Does your beloved furry friend struggle to hop into the car for your next adventure? Watching a senior dog or a small puppy strain just to get through the side door can tug at your heartstrings. It’s a common problem for many pet owners. You want your dog to join you, but those few feet of vertical space feel like a mountain for them.
Choosing the perfect dog ramp for the side door adds another layer of confusion. Should it be foldable? Does it need extra grip? These ramps are vital for your dog’s safety and comfort, but the sheer number of models and features available often makes the decision overwhelming and stressful.
This guide cuts through the noise. We break down exactly what features matter most for side door access. You will learn to compare materials, check stability, and find the ramp that perfectly fits your car and your dog’s needs.
Ready to make car rides easy and safe again? Let’s explore the best options so you and your pup can hit the road without worry.
Top Dog Ramp For Car Side Door Recommendations
- 【 Sturdy & Stable Dog Car Ramp 】The large dog's pet ramp is made of high-grade aluminum which makes the folding dog ramp stairs sturdy but more lightweight, our latest upgraded and improved version of the ramp includes an internal load-bearing crossbar to ensure long-lasting stability and support up to 250 lbs. Its mechanically designed structure provides strong support. Perfect for small, medium & large dogs' indoor and outdoor use when getting into a vehicle, car, SUV, truck, couch, or high bed
- 【 Anti-slip & Comfortable Dog Ramp 】Our folding dog ramp features a non-slip gray carpet surface, it is made of dense anti-tear plastic fibers with Loofah-like texture grip, provides plenty of traction, and absorbs the impact as the dog steps on, relieves the pressure on the paws and joints and reduce the pet's muscle ache and joint tension caused by jumping. The top of each step has an anti-slip rubber-like surface, which ensure that your pet will not slip while walking in any weather conditions
- 【 Longer Length for Gentle Angle】 The length of dog car ramps is increased to 63 inches, and a width of 17.3 inches, allowing for a smoother angle between the pet ramp and the car, better reducing the dog's muscle and joint straining caused by jumping, easing pain and better protecting against injury. Complete with a safety rope and stainless steel buckles, this ramp offers extra security
- 【 Four-Fold for Portability & Multifunctional 】: The dog ramp with extra long length of 63 inches and a width of 17 inches. Unlike other dog loading ramps on the market can only be two-fold or three-fold, our dog vehicle ramps can be quadruple folded into a convenient size of 17.5*17*5.5inch. The dog ramp stair is perfect for your dog's entering cars, SUVs, trucks, high beds, and couches
- 【 Easy to Store & Carry 】: The outdoor dog ramp can be folded flat, only 5.5 inches high, and weighs 13.5 pounds when folded, making it very easy to store for storage. You can easily store it in your car, living room, and bedroom without taking up too much space. Plus the padded foam handle and lightweight design are more convenient to carry anytime and anywhere. so you can easily carry it indoors or outdoors. Have your best friend join you on vacation with no trouble
- SUVs Compatible & Travel Friendly: The PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Dog Ramp fits most van, SUV, and car models, supports pets up to 150 lb, and folds for compact, convenient storage on the go
- Safe Climb & No Slipping Surface: High-traction tread, side rails, and rubber non-skid feet ensure stable ramp use with wobbling prevention and joint strain protection for senior dogs
- Durable Build & Versatile Use: Sturdy high-impact plastic ramp is designed for daily use with indoor adaptability for enhanced senior pet mobility; easy to carry and quick to install
- Global Mission, Local Care: With U.S. roots and worldwide reach, PetSafe delivers vet- and trainer-recommended solutions and exceptional customer support to create fields of joy for pets
- 25 Years of Trust: Since 1998, PetSafe has created safe, innovative, and trusted products that bring joy, enhance pet lives, and support the lifelong bond between pets and their families
- Wanna to travel with your old dog with mobility issues but worrying your pet which are too timid to use pet stairs or pets that have physical limitations that make it difficult to use stairs? Nova Folding Pet Ramp makes the task of loading and unloading your pet from your vehicle a whole lot easier. It is the perfect ramp for pets (dog, cat, puppy) who need extra help climbing into the car, sofa, bed, couch, small stairs or ledges
- High Traction: Non slip ridged walking surface provides super traction when pets walk up and down the ramp, whatever in wet or dry environments; four rubber feet keep the ramp stable and prevent the ramp from slipping sliding while in use
- Heavy Duty Construction: The foldable dog ramp is constructed of durable plastic, which is sturdy enough to hold pets up to 150 lbs without excess wobbling or bending, giving even the largest dog a safe and comfortable walking surface
- Portable and Convenient: The pet ladder can be fold in half for easy transport and storage; 10 lbs light weight with built in handles on each side makes it easy to pick up. WARM NOTE: Recommend Setting Height:28 inches. Please note this ramp is recommended not to be set too high, and a flatter Angle is preferred,Otherwise it will get a little slippery for dogs due to the excessive tilt Angle
- Safty and Secure: When you’re done loading or unloading your pet, simply fold it up and secure with the safety release latches which helps prevent accidental openings; at the same time, raised rails on both sides of the walking surface help your pet feel more secure
- Pet Gear, A Vermont Family Owned Company Since 1936.
