The Best Pet Stairs — Reviewed and Ranked

Written by Katie Melynn Wood
Updated: December 23, 2022
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Key Points

  • The #1 Best Overall pet stairs are the PetSafe CozyUp Foldable Cat & Dog Stairs.
  • There are many different designs and materials available for pet stairs. In choosing pet stairs, you should take into account the height of each step and the overall height. The height of each step is determined by its individual height. Dogs like dachshunds need very short steps, for example.
  • It is best to find a tall set of stairs if you want your pet to be able to reach a high bed. To be on the safe side, take measurements.  
  • You can use our guide to find the best pet stairs to make sure your pets and you are both comfortable. A number of factors were taken into consideration, including height and design.

In order for your pet to thrive, he or she needs to be able to get around and explore places they are interested in. It can be easy and convenient for pets to move around if they have a set of pet stairs.

You’d be surprised how many dogs and cats can make use of pet stairs. Pet stairs make it easy for small dogs or those with mobility issues to jump on the couch or bed with you. Also, pet stairs can help pets recover from injuries or surgeries faster while still allowing them to access their favorite spots. There are pet stairs that can be used in the home as well as in the car. There is even some that fold up so you can take them wherever you go!

Here are the best pet stairs to make sure your pet is able to get around easily and safely.

  1. PetSafe CozyUp Foldable Cat & Dog Stairs
  2. PetSafe CozyUp Foldable Cat & Dog Stairs
    • The standard size can support pets up to 150 pounds
    • Fold up for easy storage
    • The bottom feet are rubberized to keep them in place
    • Side rails keep your pet from falling over the side
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Best Pet Supplies Linen & Foam Cat & Dog Stairs
  4. Best Pet Supplies Linen & Foam Cat & Dog Stairs
    • Made from a high-density foam that is pet-safe
    • Certified to be free of harmful chemicals with the CERTIPUR-US designation
    • Comes in three, four, or five-step configurations
    • The stairs have 19 color options and multiple sizes
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  5. Pet Gear Easy Step II Cat & Dog Stairs
  6. Pet Gear Easy Step II Cat & Dog Stairs
    • A solid, dependable choice
    • Comes with carpeted treads for gripping
    • Has a three-step design
    • Threads are easily washable
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  7. Pet Gear Travel Lite Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp
  8. Pet Gear Travel Lite Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp
    • Easier to get into cars than stairs
    • Folds up, so completely portable
    • Rubberized grips keep the ramp from slipping
    • The convenient carry handle and bifold design make transporting it a breeze
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

Top Picks: The Best Pet Stairs Today

#1. Best Overall: PetSafe CozyUp Foldable Cat & Dog Stairs

Among our top pet stairs, we found the PetSafe CozyUp Foldable Cat & Dog Stairs to be the best overall. Their size allows them to be used by larger dogs. The standard size supports pets up to 150 pounds, and the extra-large option supports pets up to 200 pounds. If you’re worried about such a large item being bulky, reconsider. Whenever you’re not using the PetSafe CozyUp steps, they fold up for easy storage and can easily be tucked under your bed.

The design of PetSafe’s CozyUp steps demonstrates the company’s commitment to safety. Pets are protected from falling over the side of the stairs by side rails. Rubberized feet on the bottom keep them in place, and textured treads on each step make climbing easier for your pet.

It’s best to choose an extra-large size for a larger pet if you are worried about its overall size. If pets are too big for the standard size, they won’t have much space to maneuver because of the side rails. To prevent the steps from collapsing with your pet on them, make sure to follow the recommended weight limits.

