Top 7 Best Dog Pool Ramps [Updated 2023]

Most dogs love swimming, but depending on the breed, not all of them will have an easy time with it.

This is especially true for getting in and out of pools, boats, lakes, etc.

When going boating with your pooch, and you expect some swimming action, bringing a dog boat ramp is a great idea.

It'll make everything easier for both you and your pup.

Similarly, if you own a pool, it’s important that you have a fence around the pool to protect your dog from accidental drowning.

However, it’s equally important to have a dog pool ramp (or dog water ramp) so your canines can get out of the pool easily should they fall in or tire while swimming.

Water ramps for dogs aren’t limited to one use; they can always be helpful while boating, in pools, swimming at the dock, or going hunting with your dog near lakes.

Below, we’re reviewing and taking a more detailed look at a few of our top picks for the best dog pool ramp brands to help you shop for one and pick the right type.

Unless, of course, you want to DIY this kind of thing, then watch the how-to video here.

Quick Look at our Top 7 Best Pool Dog Ramps

What Makes a Good Dog Pool Ramp?

Quality

The first thing we looked for when shopping for dog pool ramps was the quality of the ramp itself.

Even for very small breeds, you must trust it'll hold, so it’s important to us that each dog water ramp we picked was made from durable, high-quality material rather than flimsy plastic.

Not only is a flimsy pet ramp more likely to break with use, but it also creates a feeling of instability that – in our experience – makes our dogs reluctant to use the ramp at all.

It cannot be shaken or “give” when the dog steps on it.

Lightweight but Sturdy

It is not mandatory for a water ramp to be lightweight unless you plan on using it for boating or regularly taking it in and out of your pool.

While it’s not imperative, however, we did consider this when choosing our top dog pool ramp picks, and for the most part, you will notice that our ramps are all rather lightweight.

Compact

How compact a water ramp is influences how portable your water ramp is going to be.

For example, does the ramp fold in half or telescope out to reach full length to make loading in your car or boat easier?

How compact a water ramp is also refers to how long the ramp is or how much space it will take up when placed in your pool.

It’s important to have a ramp that is long enough to accommodate your dog’s needs, but it’s also important not to have a ramp that is so long that it’s cumbersome and takes up too much room in your pool.

A Non-Slip Surface

Lastly, but most importantly, a dog water ramp for any use should have a non-slip surface.

A good non-slip surface will allow your dog to get a good grip on the ramp and climb it into the pool or boat without the risk of slipping.

That said, it’s also important that a non-slip surface is not too rough, or you risk damaging your dog’s paw pads.

Below are our favorite best dog pool ramps for use in your swimming pools and on boats, playing at the docks, or most elsewhere near the water with your pup.

The 7 Best Dog Pool Ramp Brands

1 PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp

The PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp is from a name we trust (we used their indoor steps for our older Labrador when he could no longer jump on the furniture).

We like the quality of PetSTEP products, and their prices always seem to be mid-range, so you feel better about not getting the cheapest product on the market, but you don’t have to splash out a fortune either.

Made from composite plastic, we weren’t sure how well this ramp would hold up to big dog use over time.

However, it is rated for up to 500 lbs and seems to do quite well with larger breeds.

That said, we should clarify that we haven’t tried this with a dog over 80 lbs.

So if you have a Newfie or St. Bernard, it’s worth testing this ramp out before you buy it just to be sure.

There are plenty of things we love about this water ramp!

Firstly, the fact that it doesn’t use that awful sandpaper texture tape is the most exciting feature of this dog pool ramp.

We hate those rough-treaded ramps that tear our dog’s feet to shreds!

This ramp has a soft, rubbery surface instead and makes all the difference in your dog's ability to grip the ramp.

Secondly (and for those of you who don’t get as excited about rubberized walking surfaces), this truly is a multi-functional dog pool ramp, and anything that saved us money is a plus.

We use ours regularly in the pool and our SUV and have had no problems with it.

What didn’t we like about this ramp? Our biggest pet peeve is that the swimming pool extension must be purchased separately.

That said, we do like the fact that additional research went into a special pool extension, and PetSTEP didn’t expect their product to work flawlessly for multiple applications.

Pros

• Fold in half for easy storage.
• Holds up to 500 lbs.
• Soft rubberized surface for grip without abrasion.
• Easily cleaned.
• No rust or corrosion.
• No sharp edges.

Cons

• You must purchase a “pool extension” to adapt this ramp for pool use. This will cost just under $60 on top of the price of the ramp.
• The closing clasp to lock the ramp when folded can be weak.
• Some pet parents had trouble with the rubber coating coming away from the ramp.
• This is a slightly narrow ramp for big dogs.
• The ramp can “bounce” if a larger dog runs across it.

2 DOK Dog Inflatable Ramp

The DOK Dog Inflatable Ramp is made from an exclusive EVA Foam DOK-DECK  that ensures a soft, grippy surface, the perfect dog ramp for a boat, pool, or lake.

