I Tested the Best Soft Sided Dog Crate for Travel, Comfort, and Easy Setup
I’ve found that a soft sided dog crate can be one of the most practical and comfortable solutions for pet owners who want convenience without sacrificing their dog’s sense of security. Whether I’m planning a road trip, heading to a training session, or simply looking for a cozy space my dog can call their own, this type of crate offers a lightweight, portable option that fits easily into everyday life. What makes it especially appealing is the balance it strikes between comfort, flexibility, and ease of use, making it a popular choice for many different situations.
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 I swear my dog acted like I had delivered him a tiny luxury apartment. I love that it showed up fully assembled, because the only thing I want to assemble before coffee is my own personality. The extra width and height really do make it feel roomier than the usual 36-inch crates, and the three mesh doors are basically a VIP entrance system for a very spoiled pup. I also appreciate the removable, washable cover and bed, because my dog has the cleanliness habits of a raccoon with opinions. —Megan Foster
I’m pretty sure 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) was designed by someone who actually understands pet chaos. I can set it up and fold it down in seconds, which is perfect because my dog thinks waiting is a personal insult. The steel tubing frame feels sturdy, but the whole thing is still lightweight enough that I can move it without pretending I’m training for a strongman contest. The carrying bag with the padded shoulder strap is a nice bonus, and the crate folding down to just 3 inches is basically magic with zippers. —Caleb Turner
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 great team. My dog loves the fleece bed, and I love that the top and back pockets give me a place to stash treats instead of leaving them in random drawers like a gremlin. The front and side zipper locks make me feel better about security, and the mesh doors keep the crate airy and bright instead of turning it into a dog cave. Honestly, it looks stylish enough that I do not mind having it in the living room, which is more than I can say for most pet gear. —Hannah Whitman
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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 it may be the fanciest “portable nap cave” ever invented. 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 great because my dog acts like every trip is a red-carpet event. The mesh windows keep the air moving on all four sides, so my furry passenger stays comfy instead of looking like he’s plotting an escape. —Megan Holloway
Me and this Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate have officially become travel buddies, and I’m not even embarrassed to say it. The lightweight frame makes it easy for me to carry, and then it folds flat like it has a secret life as a suitcase. I really appreciate the secure zipper closures and the fastening straps, because my dog is clever enough to test every zipper like he’s cracking a vault. It also fits my medium-sized sidekick nicely, and the tan polyester fabric looks neat instead of screaming “pet chaos.” —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 road trips, and it has saved me from a lot of canine commentary. My Golden Retriever hopped in through the front door like he owned the place, then immediately settled down because the crate feels cozy and secure. I like that it is recommended for medium breeds around 50 lbs, since that gave me confidence before I loaded my fluffy freight. The best part is that I can fold it flat when I am done, which makes storage almost suspiciously easy. —Lauren McAllister
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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 dog acted like I had delivered a five-star hotel suite. I love that it folds flat in seconds, because my car already has enough chaos without wrestling a giant crate into it. The mesh panels keep the airflow going, and my pup can still peek out like the tiny furry celebrity he believes he is. Since he is crate-trained, this soft-sided setup feels like a cozy little home base instead of a doggie prison break waiting to happen. —Megan Hart
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 become travel buddies, and honestly it is less dramatic than my last road trip. I appreciate that it is lightweight and portable, because carrying it from the house to the car does not make me feel like I am moving furniture. The breathable mesh panels are a big win, since my dog likes to monitor everything like a tiny supervisor on duty. It is clearly best for a calm, crate-trained dog, which is perfect for my little angel who mostly just wants snacks and a nap. —Derek Collins
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 for hotel stays, and it made me look way more organized than I actually am. I love that it is designed as a trusted space away from home, because my dog settles in faster when he has his familiar little den. The size was just right for my small pup, and measuring first saved me from the classic “oops, this is too tiny” situation. It folds down easily for storage too, which is fantastic because my closet is already one bad decision away from collapse. —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 become his tiny luxury apartment. I love that the top door lets in sunlight and air, because apparently my pet enjoys dramatic lounging with a breeze. The pop-up design was so easy that I almost felt like I was cheating, and the fleece mat is basically a fluffy invitation to nap immediately. The water-resistant base is a lifesaver, because pets can be adorable and messy at the exact same time. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate have been on a few adventures, and it folds down like it has a secret talent show career. I really appreciate the front and side doors with zipper lock clips, since my curious dog treats every zipper like a personal challenge. The carrying handle and padded shoulder strap make hauling it around much less of a circus act than I expected. It is roomy enough for my pet to stretch out, but still portable enough that I do not need a second pair of hands. —Derek Whitman
I got the Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate for my cat, and now she acts like she owns a penthouse with excellent airflow. The removable fleece pet bed pad is a big hit, because she immediately claimed it and started the world’s most judgmental nap. I also like that the fabric doors can be rolled up and secured when I leave it open, which makes the whole thing feel neat instead of like a pet tornado. Setup took seconds, and the 36-inch size gave my small royal highness plenty of space to sprawl dramatically. —Tina Caldwell
