You may need dog/pet stairs and steps for different reasons.
Some people might want them for inside the house for helping pets get up onto couches and beds, whilst others may want them for their car.
Regardless, we’ve put together a list of the best dog/pet stairs and steps, and included links to full reviews of these pet stairs where you can check out their main features and drawbacks.
Let’s take a look!
(NOTE: this is a general information guide only, and is not professional advice, or a substitute for professional advice. A qualified vet or animal expert is the only person qualified to give you expert advice in regards to your pet/s)
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Best Dog/Pet Stairs & Steps: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
Our top picks for the best pet/dog stairs and steps are:
Pet Stairs For Inside The House
- Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stairs (on Amazon) – for pets up to 150lbs
- Pet Gear Easy Step II Extra Wide Pet Stairs (on Amazon) – for pets up to 200lbs
- Armarkat Pet Steps (on Amazon) – for pets up to 70lbs
- Best Pet Supplies Foam Pet Stairs/Steps (on Amazon) – for small dogs
- PetSafe Solvit PupSTEP Plus Pet Stairs (on Amazon) – for pets up to 120lbs, but designed for small to medium sized pets
- PetSafe Solvit PupSTEP Plus Pet Stairs X Large (on Amazon) – for pets up to 200lbs, and designed for large and extra large pets
- Snoozer Scalloped Pet Ramp/Stairs, Small (on Amazon) – Measures 14 in. H x 21 in. W x 20 in. D
- Snoozer Scalloped Pet Ramp/Stairs, Medium (on Amazon) – Measures 17.5 in. H x 21 in. W x 25 in. D
- Snoozer Scalloped Pet Ramp/Stairs, Large (on Amazon) – Measures 21 in. H x 21 in. W x 30 in. D
Pet Stairs For Cars/Vehicles
- Pet Loader Mini Steps, Aluminum (on Amazon) – For Small Dogs 2-20lbs (for inside the house too)
- Pet Loader Light Platform Steps, Plastic, 3, 4 & 5 Step Options Available (on Amazon) – For medium to large dogs 20lbs Up To 150lbs
- Pet Loader Ultra Light Platform Steps, Aluminum (on Amazon) – For Medium To Large Dogs 2-lbs Up To 150lbs
- Pet Loader XL Steps, Plastic (on Amazon) – For XL & Giant Pets Over 150lbs
Some pet and dog steps on the market have the ability to adjust in height, and even come in different models for small, medium, large and extra large/Giant dogs.
The Pet Loader Steps are one brand of such versatile pet steps, being good for cars, but can be used for inside the house too.
*NOTE: the information in this guide was made as accurate as possible at the time of being written. You may want to confirm details such as step heights, widths, sizing etc on the Pet Loader Amazon pages or website prior to buying
Best Dog/Pet Stairs & Steps: Reviews
Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stairs
– Features
Cheap and affordable steps for pets up to 150lbs in weight
Comes in different colors for different interior dècors
Stairs in total measure 22.5 L x 16 W x 16 inches H
The steps are 6 inches in height each. The top step depth is 12.25 inch and the 2nd step depth is 11.5 inch
Rubber grips on the bottom of the stairs help them stay in place and not move around
Has soft carpet tread on the stair steps that is soft on your pet’s paws
The carpet tread is removable so you can wash it as you need to
Stairs snap together to assemble
Stairs weigh only 7lbs
Can be used for lounges, other furniture, beds and other locations inside
– Drawbacks
The plastic the stairs is made of look a bit cheap for some people – they may instead choose to go for an all fleece stair set like the Arkamat Pet Steps (on Amazon)
– View
Pet Gear Easy Step II Extra Wide Pet Stairs
– Features
Cheap and affordable steps for pets up to 200lbs in weight
Extra wide for extra large pets
Comes in two different colors for different interior dècors
Stairs in total measure 25″L x 20″W x 23″H
Top stair depth is 12 inches, while bottom stair depth is 11 inches
The steps are 6 inches in height each
Rubber grips on the bottom of the stairs help them stay in place and not move around
Has soft carpet tread on the stair steps that is soft on your pet’s paws
The carpet tread is removable so you can wash it as you need to
Stairs snap together to assemble
Stairs weigh only 14lbs
Can be used for lounges, other furniture, beds and other locations inside
– Drawbacks
The plastic the stairs is made of look a bit cheap for some people – they may instead choose to go for an all fleece stair set like the Arkamat Pet Steps (on Amazon)
– View
Snoozer Scalloped Pet Ramp/Stairs
– Features
High density foam ramp/stairs for pets
Compared to regular hard plastic pet stairs, they provide both comfort and manoeuvrability for either pets with movement problems, or pets with short legs such as small dogs like Dachshunds for example.