This ramp may only come in one size, but it can hold up to 210 lbs. of weight.

The DOK Inflatable ramp may be on the pricier side, but when it comes to its flexibility of use and quality of material, we'd say it's worth the price point.

Not only can it be used by pets, but it can also be used by humans because of its weight capacity. We once tried this as a ramp when we went swimming in the lake.

Because the dock was a little too high, this ramp helped us boost ourselves back to land.

The Dog-DOK ramp provides a safe and convenient way for your dog to access the water.

It has an easy-access submerged ramp, oversized steps, and heavy-duty mesh that's weighted to keep it submerged.

This ramp is also lightweight, portable, quick to set up, and can be easily stored when not in use.

It has convenient carry handles and is the perfect pool ramp for dogs or dog boat ladders.

This unit also comes with a carry bag, hand pump with hose, 2 6 ft. ropes, and a repair kit.

Pros

• portable, light to carry
• multi-purpose, compatible anywhere
• 210 lb. capacity

Cons

• Only comes in one size
• Expensive
• Hassle to inflate, unlike other ramp options

 

3 Beavertail Aluminum Folding Dog Pool Ladder

The Beavertail Aluminum Folding Dog Ladder is an unusual ladder compared to other dog water ladder options simply because of the shape.

Initially designed for duck hunting boats, this sturdy ladder has also been used in swimming pools by simply hooking it on the ladder.

It’s probably important to note that this isn’t a water ramp/ladder recommended for a swimming pool used by the manufacturer, even though it has been used for that purpose.

Made of durable aluminum and stainless steel, this ladder/ramp option also has rubber-covered arms to keep it in place and silence it when you use it during a duck hunt.

Although the unique shape of this ramp might be a bit off-putting if you’re looking for a ramp that’s less bulky, the shape is one of the features that we love most.

The unique wave makes it much easier for dogs to climb up and continue climbing without as much strain as a traditional ramp would create on the limbs.

As we mentioned above, we love the shape of this ladder, but we love a few more features, too.

The dual-point latching system that keeps the ladder sturdily attached to the boat is a huge plus, and the material quality is another bonus.

Unlike the plastic versions of these ramps, this option is much more likely to last even with ongoing use.

Unfortunately, in addition to everything we love about this ramp, there are also several things we don’t like so much…but this could be because we aren’t a duck-hunting crew.

Firstly, we have trouble with the color.

Again, this ramp is largely used for duck hunting, so we understand the need for camouflage.

However, the drab color does make it harder to see under the water, which is a tough sell if you have seniors.

Our second concern with this dog pool ramp option is that it doesn’t offer much purchase for your dog’s feet while walking up the ramp – some pet parents have said that they had to add a towel to the ramp to give their dog a better grip on the surface.

We suspect that these are older dogs or dogs that are less steady on their feet, but it’s something to consider.

Pros

• Designed for boat use but also works on the side of pools or on pool ladders.
• Darker, drab color for better duck hunting use.
• The product design makes it easier to climb than a traditional flat slope.
• Rubber covers on the arms of the ramp make sure it doesn’t scratch the sides of your boat or bang against your boat or poolside, scaring your dog.
• Takes up limited space.

Cons

• Although great for hunting use, the dark olive color of these steps makes them harder to see in murkier river waters.
• Slightly too narrow for some larger dogs.
• Some pet parents complain of weak threading on the screws that require them to do some DIY work.
• The surface of the ladder is too a little too slick for dogs to grip.

 

4 Great Day LP500 Pet Platform for Pools/Boats

The Great Day LP500 Pet Platform is another unique water ramp/platform option that was designed for boat use but has been used by multiple pet parents in their home pools with success.

We must admit that when we first saw the Great Day platform, we weren’t too sure about the design, but seeing it in action, it actually works really well!

Unlike other ramps, this one provides a flat step up, like having an “in-between” step.

Yes, we know it’s a step, not a ramp, but it doesn’t require the climbing that traditional stairs do, so we think it’s more comparable to a ramp in terms of functionality.

The Great Day LP500 is made from lightweight aircraft aluminum and has ridges along the length of the platform for traction – not adhesive tape that will peel away.

Despite being lightweight, the platform is incredibly sturdy and fits right onto your boat ladder or pool ladder securely.

When it’s not in use, the platform folds up for easy storage, or it can be removed completely by removing the easily removed adjustable anchoring straps.

We love quite a bit about this “ramp” option: the unique design that finds a middle ground between slippery ramps and hard-to-climb stairs.

We also like that this is a very lightweight platform because it looks deceptively heavy when you first see it – actually, it weighs just 7 lbs.

Lastly, the fact that this platform is made from aircraft aluminum is great peace of mind if you are going to use it frequently or intend to leave it in your pool.

What don’t we love about this dog pool ramp/platform choice? Our biggest pet peeve about any product is when so much thought goes into the main design, yet so little thought goes into the “accessories.”

This is exactly what happened with the anchoring straps of this swim platform.

