can be a good choice.

Outdoor Ramps

Outdoor ramps for dogs are most commonly used for getting into the car, but they can be used for many other purposes, of course. With outdoor ramps, you’ll especially want to focus on the stability. You’ll also want the ramp to have a good non-slip surface in this case.

Ramps can get wet outside, and this can create quite a slippery slope. Wet, muddy paws can also cause some risk. When it comes to outdoor ramps, you also have the option to choose a ramp that is foldable. This is a great option for car ramps, which you can store in your trunk and take out as needed. Our team reviewed several of these, the results of which we share ahead. 

Final Thoughts

In general, our team of expert researchers agreed that telescopic dog ramps are easiest to shop for. There is no need to know the exact length you need, as the length of the ramp is adjustable. That’s why we chose the PetSafe Happy Ride Extra Long Telescoping Dog Ramp as our top pick. This ramp is well-made and so versatile that you can use it for literally anything.

If this ramp is too bulky and heavy, then we suggest you go for the Pet Gear Travel Lite Ramp.

References

1. Bocco, D. May 8, 2018. “Do You Need a Dog Ramp?”.  PetMD Editorial. Retrieved May 8, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/do-you-need-dog-ramp