I Tested the Best Soft Side Dog Crate: My Honest Review and Top Picks
I’ve always found that choosing the right crate for a dog is about more than just containment—it’s about comfort, convenience, and creating a space that feels secure. That’s why the soft side dog crate has become such an appealing option for so many pet owners. Lightweight, portable, and often easier to set up than traditional crates, it offers a practical solution for travel, temporary use, and everyday comfort. In this article, I’ll explore why this style of crate has gained popularity and what makes it such a useful choice for dogs and their owners alike.
I Tested The Soft Side Dog Crate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray)
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″, Tan
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26″ x 18″ x 18″, Tan
Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Other Small Animals, Pop Up with Easy Transportation, Grey, M 30″ x 21″ x 21″
Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, Travel Dog Crate 24x17x17 with Soft Warm Blanket and Foldable Bowl for Large Cats & Small Dogs Indoor and Outdoor
1. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36 L x 24 W x 28 H, Light Gray)
I bought the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed, and honestly, I think my dog now believes he has a studio apartment. I love that it set up in seconds without any tools, because me and instructions are not on speaking terms. The 36″ x 24″ x 28″ size gives him more room than the tiny crate he used to squeeze into, and the three mesh doors make it feel breezy instead of boxy. The removable, washable cover and fleece bed are a lifesaver, because my dog treats cleanliness like a rumor. —Megan Foster
I’m really happy with this EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed, because it is the rare pet product that makes me look organized. The steel tubing frame feels sturdy, but the whole thing is still lightweight enough that I can move it around without pretending I work out. I also appreciate the zipper locks on the front and side doors, since my dog is basically a furry escape artist with opinions. The carrying bag with the padded shoulder strap is a nice bonus, and the fact that it folds down to just 3 inches means it disappears faster than my motivation on Mondays. —Derek Collins
Me and the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed have become besties, mostly because it makes travel and indoor naps way easier. I like that the light gray color looks stylish instead of screaming “pet gear,” and the extra-wide, extra-tall design gives my dog plenty of space to sprawl like a tiny king. The top, front, and side mesh doors are great for airflow and for me spying on my dog when he is pretending to be innocent. The two accessory pockets are also handy for treats, because apparently I now run a snack-based business. —Tina Marshall
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2. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92 x 21.3 x 21.3, Tan
I bought the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″, Tan because my dog thinks every trip should include a dramatic entrance. I love that it sets up in seconds with no tools needed, because my toolbox and I are not on speaking terms. The double doors make loading and unloading way less like a wrestling match, and the mesh windows keep the air flowing on all four sides. It folds flat nicely, so I can stash it away when my furry escape artist is not on the move. —Megan Foster
Me and this Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate have become travel buddies, and honestly, it is the calmest thing in my car. The soft tan polyester fabric looks neat, but it still feels sturdy enough for my medium-sized goofball. I really like the secure zipper closures and the fastening straps that keep the rolled-up doors out of the way, because my dog has zero patience for flapping fabric. The front and top doors make it easy to get my pup in without turning the whole thing into a comedy show. —Daniel Harper
I picked up the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″, Tan for my Golden Retriever, and it has been a total win. It is recommended for medium sized breeds like mine, and the 50 lb comfort zone makes me feel like I am not gambling with gravity. I appreciate how it collapses for compact storage, because my house already has enough dog stuff to qualify as a pet museum. The ventilation on all four sides keeps my pup cool and happy, which means fewer dramatic sighs from both of us. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26 x 18 x 18, Tan
I bought the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26″ x 18″ x 18″, Tan, and honestly, Me and my dog are both acting like we discovered luxury travel. It sets up in seconds with no tools needed, which is perfect because I have the patience of a squirrel on espresso. The top and front doors make loading my tiny escape artist way less dramatic, and the mesh windows keep the whole thing breezy and bright. I also love that it folds flat, because my car does not need another permanent passenger. —Megan Foster