Can be used for pets up to 100lbs
The foam is strong, but comfortable and has some ‘give’ in it
Great for pets with sore joints, or to help pets with small legs that can’t climb or get down hard step pet stairs
Good for inside the house for locations such as the couch, beds, tables, and other furniture
Can also be used for cars
Comes in 3 sizes – small, medium and large
Small measures 14 in. H x 21 in. W x 20 in. D
Medium measures 17.5 in. H x 21 in. W x 25 in. D
Large measures 21 in. H x 21 in. W x 30 in. D
Comes in a range of colors to suit different inside color schemes. Colors available are black, buckskin, camel, chocolate and red
The micro suede cover on the ramp is machine washable
There are replacement cover available
Covers are hand sewn in the USA
– Potential Drawbacks
For pet stairs, they are expensive
The incline can be too steep for some smaller dogs
The stairs aren’t as firm as some pet owners would like
You’ll have to keep your pet’s claws clipped when using these stairs and you don’t want the fabric getting worn down
Fabric and foam might not be as durable long term as hard plastic stairs or ramps
Not as great to store as a fold down set of pet stairs
– Overall
Overall, if soft but strong orthopaedic type foam pet stairs is what you are after, these are a very good option.
As long as you keep your pet’s nails rounded off, you shouldn’t have an issue the fabric wearing down.
For very small dogs that aren’t great climbers, you may want to look at a less steep pet ramp instead of this set. Having said that, small dogs and pets can use these stairs as they are made to be flexible and manoeuvrable
– View
- Snoozer Scalloped Pet Ramp/Stairs, Small (on Amazon) – Measures 14 in. H x 21 in. W x 20 in. D
- Snoozer Scalloped Pet Ramp/Stairs, Medium (on Amazon) – Measures 17.5 in. H x 21 in. W x 25 in. D
- Snoozer Scalloped Pet Ramp/Stairs, Large (on Amazon) – Measures 21 in. H x 21 in. W x 30 in. D
– What Is The Snoozer Scalloped Pet Ramp/Stairs?
It’s a high density foam set of pet stairs. The foam keeps it’s shape as your pet climbs or descends the stairs while still having some ‘give’ in it that hard stairs don’t have.
– What Is The Snoozer Scalloped Pet Ramp/Stairs For?
Dogs that need comfortable softer pet stairs with more flexibility in them
Older dogs or dogs with joint issues
Smaller dogs that can’t use hard pet stairs
– What Is The Snoozer Scalloped Pet Ramp/Stairs NOT For?
Pets over 100lbs
Pets that are too big for the dimensions of the stairs – especially the width
Pets that have issues with steeper inclines
Pets that are destructive and can tear up softer foam stairs
Owners that prefer hard plastic pet steps for greater long term durability
– Snoozer Scalloped Pet Ramp/Stairs For Dachshunds & Short Leg Breeds
Some Dachshund owners, and other owners with short legged dog breeds, have found great success with these stairs as the steps allow their dog to climb, whereas hard stairs don’t have the same room to manoeuvre.
