Pet stairs give dogs and cats access to couches, chairs, and beds they otherwise wouldn't be able to reach. Whether you have a cat or small dog who can't quite jump high enough to reach the couch or an older dog who has joint pain or isn't capable of jumping anymore, pet steps can help them gain some independence and confidence. Cat and dog stairs come in various heights and widths and can be placed in front of furniture to help your pet get to where they want to go without any help from you.
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If your pet has trouble with stairs, another option is to purchase a pet ramp, which works the same as pet stairs, but without all the stairs. A pet ramp can be used to get onto the bed or couch, as well as be placed over existing stairs inside or outside your home. Dog stairs can also help your dog get in and out of the car. Whichever type of dog steps or pet ramp you choose, pay attention to the overall size of the pet stairs, including the dimensions, weight, number of stairs, and the height of the stairs.
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What to consider when purchasing pet stairs
Size: Dog steps and cat steps need to be tall enough for your pet to easily step onto the couch or bed. You can find pet stairs with as little as two steps or all the way up to five steps. If you have an older dog who has a hard time going up and down the stairs in your home, you might want to consider lower stair risers, which are the vertical spaces in between treads. Since pet stairs can be cumbersome, it's a good idea to measure your space and compare it to the dimensions of the product to ensure it'll fit without taking up too much room.
Maximum Weight: The pet stairs need to be able to hold your dog's weight, so if your dog is on the heavy side, check the manufacturer's maximum weight recommendations. Small and medium stairs can generally hold up to 50 or 60 pounds, while large and extra-large pet steps have a weight capacity of around 150 to 200 pounds.
Material: Most pet steps are made of plastic or foam. Plastic is lightweight, easy to clean, and firmer to step on for dogs or cats who need a bit more stability. Foam stairs have a fabric cover made of carpet, suede, or other soft materials. They're easier on a dog's joints, and most have fabric that can be removed and machine washed. Covers that can't be removed need to be spot cleaned, but since dogs are known to drag in dirt every now and then, you might want to consider a machine-washable fabric.
Storage: Some pet stairs or pet ramps are collapsible for easier storage possibilities. If your dog or cat requires pet stairs for daily use, you probably won't need to worry about storage. But if your pet has surgery or has an injury and needs temporary help getting onto the couch or the bed, collapsible pet stairs are a great option.
Below you'll find the best pet stairs for all ages, sizes, and abilities, including collapsible stairs and pet ramps.
The best overall pet stairs
Whether you have a bed that's low to the ground or high, the dog steps from Best Pet Supplies offer options for all furniture heights. There are three, four, or five stair options, and they're made with mattress-grade, CertiPUR-US-certified foam cushioning that's removable and machine-washable. The softness helps relieve pressure on paws and joints. There are 17 colors and designs to choose from, so you're bound to find one that fits well with your home decor.
At a Glance:
- Number of Steps: 3, 4, 5
- Dimensions: 18" x 15" x 13.5" (3 steps), 24" x 15" x 18" (4 steps), 30" x 16" x 22.5" (5 steps)
- Materials: Foam, fleece, carpet
- Weight Limit: N/A
- Machine-washable: Yes
- Collapsible: No
The best budget pet stairs
They may not look foldable, but these dog stairs are completely collapsible to take up less space when it's time to store them. As a bonus, there's storage space within each stair for leashes, extra dog food, treats, or anything else that needs to be put away. Nonslip fabric is attached to the bottom of the product to help keep it in place on hard floors. These stairs can hold up to 15 pounds, so they're best used as cat steps or for small dogs.
At a Glance:
- Number of Steps: 2, 3
- Dimensions: 20'' x 11'' x 12.5" (2 steps), 27'' x 12'' x 15'' (3 steps)
- Materials: Polyester, cotton
- Weight Limit: 17 lbs.
- Machine-washable: No
- Collapsible: Yes
The best extra-wide pet stairs
This high-density pet ladder will help your dog reach the top of a high bed or couch. The stairs can hold up to 60 pounds and are extra-wide, so they're perfect for large dogs, as well as small dogs, medium dogs, and cats. The stairs have low risers for dogs who struggle to go up or down standard-sized stairs. The soft, corduroy cover helps dogs keep their footing as they're walking up or down the stairs, and it's machine-washable with a nonslip bottom.
At a Glance:
- Number of Steps: 4
- Dimensions: 28.5" x 15.7" x 20.5"
- Materials: Foam, corduroy
- Weight Limit: 60 lbs.
- Machine-washable: Yes
- Collapsible: No
The best collapsible pet stairs
If you're looking for portable dog steps that can collapse and be stored under your bed or couch, PetSafe's CozyUp Folding Pet Steps are a great option. These pet stairs come in standard width or extra-wide for larger dogs. The stairs are lined with antislip felt to keep your dog safe, and if the felt gets worn down with use, you can purchase replacement liners. You have two color options: tan and gray.
At a Glance:
- Number of Steps: 4
- Dimensions: 15.81" x 5.31" x 30.69" (standard), 28" x 18" x 25" (extra-wide)
- Materials: Plastic, felt
- Weight Limit: 150 - 200 lbs.
- Machine-washable: No
- Collapsible: Yes
The best pet ramp
Pet ramps can be used to help dogs in several different scenarios, including climbing to the top of a couch or bed, getting into the car, getting to the top or bottom of stairs, and entering and exiting pools. This dog ramp is sturdy enough for all of those things and more. It's made of durable composite plastic, can hold up to 500 pounds, and is proven to prevent and reduce arthritis and dysplasia pain in pets. It comes in beige or gray.
At a Glance:
- Number of Steps: 0
- Dimensions: 69.29" x 16.93" x 5.98"
- Material: Plastic
- Weight Limit: 500 lbs.
- Machine-washable: No
- Collapsible: Yes
The best pet stairs for large dogs
This two-step booster gives your dog or cat the right amount of height they need to hop onto the sofa or your bed without actually hopping. The stairs are wide and deep, perfect for large dogs who don't have any joint pain. As tempting as it might be to use this ramp for people, it doesn't have any side rails, so it isn't recommended for anyone other than dogs and cats. Rubber grippers on the bottom keep the steps securely in place. The carpet treads attached to the stairs are removable and machine-washable.
At a glance:
- Number of Steps: 2
- Dimensions: 22" x 16" x 16"
- Materials: Plastic, carpet
- Weight Limit: 150 lbs.
- Machine-washable: Partially
- Collapsible: No
The best pet stairs for small dogs
If you're working with a small space or just have a small dog that doesn't need large pet stairs, Pawhut's wood pet steps will certainly free up some space. Made of solid pine wood, these compact pet stairs are durable and stable for small dogs. They can hold up to 65 pounds, so they're also good for medium-sized dogs. A cool thing about these dog stairs is that the top of the steps can be removed for ample inner storage space.
At a Glance:
- Number of Steps: 3
- Dimensions: 16" x 17.5" x 15"
- Material: Wood
- Weight Limit: 65 lbs.
- Machine-washable: No
- Collapsible: No