Swimming is a great exercise that dog owners can share with their four-legged friends. It’s fun to splash around in a pool with an excited pup, but it is also extremely important to ensure that it’s a safe experience for everyone. Dogs should not be left unattended with access to a pool.

A pool ramp is one of the best ways to teach your pet to play safely in a pool. It’s also a great safeguard for dogs that accidentally fall into the water. However, not all ramps fit securely onto different types of pools, and it can be challenging to figure out which one will work for your situation.

To help you out, we have a list of reviews of the top pool ramps for dogs here. This way, you can quickly determine what kind of ramp will be the best one for your pup so they can safely enjoy a nice swim!

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024

The 10 Best Pool Ramps for Dogs

1. PetSTEP Folding Pet Ramp — Best Overall

The PetSTEP Folding Pet Ramp is the best overall pool ramp for dogs because it’s safe and durable and comes with many additional useful features. This ramp has a non-slip rubber surface with raised grooves so your pet can safely enter and exit the pool without slipping around. It also has the capacity to carry up to 500 pounds, ensuring that even giant dog breeds can use it.

The ramp also folds up easily, lies flat, and has ergonomic handles, so it’s easy to bring around with you. However, it does weigh almost 20 pounds, so it can be a bit heavy for some people to carry.

If you can handle the weight, you’ll quickly appreciate how versatile it is. It not only works for pools, but you can also use it for vehicles, beds, grooming tables, and many other raised surfaces.

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2. PetSafe Happy Ride Foldable Dog Ramp — Best Value

Dog ramps can often cost a lot of money, so it can be a challenge to find an affordable option. Luckily, the PetSafe Happy Ride Foldable Dog Ramp is less pricey than the standard dog ramp, and it’s durable and will last you quite some time.

This pool ramp is lighter than the PetSTEP Folding Pet Ramp, so it’s much more portable. It also fits easily in most cars, making it a great travel accessory for any adventurous dog.

We also like the high-traction surface and raised sides that will protect your dog from sliding off. The only thing that we wish to see is a great weight capacity. This ramp can support up to 150 pounds, which is substantial for many dogs. However, it’s not the safest option for giant breeds.

With all the other great features and the affordable price, though, we still consider this option to be the best pool ramp for dogs for the money.

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3. PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Car Ramp — Premium Choice

This premium dog ramp is an ideal option to place by above-ground and elevated pools. The PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Car Ramp has a unique telescoping design, so it can suit different types of heights. The surface also has a high-traction texture that dogs can easily grip, even on steep inclines.

This ramp’s weight limit is 400 pounds, so it can safely support dogs of all sizes. The aluminum construction helps support this weight, but it also makes the ramp heavier than other kinds. This can become an issue because the aluminum may corrode when left in water. Therefore, to keep using the ramp for a long time, you’ll have to move it indoors when it’s not in use, which can be a bit of a hassle because of the weight.

When stored properly, though, this ramp will last a long time, so it can be a great investment.

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4. Toriexon Inflatable Water Ramp for Dogs Pup Plank — Best for Puppies

The Toriexon Inflatable Water Ramp for Dogs Pup Plank comes in multiple sizes, and the smallest is ideal for puppies and small to medium breeds. It’s easy to inflate with the included pump, and you can either let it float freely (attached weights will keep it from being tossed around) or secure it to the poolside.

The design of this ramp helps make entering a pool less nerve-wracking for puppies because it enables them to slowly get in without making a splash (though they still can if they want to!). The blue color is also easy for dogs to find, so they don’t have to struggle to get out of the pool.

The inner net is made of puncture-resistant material, with padded bars to help pups pull themselves out or stay secure if they simply wish to rest there. The top also has a non-slip surface to prevent falls.

Unfortunately, the included air pump doesn’t seem to be of the highest quality. Also, if you have a large breed puppy, they’ll eventually outgrow this ramp size, and you’ll need to upgrade to the bigger, more expensive version.

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5. WaterDog Adventure Gear Dog Ladder for Swimming Pool

The WaterDog Adventure Gear Dog Ladder for Swimming Pool is one of the best options for ensuring that your pool doesn’t get damaged. It doesn’t touch the inside of a pool, so the pool’s lining and finish can’t get scratched or scuffed.

The angle of the ladder is also set to help dogs easily climb up and down the stairs, and the steps have a bright yellow color that is easily identifiable for canines. The steps are also set at a height of 4 inches, so breeds of most sizes can easily walk up and down them. Just keep in mind that the weight capacity is 130 pounds, so it can’t safely support giant dogs.

Overall, this pool ramp has a thoughtful design and is made with durable material. You can also pivot the steps around or easily remove them from the mount so the ramp can stay out of sight when not in use.

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6. Great Day Load-A-Pup 14x20in Pet-Loading Platform

The Great Day Load-A-Pup 14x20in Pet-Loading Platform has a simple yet effective design. It needs to be attached to a ladder, but it will help dogs get out of the pool safely, especially if they accidentally fall in.

The material is aircraft-grade aluminum, so it’s quite sturdy and can hold up to 200 pounds. The platform has spacing between each bar, so water quickly falls through when you lift it out. It folds up neat and compact when not in use.

Besides installing this ramp in a pool, you can attach it to a boat or dock, as long as there’s a ladder. However, the included installation straps are cumbersome to use and aren’t of the highest quality, which can be a problem because this platform doesn’t float. It likely won’t be too much of an issue if this sinks to the bottom of a standard pool, but you should be extra careful in a lake or the ocean.