Pet Loader Mini Steps, Aluminum
– Features
Come in 3 steps, and 5 steps option
You can easily extend the steps for use, and then fold down and carry and store away when not in use
3 Step model weighs 15lbs, and extends from 16 to 20 inches in height
5 Step model weighs 25lbs, and extends from 29 to 40 inches in height
Steps work well for backs of cars, beds, couches, SUV, van, truck, trailer, or camper
Works on most side entry vehicles
For pets 2-20lbs in weight
Steps are 12 inches wide
Made of aluminum
– Drawbacks
- Some people will consider these steps expensive
– View
- Pet Loader Mini Steps, Aluminum (on Amazon) – For Small Dogs 2-20lbs
Pet Loader Light Platform Steps, Plastic
– Features
Come in 3 steps, 4 steps and 5 steps option
You can easily extend the steps for use, and then fold down and carry and store away when not in use
3 Step model weighs 15lbs, and extends from 16 to 20 inches in height
4 Step model weighs 24lbs, and extends from 20 to 30 inches in height
5 Step model weighs 25lbs, and extends from 29 to 40 inches in height
Steps work well for backs of cars, beds, couches, SUV, van, truck, trailer, or camper
Not for side entry vehicles
For pets 20-150lbs
Steps are 16 inches wide
Made of heavy duty ABS plastic
– Drawbacks
- Some people will find the steps expensive
– View
- Pet Loader Light Platform Steps, Plastic, 3, 4 & 5 Step Options Available (on Amazon) – For medium to large dogs 20lbs Up To 150lbs
Pet Loader Ultra Light Platform Steps, Aluminum
– Features
Comes in 3, and 5 step options
You can easily extend the steps for use, and then fold down and carry and store away when not in use
3 Step model weighs 15lbs, and extends from 16 to 20 inches in height
5 Step model weighs 25lbs, and extends from 29 to 40 inches in height
Steps work well for backs of cars, beds, couches, SUV, van, truck, trailer, or camper
For some side entry vehicles with an opening width of 17″ or more
For pets 20-150lbs
Steps are 14.5 inches wide
Made of aluminum
– Drawbacks
- Some people will find the steps expensive
– View
- Pet Loader Ultra Light Platform Steps, Aluminum (on Amazon) – For Medium To Large Dogs 2-lbs Up To 150lbs
Pet Loader XL Steps, Plastic
– Features
Come in 3 steps, 4 steps and 5 steps option
You can easily extend the steps for use, and then fold down and carry and store away when not in use
3 Step model weighs 15lbs, and extends from 16 to 20 inches in height
4 Step model weighs 24lbs, and extends from 20 to 30 inches in height
5 Step model weighs 25lbs, and extends from 29 to 40 inches in height
Steps work well for backs of cars, beds, couches, SUV, van, truck, trailer, or camper
Not for side entry vehicles
For pets 150lbs and heavier
Steps are 18 inches wide
Made of heavy duty ABS plastic
– Drawbacks
- Some people will find the steps expensive
– View
- Pet Loader XL Steps, Plastic (on Amazon) – For XL & Giant Pets Over 150lbs
– Plastic & Aluminum Pet Loader Steps
Pet Loader offer two main materials of pet steps – plastic an aluminum.
The aluminum steps are lighter, while the plastic steps are heavier and more rugged.
– Extension Height, & Width Of Pet Loader Steps
Pet Loader Steps come in 3, 4 and 5 step options. Each of these options are different heights when fully extended.
To figure out the steps you need, measure the:
– height from the ground to the level of the surface you want your pet to be able to walk up to e.g. back of car, side car seats etc.
– width of the opening e.g. if you want to use the steps for the back seat of your car – measure the back seat opening
The steps you choose should be tall enough to reach the level you want your dog to walk up to, and be thin enough to fit in the opening e.g. thin enough to fit into your side car opening if that’s where you want the stairs to go
The adjustable height of the various step models are:
3 Step Loaders adjust 16˝ to 20˝ in height
4 Step Loaders adjust 20″ to 30″ in height
5 Step Loaders adjust 28″ to 40″ in height
The widths of the carious Pet Loader Step models are:
Pet Loader Mini – 12 inches wide
Pet Loader Ultra Light – 14.5 inches wide
Pet Loader Light – 16 inches wide
Pet Loader XL – 18 inches wide
– What Pet Loader Steps To Get For Small, Medium, Large, XL & Giant Dog Breeds
Generally, the following models are suited to the following sized breeds
Pet Loader Mini – 2-20lbs dogs
Pet Loader Light and Ultra Light – 20 to 150lbs dogs
Pet Loader XL – 150lbs + dogs
Other Pet Step & Stair Reviews
Best Pet Supplies Foam Pet Stairs/Steps
Features
These steps are made of a foam base and are covered with soft removable washable fabric. They are designed for smaller pets.
Pet stairs made for small dogs, and inside the house use for furniture, beds etc.
Available in a range of different colors
Available in 3, 4 and 5 step models
Available in standard, and wide models
The standard models are 15 inches wide, whilst the wide models are 16 inches wide
The 3 step stairs are 15″W x 13.5″H x 18″L, have 6 inch deep steps, and 4.5 inch high steps
The 4 step stairs are 15″W x 19″H x 24″L, have 6 inch deep steps, and 4.5 inch high steps
The 5 step stairs are 16″W x 22.5″H x 30″L, have 6 inch deep steps, and 4.5 inch high steps
The base of these stairs is made of foam
There is a fabric removable and washable cover over the stairs that looks good inside the house
Made in the USA
Drawbacks
For small dogs only
Could have better anti slip on the underside of the stairs to keep the stairs from slipping around on wooden floors
Overall
- Good, affordable stairs for inside the house for small dogs
View
Armarkat Pet Steps
Features
Pet stairs for both cats and dogs
These Armarkat Pet Steps are made of a faux fleece material that looks similar to carpet and goes well with most interior settings. The steps are designed for both cats and dogs up to 70lbs in weight.
