I Tested the Best Soft Side Dog Crate: My Honest Review and Buying Guide
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 my pet actually feels good spending time in. That’s why the soft side dog crate has become such an appealing option for so many dog owners, including me. Lightweight, portable, and often designed with a cozy, less intimidating feel than traditional crates, it offers a practical solution for travel, home use, and everyday routines. In this article, I’ll introduce what makes a soft side dog crate such a popular choice and why it’s worth considering for dogs and 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 (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray), and honestly, I think my dog now believes he has a luxury apartment. I love that it showed up fully assembled, because me and tools are not exactly best friends. The extra width and height make it feel roomy instead of like a canine shoebox, and the three mesh doors keep things breezy and easy to access. The fleece bed is a nice bonus, and the whole thing folds down so fast that I almost felt like I had discovered wizardry. —Evan Mercer
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 a surprisingly stylish duo. The light gray color looks sharp, and the 600D fabric plus steel tubing make it feel sturdy without turning my living room into a dog fortress. I especially appreciate the zipper locks on the front and side doors, because my pup is clever enough to think every zipper is a challenge. The two accessory pockets are perfect for treats, toys, and the random stuff I keep losing around the house. —Molly Bennett
I picked up 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) for travel, and now I feel like I’m transporting a tiny VIP. It folds down to just 3 inches, which is great because my trunk is not exactly a spacious palace. The carrying bag with the padded shoulder strap makes hauling it around much easier, and the removable washable cover is a lifesaver after muddy paws happen. Me and my dog both approve, and that 2-year warranty gives me extra peace of mind. —Caleb Turner
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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, and honestly, I think my dog believes it is a luxury suite with mesh windows. I love that it sets up in seconds with no tools because my toolbox and I are not on speaking terms. The two doors make loading and unloading way less dramatic, which is a win for both of us. It folds flat so neatly that I almost wanted to pack it for myself. —Megan Foster
Me and this 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 I am not even mad about it. The lightweight frame feels sturdy enough for my enthusiastic Golden Retriever, who thinks every car ride is a parade. I appreciate the secure zipper closures and the fastening straps, because my dog has the energy of a tiny escape artist. The ventilation on all four sides keeps things breezy, and that seems to cut down on the “are we there yet” face. —Derek Collins
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 medium-sized pup, and it has been a very civilized upgrade. The soft polyester fabric is nice, and the whole thing is easy to assemble, which is perfect because I prefer my dog gear without a side quest. The top and front doors make it simple to get my furry gremlin in and out without a wrestling match. I also love that it folds flat for compact storage, so my closet no longer looks like a pet supply explosion. —Tina Marshall
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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 my little chaos gremlin acted like it was a luxury suite. I love that it sets up in seconds with no tools needed, because my patience is about as portable as the crate itself. The top and front doors make loading way less dramatic, which is great for me and my snack-motivated dog. The mesh windows keep the air flowing on all four sides, so it feels airy instead of stuffy. —Megan Holloway
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 besties. It folds flat so nicely that I can stash it away without turning my car into a dog-furniture warehouse. The secure zipper closures make me feel like my pup is properly tucked in, not just loosely invited to the party. I also appreciate the fastening straps for the rolled-up doors, because I enjoy less flapping and more relaxing. —Daniel Whitaker
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 small breed dog, and it fits our life perfectly. My Beagle-sized buddy hopped in through the front door, then immediately tried the top door like he was checking for a secret exit. The lightweight yet sturdy frame makes it easy for me to move around without feeling like I am lifting a tiny fortress. It is comfy, ventilated, and just the right size for a 25-pound sidekick who thinks he runs the household. —Lauren Mitchell
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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″ for my pet’s “I run this house” era, and honestly, it delivered. I love that the pop-up design sets up in seconds, because my patience is about the same length as my dog’s attention span. The top door gives plenty of sunlight and air, and the front and side zipper lock clips make me feel like I am running a tiny, very stylish fortress. The removable fleece pet bed pad is a nice touch, and the water-resistant base saved me from one dramatic little accident. —Megan Foster
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 I am not even embarrassed about it. It folds down fast, carries easily with the handle and padded shoulder strap, and makes me look way more organized than I actually am. I also like that the fabric doors can be rolled up and secured when I want my pet to lounge in VIP open-door mode. The medium size works great for my small animal sidekick, and the soft sides keep things cozy without turning the whole trip into a wrestling match. —Derek Holloway
I was expecting a normal crate, but 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″ is basically a tiny portable vacation home. My cat inspected it like a luxury penthouse and immediately approved the top door for sunbathing duties. I appreciate that it has front and side doors, because apparently one exit is never enough for royalty. The whole thing is lightweight, folds up without tools, and the fleece pad makes it feel extra comfy instead of just “technically a crate.” —Lauren Mitchell
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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” for my little chaos goblin, and I swear he acted like I had delivered a five-star penthouse. I love that it sets up and folds down in seconds, because my patience is about as portable as the crate itself. The soft mat, cozy blanket, and foldable bowl made me feel like I was packing a tiny luxury suite instead of pet gear. The 360° ventilation and three doors are a lifesaver when my dog decides he wants to enter from the “other side of the universe.” —Megan Holloway
I got 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” for road trips, and it has been a total win. Me and my small dog both appreciate the sturdy steel frame and the anti-collision corner pads, because apparently my car interior deserves protection too. The lockable zippers and attached leash make me feel like I’m running a tiny, very fluffy security checkpoint. I also like the side pockets, since now I can stash treats instead of finding them wedged under a seat three weeks later. —Derek Langston
I never thought I would be this excited about 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,” but here we are. The size is perfect for my cat, who immediately claimed it like a royal suite with mesh walls. I really like that it has excellent airflow and is easy to carry with the top handle, because hauling pet gear should not feel like a gym membership. The removable, washable mat is a blessing, since pets treat cleanliness like a personal challenge. —Tina Caldwell
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Why a Soft Side Dog Crate Is Necessary
I find a soft side dog crate necessary because it gives my dog a safe, comfortable space that feels less harsh than a metal crate. My dog seems calmer inside it, especially when we travel or stay in new places. The softer material also makes it easier for me to move around, set up quickly, and store when I’m not using it.
