How to Choose

Pet Loader, pet steps are available is several different models. To help you choose the Pet Loader that will best suit you, consider the appropriate size for your dog, vehicle and use. The following information will help you with that choice in more detail.

Material

Our pet stair models differ primarily in platform (step) material and width of the platform. Models are available in widths from 12″ to 18″ in one of two materials: lightweight aluminum and rugged ABS plastic.

Extension Height

Besides platform material, choose the number of steps (3, 4, 5, or 6) that is right for for the height of your vehicle. Measure vehicle from the pavement to where your pet will enter the vehicle such as the cargo floor, seat, truck bed, etc. then see our height chart below. Keep in mind the opening width, especially for passenger door openings, as they tend to be more narrow.

All Pet Loader models will safely carry all dogs.

The number of “Steps” determine the height your Pet Loader pet stairs will reach. Our 3-Step Pet Loaders have an extension range from 16″ to 20″. The 4-Step Pet Loader has a range from 20″ to a maximum height of 30″. The 5-Step Pet Loader extends from 28″ to a maximum height of 40″. The largest, 6-Step Pet Loaders, extend from 39″ to a maximum height of 50″.

Choosing a Loader Based on Dog Breed or Size

All Pet Loader® Pet Steps support up to 250 pounds. The Pet Loader® XL and MAX models support up to 300 pounds.

Many customers want to know which Pet Loader model is suited best by the dog breed or size. While all Pet Loaders support up to 250 (or 300, with the XL and MAX) pounds, these are some guidelines to help choose the model most comfortable for your pet and appropriate for your needs.

For smaller dogs, the Pet Loader Mini is a comfortable size. The smaller platform of the Pet Loader Mini dog stairs will work for them in almost every situation.

For medium to large dogs, we recommend the Pet Loader Ultra Light or Pet Loader Light. The 16″ platform of the Pet Loader light will accommodate almost every breed, such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Bulldogs, Pointers, and Huskies. These breeds typically weight less than 150 pounds. For those that are over 150 pounds we recommend the Pet Loader XL.

For extra large dogs, referred to as the Great Breeds, we recommend the Pet Loader XL or Pet Loader MAX. These dogs include Mastiffs, Great Danes, Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards. These dogs, because of their size and weight, will find the Pet Loader XL or MAX pet stairs with 18″ platforms very comfortable to navigate. All dogs that weigh over 150 pounds or that are built with a wider girth should use the wider, more rugged Pet Loader XL or MAX.

For other pets, if you have another pet in mind to use our pet stairs, keep our maximum weight allowances in mind. Pet Loader pet stairs are made for pets only and not for human use.

Listed models are suggested. Highlighted models are recommended.

Other Factors

When deciding which Pet Loader you need, keep in mind the dog size, and the use. Pet Loader XL & MAX use the largest platform size, and are designed for the largest dogs (supporting up to 300 pounds). Pet Loader Mini and Pet Loader Light are designed for dogs under 150 pounds (though they support up to 250 pounds). See the chart below for dimensions, weights and prices of our pet stairs.