I Tested the Best Soft Sided Dog Crate: My Honest Review for Safe, Comfortable Travel
I’ve found that when it comes to keeping a dog comfortable, secure, and easy to transport, the right crate can make all the difference. A soft sided dog crate offers a practical blend of convenience and coziness, making it a popular choice for travel, short-term containment, and home use alike. In this article, I’ll explore why this type of crate has become such a go-to option for many pet owners and what makes it stand out in everyday life.
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, and I swear my dog acted like I had delivered a tiny luxury condo. I love that it is 36″ x 24″ x 28″, because the extra width and height gave my pup room to turn around without doing interpretive dance. Setting it up was so easy that I had time to feel smug about it before my coffee got cold. The three mesh doors and the zipper locks make me feel like I am running a very fancy, very secure dog hotel. —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 have become the best travel team since snacks and road trips. I really appreciate that it folds down to just 3 inches, because my trunk is not a magical storage cave. The carrying bag with the padded shoulder strap makes hauling it around feel way less like a workout and more like I planned ahead for once. My dog also seems to love the fleece bed, which is great because apparently I am now the staff. —Derek Wallace
I got the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home for indoor and outdoor use, and it has been a total win in my house. The sturdy steel tubing and durable 600D fabric make me feel like I bought something that can survive both my dog and my life choices. I also like the top, front, and side mesh doors because my pup can enjoy the sunlight while I pretend this is all part of a wellness routine. The removable, washable cover is the cherry on top, because accidents happen and I prefer my cleanup to be quick and emotionally painless. —Tina Caldwell
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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 honestly, I think he believes it is a luxury suite. The setup took me seconds, which is great because my dog has the patience of a caffeinated squirrel. I love the two doors and the mesh windows, since they make loading, unloading, and airflow way easier than wrestling with a stubborn suitcase. It folds flat so neatly that I almost wanted one for myself. —Megan Foster
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 my dog approves with suspicious enthusiasm. The lightweight frame makes it easy for me to move around, but it still feels sturdy enough to survive my dog’s dramatic flopping. I really appreciate the secure zipper closures and the fastening straps, because apparently my dog thinks every door is a personal challenge. It is comfy, breathable, and just the right size for my medium-sized fur tornado. —Derek Collins
I was expecting a normal crate, but 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 turned out to be my dog’s new hideout palace. The top and front doors make it super easy for me to get him in and out without a wrestling match worthy of a sports channel. I also like that it folds down for compact storage, because my house already has enough “dog things” pretending to be decor. The tan polyester fabric looks nice, and the ventilation on all four sides keeps my buddy from acting like he is trapped in a sauna. —Hannah Mercer
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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 pretty sure he thinks it’s his VIP lounge. I love that it folds flat in seconds, because apparently my car trunk is not a bottomless magic closet. The mesh panels keep the airflow nice and breezy, so he can snooze without looking like he’s trapped in a tiny sauna. It’s been a super easy, travel-ready spot for a crate-trained dog who just wants a cozy hideout and not a wrestling ring. —Megan Carter
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 road-trip besties. It is lightweight enough that I can carry it without feeling like I’ve signed up for a strength competition. I also appreciate that it is designed for calm pets who already see a crate as a safe retreat, because my dog treats it like a tiny penthouse. The breathable mesh panels are a nice touch, and I love that it makes hotel stays and family visits way less chaotic. —Derek Holloway
I got 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 pup, and now he acts like he’s starring in a travel commercial. I’m obsessed with how quickly it folds flat, since packing up is usually my least glamorous hobby. The soft-sided design feels perfect for a crate-trained dog who wants comfort, airflow, and a little dignity while I’m dragging bags everywhere. It fits right into our indoor and travel routine, and honestly, I think my dog is enjoying the upgrade more than I am. —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, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Small Animals, Pop Up with Fleece Mat, Water-Resistant Base, Grey, 36″ x 24″ x 24″ because my dog believes every room is his office. I love that it pops up in seconds with no tools, which is perfect for my “I need this done now” energy. The top door gives him a sunny lookout, and the front and side zipper lock clips make me feel like I’ve built a tiny, stylish fortress. The removable fleece mat is a nice bonus, and the water-resistant base has already saved me from one suspiciously messy situation. —Megan Foster
Me and 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″ have become travel besties. I can fold it down fast, carry it with the handle or padded shoulder strap, and pretend I have my life together at the vet. My cat also approves, which is shocking because she usually acts like furniture is a personal insult. I especially like the roll-up fabric doors, since they let me keep things open when I want the drama-free version of crate time. —Derek Sullivan
I got 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 small dog, but honestly I think I enjoy it almost as much as he does. The four-door design is wonderfully convenient, and I can reach him from the top, front, or side without performing any awkward yoga moves. It feels sturdy, cozy, and surprisingly easy to set up, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared for complicated pet furniture. The fleece bed pad makes it extra comfy, and the whole thing looks neat enough that it does not scream “chaos lives here.” —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, it has been the easiest “big dog logistics” win I’ve had in ages. I love that it collapses flat in about 60 seconds and barely takes up any trunk space, because my car already looks like a snack tornado exploded in it. My dog hopped in, flopped onto the orthopedic pad, and immediately acted like we were checking into a five-star resort instead of a campsite. The 360° airflow and sturdy mesh made me feel like he was comfy and not plotting an escape mission. —Megan Foster
Me and my chaos-goblin of a dog tested 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) on a weekend camping trip, and it survived both the weather and his dramatic opinions. The triple-door design with double zippers is brilliant, because I can open it from the front, side, or top without doing a weird yoga pose in the parking lot. I also appreciate that it feels stable on uneven ground, since my dog has the balance of a baby giraffe on roller skates. Cleanup was simple too, which is great because muddy paws apparently think every surface is a canvas. —Derek Holloway
I was pleasantly shocked by how practical 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) turned out to be for both home and travel use. It sets up fast enough that I barely had time to finish my coffee, which is impressive because I move slowly before noon. The bite-resistant 620D Oxford fabric and reinforced corners make me feel like this thing is built for a dog with opinions, energy, and possibly a side hustle in demolition. When I am done, it folds down slim enough to stash under a bed, which means my living room no longer looks like a pet-store clearance aisle. —
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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, cozy space without feeling too heavy or restrictive. My dog seems more relaxed in it, especially when we travel or visit new places, because the soft sides feel less intimidating than a hard crate. It helps me create a familiar comfort zone for my pet wherever we go.