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7. Drifter Marine Dog Boarding Boat Ladder

The Drifter Marine Dog Boarding Boat Ladder is a portable and lightweight option. It has an aluminum frame and mesh surface. The mesh cover has a non-slip texture and water easily falls through it, so dogs can get a firm grip on it as they climb up the ramp.

The manufacturer does state that this ramp can be used on both boat gunwales and the sides of above-ground pools. However, it may need extra reinforcement if you want to install it along the side of a pool.

The ramp definitely excels as a boat accessory, as it has hooks on the top that rest perfectly on a gunwale. It also has a set of rubber-tipped legs that rest against the side of the boat so it doesn’t damage any structures.

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8. DOK Dog-DOK Inflatable Dock Platform

The DOK Dog-DOK Inflatable Dock Platform is ideal if you’re looking for something portable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing. It fits on pools, boats, and docks, and despite its size, it’s rather lightweight and easy to carry around due to the built-in handles and included storage bag.

The surface is soft yet textured, so it provides a good grip for wet paws, and the weighted mesh ramp makes it easy for dogs to get in and out of the water. It inflates quickly, and you can tie it securely in place with the included ropes.

The “wood” pattern on top is more for human eyes than canine ones, but the sides are black and white, a contrast that your dog should be able to easily see, even in the water. However, the soft surface can be damaged by clamoring dog nails, and the inflatable material can tear and leak. This ramp is also quite expensive.

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9. Solstice Inflatable Pup Plank Pet Ramp Series

The Solstice Inflatable Pup Plank Pet Ramp Series is a creatively designed pool ramp for dogs. It’s designed for small to medium-sized dogs and can support up to 110 pounds.

This ramp has a weighted mesh that sits below the water and a traction pad to help dogs have a strong grip as they enter and step onto the platform. The weighted mesh also helps dogs slowly enter into the water without jumping in.

Along with poolside use, this ramp attaches to boats and docks, and it’s easy to transport. So, it’s a great accessory to take with you on all your water sports adventures.

As innovative as this design is, improvements could be made. First, the mesh gets slippery when it comes in contact with the water, so it’s difficult for dogs to get a secure footing. Second, the ramp is more expensive than most other pool ramps, so if it doesn’t work perfectly for your dog, it’s not really worth the investment.

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10. Pet Gear Free-Standing Foldable Cat & Dog Ramp

The Pet Gear Free-Standing Foldable Cat & Dog Ramp is a great accessory for elevated pools. It’s free-standing and has rubber grips on the bottom of its legs to stay planted securely. It also stands at the perfect height for dogs to use to easily walk off the poolside.

However, this ramp doesn’t have an adjustable height, so it won’t work well with above-ground pools, which have heights that can exceed 48 inches.

While it’s limited in the types of pools that it can pair with, it’s extremely safe and effective for pools with walls that have a matching elevated height. The surface of the ramp also has a unique pressure-activated mat to help keep your dog from slipping.

This ramp folds up easily, so once your dog’s finished using it, you can quickly stow it away and keep it out of sight from your beautiful poolscape.

• See Also: DIY Dog Pool Ramp Plans You Can Make Today

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Pool Ramp for Dogs

Now that we’ve gone over the different types of pool ramp options, here’s helpful information that will help you identify key features to look for when shopping for pool ramps.

Visibility

Make sure to buy a pool ramp that stands out from the water so your dog has an easy time locating it. Canines can see blue and yellow most easily, so many pool ramps come in these colors.

If you like the structure of a ramp, but it doesn’t appear that visible, you can add reflective or yellow-colored duct tape to the surface to help your dog spot it more easily.

Grip

Water can easily make many surfaces slippery, so it’s crucial to find a ramp with a non-slip surface. Look for rubber material and grooved or textured surfaces. Some ramps come with raised sides, which can further stop your dog from falling off.

Portability

It’s hard to find a dog pool ramp that’s both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Ramps may also not be able to withstand being outdoors for a long time. Elements like sunlight and rain and pool chemicals can easily damage or corrode ramps.

Therefore, it’s essential to find a ramp that’s easy to stow away. Look for one that you can quickly dismount from your pool and fold up. Ramps with flat stowaway designs can also help make cleanup an easier process.

Versatility

Some pool ramps can also fit on boats and docks. So, if you enjoy boating or water sports, it may be worth the investment to find a pool ramp with versatile installations.

However, if you don’t have an interest in these things, there’s no need to find a pool ramp that also attaches to different surfaces. You can end up saving a lot of money by purchasing a sturdy pool ramp instead of looking for a versatile ramp with features you won’t end up using.

Conclusion

Based on these reviews, the PetSTEP Folding Pet Ramp is the best pool ramp for dogs overall. It fits different kinds of pools and can support all kinds of dogs. The PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Car Ramp is a great premium option. It uses high-quality material, and the fact that it’s easily adjustable makes it an attractive option.

Our first three ramp choices are not dedicated pool ramps, so they can be used for loading into and out of the car or other elevated surfaces. Check your dog ramp warranty and instructions to determine which activities it can be safely used for.

Overall, pool ramps are important safety features for dogs. They’ll help you have peace of mind, and you’ll enjoy water activities more with your pet, knowing that they have a safe way to enter and exit the water.

See also:

• Strong & Waterproof DIY Dog Pools
• Dog Breeds Who Love Water and Swimming

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Featured Image Credit: GoDog Photo, Shutterstock