13 Best Dog Stairs & Steps in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

Many might think dog stairs are a luxury product for elderly dogs. In fact, dog steps can be a vital addition to the home for dogs of all ages and sizes.

These pooch-sized pieces of furniture are critical as a preventative measure, preserving the joint health of your dog—especially important for breeds prone to joint disease!

Not all dog steps are created equal, so we’ve researched all the top-rated products, read all the reviews, and collated our top picks together so you can find the steps of your doggy’s dreams.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Pet Gear Easy Step II Extra Wide	Wide and deep stairs are safer and easier to use Anti-slip base Textured carpet prevents sliding on the stairs	Check Price
Best Value		Trixie Velour Foldable	Anti-slip base provides stability Storage under each of the steps Choice of narrow or wide steps	Check Price
Premium Choice		Pet Gear Easy Step Cat & Dog Stairs	Anti-slip rubber grip L-shaped stairs bend around furniture and take up less room Convenient storage compartment	Check Price
		Best Pet Supplies CertiPUR-US Certified Foam	Soft and comfortable Fold up, to some extent Cheap	Check Price
		Precious Tails High Density Foam	Non-slip base Non- slip textured fabric Cover can be removed and washed	Check Price

The 13 Best Dog Stairs & Steps 

The Pet Gear Easy Step II Extra Wide Car & Stairs are a set of two plastic stairs that are 20 inches wide. Each step is 6 inches tall and the steps slant slightly downwards. The steps are also deeper, making them suitable for larger dogs that struggle with small steps. The steps have non-slip rubber grips on the bottom so the steps won’t slide out when in use.

The steps are made from plastic so they retain their shape and offer support, while the carpet treats offer a little comfort and also prevent claws from sliding on slippery surfaces. The treads can also be removed and washed easily to keep the steps looking clean and fresh. The steps are fairly easy to put together, although it can take a little force to get all of the pegs in the right places.

These steps are a little on the pricey side, but they are robust and because they’re wide and deep, they are easier to use, including for bigger dogs, and make them the best overall dog stairs and steps.

The Trixie Velour Foldable Cat & Dog Stairs with Storage are 3 wooden stairs with a velour-coated top on each of the three steps. You can choose standard or wide steps, and both sets have a weight limit of around 110 pounds. The rise of the steps is 6 inches, and the set has a non-skid bottom to prevent the stairs from sliding around when your dig ascends or descends. The step tops can be removed, which is essential when folding the stairs down for storage, and is also beneficial because it allows you to store items in the stairs. The wide steps are 15 inches wide, while the narrow set is 11 inches wide, and they are easy to put together.

The Trixie foldable stairs are cheap, look good, offer storage, and are reasonable for small to medium dogs, making the best dog stairs & steps for the money, but even the wider steps are going to be a struggle for big pets.

The Pet Gear Easy Step Cat & Dog Stairs is a set of 4 steps with an L-shaped design that wraps around furniture so it takes up less space and doesn’t encroach into the room itself. The layout can be changed to accommodate a left or right bend. The bottom of the stairs has rubber grippers to prevent slippage and each step is carpeted to provide grip and a little comfort. The steps are only 5 inches tall, which makes them suitable for small breeds and those with limited mobility. The back panel also has a hidden storage compartment, which is a convenient addition.

The stairs are expensive, and the Velcro that fixes the two sections together is a little on the flimsy side, but the shape and design of the stairs as well as the addition of the compartment storage and overall quality make these L-shaped stairs a useful tool for your pet.

The Best Pet Supplies CertiPUR-US Certified Foam Foldable Dog Steps is a set of 3 stars made from safe foam and covered in a polyester cover. The top step folds into the hollow of the step below, making a foam cube that can be stored or even used as a footrest, either when the steps aren’t in use or when your puppy gets older and no longer needs the steps.

These stairs are supposed to hold dogs weighing up to 75 pounds, but they crush under that kind of weight and are better for puppies. They are more comfortable than plastic steps, though, and the cover can be removed and washed so are suitable even for puppies that like to get dirty and spread mud. The Best Pet Supplies stairs are reasonably priced, comfortable, and they do fold up to some extent. However, they are not ideal with bigger dogs, so these will only be useful while your dog is a puppy.

The Precious Tails High-Density Foam 4 Steps Dog Cat Stairs are designed primarily for small and miniature breeds, with each step being just 4 inches high and four steps to offer easy access to sofas or beds. The steps only have a 30-pound capacity and are 5 inches deep with a 4-inch rise, which means they are suitable for small dogs.

As well as a non-slip base, the stairs are covered in a non-slip textured fabric to prevent accidents. The steps are very reasonably priced and the cover can be removed and machine washed so it is easy to care for.

6. Zinus Comfort Cat & Dog Stairs

These plush steps from Zinus come in a whopping five different sizes ranging from 2–4 steps and extra-small to extra-large, meaning there is a step to suit many dogs and varying home spaces. Despite having extra-large options, the foam structure is considered poor for larger dogs who sink into the foam too easily.

The larger options may be better suited to provide more support for smaller breeds or fit a specific home space.

These steps will blend into your home decor with a stylish design, and don’t worry about the light color; the cover is removable and totally machine washable.

