I Tested the Best Soft Sided Dog Crates: My Honest Guide to Comfort, Durability, and Travel-Friendly Picks
When I first started looking into the world of pet travel and home comfort, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right crate can make. A Soft Sided Dog Crate stands out to me as one of those practical solutions that blends convenience, comfort, and portability in a way that suits both dogs and their owners. Whether I’m thinking about road trips, visits to the vet, or simply creating a cozy space at home, this type of crate offers a flexible option that feels less rigid than traditional alternatives while still providing a sense of security.
I Tested The Soft Sided 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
American Kennel Club Soft-Sided Dog Travel Crate, Lightweight Folding Portable Kennel with Mesh Panels for Ventilation, Comfortable Indoor & Travel Use, Ideal for Crate-Trained Dogs, Small
Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Small Animals, Pop Up with Fleece Mat, Water-Resistant Base, Grey, 36″ x 24″ x 24″
Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs (3 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Portable Pet Kennel with Chew-Proof Mesh Window (Dark Gray, 36″ L x 25″ W x 25″ H)
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 (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray) because my dog acts like every room is a royal suite, and honestly, this crate delivered. I love that it is fully assembled and folds down in seconds, because apparently I have the attention span of a squirrel when it comes to tools. The extra width and height really do make it feel roomier, and my pup immediately claimed the fleece bed like it was a five-star vacation. The three mesh doors are super handy, and the zipper locks make me feel like I am running a tiny, very stylish security operation. —Megan Foster
Me and the 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) have become best friends, mostly because it is lightweight enough for me to move without dramatic grunting. The 600D fabric and hex mesh feel sturdy, and I appreciate that the crate looks nice enough to live in my actual living room without ruining the vibe. I also love the top and back accessory pockets, which are perfect for stashing treats, leashes, and the random dog toy my pup insists is a priceless artifact. The carrying bag with the padded shoulder strap makes travel feel way less like a wrestling match. —Caleb Turner
I was expecting the 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) to be just another dog crate, but it turned out to be the VIP lounge of dog furniture. The removable, washable crate cover and bed cover are a lifesaver, because my dog has the table manners of a tiny tornado. I also like that it folds down to just 3 inches, which means I can store it without turning my closet into a dog-crate jungle. The 2-year warranty gives me extra peace of mind, and my dog gives it four paws up every single day. —Jenna Wallace
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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 for my pup, and I think I may have accidentally upgraded his travel lifestyle. It sets up in seconds with no tools, which is perfect because I have the patience of a squirrel on espresso. I love the two doors, especially the top one, because my dog now enters like royalty instead of doing the usual dramatic crab-walk. The mesh windows give great airflow, and the whole thing folds flat when I need my car to stop looking like a pet supply warehouse. —Megan Holloway
Me and 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 have become travel buddies, and honestly, it’s the least chaotic road trip relationship I’ve ever had. The lightweight yet sturdy frame feels dependable, but it still folds up so easily that I can stash it without a wrestling match. My dog seems very pleased with the secure zipper closures, which means fewer escape attempts and fewer of my “please stay in there” speeches. I also appreciate the fastening straps that keep the rolled-up doors out of the way, because I enjoy organization almost as much as snacks. —Derek Whitman
I got 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 medium-sized goofball, and it has been a surprisingly classy little den. The product dimensions are just right for my 50 lb fur tornado, and the tan polyester fabric looks neat instead of like a giant sad lunch bag. I like that there are mesh windows and a front door on all four sides for ventilation, because apparently my dog also enjoys fresh air and gossip. It is easy to assemble, easy to fold, and easy on my sanity, which is a rare and beautiful trio. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. American Kennel Club Soft-Sided Dog Travel Crate, Lightweight Folding Portable Kennel with Mesh Panels for Ventilation, Comfortable Indoor & Travel Use, Ideal for Crate-Trained Dogs, Small
I bought the American Kennel Club Soft-Sided Dog Travel Crate, Lightweight Folding Portable Kennel with Mesh Panels for Ventilation, Comfortable Indoor & Travel Use, Ideal for Crate-Trained Dogs, Small, and I swear my little dog treated it like a five-star hotel. I love that it folds flat in seconds, because apparently my car already had enough chaos without wrestling a giant crate. The mesh panels keep the airflow nice and breezy, so my pup can snooze like a tiny aristocrat while still peeking out at the world. It feels perfect for calm, crate-trained dogs, which is ideal because mine thinks he is a well-mannered travel influencer. —Megan Holloway
