Dog Car Ramps: The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Pet’s Safety and Comfort
As a pet parent, your ultimate goal is to make car travel with your dog more convenient and hassle-free. While many people focus on the ride itself – by either buying a set of comfortable blankets or setting up a travel crate – they often overlook the importance of providing access to and from the vehicle.
While traditional dog car ramps have come a long way from their clunky predecessors, they still have the same purpose – to make it easier and safer for your furry companion to get into and out of the car. Naturally, there’s some variation between models but the general consensus is that they’re equally as important as seatbelts and pet carriers when it comes to keeping your pooch safe in the car.
Are Dog Ramps Necessary?

While they’re not an absolute must-have when it comes to the overall safety of your pet, lightweight and foldable car ramps for dogs bring a number of handy advantages to the table. Even if some of them may appear to be luxuries, their importance shouldn’t be ignored.
Prevention of Injuries
For starters, car ramps for dogs provide a gentle and stable slope, allowing them to enter or exit the car with little effort. This eliminates any potential risks of injury if your pet jumps out or is being pulled out of the vehicle.
Canines are no strangers to jumping around and playing, but you should always make sure that your pup is safe when travelling in a car by providing them with an easy way out. It doesn’t matter if the landing spot – in this case, the ground – is soft or not, you still don’t want your dog to take any risks. Any wrong step or move could result in a nasty injury.
Facilitation of Mobility

Older and arthritic dogs, as well as those suffering from joint problems, have limited mobility. This could make it difficult for them to get in and out of the car without some help. A pet ramp helps alleviate that issue by providing a smooth surface to walk on.
When there’s limited mobility, the last thing you want is for your pup to take a tumble when entering or exiting the car. Many breeds struggle with age-related issues and even hereditary health conditions, so giving them a little extra help is always appreciated.
Protection of Pet Owner’s Health
While carrying your pooch from point A to B might be an easier solution, it could lead to a number of health issues for you. After all, carrying around extra weight isn’t exactly good for your back, and it’s something that can be avoided entirely with the help of a ramp.
Not to mention the constant lifting can also take a toll on your arms, back, and shoulders. So why stress yourself out if you don’t have to? Why should you worry about both your pet’s safety and yours when it can be easily addressed with a simple purchase?
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog Car Ramp

Even though all models share the same purpose, there are small variations in terms of their build that can ultimately affect their performance. Knowing what you need and what to look for in a dog ramp will make the process of finding the right one much smoother.
Individual Needs and Health Requirements
Here’s the thing, every pup is different and that means they have different needs when it comes to accessing the car. Some may need a flatter ramp while others may require a steeper incline. This inherently raises the bar in terms of quality and potential features, with breed and age playing a decisive role in the decision-making process.
Size and Weight Capacity

Ramps come in all kind of shapes and sizes, but you’ll have to zero in on one that’s just right for your pet. Each model has specific weight and length requirements, so make sure to double-check the specs before taking the plunge. If you get the wrong size, you could be potentially putting your pup at risk of slipping or getting injured.
Material and Durability
The material of a dog ramp dictates its overall durability and performance. A good rule of thumb is to opt for one that’s weatherproof and easy to clean and look for models that have a non-slip surface to ensure your pup’s safety. You’ll also want to make sure the material is heavy-duty and can withstand regular use.
For instance, ramps made from aluminium are lightweight yet rugged and reliable. They’re also corrosion-resistant and have superior traction capabilities for a secure grip. Some models may even come with special treads or grip pads to make sure your pooch stays safe.
Portability and Ease of Use

It goes without saying that you’ll want to pick a ramp that’s lightweight and easy to store. This makes it easier to set up and take down for those quick trips to the vet or dog park. It’s also a good idea to look for one that can be folded for better portability and storage. Not only will this save you a ton of space, but it’ll also help with transportation if you plan on taking it with you on your next holiday.
Safety Features
Your pup’s safety should always come first, and that means making sure the ramp is equipped with a number of safety features. Models that come with adjustable side rails, reflective strips, or even LED lights are a safe bet since they offer better visibility and control. Other features include adjustable inclines and textured surfaces to ensure your pet remains secure when going up or down the ramp.