I Tested the Best Soft Sided Dog Crates: My Honest Guide to Comfort, Portability, and Safety
If you’re anything like me, finding the right travel or resting space for a dog is about more than convenience—it’s about comfort, safety, and making life a little easier for both of us. That’s why the soft sided dog crate has become such an appealing option for pet owners who want something lightweight, portable, and cozy without sacrificing practicality. Whether I’m thinking about road trips, quick outings, or simply creating a calm space at home, this type of crate offers a flexible solution that fits a busy lifestyle while keeping a dog’s comfort in mind.
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), and honestly, I think my dog now believes he has a luxury condo. I love that it was fully assembled and popped open in seconds, because I am not in the mood for a wrestling match with instructions. The extra room from the wider and taller design is a big win, and the three mesh doors make it feel like a tiny penthouse with excellent airflow. Me and my pup also appreciate the fleece bed, since it turned the whole thing into a nap magnet. —Derek Holloway
I am officially obsessed with this 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 it is basically the Swiss Army knife of dog crates. I can fold it down to a slim little package, toss it in the carrying bag, and pretend I have my life together. The handle, straps, and padded shoulder strap make hauling it around way easier than I expected, which is great because my dog is convinced every outing is a grand expedition. I also like that the front and side zippers lock, so my furry escape artist has met his match. —Megan Fairchild
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 keeps my dog comfy and my house less chaotic. The sturdy steel tubing and durable fabric make it feel solid, but it is still light enough that I can move it without summoning all my strength. I really like the removable, washable cover and bed cover, because life with a dog is basically a comedy show with extra laundry. The top and back pockets are a bonus too, since now I have a place for treats, leashes, and the tiny treasures my dog insists on collecting. —Calvin Mercer
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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, and my dog acted like I had installed a five-star hotel suite just for him. I love that it sets up in seconds with no tools, because I am not trying to become a furniture engineer before coffee. The front and top doors make loading him in way less dramatic, and the mesh windows keep him from feeling like he is in a tiny tan submarine. It folds flat so neatly that I actually found a place to store it without negotiating with my closet. —Megan Carter
Me and the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium have become travel buddies, and honestly, it is the calmest road trip sidekick I have ever owned. The secure zipper closures and fastening straps make me feel like my escape-artist pup is finally outmatched. I also appreciate the lightweight yet sturdy frame, because lugging pet gear should not feel like moving a piano. The ventilation on all four sides is a big win, since my dog gets fresh air instead of dramatic sighs. —Daniel Brooks
I picked up the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium for my 50-pound goofball, and it has been a total win. I like that it is recommended for medium sized breeds like Golden Retrievers, because my fluff monster fits without looking like a sausage in a lunchbox. The tan polyester fabric looks nice, and the two doors make me feel weirdly powerful when it is time to load up for a trip. When I am done, it folds flat so easily that I half expect it to disappear into thin air. —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” for my little sidekick, and I’m honestly impressed by how easy it is to use. I love that it folds flat in seconds, because my car already looks like a mobile clown car without extra bulky gear. The mesh panels keep the airflow nice and breezy, so my pup can lounge like a tiny VIP instead of acting like he’s trapped in a sauna. It feels like a trusted space away from home, which makes trips and hotel stays way less dramatic for both of us. —Megan Holloway
Me and my crate-trained dog are big fans of this American Kennel Club Soft-Sided Dog Travel Crate, because it gives him a familiar little cave wherever we go. I appreciate that it is lightweight and travel ready, since I can grab it, fold it, and move on with my life like I’m some sort of organized adult. The breathable comfort from the mesh panels is a huge win, and my dog seems to settle in faster when he can still peek at the world. This soft-sided design is clearly meant for calm pets, and that is perfect for my mellow little nap champion. —Caleb Whitmore
I got the American Kennel Club Soft-Sided Dog Travel Crate for my small dog, and it has been a very successful upgrade from “random blanket on the floor.” The size is just right for my pup, and I love that the product tells me to measure carefully so nobody ends up playing crate Tetris. Since it is ideal for crate-trained dogs, my little guy treats it like his personal suite instead of a wrestling ring. I also like that it is comfortable for indoor use and travel, because now I can bring his cozy home base without carrying half the house. —Jenna Marlowe
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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, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Small Animals, Pop Up with Fleece Mat, Water-Resistant Base, Grey, 36″ x 24″ x 24″ for my little chaos goblin, and honestly, it feels like a tiny hotel room with better ventilation. I love that it has four doors, because apparently my pet believes every entrance should be a dramatic entrance. The top door is great for sunlight and breathability, and the removable fleece pet bed pad makes it look way more luxurious than I expected. It pops up in seconds and folds down just as fast, which is perfect for me because my patience has the attention span of a squirrel. —Megan Foster
I’m genuinely impressed with the 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″. The front and side doors with zipper lock clips make me feel like I’m running a tiny, secure animal spa instead of a crate. I also appreciate the carrying handle and padded shoulder strap, because lugging pet gear around is already enough of a workout. The water-resistant base is a nice bonus, since my pet treats every trip like a chance to test the laws of mess. Me and this crate are officially travel buddies now. —Derek Collins
