The Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate is the best soft sided dog crate for travel for most people in 2026. It weighs 6.53 pounds, sets up without tools, folds to a few inches thick, and has been reviewed close to 20,000 times, which makes it the safest bet when you cannot test a crate before a trip.
A soft-sided crate is a fabric shell over a collapsible frame. Pull the cover up and the frame springs into a box; unzip the top, front or side doors and the whole thing drops flat for storage. For a dog that is already crate-trained, that combination of low weight and fast setup beats a wire kennel in almost every travel situation except aircraft cargo.
There are cases where a soft crate is the wrong tool. Puppies, dogs that chew through fabric, anxious scratchers and any dog not yet crate-trained should be in a hard plastic crate instead. A soft crate contains a calm dog; it does not contain a determined one.
We compared ten soft-sided dog crates on the four things that decide whether one survives a real trip: crate weight, door access, escape hardware and how well it fits a vehicle or a hotel room.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Soft-Sided Dog Crates for Travel in 2026
If you want the short version, the three above cover the realistic range. The Amazon Basics crate wins on proven durability across the largest review base. The Petprsco has the highest average rating in the group and the most complete accessory bundle. The JESPET gives you three doors and room for a 70 pound dog at the lowest weight of the large options.
Are Soft-Sided Dog Crates Good for Dogs?
Yes, for reliably crate-trained adult dogs. The strengths and limits are well defined.
Light weight: most models in this roundup sit between 2.49 and 20.5 pounds, so one person can carry a crate and a dog to a hotel room.
Fast setup: every crate here pops up without tools, most in under two minutes.
Ventilation: mesh on all four sides keeps air moving and lets your dog see you, which lowers stress in unfamiliar rooms.
Quiet and soft: fabric absorbs sound and gives a dog a den-like space it can settle into rather than pace in.
The trade-offs: fabric is not chew-proof, mesh can be punctured by a determined dog, zippers need locking hardware for escape-prone pets, and no soft crate is built to protect a dog in a collision.
Best Soft-Sided Dog Crates at a Glance in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate |
|
Check Latest Price |
 JESPET 3 Door Soft Dog Crate |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Petprsco 32 inch Portable Dog Crate |
|
Check Latest Price |
 SportPet Designs Pop-Open Kennel |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Petsfit 36 inch Soft Travel Crate |
|
Check Latest Price |
 EliteField 4 Door Folding Soft Crate |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Feandrea 32 inch Collapsible Crate |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Lesure Today Show Soft Crate |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Garnpet 36 Inch 4 Door Soft Crate |
|
Check Latest Price |
 DONORO Pop Up Soft Kennel |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate – Best Overall and Lightest Setup
- Folds flat and stays light enough to carry one-handed
- Sets up in two steps with no tools
- Mesh on all four sides for airflow and visibility
- Fabric wipes clean
- Stable enough that it does not tip when pushed
- Fabric will not hold against persistent scratching or biting
- Velcro door strap on one side only
- Zippers can catch
This is the crate we kept reaching for during testing because it simply does less to impress you and more to work. Two steps and it is standing. Two steps the other way and it is flat against a wall.
At 6.53 pounds it is one of the lighter medium crates here, and that number matters more than it sounds. Anyone lifting a crate into a hatchback or carrying it down a hotel corridor will feel the difference between six pounds and thirteen pounds.
Owners consistently mention the same three things: quick setup, flat folding and mesh that gives a dog a view of the room. Several reviewers note that the frame holds steady when a dog leans against a door, which is not true of every collapsible design.
It runs from 26 inch to 42 inch lengths, so most medium dogs fit comfortably. The 29.92 inch version is listed for breeds around 50 pounds, including Blue Heelers and Golden Retrievers.
What you should check before buying
There are two reports of a frame bar snapping and the fabric tearing after several months of daily use. That is a minority of reviews, but if your dog is a chewer this is the wrong material entirely, no matter how good the frame is.
Which dogs it suits best
A calm, crate-trained medium dog travelling to hotels, shows, training classes or a relative’s house. It is also the easiest crate here to move between rooms, which makes it a good recovery pen after a vet procedure.
2. Petprsco 32 inch Portable Dog Crate – Best Rated and Best Equipped
- 4.5 star average across thousands of reviews
- Lockable zippers plus an internal tether leash
- Removable washable mat with blanket
- bowl and bag dispenser
- Corner anti-collision pads
- Side storage pockets
- Manufacturer says it is not for compact cars or airline travel
- Bulky even when folded
- Not recommended for escape-prone dogs
Nothing else in this roundup arrives with as much in the box. The mat, a blanket, a foldable travel bowl, poop bags and a dispenser all come included, and it posts the highest average rating of the ten.
The security hardware matters more than the accessories. Lockable zippers stop a dog working the pull from inside, and the internal tether leash gives you something to attach a lead to, which is what you want when the crate doubles as a recovery pen.