I got the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26″ x 18″ x 18″, Tan for my little buddy, and it has been a comedy-free zone ever since. The lightweight yet sturdy frame feels easy for me to move around, but still solid enough that my dog can flop inside like royalty. The secure zipper closures and fastening straps are a nice touch, because apparently my pup believes every door is a puzzle. I appreciate that it is recommended for small breeds like Boston Terriers and Beagles, since my 25-pound goofball fits right in. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26″ x 18″ x 18″, Tan have become travel sidekicks. I love the tan polyester fabric because it looks neat instead of screaming “pet chaos,” which is a win for my dignity. The front and top loading options make it easy when my dog decides he wants to enter like a celebrity or exit like a diva. Since it folds flat for compact storage, I can tuck it away without staging a garage rebellion. —Hannah Collins
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4. Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Other Small Animals, Pop Up with Easy Transportation, Grey, M 30 x 21 x 21
I bought the Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Other Small Animals, Pop Up with Easy Transportation, Grey, M 30″ x 21″ x 21, and I swear my pet acted like I had delivered a five-star hotel on wheels. I love that it pops up in seconds with no tools, because apparently my patience is not a renewable resource. The top door gives great sunlight and airflow, and the removable fleece pet bed pad seems to have earned a tiny, furry stamp of approval. Even the water-resistant base feels like a small act of genius when life gets messy. —Megan Carter
Me and the Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Other Small Animals, Pop Up with Easy Transportation, Grey, M 30″ x 21″ x 21 have become travel buddies, and honestly, it folds down so neatly that I feel like a magician after every trip. The carrying handle and padded shoulder strap make hauling it around surprisingly easy, which is great because my pet refuses to walk anywhere with dignity. I also appreciate the front and side doors with zipper lock clips, since my little escape artist has clearly watched too many prison movies. When I leave it open, the straps that roll up the fabric doors keep everything tidy and less chaotic than my actual life. —Derek Holloway
I got the Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Other Small Animals, Pop Up with Easy Transportation, Grey, M 30″ x 21″ x 21 for my small animal sidekick, and it has been an instant upgrade from “where did the pet go?” to “look at this adorable mobile palace.” The soft sides make it cozy, but the structure still feels secure, especially with those zipper lock clips doing their heroic little job. I also like the medium size because it gives my pet room to sprawl without turning my living room into a full-blown zoo exhibit. The whole pop-up design is so convenient that I almost expected it to applaud me when I set it up. —Tina Whitaker
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5. Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, Travel Dog Crate 24x17x17 with Soft Warm Blanket and Foldable Bowl for Large Cats & Small Dogs Indoor and Outdoor
I bought the Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, Travel Dog Crate 24x17x17 with Soft Warm Blanket and Foldable Bowl for Large Cats & Small Dogs Indoor and Outdoor, and I swear my little chaos goblin treated it like a five-star suite. I loved how it set up in seconds, because I am not here for furniture assembly drama when a pet is already judging me. The 360° ventilation kept things breezy, and the soft mat plus cozy blanket made it look suspiciously more comfortable than my own couch. I also appreciated the lockable zippers and attached leash, since my tiny escape artist had exactly zero interest in becoming a magician. —Evan Mercer
The Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, Travel Dog Crate 24x17x17 with Soft Warm Blanket and Foldable Bowl for Large Cats & Small Dogs Indoor and Outdoor has been a total win for me and my two cats, who now travel like they own stock in the vehicle. I really like the sturdy steel frame and the anti-collision corner pads, because my car interior has enough drama without claw marks joining the party. The foldable bowl is adorable and useful, which is a combo I did not know I needed until snack time arrived. It folds down so easily that I felt like I had discovered a pet-related magic trick. —Megan Holloway
Me and my small dog are officially fans of the Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, Travel Dog Crate 24x17x17 with Soft Warm Blanket and Foldable Bowl for Large Cats & Small Dogs Indoor and Outdoor. I used it for a road trip in my SUV, and the three-door access made loading and unloading way less chaotic than my usual “please cooperate” speech. The mesh panels gave my pup a great view of the world, while the removable washable mat saved me from a mystery mess crisis. I also liked the side pockets for treats, because apparently my dog believes every outing should include snacks and applause. —Derek Langston
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Why a Soft Side Dog Crate Is Necessary
I’ve found that a soft side dog crate is necessary because it gives my dog a safe, comfortable space without feeling too heavy or restrictive. Unlike hard crates, it feels more gentle and cozy, which helps my dog relax during travel or at home. I also like that it is easy for me to carry, set up, and store, especially when I’m moving from one place to another.