- SupertraX tread provides sure-footing and is removable for easy cleaning
- Easy fold for compact storage
- Attached handle for portability
- Rubber grippers on bottom help keep ramp steady
- Max Length to Protect Your Dog's Joints - Short ramps can create a steep angle, putting extra strain on your buddy's joints and spine, which may even scare them into jumping down. Our PetThem dog stairs for large dogs with its extra-long 71" length, effectively reduces joint stress and minimizes muscle strains and pain caused by jumping. Perfect for older, disabled, short-legged, or injured pups, it ensures safe and easy car access for your furry friend
- Non-Slip & Comfortable for Better Traction - Our dog ramp for stairs' walking surface features a high-traction fabric rug with Loofah-like texture grip, ensuring your pet won’t slip while walking in any weather conditions. This non-slip surface, coupled with the plush carpet fabric, provides their paws with a comfortable grip, making every climb a breeze
- Sturdy and Stable, No More Shaking - Crafted from premium aluminum alloy with reinforced sleeves, our dog steps for car ensure lasting stability and support up to 250 lbs. To guarantee maximum stability, our dedicated team has extensively reinforced and tested this dog ramp for truck. Your pooch can confidently enter and exit vehicles with ease
- Portable and Easy to Store - The PetThem Ramp for dogs to get in car folds up four times to a compact size of 17.2" x 5" x 19", making it easy to store in your car, under the bed,or beside the sofa without taking up much space. Weighing just 19 lbs and featuring a handle, it's easy to carry and adjust its position. Have your best friend join you on vacation with no trouble
- Why Choose PetThem Car Ramp for Dogs - Anti-Slip and Comfortable, Pet-Focused Design, your pet's happiness and well-being are our top priorities. Order now and make every journey a breeze for both you and your furry friend
- [Gentle Slope for Joint Protection] Our 63-inch long, 17.3-inch wide ramp ensures a gradual incline, reducing strain on your dog’s joints and spine. Perfect for senior, injured, or short-legged dogs, it prevents painful jumps and helps them safely enter/exit cars, SUVs, trucks, or high beds.
- [Ultra Anti-Slip & Paw-Friendly Surface] Our ramp is made of dense anti-tear plastic fibers and The top of each step has an anti-slip rubber-like surface, provides superior grip in all weather conditions. featuring a high-traction,anti-tear plastic fibers rug absorb impact, reducing paw stress and joint tension for a comfortable climb.
- [Sturdy & Stable – Supports Up to 250 lbs] Built with premium aluminum alloy and reinforced crossbars, our ramp offers maximum stability without shaking. Tested for durability, it safely supports small, medium, and large dogs with confidence.
- [Quad-Folding & Ultra-Portable] Unlike bulky ramps, ours ramps can folds into a compact size. it’s easy to store in cars, under beds, or beside sofas—ideal for travel and daily use.