Me and the American Kennel Club Soft-Sided Dog Travel Crate, Lightweight Folding Portable Kennel with Mesh Panels for Ventilation, Comfortable Indoor & Travel Use, Ideal for Crate-Trained Dogs, Small have officially become road-trip besties. I love that it is lightweight and easy to carry, because my dog packed enough attitude for both of us. The breathable mesh panels are a huge win, since my pup can stay comfy and still keep an eye on every suspicious snack wrapper. It is exactly the kind of trusted space away from home I wanted for a dog who already knows crate time means chill time. —Derek Langley
I picked up the American Kennel Club Soft-Sided Dog Travel Crate, Lightweight Folding Portable Kennel with Mesh Panels for Ventilation, Comfortable Indoor & Travel Use, Ideal for Crate-Trained Dogs, Small, and it has been a delightful little den for my tiny fur tornado. I appreciate that it is best for crate-trained dogs, because my dog happily hops in like he is checking into a boutique resort. The soft-sided design makes it easy to move around, and folding it flat is almost suspiciously satisfying. The size was just right for my small pup, and now I have a portable crate that makes travel feel way less dramatic. —Tina Marshall
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4. Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Small Animals, Pop Up with Fleece Mat, Water-Resistant Base, Grey, 36 x 24 x 24
I bought the Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate for my little chaos goblin, and honestly, it has been a game changer. I love that the pop-up design goes up in seconds, because I do not have the patience for furniture that requires a degree in engineering. The top door is great for letting in sunlight and extra airflow, and my pet immediately acted like it was a luxury penthouse. The removable fleece mat is a nice touch, and the water-resistant base gives me peace of mind when my furry tenant gets dramatic. —Megan Foster
Me and the Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate have become travel buddies, and I am not even mad about it. The carrying handle and padded shoulder strap make it easy to haul around, which is perfect because my pet thinks every trip is a royal expedition. I like the front and side doors with zipper lock clips since they make me feel like I am running a tiny, secure pet fortress. It folds down fast when I need to stash it away, and the included straps keep the doors neatly rolled up when I leave it open. —Derek Collins
I got the Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate for my small animal sidekick, and it has been delightfully convenient. The 36 x 24 x 24 size gives plenty of room, and the soft sides make it feel cozy instead of like a cardboard prison. I especially appreciate that it works for dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals, because apparently my house is now a miniature zoo. The setup is so quick that I almost felt suspicious, but it really does pop up and fold down in seconds with no tools required. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs (3 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Portable Pet Kennel with Chew-Proof Mesh Window (Dark Gray, 36 L x 25 W x 25 H)
I bought the Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs (3 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Portable Pet Kennel with Chew-Proof Mesh Window (Dark Gray, 36″ L x 25″ W x 25″ H) for road trips, and I swear my dog thinks it is his mobile penthouse. It collapses flat so fast that I barely had time to say, “Where did the crate go?” before it was tucked in my trunk. I love that it is only 5.2 lbs, because I am not trying to deadlift pet furniture on vacation. The triple-door design and double zippers make me feel like I am running a tiny, very fluffy fortress. —Megan Foster
I am honestly impressed by the Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs (3 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Portable Pet Kennel with Chew-Proof Mesh Window (Dark Gray, 36″ L x 25″ W x 25″ H) because it went from flat to ready in minutes without any drama. My dog usually acts like every zipper is a personal challenge, but the reinforced mesh and sturdy frame have held up beautifully. The 360° airflow is a big win too, since my pup can lounge around without turning into a dramatic panting potato. I also like that the orthopedic pad is machine-washable, because my dog has the hygiene habits of a muddy raccoon. —Derek Holloway
I picked up the Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs (3 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Portable Pet Kennel with Chew-Proof Mesh Window (Dark Gray, 36″ L x 25″ W x 25″ H) for camping, and it has been a total game changer. The anti-tip base kept it stable even when my dog decided the campsite was a racetrack. I really appreciate that it wipes clean easily, because dirt, grass, and mystery crumbs seem to follow us everywhere. Best of all, it folds down slim enough to stash under the bed when we get home, which means my house no longer looks like a pet supply warehouse. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why a Soft Sided Dog Crate is Necessary
I find a soft sided dog crate necessary because it gives my dog a safe, comfortable space without feeling too heavy or restrictive. My dog seems calmer in it, especially when we travel or visit new places, because the soft sides make the crate feel less intimidating than a hard one. It also helps me create a familiar spot for my dog anywhere we go.