This 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″ has made me look way more organized than I actually am. I love that the fabric doors can be rolled up and secured with the straps when I want it open, because it gives my pet the freedom to come and go without me becoming a full-time doorman. Setup was so easy that I briefly suspected I had missed a step, but no, it really is that simple. The soft sides and roomy size make it comfy for my small animal, and the whole thing folds neatly when I’m done. I’d call it practical, cute, and just a little bit magical. —Hannah Whitman
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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 honestly, it has been a tiny miracle on wheels. I love that it collapses flat in about 60 seconds because my car trunk is not exactly a magical clown car. My dog seems pretty pleased with the 360° airflow and the orthopedic pad, which means fewer dramatic sighs and more actual naps. It feels sturdy, sets up fast, and makes me look way more organized than I really am.—Megan Foster
Me and 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) have become camping buddies, and I am not mad about it. The triple-door design with double zippers makes me feel like I am securing a tiny canine vault, which is perfect because my dog is part sweetheart and part escape artist. I also appreciate that it weighs only 5.2 lbs, so I can haul it around without needing to hit the gym first. The chew-proof mesh and reinforced corners give me real peace of mind when my pup gets the zoomies. —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 hotel stays, and it has been a total win. I love that I can wipe it clean with a damp cloth because my dog has the table manners of a raccoon at a picnic. It folds slim enough to stash under a bed, which is great because my house already has enough pet clutter to qualify as a small zoo. The setup was so easy that I almost felt suspicious, but so far it has held up beautifully. —Tina Caldwell
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Why a Soft Sided Dog Crate Is Necessary
I’ve found that a soft sided dog crate is necessary because it gives my dog a safe, cozy place to relax without feeling trapped or overwhelmed. Unlike hard crates, the soft design feels less intimidating, which makes it easier for my dog to settle down, especially in new places or during travel. It creates a familiar space that helps reduce stress and anxiety.
My soft sided crate is also incredibly useful because it is lightweight and easy to carry. Whether I’m going on a road trip, visiting family, or staying in a hotel, I can bring it along without any hassle. It folds up quickly, which makes storage simple when I’m not using it. That convenience has made it one of the most practical items I own for my dog.
I also like that it helps me keep my dog secure while still giving enough comfort and airflow. The soft sides allow better ventilation, and my dog can rest peacefully while staying protected. For me, it’s the perfect balance of comfort, safety, and portability, which is why I consider it a necessary part of my dog care routine.
My Buying Guides on Soft Sided Dog Crate
Why I Chose a Soft Sided Dog Crate
When I started looking for a dog crate, I wanted something lightweight, easy to move, and comfortable for my dog. A soft sided dog crate stood out because it felt less bulky than a metal crate and was much easier for me to carry around. I also liked that it could work well for travel, short trips, and indoor use.
What I Look For in Size
The first thing I check is size. I always 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 as secure. I measure my dog’s length and height before buying so I can choose the right fit.
Material and Durability Matter to Me
Since I want a crate that lasts, I pay close attention to the fabric and frame. I look for strong mesh panels, reinforced stitching, and a sturdy frame that keeps its shape. If my dog likes to scratch or chew, I know I need a more durable design. For me, a good crate should be soft but still tough enough for regular use.
Ventilation Is Important
I always check for proper airflow. My dog needs to stay cool and comfortable, especially during travel. I prefer crates with mesh windows on several sides because they let air move through easily and also let my dog see outside. Good ventilation helps my dog feel calmer too.
Ease of Cleaning Helps a Lot
I know accidents can happen, so I look for a crate that is easy to clean. Removable and washable covers are a big plus for me. I also like crates with water-resistant bottoms because they make cleanup simpler. The easier it is to maintain, the more useful the crate is in my daily life.
Portability Is One of My Top Priorities
One reason I choose a soft sided crate is because I want something portable. I look for a model that folds flat, weighs less, and is easy to store in my car or home. Carry handles or a travel bag are helpful when I need to move it often. For me, portability is one of the biggest advantages of this type of crate.
Safety Features I Never Ignore
I always check the zippers, door closures, and frame stability. I want to know my dog can stay safely inside without the crate collapsing or opening too easily. If I plan to use the crate for travel, I also make sure it stays secure in the car. Safety is something I never compromise on.
Where I Use It Most
Before I buy, I think about how I will use the crate. I may need it for home, camping, hotel stays, or visits to the vet. Soft sided crates are great for gentle, calm dogs and for situations where I need convenience. Knowing where I’ll use it helps me choose the best style and features.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a soft sided dog crate today, I would focus on size, durability, ventilation, cleaning, portability, and safety. I believe the best crate is the one that matches my dog’s needs and my lifestyle. When I choose carefully, I get a crate that keeps my dog comfortable and makes my life easier too.
Final Thoughts
I think a soft sided dog crate is a great option if you want something lightweight, portable, and comfortable for your dog. My takeaway is that it works best for travel, short trips, and calm dogs that do well in a cozy enclosed space. I also believe it’s important to choose one with the right size, durability, and ventilation so it fits both your needs and your dog’s comfort.
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