A lot of the dog ramps out there are too short for larger vehicles with openings that are much higher than usual. While you could use these smaller ramps, you’ll find that the length results in a much steeper incline. Not only is this unsafe for your dog but many pets will be reluctant to use them.
I was very pleased to find the PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Ramp which is specifically designed for larger vehicles. What’s more, this is an incredibly well made ramp that will support a lot of weight so it’s ideal regardless of the dog’s breed.
In my PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Ramp review, I’m going to talk about the key features and what might make this a good choice for you and your dog.
Advantages
- One of the most stable dog ramps available
- Supports up to 180 kg
- Suitable for high back vehicles
- Comes in various lengths and weight capacities
- Telescopic design allows for adjustments to length
Design
The PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Ramp is a very stable piece of equipment that I found to be one of the safer options on the market. The reason for this are the raised sides which make it easier and safer for your pet to go up and down the ramp.
Length
The PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Ramp is an adjustable ramp with a maximum length of 183 cm. However, this applies to the standard version whereas the twin model is able to extend to 221 cm which is ideal for very high vehicles to reduce the incline.
Width
I really like that the width of the standard ramp is slightly larger than most dog ramps I’ve reviewed. With a width of 43 cm, there’s plenty of room for your dog to scale the ramp without being restricted. What’s more, if you go for the Twin XL version, this width increases to 51 cm; ideal for bigger breeds.
Materials and Durability
I was really impressed to see that the PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Ramp was made from aluminium as this shows that it’s a sturdy and durable piece of equipment. While that is true, and the ramp is incredibly stable, it’s not as lightweight as the manufacturer claims.
The standard version is 6 kg while the Twin XL weighs 8 kg. This might not seem like a lot but when it’s fully compacted, it is an awkward shape and I’ve seen a lot of reviews talking about how bulky it is. This might be worth keeping in mind if your strength isn’t great.
Aside from being extremely robust, the PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Ramp features a high traction surface which makes it safe for your dog. I also noticed that, while this anti-slip surface may wear over time, it is possible to buy a replacement which saves investing in an entire new ramp.
Practicalities
Up until now, I’ve been testing ramps that have a maximum weight capacity of no more than 90 – 100 kg. While this is suitable for some large breeds, it doesn’t accommodate some of the biggest dogs so knowing that the PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Ramp can hold up to 180 kg, you’re safe in the knowledge that it won’t buckle.
However, if you don’t need this much support, there is a smaller version but this still holds up to 140 kg so it’s still amazingly robust.
I love the telescopic design of the PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Ramp which makes it a lot easier to put up than some others. However, the safety strap and screw can be a little fiddly and there’s also the issue that the ramp slips and can catch your fingers. While I thought this would be easy to use, it’s a little more complicated than I anticipated, especially when you consider how cumbersome it is.
However, this doesn’t put me off using the ramp entirely because of how stable it is. Even when used by large dogs, the ramp doesn’t bow or waver.
PetSafe Happy Ride Ramp Pros and Cons
PetSafe Happy Ride Ramp Video
To see this pet ramp from PetSafe in action, see the video below.
Where Should I Purchase the PetSafe Happy Ride Ramp
PetSafe Happy Ride – Standard
- CONTINUE ADVENTURES TOGETHER: Use the telescoping ramp to help your best friend get in and out of your car, minivan or 4X4 all by themselves to improve road trips together
- ADJUSTABLE SIZING: The adjustable telescoping ramp allows you to help your pet get in and out of different size vehicles; ramp measures 99-183 cm L x 43 cm W x 10 cm H
- DURABLE: Tough, strong aluminium material supports up to 180 kg
- LIGHTWEIGHT: Weighing only 6 kg the ramp is easy to carry and lift in and out of the car between stops
- NO SLIPPING: High-traction surface and side rails keep your furry friend from slipping or falling when walking on the ramp
Last update on 2024-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
PetSafe Happy Ride – Extra-long
- CONTINUE ADVENTURES TOGETHER: Use the telescoping ramp to help your best friend get in and out of your truck, car, minivan or 4X4 all by themselves to improve road trips together
- EXTRA-LONG ADJUSTABLE SIZING : Longer length and extra wide telescoping ramp allows you to help your pet get in and out of vehicles with steeper inclines; ramp measures 119-221 cm L x 51 cm W x 10 cm H
- DURABLE: Tough, strong aluminium material supports pets who weight up to 140 kg
- LIGHTWEIGHT: Weighing 8 kg the ramp is easy to carry and lift in and out of the car between stops
- NO SLIPPING: High-traction surface and side rails keep your furry friend from slipping or falling when walking on the ramp
Last update on 2024-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Who Is This Ramp Suitable For?
It goes without saying that the PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Ramp is perfect for anyone who has a higher or larger vehicle like a 4 x 4 or a truck. Reducing the steepness of the incline makes it more likely that your dog will want to use the ramp.
I think this is a brilliant option for older dogs whose joints are playing up and who find it difficult or uncomfortable to jump up into the vehicle. That said, I’ll always advocate the use of a ramp for dogs of all ages as it does go a long way in reducing the risk of joint problems in the future.
Owing to the incredibly high weight limit, the PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Ramp is suitable for even the biggest dog breeds. But it can just as easily be used by smaller dogs should you require. Where versatility is concerned, this ramp is up there with the best.
A Veterinary Perspective
Jason Haley 4th year Vet Student stated –
“Pet steps are a great household addition for any potential pet owner looking to maximise the health and welfare of their animal.
I would highly recommend considering Pet Steps for older age / geriatric pets and those suffering from various joint conditions. Conditions such as OA (osteoarthritis), elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia are all too common in our older furry friends, especially in large / giant breed dogs. The benefit of pet steps for these patients is that they reduce the strain and pressure placed upon joints from jumping up / down from sofas / beds etc. Pet steps (although not treating the condition) will not only assist in preventing further joint degeneration (from reduced jumping), but also help to keep your pet as comfortable as possible, providing pain free alternative to reach their favourite areas in the house.
Another recommendation for pet steps would be for smaller pets (toy breed dogs / cats etc). Having pet steps present will discourage your pet from jumping from high surfaces and potentially causing self trauma / limb fractures, something all too commonly seen in Veterinary Practice. In these cases pet steps can act as a preventative measure for injury, something which is always advocated over cure in Veterinary medicine. Pet steps will not only keep your pets safe, but also reduce the potentially high veterinary bills by preventing injury in the first instance.”
Final Thoughts
Having an older dog that finds it difficult to get into a vehicle, especially one whose doors are higher than average, can make it difficult to get out and about. But I found the PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Ramp to be a viable solution to this problem and while it’s a pricey bit of kit, it’s robust, well made and reliable.
For more great pet step reviews, see my Guide to Choosing the Best Dog Ramps in the UK
For more than a decade I have been working with and reviewing a wide variety of household products, including pet related mobility products. My many years' of experience writing articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications, have allowed me to recognise the benefits and shortfalls of a wide range of products and tools; providing me with the ability to not only identify what makes a good purchase, but also to help you choose a suitable product for your exact needs and requirements.