While the platform itself is very stable and reliable, the cheaper anchoring straps are easily loosened, causing the platform to slide down slowly with regular use.

Pros

• Easily hooks onto boat or pool ladders.
• Gripping ridges are built into the platform, making it easier to grip without worrying about a grippable surface peeling away.
• Fits any boat make or model that has a boarding ladder.
• The platform is large enough for bigger dogs.
• Folds flat for storage.
• Made from aircraft aluminum for durability and strength.

Cons

• Better suited for boat use than pool use.
• Some pet parents find that the ladder hangs too low on their boat.
• The attachment straps aren’t as strong as they should be for such a sturdy ramp.

5 Rescue Raft Animal Saving Escape Ramp

This Rescue Raft Animal Saving Escape Ramp is one of the most practical ideas we have seen for an emergency water exit option.

The whole point of this ramp option is to have it float for easier access for your pup without the ramp sinking as it gets used, and we really like it!

It was originally meant to be used as an emergency ramp, but it serves the purpose all the same.

Its practical design doesn’t just make it much easier for dogs to use it because they can see it above water, but it also helps to counteract your dog's weight when they step on the ramp by creating less of a “dip” when they step onto it.

It's also very affordable, considering it comes in a pack of 2 rafts.

Pros

• Great for kids and pets alike
• Can catch critters in the pool
• Comes in 2 packs; it covers both sides of the pool

Cons

• Not suitable for larger animals

6 Pet Gear Tri-Fold Dog Ramp with Safety Tethers

The Pet Gear Tri-fold Ramp is an affordable dog water ramp that might look simple but has several incredible features, including the ability to be used in the car, SUV, indoor pool, and outdoor pool!

Sized at 71 inches long, the product description said its weight capacity is 200 lbs.

Made from Rubber, this dog ramp comes with rubber grippers at the bottom to help keep it steady.

It's also slip-resistant to make sure your dog gets his footing while using the ramp.

This product also weighs 15 lbs.

While it's advertised as good for up to 200 lbs, some owners with heavy-set dogs said there was wobbling, especially for slow walkers.

The sandpaper-like non-slip material on the surface surely isn't comfortable for dogs to walk on, so they had to top it with something.

But what's good is the length. Because it is long, it's not as steep as the other ramps when used.

Pros

• Solid construction that gives your dog more confidence than flimsier ramps.
• Folds up for easy storage and has a handle for transport!
• It can be used for various situations, including cars, pools, and RVs.
• Not as steep as the other ramps

Cons

• The sandpaper-like non-slip surface could potentially hurt dogs' paws
• Slight wobbling
• Heavier than other ramps

7 KHTS3610 Dog Pool Exit Ramp

Small to medium breeds can use the KHTS3610 Dog Pool Exit Ramp.

This blue and yellow ramp (which is said to be good for dogs' and cats' visions) is made from a PVC framework, nonskid coating, durable plastic sheets with raised cross ribs, and stainless steel screws—all waterproof materials.

It also comes with weight bags. All pet owners have to do is add sand to them, and they're ready to use.

The seller offers a 2-year money-back guarantee if a customer isn't satisfied with the product.

Many customers have said their dogs get used to the ramp on the first try. They said it was well-designed and constructed and sturdy enough for repeated use of medium breeds on the heavier side.

There was much feedback about the steepness of this ramp, though. However, with the new design, where the manufacturers supposedly listened to the critics, they extended the leg ramps to 2 inches more, so the ramp is not as steep as it was before.

Customer service was great, too. There were many accounts where they replaced the whole thing after a reported breakage, or they sent free extension components when reported too steep.

Pros

• Excellent customer service
• Pups seem to love it and get used to it fast
• Made by small, local business

Cons

• A little pricey in comparison to other ramps

Considering Different Dog Pool Steps

In addition to a pool ramp for dogs, there is also the option of utilizing dog water steps.

Although we don’t recommend them for older dogs or dogs with weak limbs, there are relatively few dog water ramps available, and so there is very little variety.

If you can’t find a dog water ramp that suits your needs or budget, consider looking into pool steps for dogs instead.

Our Top Pick Overall

Of all the dog water ramps we reviewed and listed above, it was difficult to pick between a few brands since many of them serve a similar purpose and are of similar great quality.

Nonetheless, our favorite pick ended up being the PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp.

While we didn’t find an overall perfect and best dog pool ramp that left us with no concerns at all, the PetSTEP dog ramp is the best option on the market at the moment with the least disadvantages and most reliable features.

It is more expensive than some of the cheaper options, but it is a higher-quality product and has fewer points of concern than the most expensive ramp on our list.

We also picked this as the best pool ramp for dogs because it is a multi-use option with an extension specifically meant for use in pools.

This also tells us that research was done into making the ramp safer for use in pool areas where some of the other ramps seem to be a “one size fits all” solution for boats, pools, and dry land.

READ NEXT: The Best Dog Pools for Summer

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