7. Pet Gear Pet Step Cat & Dog Stairs

For a simple, sturdy set of stairs, these plastic steps from Pet Gear do the job. The lightweight design makes them a breeze to move, put together, and travel with. However, the weight limit is cut off at 25 pounds, but reviewers say it’s only really suited towards toy breeds due to how narrow the steps are.

However, this simple but efficient design will suit you well for versatile steps for your small dog. Rubber grippers on the base will prevent it from slipping while in use, so your little pup can accent to join you on the couch or bed with ease.

For something more suited to dogs of all sizes, a sturdy wooden step like this one from Pet Safe should be considered. Constructed to be foldable, these stairs easily fold and slide away out of sight. They can handle a weight limit of up to 200 pounds.

The steps are great but more suitable as a preventative product than assisting struggling dogs. The steps are steep and don’t have a safe tread, meaning dogs who use it need to move quickly and confidently to not slip. The wooden structure can also be hard on sensitive joints.

9. Frisco Foldable Nonslip Cat & Dog Stairs

These plastic steps from Frisco are an excellent choice if you are looking for something on the cheaper side. The design is sleek, with raised edges to provide extra security when in use. The small size is only suited for small breeds and low furniture.

These stairs do the trick as something simple but do not provide many extra benefits or uses. This product is not suitable for larger dogs or those with higher needs.

These steps from Gen7Pets turn away from tacky plastic designs to create a good-looking and sturdy wood product. These steps are built to last with furniture-grade wood and even feature a cool hidden storage compartment.

What stands out with these steps from the other wooden designs is the carpet step cover is removable, making it very easy to clean. Of course, quality materials mean a heftier price tag. These steps are only suited for able-bodied dogs due to their narrow width and steepness.

11. Zinus Easy Cat & Dog Stairs

These soft pet stairs from Zinus come in five different sizes with varying amounts of steps and widths. Despite having an extra-large size, this product is still only limited to a weight of 30 pounds due to a foam construction. The foam creates a soft surface to reduce the impact on feet and joints.

This softness comes at a price as the foam will wear down over time, and the stairs will lose their structure with heavy use. However, they are lightweight with a sleek design.

12. Pet Gear Easy Step IV Deluxe Soft Cat & Dog Stairs

Many products aimed towards larger dogs tend to be harder materials. These steps find a happy medium with a solid plastic base able to hold up to 150 pounds but still have a plush cover for reduced impact. The size is not only great for large breeds but also fits nicely with tall furniture.

The softcover is reviewed to fit loosely, making the steps slippery. Many were happy to simply remedy this by gluing or sticking down the cover. Others used Velcro so the cover could still be removed easily.

13. Pet Adobe High-Density Foam Dog & Cat Steps

These affordable steps from Pet Adobe are a cute and simple addition to the home. Made from high-density foam, they offer soft support for small breeds. They are also easy to clean with a removable and machine washable cover.

However, owners found the design to be unbalanced and prone to tipping over for heavier dogs. The size is suited only for small dogs. Reviewers also said that the non-slip skid pads were low quality and did not prevent all slippage.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Stairs & Steps

As we said at the beginning, not all stairs are equal! We’re sure you’ve seen this for yourself as you got to know our top picks today. You may see the clear difference between products but are still unsure what type of dog stairs is best for your best friend.

Read on through our buyer’s guide to get more of an idea of dog steps and how to pick the best one for you, your dog, and your home.

Benefits of Dog Stairs

Dog Accessibility

Dog stairs are rather simple in what they look to achieve. They are designed to help dogs independently get to high areas. Usually, this is the bed, the couch, or into a vehicle. However, you can use the steps any way you choose to improve your dog’s life, allowing them to do all that they want to throughout their life.

• Related: 8 Best Dog Ramps – Reviews & Top Picks

Reducing Impact

Over time, jumping on and off furniture or up and down from the car will have effects on your dog’s joints. These impactful and repetitive movements will wear down joint cartilage and fluid, increasing the risk of joint issues in the future and worsening joint discomfort.

Steps can be used to reduce the impact of these daily motions. As a preventative measure, they can significantly reduce the amount of impact your dog experiences in their younger lives, reducing joint aging and the risk of joint-related diseases. This is helpful for all breeds but especially vital for purebred breeds prone to these alignments.

Less Work for You!

For most people, picking up a chihuahua and putting it into the car is no big deal. But imagine doing that same thing for a German shepherd? Even if you could easily do so, this lifting will cause strain and risk injury.

Many owners have mobility difficulties themselves, making bending, reaching, and carrying difficult and painful. Accessibility steps for your dog can be beneficial for you, too, by reducing the amount of physical work you need to do to care for your dog.

What to Look for in Dog Stairs

Stairs vs. Ramps

Stairs are not the only popular product designed for dog accessibility. Ramps are also commonly used. Each of these products has specific pros and cons. Determining which is best for you will ultimately come down to your dog’s needs.

Conclusion

Dog stairs and steps are beneficial for dogs with mobility problems, or those that are too old, too young, or just too small, to be able to hop up onto sofas, beds, or other levels. Choose a set that is sized appropriately for your dog and is strong enough to support their weight while being tall enough to offer access to the furniture.

While compiling the reviews above, we found the wide steps of the Pet Gear Easy Step II Extra Wide Cat & Dog Stairs to offer a good solution to dogs of most sizes, while the Trixie Velour Foldable Cat & Dog Stairs with Storage are suitable for small to medium breeds and are very reasonably priced.

Featured Image Credit: Chewy