Come in a white ivory color
There’s two sizes available
There’s a 17″(W)x25″(D)x25″(H) size with 7 inch deep steps, and 4 steps in total
There’s also a 17″(W)x25″(D)x25″(H) size with 9 inch deep steps, and 3 steps in total
The covering material on these steps is faux fleece
The base underneath is pressed wood
These steps can support pets up to 70lbs max weight
The faux fleece looks nicer indoors that a lot of the plastic pet stairs available
Stairs can be used for lounges, other furniture, beds and other indoor uses
Drawbacks
The faux fleece can get dirtier and over time be worn down more than plastic stairs
Overall
Overall, these stairs look good, are affordable and well made/durable. Good for small to medium sized pets
View
PetSafe Solvit PupSTEP Plus Pet Stairs
Regular PetSafe Solvit PupSTEP Plus Pet Stairs
Features
These pet stairs are made of a durable but lightweight plastic, and come in two different models – one for small to medium sized pets, and one for large to extra large sized pets.
An affordable set of hardened plastic pet stairs with 4 steps
Total stairs dimensions when set up are 24 L x 16 W x 19.5 H inches
Steps on the stairs are 4.75 inches high, and 5 inches deep
Has a weight limit of 120lbs, but designed for small to medium sized pets
Weigh only 5lbs, so the stairs are quite lightweight
The stairs fold up so you can store them away when not in use
Good for inside the house with couches, chairs, and beds.
Drawbacks
Some people don’t like the look of the plastic inside their house. They prefer a fleece covered type pet stairs set instead
These stairs can wobble a bit when heavier dogs are using them – you may need to find a way to secure the stairs on either side to prevent wobble
The anti slip on the bottom of the stairs could be better
Some people find the stairs are too narrow for medium sized pets
Overall
A good cheap option for light and small sized pets. May be too narrow and start to wobble for larger sized pets
X Large PetSafe Solvit PupSTEP Plus Pet Stairs
Features
The differences with the X Large pet stairs are…
They are designed for large and extra large pets
They can support up to 200lbs
They measure 28 L x 18 W x 25 H inches in total
The steps measure 6.25 inches high by 7 inches deep
The weight of the stairs is 9lbs
… You should keep in mind the dimensions – especially the width of the stairs, for larger pets. You might want to go for a wider set of stairs with a sturdier design if you have pets that are large size and up.
Best Dog/Pet Stairs & Steps: Buyer’s Guide
Dog/Pet Steps For Small, Medium, Large & Extra Large Dogs – How To Choose A Size Of Stairs
To choose a size of pet steps for your pet, you can consider the following:
– the weight capacity of the stairs
– how wide the stairs are – do they seem wide enough for your pet?
– what size of pet the manufacturer says the stairs are for
Dog/Pet Steps For Inside The House – Couches, Furniture, Beds etc.
The manufacturer will tell you if the stairs are for inside the house or not.
Something to make note of is that some people don’t like the plastic stairs for inside the house as they think they look ugly.
If this is you, you may want to go with fleece covered or fabric covered stairs instead as they tend to look better with interior dècor.
Dog/Pet Steps For Vehicles/Cars Like Sedans, SUV’s, Trucks etc.
Manufacturers will tell you if steps are for vehicles and cars or not.
Most steps for vehicles will usually always work to load pets into the back of the car.
Check the width of the steps to see if the steps will be able to help you load your pet into the side seat entry of the car.
If the steps above don’t seem suitable for your car, you may want to try a pet ramp like the PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp (on Amazon).
Can My Pet/Dog Use Pet Stairs?
Most pets can, but if your dog has a health condition, ask their they are able to use the incline of a ramp.
It’s important to check the weight limit of the ramp and make sure your pet comes within that weight limit.
How Do I Get My Pet To Use Stairs?
Some pets and dogs take some time to get used to using steps – from a few days to a few weeks.
Positive reinforcement training with treats or your dog’s favorite toys works well.
So, be prepared to take some time training your dog.
This guide outlines some of the important basics on how to train your dog.
Best Stairs & Steps For Dachshunds
Read more in this guide about the best stairs and steps for Dachshunds
Alternative To Pet Steps & Stairs – Pet Ramps
An alternative to pet stairs/steps are ramps. Read more about the best pet ramps in this guide
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