Dog Stairs for Couches and Sofas: How to Choose the Right Height
Most dogs choose the sofa for the same reason we do: it is where the family sits. Stairs that fit the couch well give them the same welcome without the leap.
Key Takeaways
- Measure the seat, not the frame. Measure from the floor to the top of the seat cushion where your dog climbs on.
- Leave the last step up to the cushion. Companion Stairs® are designed so the top step sits about one step below the seat, and your dog takes one natural final step up.
- For most sofas, the 2-Step is the fit for medium and larger dogs. Its top step sits at 14 inches, below the seat of most sofas.
- Small dogs and cats want a shorter rise. Mini Companion Stairs® rise 4.75 to 5.25 inches per step, against 7 inches on the full-size set.
- Place the stairs where your dog already jumps, square to the front of the seat, so the habit transfers on its own.
Do dogs need stairs for the couch?
A dog that jumps onto a sofa several times a day lands on the same joints every time, and the jump down is the harder half of the trip. Stairs turn each trip into a series of short, controlled steps. They are most useful for senior dogs, small and short-legged dogs, long-bodied breeds, dogs recovering from surgery, and any companion your veterinarian has asked to avoid jumping.
If you are not sure your dog is ready for them, our guide to the signs it is time for dog stairs walks through what to watch for.
How tall should dog stairs be for a couch?
Dog stairs for a couch should sit about one step below the seat cushion, not level with it. Measure from the floor to the top of the seat where your dog climbs on, then choose the tallest set whose top step still sits below that height. Your dog takes the final step up onto the cushion, which is how Companion Stairs® are designed to be used.
Two worked examples, using the Companion Stairs® heights of 14 inches (2-Step), 21 inches (3-Step), and 28 inches (4-Step):
| Seat height (measured) | Set | Top step | Final step up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 inches | 2-Step | 14 inches | About 4 inches |
| 22 inches | 2-Step | 14 inches | About 8 inches |
| 28 inches (a tall bed rather than a sofa) | 3-Step | 21 inches | About 7 inches |
A 3-Step on an 18-inch sofa would put the top step above the seat, which is the one fit to avoid. Beds are usually taller than sofas, so the same household often needs a different set for each. For bed heights, see our guide to the best dog steps for high beds.
What rise should the steps have for my dog?
The rise is the height of each individual step, and it matters as much as the overall height. The full-size Companion Stairs® have a 7-inch rise, suited to medium and larger dogs and confident steppers. Mini Companion Stairs® have a lower rise of 4.75 to 5.25 inches, made for small dogs, cats, and shorter-legged companions, and come as a Mini 3 Step or Mini 4 Step.
A simple test: if your dog has to hop rather than step onto a stair, the rise is too tall for them. For a small companion, choose the Mini set whose top step sits about one of its rises below the seat, and confirm the finished height on the Mini Companion Stairs® page before ordering. Our guide on whether small dogs should use dog stairs covers the small-dog case in depth.
Stairs or a ramp for the sofa?
Stairs take less floor space in front of a sofa and suit most dogs who can manage a step. A ramp suits a small companion who does better on a gentle incline than on steps. Animals Matter makes one ramp, the Companion Ramp®, and it is a small dog ramp for short-legged or long-bodied small companions only; it is not intended for medium or large dogs. Where to place it is your call. For a side-by-side comparison, read dog stairs vs. dog ramps.
Where should I put dog stairs by the couch?
Put the stairs where your dog already jumps on, square to the front of the seat, with the top step touching or nearly touching the sofa front. Dogs keep their routes, so a set placed on the usual path is adopted faster than one moved to a tidier corner. Check that the set sits steady on your floor surface before the first climb.
Companion Stairs® are made to stay put without being hard to move: the 2-Step weighs 7 pounds, the 3-Step 14 pounds, and the 4-Step 22 pounds. That is enough to stay planted under an eager dog and light enough to lift out of the way when guests arrive.
How do I choose stairs that look right in the living room?
A set of stairs in front of the sofa is part of the room, so choose it the way you would any piece you plan to live with. Companion Stairs® are upholstered in upholstery-grade micro suede over high-density CertiPUR-US® certified foam, in Charcoal, Stone, Camel, and Chocolate. Pick the tone of the sofa or the rug beneath it and the set reads as furniture rather than equipment. The cover is removable for cold-water machine washing and line drying.
How do I get my dog to use the stairs?
Most dogs learn in a few short sessions. Lead them up one step at a time with a treat or a favorite toy, praise every step, and keep sessions brief. Guide them down the stairs as well as up, since the descent is the habit that protects their joints. Our guide to teaching your dog to use dog stairs has the step-by-step method.
Which Animals Matter stairs fit a sofa?
| Product | Rise per step | Sizes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Companion Stairs® | 7 inches | 2-Step (14 in), 3-Step (21 in), 4-Step (28 in) | Medium and larger dogs and confident steppers. The 2-Step suits most sofas |
| Mini Companion Stairs® | 4.75 to 5.25 inches | Mini 3 Step, Mini 4 Step | Small dogs, puppies, cats, and shorter-legged companions |
Browse the full range in dog stairs and ramps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall should dog stairs be for a couch?
Dog stairs for a couch should sit about one step below the seat cushion. Measure from the floor to the top of the seat, then choose the tallest set whose top step is still below that height, so your dog takes one natural final step up onto the cushion.
Should dog stairs be level with the couch?
No. Companion Stairs® are designed so the top step sits about one step below the seat. A set that comes level with or above the cushion is too tall. Leave the last step up to the sofa.
What size dog stairs do I need for a sofa?
For medium and larger dogs, the Companion Stairs® 2-Step, with its top step at 14 inches, fits below the seat of most sofas. For small dogs and cats, choose Mini Companion Stairs®, whose lower 4.75 to 5.25 inch rise suits shorter legs.
Are dog stairs or a ramp better for a couch?
Stairs suit most dogs and take less floor space in front of a sofa. A ramp suits a small companion who does better on an incline. The Companion Ramp® is a small dog ramp only and is not intended for medium or large dogs.
Where should I place dog stairs next to the couch?
Place them where your dog already jumps on, square to the front of the seat, with the top step touching or nearly touching the sofa. A set on your dog's usual path is adopted faster than one placed somewhere tidier.
Can you wash dog stairs?
The Companion Stairs® cover is removable for cold-water machine washing and line drying. The foam inside is not machine washed.
Choosing with Confidence
Match the seat height, leave the last step up, and set the stairs where your dog already goes. The sofa stays theirs as well as yours, for many years to come.