Pros and Cons of the PetSafe CozyUp Foldable Cat & Dog Stairs

ProsCons
The stairs are equipped with built-in side rails to prevent accidents.It is important to pick the right size to avoid the stairs collapsing under your dog’s weight.
It is capable of holding dogs that weigh up to 200 pounds.
The bottom of these stairs has non-skid feet to keep them from sliding.
When you’re not using the stairs, you can fold them up and store them out of sight.
Overall Best
PetSafe CozyUp Foldable Cat & Dog Stairs
  • The standard size can support pets up to 150 pounds
  • Fold up for easy storage
  • The bottom feet are rubberized to keep them in place
  • Side rails keep your pet from falling over the side
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best for Bed: Best Pet Supplies Linen & Foam Cat & Dog Stairs

Check out the Best Pet Supplies Linen & Foam Cat & Dog Stairs if you’re looking for stairs for your pet to use in the bedroom.

In a bedroom that is meant to be your haven, you might not want a set of plastic pet stairs ruining the aesthetics. If you’re looking for something with a bit more style, Best Pet Supplies has 17 color options and multiple sizes. With the CERTIPUR-US designation, these steps are made of pet-friendly high-density foam that is free from harmful chemicals. For easy cleaning, the cover can be thrown into the washing machine.

As your pet climbs, it will be supported by a firm mattress-like surface without being too firm. There are three, four, and five steps to choose from. It is more important to consider the height of your furniture or vehicle than the size of your pet when choosing its size.

In comparison to a firmer option that is made of plastic or wood, these foam steps will not last as long. They will wear out even faster if you use them with heavy or large pets. Small dogs and cats are the best candidates for these. These sets were a big hit with online reviewers who have senior cats. See our guide to the Best Pet Stairs for Bed for more options that will work for your bedroom.

Pros and Cons of the Best Pet Supplies Linen & Foam Cat & Dog Stairs

ProsCons
There is a CertiPUR-US certification on the stairs.These foam steps will not last as long as more durable plastic or wood steps.
Three-step, four-step, and five-step options are available.
You can choose from 17 different colors and patterns to suit your style.
Machine washing is available for the cover.
Best for Bed
Best Pet Supplies Linen & Foam Cat & Dog Stairs
  • Made from a high-density foam that is pet-safe
  • Certified to be free of harmful chemicals with the CERTIPUR-US designation
  • Comes in three, four, or five-step configurations
  • The stairs have 19 color options and multiple sizes
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best for Stairs: Pet Gear Easy Step II Cat & Dog Stairs

You’ll love the Pet Gear Easy Step II Cat & Dog Stairs if you’re looking for high-quality steps.

There is no doubt that Pet Gear’s stairs are a good, dependable choice when it comes to pet stairs. This pet climber has larger and deeper steps than many others on the market, which will help your pet stay stable. Suitable for indoor use, they have carpeted treads for grip that can be removed for cleaning and washing. There are also grippers on the bottom of the stairs to keep them in place. 

The Easy Step III has a three-step design for higher furniture or surfaces. There is a weight limit of 75 pounds on these stairs, so they are not suitable for large dogs. In most cases, these are the perfect size for cats, small dogs, and some medium dogs. Make sure your pet can climb up each step before purchasing, as each step is five inches tall.

Pros and Cons of the Pet Gear Easy Step II Cat & Dog Stairs

ProsCons
The landings of these stairs are wider and deeper.Since this is a small staircase it is not suitable for large dog breeds.
Grippers on the bottom of the step keep it in place and secure.
The carpet tread can be removed for easy cleaning.
Best for Stairs
Pet Gear Easy Step II Cat & Dog Stairs
  • A solid, dependable choice
  • Comes with carpeted treads for gripping
  • Has a three-step design
  • Threads are easily washable
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Ramp: Pet Gear Travel Lite Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp

Consider the Pet Gear Travel Lite Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp if you’re looking for a convenient and transportable ramp.

Pet ramps are another option for climbing and maneuvering when stairs aren’t an option. Dogs who are aging may not be able to navigate stairs or your home might benefit from a ramp. Steps can be tricky to use when getting into cars, which is why so many pet owners use ramps. In addition to allowing your pet to climb up, the Pet Gear ramp folds up so you can take it with you when you’re on the go.

