Is a 1/20 Slope a Ramp? What Dog Owners Should Know

A 1/20 slope rises one inch for every 20 inches of horizontal distance, which equals a 5% grade. For a dog approaching an SUV or truck, that gradual incline may feel easier than a shorter, steeper route, but the actual slope depends on both the loading height and the horizontal space available.

For your dog, the practical questions are whether the incline is comfortable, the surface provides secure footing, and the ramp stays stable during use. Our Car Dog Ramp | “Tailgate” by Owleys is a vehicle-loading product, so calling a 1/20 incline a ramp is ordinary language; it does not mean accessibility rules establish a safe angle for every dog.

A 1/10 slope rises one inch over 10 inches of horizontal distance, making it twice as steep as 1/20. If you have enough room to use a gentler incline, it can reduce how sharply your dog must climb, though your dog’s size, mobility, confidence, and footing still matter.

Measure the vertical distance from the ground to the loading point, then measure the horizontal distance from the ramp’s base to that point; dividing the horizontal distance by the rise tells you whether the setup is near 1/20, 1/10, or another slope. Before inviting your dog up, place the ramp on firm, level ground, make sure it cannot shift, and let your dog try it slowly without pulling or rushing them; our guide to safer SUV and truck loading offers more context.

The Travel Buddy Mk. II Dog Hammock works alongside the ramp and keeps the back seat covered, so shed dog fur lands on a washable surface instead of the car upholstery.