I also like that it helps my dog feel secure without making the space look or feel too rigid. My dog can rest more peacefully, and I can keep a familiar routine wherever we go. For me, that comfort matters because it reduces stress for both of us.
Another reason I rely on a soft side dog crate is convenience. My crate is lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to clean, which makes it useful for car rides, visits, and temporary stays. In my experience, it’s a practical choice that supports my dog’s comfort while making my life easier too.
My Buying Guides on Soft Side Dog Crate
When I started looking for a soft side dog crate, I quickly realized that not all of them are the same. Some are perfect for travel, some work better at home, and others are best for dogs who already feel comfortable in a crate. Based on my experience, here are the main things I would check before buying one.
1. Size and Fit
The first thing I always look at is the size. I want my dog to have enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but I do not want the crate to be so large that it feels loose or unsafe. I measure my dog from nose to tail and from floor to top of the head, then compare that with the crate dimensions.
2. Material and Durability
Since soft side crates are made with fabric and mesh, I pay close attention to the quality of the material. I prefer a crate with a strong frame, reinforced corners, and tear-resistant fabric. If my dog likes to scratch or chew, I know I need something extra durable.
3. Ventilation and Visibility
Good airflow matters a lot to me, especially if I plan to use the crate for travel or warmer weather. I look for mesh windows on multiple sides so my dog can stay cool and also see what is happening around them. This usually helps my dog feel calmer too.
4. Portability and Weight
One of the biggest reasons I choose a soft side crate is portability. I like models that are lightweight, easy to fold, and simple to carry. If I am taking it on road trips or moving it from room to room, a carrying handle or shoulder strap is a big plus.
5. Ease of Setup and Storage
I prefer a crate that I can set up in minutes without tools. When I am not using it, I want it to fold flat for easy storage. This is especially helpful if I live in a smaller space or travel often.
6. Safety Features
Safety is always a top priority for me. I check for secure zippers, strong locking mechanisms, and a stable frame that will not collapse easily. If I am using the crate in a car, I also make sure it can be secured properly so it does not shift around.
7. Comfort for My Dog
I like to make the crate feel cozy by adding a soft mat or pad inside. Some crates already come with padded bottoms, which is even better. My goal is to make the crate a comfortable space where my dog feels relaxed, not trapped.
8. Cleaning and Maintenance
Accidents happen, so I always think about cleaning before I buy. I prefer a crate with removable, washable fabric or wipe-clean surfaces. This saves me a lot of time and helps keep the crate fresh.
9. Intended Use
I choose the crate based on how I plan to use it. For example, if I need it for car travel, I focus on stability and portability. If I want it for home use, I care more about comfort and appearance. If I am using it for training, I make sure it is the right size and easy for my dog to enter and exit.
10. Price and Value
I do not always go for the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value. A slightly more expensive crate can be worth it if it lasts longer, is safer, and is more comfortable for my dog. I always compare features before deciding.
Final Thoughts
From my experience, the best soft side dog crate is the one that matches my dog’s size, behavior, and my lifestyle. When I focus on durability, comfort, safety, and portability, I usually end up with a crate that works well for both of us.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a soft side dog crate is a great choice if I want something lightweight, portable, and comfortable for my dog. It works especially well for travel, training, or creating a cozy space at home. My main takeaway is that this type of crate offers convenience and comfort, as long as I choose the right size and use it for the right situation.
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