- [Pet-First Design & Hassle-Free Support] We’re pet owners too, so we prioritize safety and comfort. Every ramp includes a safety rope & stainless steel buckles for extra security. If you ever need help, our dedicated team is ready to assist!
- 2-in-1 Design: This foldable wooden dog stair features a 2-step design, perfect for small dogs, elderly pets, or those with mobility issues to access beds, sofas, cars, and more. It can also be quickly converted into a ramp, which is better suited for cats or medium to large dogs to climb and walk on due to its steeper incline.
- 2-in-1 Design: This foldable wooden dog stair features a 2-step design, perfect for small dogs, elderly pets, or those with mobility issues to access beds, sofas, cars, and more. It can also be quickly converted into a ramp, which is better suited for cats or medium to large dogs to climb and walk on due to its steeper incline.
- Ideal Steps Surface: The wooden pet stairs are covered with polyester fabric, ensuring comfort and slip resistance, facilitating easier climbing and walking while preventing slipping on the ramp.
- Easy to Carry and Store: These foldable pet stairs are foldable, making them convenient to store and carry. They can be effortlessly tucked away in a corner of your car or home with space-saving design.
- Product Dimensions: Length: 18.5'', width: 18.5'', height: 11.8''. Step dimensions: length: 9.5'', width: 15.8''. These wooden dog stairs help your beloved pet easily climb onto sofas, beds, or their designated resting areas.
- 【63-Inch Dog Car Ramp】The 62-inch extra-long ramp for dogs to get in the car allows a softer angle between the vehicle and the pet ramp, reducing the stress on the dog's muscles and joints. It is suitable for dogs of all sizes and can also help elderly dogs, disabled dogs, and injured dogs more easily get in and out of cars while reducing pain and preventing injuries.
- 【Anti-slip And Comfortable】The outdoor dog ramp has a high-traction carpet, which could reduce the pressure on the paws of dogs. At the same time, the carpet's surface has an anti-slip texture, providing a good experience for your pet and preventing it from slipping. The two ends of the ramp for dogs are also designed with rubber Anti-slip feet, with excellent anti-slip performance, which can be used with confidence
- 【Safe And Stable】This car ramp for dogs is made of high-quality aluminum alloy. It is light in weight but has a strong load-bearing capacity. Each dog ramp for car will be inspected by professional equipment after production is completed, which can support pets weighing up to 200 pounds. There is no problem even for super large dogs when walking on it. The 17-inch width allows dogs to walk easily on the ramps for dogs without falling off, ensuring pet safety.
- 【Foldable And Easy to Carry】The folding dog ramp adopts a four-fold folding design, and the folded size is 17 inches x 17 inches x 5 inches, making it easy to store in the car or anywhere else. In addition, the large dog ramp also has a portable handle, which can be easily carried after folding, making it convenient for you to use the pet ramps indoors or outdoors.
- 【Easy to Use】No installation is required, you only need to unfold the foldable dog ramp when using it and fix the metal safety latch on the latch of the rear car door, The safety lock keeps your car and the portable dog car ramps connected, preventing the dog car ramp for large dogs SUV from dislodging or shaking during use, ensuring pet's safety. Suitable for cars, SUVs, small trucks, terraces, porch stairs, Bed, and other various scenes to help dogs overcome obstacles.
Choosing the Right Dog Ramp for Your Car Side Door
Getting your furry friend in and out of the car can become tough, especially if your dog is getting older or has joint problems. A dog ramp designed for the side door makes this job much easier for both of you. This guide helps you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a side-door dog ramp, several features really matter. Think about these first:
1. Weight Capacity
Make sure the ramp safely holds your dog’s weight. A ramp rated for 150 pounds might seem strong, but if your large dog jumps on it, you want extra safety. Always choose a ramp rated higher than your dog’s actual weight.
2. Portability and Storage
How easy is it to fold or collapse the ramp? You need to store it in your trunk or back seat when you travel. Look for lightweight models that fold flat or telescope down small.
3. Traction Surface
This is vital for safety. The surface must prevent slipping, even if it rains or your dog’s paws are wet. Look for rubber treads, sandpaper-like grip tape, or carpeted surfaces.