An extra grip and stability are provided by the SupertraX mat’s pressure-activated material that increases her paw’s surface contact area. If you plan to take this ramp on the road, you’ll appreciate its ability to be removed for washing.

This ramp can accommodate pets as large as 200 pounds and heights of up to 20 inches. It may even be necessary to use the ramp if you have an older or large dog with mobility issues or if he is too large for you to pick up. It is important to keep in mind, however, that ramps are typically used for transporting dogs outdoors and may not be as useful indoors.

Pros and Cons of the Pet Gear Travel Lite Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp

ProsCons
It can be transported easily thanks to its bi-fold design and convenient carry handle.As an alternative to indoor stairs, this ramp does not offer as much convenience.
The SupertraX mat protects pets’ paws and the interior of cars.
It can accommodate pets weighing up to 200 pounds.
Best Ramp
Pet Gear Travel Lite Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp
  • Easier to get into cars than stairs
  • Folds up, so completely portable
  • Rubberized grips keep the ramp from slipping
  • The convenient carry handle and bifold design make transporting it a breeze
Check Chewy Check Amazon

How to Choose the Best Pet Stairs

If your pet dog is tiny, he may have difficulty jumping up on the bed, and an old dog may have difficulty jumping up on the couch. You may want to consider investing in pet stairs to make the trip up and down much easier for your pet. There are many different ways to assist your pet in climbing, including placing a stair against a couch, bed, or vehicle. You can find them in a variety of heights and widths to suit your needs.

It is important to consider three main factors when choosing the right pet stairs:

  • Height 
  • Design 
  • Material 

In the following section, we will discuss each of these factors in more detail:

Height

When it comes to height, there are two things to keep in mind: the step height and the overall height. Your pet should be able to manage the height of each step. For small animals with short legs, smaller steps will be necessary. A cat that can jump and a dog with longer legs are more likely to be able to gain access to higher steps. An accessible ramp might be the best solution if you are worried your pet won’t be able to climb steps.

It is recommended that the pet stairs are as close to the height of your bed, couch, or vehicle as possible. As a result, your pet can climb the stairs safely and reach its destination without unnecessary maneuvers. There are a variety of sizes available for most models with three to five steps allowing pet owners to choose which model will work best for their pets and homes.

Design

When it comes to pet mobility steps, there are two main types: stairs and ramps. Ensure that your pet can climb up and down stairs, as well as the space that you have available. Ramps often take up more space, so they might not be the best choice for a small room like a bedroom. You can use stairs in these situations, but your pet must still be mobile enough to climb them.

Material

Several materials are used to make pet stairs, including plastic, wood, and high-density foam. The longest-lasting materials are plastic and wood, especially if they are cleaned regularly. Most of them have treads so the steps can be walked on with ease. The washing machine may be able to clean these or they can be replaced for a small amount of money. Despite wearing out faster, foam pet stairs offer more cushioning for your pet’s joints as they climb. Additionally, they can come in a variety of colors and styles to suit those with a high sense of style.

The 2 Different Types of Pet Stairs

When it comes to choosing pet stairs, you need to be aware of the different types of stairs that are available in the market. Both of these options have their own pros and cons. The best choice for you will be determined by your home’s setup as well as your pet’s level of agility.

The two different types often have the following pros and cons:

  • Pet stairs  — Great for beds and couches. Small dogs can use them. Might be difficult for dogs with mobility issues
  • Pet ramp — Ideal for spaces with more room or use with vehicles. Great for older dogs or those with mobility issues. Takes up more room than steps.

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About the Author

Katie is a freelance writer and teaching artist specializing in home, lifestyle, and family topics. Her work has appeared in At Ease Magazine, PEOPLE, and The Spruce, among others. When she is not writing, Katie teaches creative writing with the Apex Arts Magnet Program in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. You can follow Katie @katiemelynnwriter.

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