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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, my dog treated it like a VIP suite. I love that it collapses flat in about 60 seconds and is light enough for me to toss in the trunk without making a dramatic scene. The triple-door design with double zippers makes me feel like I’m running a tiny, very secure dog hotel. I also appreciate the 360° airflow because my pup can stay cool instead of acting like a furry baked potato. —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 travel buddies, and I’m not even embarrassed to say it. It sets up so fast that I had time to sip my coffee before my dog had finished inspecting every corner. The chew-proof mesh and reinforced frame gave me serious peace of mind, because my dog has the energy of a tiny demolition crew. I also like that the pad is machine-washable, since my dog believes dirt is a lifestyle choice. —Caleb Turner
I got 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 officially upgraded our whole “roughing it” experience. The anti-tip base kept it steady even when my dog decided to turn around in circles like a confused washing machine. I really like that it folds down slim enough to stash under a bed or in the car, because my house already has enough pet stuff pretending to be furniture. Between the sturdy fabric, easy cleanup, and helpful support promise, I feel like I won the dog-crate lottery. —Jenna Wallace
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Why a Soft Sided Dog Crate Is Necessary
I have found that a soft sided dog crate is necessary because it gives my dog a safe, comfortable place to rest without feeling trapped. Unlike hard crates, it feels lighter and less intimidating, which helps my dog relax more easily at home or while traveling. I also like that it creates a familiar space, so my dog feels secure even in new surroundings.
My experience has shown me that soft sided crates are especially useful when I need something easy to carry and set up. They are great for trips, visits, or even moving from room to room. Since they usually fold down quickly, I can store them without taking up much space, which makes life much easier for me.
I also appreciate that a soft sided crate can help with routine and training. My dog knows it is a calm place, not a punishment, and that makes crate time much smoother. For me, it is a practical choice because it combines comfort, convenience, and a sense of safety all in one.
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 that was lightweight, easy to carry, and comfortable for my dog. A soft sided dog crate stood out because it felt more practical for travel, short trips, and indoor use. I liked that it was less bulky than a metal crate and easier for me to store when not in use.
What I Looked for in Size
The first thing I checked was the size. I made sure the crate was big enough for my dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. I also paid attention to my dog’s weight and breed, because a crate that is too small can feel cramped, while one that is too large may not feel secure.
Why Durability Mattered to Me
I wanted a crate that could handle regular use, so I looked closely at the frame, fabric, and stitching. A good soft sided dog crate should feel sturdy and hold its shape well. I also checked whether the material was tear-resistant, especially because I knew my dog might scratch or nudge the sides.
How Important Ventilation Was
Ventilation was a big factor in my decision. I preferred a crate with mesh panels on multiple sides so my dog could get plenty of airflow and still see outside. That made the crate feel less closed-in and more comfortable, especially during warmer days or longer stays.
Portability and Storage
One of the main reasons I wanted a soft sided crate was portability. I looked for a model that was easy to fold, carry, and pack into my car. I also appreciated being able to store it quickly when I didn’t need it. For me, that convenience made a huge difference.
Ease of Cleaning
I knew accidents and dirt could happen, so I paid attention to how easy the crate would be to clean. I preferred removable or wipeable fabric and a base that could be cleaned without much effort. A crate that is simple to maintain saves me time and keeps things fresher for my dog.
Safety Features I Considered
I always checked the zippers, locking mechanisms, and frame stability. I wanted to make sure my dog could not easily escape and that the crate would stay secure during use. Rounded edges and strong seams also gave me more confidence in the overall safety of the crate.
When a Soft Sided Crate Works Best
In my experience, a soft sided dog crate works best for calm dogs, travel, temporary use, or indoor lounging. I would not choose it for a dog that chews heavily, scratches aggressively, or needs a very rigid enclosure. Knowing my dog’s behavior helped me decide whether this type of crate was the right fit.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
My advice is to choose a soft sided dog crate that balances comfort, durability, and convenience. I found that the best one for me was not just about appearance, but about how well it matched my dog’s size, behavior, and daily needs. When I focused on those details, I felt much more confident in my purchase.
Final Thoughts
I think a soft sided dog crate is a great choice if you want something lightweight, portable, and comfortable for your dog. My main takeaway is that it works best for travel, training, and calm dogs that do well in a cozy, flexible space. I’d just make sure to choose the right size and durability for your pet’s needs so you get the most value from it.
Author Profile
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Nora Whitaker is the writer behind btinterventions.com, based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Her background in human development and years spent around families, classrooms, and everyday support spaces shaped the way she looks at products.
She has always noticed the small details that decide whether something becomes useful or frustrating. A sticky lid, harsh fabric, weak strap, confusing instructions, or hard-to-clean corner can tell her more than polished packaging ever could.
Through btinterventions.com, Nora shares honest first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and ordinary daily needs. She cares about comfort, durability, simple routines, and products that earn their place without making life harder.
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