Dog Parents With Boats Are Calling This Costco Find a Summer Essential
Summer boating days sound dreamy until your dog actually has to get back onto the boat. Plenty of dogs love swimming, but climbing up a slippery ladder or scrambling onto a dock can quickly become stressful. Larger breeds, especially, can struggle with pulling themselves up after a swim, which can turn what should be a relaxing lake day into a chaotic one. Some pet parents resort to lifting soaked dogs back aboard manually, which is not exactly ideal when you are balancing on a moving boat yourself.
That is why more pet parents have started looking for dog-friendly boating accessories that make water play safer and easier. Costco quietly carries an inflatable option designed specifically to help dogs climb out of the water with less effort, and shoppers are already calling it one of those purchases that makes summer outings feel far less complicated. Between lake trips, dock days and backyard pool setups, it is the kind of pet accessory that solves a very specific seasonal problem while still feeling surprisingly practical.
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Dog Catcher! Large Inflatable Dog Ramp, $149.99 at Costco
The Dog Catcher! Large Inflatable Dog Ramp at Costco is designed to help dogs climb safely from the water back onto boats, docks or pool edges. The inflatable ramp floats alongside the boat, providing a gentler incline for dogs that may struggle with traditional ladders or steep steps.
The oversized design makes it especially useful for larger breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds that love water but are not exactly graceful climbing back aboard. Instead of scrambling or panicking, dogs can walk up the textured ramp surface more naturally. That can help reduce stress for both the dog and the humans trying to help them.
The inflatable structure also makes it easier to transport and store compared to heavier permanent ramps. When deflated, it takes up much less room than rigid boarding systems. That flexibility matters for pet parents already juggling coolers, towels and boating gear every weekend.
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It also fits into the growing trend of pet-focused outdoor upgrades. Costco shoppers have already been stocking up on summer-friendly home and backyard items, including motion-activated outdoor lighting like this Lutec solar security light at Costco that helps keep nighttime yard trips safer for dogs.
And once swim time is over, many pet parents are investing in more comfortable indoor recovery spots. Cozy lounging options like this Costco rattan upholstered pet bed have become increasingly popular for dogs that spend long summer days outdoors.
The ramp itself is built with durability in mind and designed to stay stable while dogs climb. The gradual incline helps nervous swimmers feel more confident entering and exiting the water, which can encourage safer play overall. For older dogs or dogs recovering from joint strain, that added support can make a noticeable difference during summer outings.
At nearly $150, it is definitely more of an investment than an impulse buy. Still, for boat owners who spend weekends on the water with their dogs, it solves a very real problem that many pet parents do not think about until they need it. And once you see a soaking wet Labrador trying to launch itself onto a slippery dock, the appeal suddenly makes a whole lot of sense.
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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 4:40 AM.