4. Height and Length
Measure the distance from the ground to the car door opening. The ramp must be long enough so the incline isn’t too steep. A steeper ramp is harder for dogs to climb.
Important Materials Matter
The material determines how long the ramp lasts and how much it weighs.
- Plastic (High-Density Polyethylene or HDPE): These ramps are usually lightweight and easy to clean. They work well for small to medium dogs but might not handle very heavy breeds.
- Aluminum: Aluminum offers great strength without adding much weight. It resists rust, which is good if you live in wet areas. Quality aluminum ramps last a long time.
- Wood: While some custom ramps use wood, manufactured ramps rarely do because wood can get heavy and absorb moisture, leading to rot. Stick to metal or durable plastic.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all ramps are built the same. Pay attention to these details:
What Makes a Quality Ramp?
- Sturdy Locking Mechanisms: When you extend the ramp, the locks must hold it firmly in place. A wobbly ramp scares dogs away.
- Rubberized Feet: Good ramps have non-slip rubber grips on the bottom that touch the ground. These feet stop the ramp from sliding forward when your dog walks up.
- Wide Design: A wider ramp gives your dog more confidence. Small dogs might manage a narrow ramp, but larger breeds need space for their shoulders.
What Lowers the Quality?
- Flimsy Hinges: Cheap plastic hinges break easily. Test how smoothly the ramp folds and unfolds.
- Poor Grip: Ramps that only have smooth plastic or very thin carpet offer almost no traction, making them dangerous.
- Inadequate Side Rails: While not mandatory, small raised edges (rails) on the sides help prevent a clumsy dog from stepping off the edge.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about *how* you will use the ramp daily.
Daily Use: If you take your dog out several times a day, you want a ramp that deploys and stores in under a minute. Telescoping ramps often win here because they take up less space and deploy quickly.
Travel and Adventure: For road trips, prioritize a lightweight aluminum model. You do not want to struggle lifting a heavy ramp after a long drive.
Dog Comfort: Some dogs fear ramps initially. If your dog is nervous, start by placing the ramp flat on the ground, letting them walk across it. Then, slowly raise the angle over several days. A ramp with a gentle incline and good traction will always be easier for hesitant dogs to use.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Ramps for Car Side Doors
Q: Are side door ramps better than back hatch ramps?
A: Side door ramps often create a shorter, less steep angle for entry, which is better for dogs with bad backs. They also let you park closer to obstacles without blocking the rear hatch.
Q: How do I introduce my dog to the ramp?
A: Start with the ramp fully lowered to the ground. Reward your dog for stepping onto it. Slowly increase the height over several sessions until they are comfortable with the full incline.
Q: Can I use the ramp if my car is very high, like an SUV?
A: Yes, but you must ensure the ramp you buy has sufficient length to keep the incline shallow. Check the manufacturer’s recommended maximum vehicle height.
Q: How do I clean the ramp surface?
A: Most plastic and aluminum ramps are cleaned easily with mild soap and water. Scrub the treads gently to remove mud and dirt, and let it dry completely before storing.
Q: Do these ramps work with all car models?
A: They generally work with most standard car doors. However, SUVs and trucks may require longer models due to the higher ground clearance.
Q: What is the typical ramp weight?
A: Lightweight models start around 8 to 10 pounds. Heavy-duty ramps designed for very large dogs can weigh 20 pounds or more.
Q: Is it safe for my dog to jump off the ramp?
A: No. Always encourage your dog to walk down the ramp slowly. Jumping puts stress on their joints, even when using a ramp.
Q: Do I need to secure the ramp to the car?
A: Yes, most good ramps have a clip or hook that attaches to the car door frame or seat. This prevents the ramp from sliding away from the door when your dog steps on it.
Q: Are ramps better than stairs for older dogs?
A: For many dogs, ramps are better because they offer a smooth, continuous path rather than distinct steps, which can be painful for arthritic hips or knees.
Q: What if the ramp slips on wet pavement?
A: Check if the ramp has rubberized feet. If it still slips, you can place a non-slip mat or towel underneath the ramp feet for extra grip on slick surfaces.