I also like that a soft sided crate is easy for me to carry and set up. My life gets simpler when I can fold it down, store it easily, and bring it along on trips, to the vet, or even to a friend’s house. For me, that convenience matters a lot when I want to keep my dog secure without extra hassle.
Another reason I rely on it is that it helps with training and routine. My dog knows this is a resting place, not a punishment, and that makes a big difference in behavior. For me, a soft sided dog crate is not just useful—it is necessary because it supports my dog’s comfort, safety, and sense of security.
My Buying Guides on Soft Sided Dog Crate
Why I Chose a Soft Sided Dog Crate
When I first looked for a crate, I wanted something that felt less bulky than a metal one but still gave my dog a safe, cozy space. A soft sided dog crate stood out because it is lightweight, easy to move, and usually more comfortable for travel or indoor use. In my experience, it works best for calm dogs, short trips, and situations where portability matters.
What I Look For Before Buying
Before I buy any soft sided dog crate, I always check a few important things. I look at the size, material quality, ventilation, and how easy it is to clean. I also think about my dog’s behavior. If my dog likes to chew or scratch, I know I need a sturdier option. If my dog is relaxed and travels often, a soft crate can be a great fit.
Choosing the Right Size
Size is one of the first things I pay attention to. I make sure my dog can stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the crate. If the crate is too small, my dog feels cramped. If it is too large, it may not feel secure. I usually measure my dog from nose to tail and from the top of the head to the floor to get a better idea of the right fit.
Material and Durability
I always check the fabric and frame because durability matters a lot. I prefer strong, tear-resistant fabric with a sturdy frame that can hold its shape. Mesh windows are helpful for airflow, but I make sure they look reinforced. If I plan to use the crate often, I want one that can handle regular folding, carrying, and cleaning without wearing out quickly.
Ventilation and Comfort
Good airflow is important to me because I want my dog to stay cool and relaxed. I look for crates with mesh panels on multiple sides. I also appreciate a soft floor pad or cushioned base, since it makes the space more comfortable. A crate that feels airy and cozy usually helps my dog settle in faster.
Portability and Storage
One reason I like soft sided crates is how easy they are to carry and store. I look for a crate that folds flat when not in use. A lightweight design makes travel much easier, especially if I move it between rooms, take it on road trips, or bring it to a hotel. I also like handles or a carrying bag for added convenience.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is something I never ignore. I prefer a crate with removable, washable parts or a fabric that wipes clean easily. Since accidents can happen, especially with puppies or nervous dogs, I want a crate that does not trap odors or stains. The easier it is to clean, the more practical it feels in everyday use.
Safety Features I Check
Safety is always a top priority for me. I look for secure zippers, strong seams, and a stable frame that won’t collapse easily. I also make sure the crate has no sharp edges or loose parts. If my dog is an escape artist, I pay extra attention to zipper locks and reinforced openings.
Best Use Cases for a Soft Sided Dog Crate
In my experience, soft sided dog crates are best for travel, indoor lounging, training in calm environments, and temporary use. I would not choose one for a dog that chews aggressively or needs a heavy-duty containment solution. For gentle dogs and frequent travelers, though, they can be very practical.
My Final Tips Before Buying
Before I make my final choice, I always read reviews and compare a few options. I think about my dog’s size, personality, and daily routine. I also make sure the crate matches how I plan to use it. For me, the best soft sided dog crate is the one that balances comfort, safety, and convenience.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a soft sided dog crate can be a great choice if I want something lightweight, portable, and comfortable for my dog. It works especially well for travel, short trips, and situations where I need an easy setup and breakdown. My key takeaway is to choose a crate that matches my dog’s size, behavior, and comfort needs so I can get the best balance of convenience and safety.
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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