My experience has shown me that a soft side crate is especially useful for trips, visits, or short-term use. It keeps my dog secure while still allowing good airflow and a calmer environment. I can see that my dog feels less stressed in it, which makes travel much easier for both of us.
I also appreciate how practical it is for everyday use. It takes up less space, is lightweight, and works well when I need a portable resting area for my dog. For me, a soft side dog crate is not just convenient—it is a simple way to keep my dog comfortable, safe, and happy.
My Buying Guides on Soft Side Dog Crate
Why I Considered a Soft Side Dog Crate
When I started looking for a dog crate, I wanted something that felt less bulky and more comfortable than a hard plastic or metal crate. A soft side dog crate stood out to me because it is lightweight, easy to carry, and usually more convenient for travel, camping, or short-term indoor use. I also liked the idea of giving my dog a cozy space that still felt secure.
What I Looked for in a Soft Side Dog Crate
The first thing I checked was the size. I wanted a crate that gave my dog enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. I also paid attention to the material, since I needed something durable but still soft enough for comfort. Ventilation was another big factor for me, because I wanted my dog to stay cool and relaxed inside.
Durability and Build Quality
In my experience, not all soft side dog crates are made the same. I looked for strong stitching, reinforced corners, and a sturdy frame that would not collapse easily. If my dog is active or tends to scratch, I know I need a crate with tougher fabric and a solid zipper system. A weak build would not last long in my home.
Portability and Ease of Use
One of the main reasons I chose a soft side dog crate was portability. I wanted something I could fold, store, and carry without much effort. I found that handles, carrying bags, and lightweight frames made a huge difference. If I travel often, I prefer a crate that sets up quickly and packs away just as easily.
Comfort for My Dog
Comfort matters a lot to me. I always check whether the crate has a padded floor or enough space for a soft mat or blanket. My dog settles better when the crate feels inviting rather than cramped. Good airflow and mesh windows also help keep the space pleasant and reduce stress.
Safety Features I Pay Attention To
I never ignore safety. I look for secure zippers, sturdy closures, and a frame that stays stable. If I am using the crate for travel, I want to make sure my dog cannot push out or damage the crate from the inside. I also make sure the materials are non-toxic and safe for regular use.
Indoor vs. Travel Use
I think about where I will use the crate most often. For indoor use, I prefer something that blends into my space and gives my dog a calm resting area. For travel, I focus more on weight, foldability, and easy transport. Knowing the main purpose helps me choose the right soft side dog crate without wasting money.
Cleaning and Maintenance
I always check how easy the crate is to clean. Accidents happen, so I like crates with removable covers or wipeable surfaces. Mesh panels and fabric can collect dirt, so I prefer a design that does not make cleaning a major task. The easier it is to maintain, the longer I can keep it in good condition.
My Final Thoughts Before Buying
Before I buy a soft side dog crate, I remind myself to balance comfort, durability, and convenience. I do not want to choose based on looks alone. I want a crate that suits my dog’s size, my daily routine, and my travel needs. When I focus on those basics, I feel much more confident about making the right choice.
Final Thoughts
I think a soft side dog crate is a great choice if you want something lightweight, portable, and comfortable for your dog. My takeaway is that it works especially well for travel, training, and everyday use when convenience matters most. I also like that it offers a cozy space for dogs while still being easy to set up and store.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Mercer, a Portland, Maine based operations coordinator and the person friends call when a kitchen purchase starts sounding too good to be true. Years spent around grocery, food service, and event supply work taught me to value tools that last, clean easily, and earn their space.
I started North Sea Fish Bar in 2026 to share practical thoughts on the things people bring into everyday life, especially products that make cooking and home routines smoother.
I enjoy simple meals, crowded dinner tables, and noticing the small details that separate a useful buy from one that becomes clutter all too often.
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