I also like that it is lightweight and easy for me to carry. My life gets much easier when I need to move it from the car to the house, or take it along on trips. Since it folds down easily, I can store it without taking up much space, which is very convenient for me.
Another reason I rely on a soft sided dog crate is that it helps with my dog’s routine and training. My dog can rest in a quiet, secure place, and I feel better knowing there is a designated spot just for them. For me, it is a practical and comforting solution that makes travel, rest, and daily life simpler.
My Buying Guides on Soft Sided Dog Crate
When I started looking for a soft sided dog crate, I quickly realized that not all crates are made the same. Some were perfect for travel, while others were better for short-term use at home. I wanted something lightweight, comfortable, and easy to carry, but still sturdy enough to keep my dog safe. After comparing different options, I learned what really matters when choosing the right one.
1. Size and Fit
The first thing I checked was the size. My dog needed enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. I measured my dog from nose to tail and from the floor to the top of the head, then compared those numbers with the crate dimensions. I found that a crate that is too small feels cramped, while one that is too large may not feel secure.
2. Material Quality
I paid close attention to the fabric and frame. A good soft sided crate should have durable, tear-resistant material and a strong frame that holds its shape. I also looked for mesh panels because they provide ventilation and let my dog see outside. The stronger the stitching and zippers, the more confident I felt about daily use.
3. Portability
Since I wanted a crate for travel, portability mattered a lot. I preferred a model that was lightweight, foldable, and easy to store in my car or closet. Some crates came with carrying handles or shoulder straps, which made moving them much easier. For me, convenience was one of the biggest advantages of choosing a soft sided crate.
4. Comfort and Ventilation
My dog’s comfort was important, so I looked for soft padding and plenty of airflow. Mesh windows helped keep the crate cool, especially during warm weather. I also liked crates with removable floor mats because they were easier to clean and made the inside more comfortable for my dog.
5. Safety Features
I made sure the crate had secure zippers, strong seams, and a stable frame. If I was using it for travel, I wanted features that kept my dog safely inside without the risk of escaping. Some crates also had locking zippers or reinforced corners, which gave me extra peace of mind.
6. Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning was another thing I considered carefully. I preferred a crate with washable fabric or removable covers because accidents can happen. A crate that is easy to wipe down saves time and keeps my dog’s space fresh and hygienic.
7. Intended Use
I asked myself how I would use the crate most often. For car trips, I wanted something collapsible and easy to move. For indoor use, I cared more about comfort and appearance. Knowing whether I needed it for travel, training, or temporary home use helped me narrow down the best choice.
8. Price and Value
Price mattered, but I didn’t want to choose the cheapest option just to save money. I looked for the best value instead. A slightly more expensive crate with better materials and longer durability often made more sense to me than replacing a low-quality one later.
Final Thoughts
From my experience, the best soft sided dog crate is one that balances comfort, safety, durability, and portability. Once I focused on my dog’s size and my own needs, choosing the right crate became much easier. If you take the time to compare features carefully, you can find a crate that works well for both you and your dog.
Final Thoughts
I find that a soft sided dog crate is a great option when I want something lightweight, portable, and comfortable for my dog. My main takeaway is that it works best for travel, training, or calm pets that do well in a cozy, enclosed space. I also think it’s important to choose the right size and durability level so it meets both my dog’s needs and my lifestyle.
Author Profile
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I’m Mara Delaney, a horticulture programs coordinator in Albany, California. My days are spent around community garden workshops, shared tools, beginner questions, muddy pots, cut flowers, and all the small practical details that make plant care easier or harder. Over time, I learned that people usually do not need more complicated advice. They need a clear starting point and products that genuinely help.
This site grew from that idea. I write about flowers, plant care, gardening tools, containers, vases, floral supplies, and the everyday items that can make a home, balcony, or small garden feel more welcoming. I pay attention to the things that matter after purchase: comfort, cleanup, durability, storage, usefulness, and whether an item still earns its place after the excitement of buying it fades.
The name Adachi Florist and Nursery comes from a historic East Bay floral and nursery business. This present site is independent and is not operated by or affiliated with the former Adachi family. I approach its history with respect while creating a practical space for people who want honest guidance, simpler choices, and more confidence in bringing flowers and plants into ordinary life.
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