At 32 by 23 by 23 inches it is sized for dogs between 30 and 60 pounds. Border Collies, Samoyeds and Bulldogs are all listed as fitting. It folds in seconds without tools.
The 360 degree mesh is the practical part. You can see your dog from any angle in a hotel room, and airflow stays good in a warm car.
What you should check before buying
The manufacturer explicitly states this model is not designed for compact cars or airline travel. It is a home, hotel and large-vehicle crate. Plan around the size before you fall for the accessory list.
Which dogs it suits best
Medium to large crate-trained dogs where you want the most complete kit in one purchase. If you are flying, keep looking. If you are driving an SUV or staying somewhere with a roomy bed area, this is a strong pick.
3. JESPET 3 Door Soft Dog Crate – Best Value for Large Dogs
- Only 6.25 lb for a crate sized to 70 lb dogs
- Runs 2 inch wider and 3 inch taller than most 36 inch soft crates
- Three entrances on top
- front and side
- Fleece bed and adjustable strap included
- Zippers run smoothly
- No zipper lock for escape-prone dogs
- Thin mesh fabric a determined dog can puncture
- Included fleece pad breaks apart and washes poorly
The useful thing about this crate is the headroom. At 36 by 24 by 27 inches it runs two inches wider and three inches taller than most competing 36 inch soft crates, and that extra three inches is the difference between a dog sitting comfortably and a dog crouching.
It is listed for dogs up to 70 pounds while weighing only 6.25 pounds. That is an unusually good weight to size ratio and the reason it takes our value slot.
Three doors mean you can reach in from any direction, which is what you want when a dog is anxious at a show or in an unfamiliar hotel room. Reviewers also note the frame is stiff enough that a dog can lie on top of it without collapsing it.
The 600D Cationic Oxford fabric and retractable spring bars are the two details that separate it from cheaper crates. The bars let you collapse the frame in seconds.
What you should check before buying
There is no zipper lock. If your dog has ever worked a zipper open from the inside, buy clips and fit them yourself. The mesh is also described as easy to puncture by a strong dog.
Which dogs it suits best
Large crate-trained dogs up to 70 pounds on car trips, hotel stays and camping. For dogs that chew fabric, choose a hard crate instead.
4. SportPet Designs Pop-Open Kennel – Best Budget Car Crate
- Lightest option here at 2.49 lb
- Pops open instantly and folds flat
- Built-in seatbelt straps for vehicle stability
- Removable waterproof washable pad
- Sized for cats and dogs to 50 lb
- Soft floor lets pets slide when the kennel moves
- Thin nylon fabric is not chew-proof
- Several reports of zipper tracks splitting
- Zippers can detach
This is the crate for a first road trip. It weighs 2.49 pounds, pops open with no assembly, and the seatbelt straps built into the side panels keep it from sliding across a cargo floor. That last feature is not universal, and it is the one that matters in a moving car.
Reviewers use it for cats as much as dogs. Several owners mention it doubles as a post-surgery recovery space, where the waterproof pad is easy to swap and hose down.
At 31.8 by 20 by 20 inches it fits medium dogs up to 50 pounds. A drawstring carry bag is included, so it moves between car, hotel and home without being a separate luggage item.
It is also the lowest rated of the ten at 4.2 stars, with a 10 percent share of three-star reviews. That is still a well-liked product, just not a flawless one.
What you should check before buying
Several reviews describe zipper tracks splitting or the zipper pulling free within weeks. Check the zipper on every use before you leave home, especially if your dog is left alone in the crate.
Which dogs it suits best
Kennel-trained small and medium dogs on car journeys, and cats. Not for heavy chewers, and not for a dog that jumps on top of the crate, which can collapse it.
5. Petsfit 36 inch Soft Travel Crate – Best Lockable Frame
- Spiral steel frame holds its shape through use and washing
- Lockable zippers on front
- side and top doors
- Waterproof leak-proof bottom liner
- Removable washable cover with 1 inch cushion
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
- Fabric feels thin for very large dogs
- Thin foam pad that many owners replace
- No external tie-down points so it can shift in a cargo area
The frame is the headline here. Petsfit uses a patented adjustable spiral steel frame with no middle fold, and owners report it keeps its shape after repeated setup, folding and washing, which is not something we can say for most collapsible designs.
Three reinforced mesh doors with lockable zippers mean your dog cannot open a door from inside. For travel that reduces one of the most common failure modes entirely.
At roughly 36 by 24 by 23 inches it is sized for medium and large dogs around 55 pounds. The waterproof, leak-proof bottom liner and removable washable cover make it the easiest of the larger crates to keep clean.
Reviewers like the shorter profile, which sits in an SUV without blocking the rear view. The roll-up Velcro curtains and side storage pocket round out a well-designed travel crate.
What you should check before buying
There are no external tie-down points, so in a cargo area you will need to strap the crate itself to an anchor. Owners of very large dogs report the fabric feels thin for a dog in the 100 pound range.
Which dogs it suits best
Crate-trained medium and large dogs on road trips, camping trips and post-surgery recovery. A strong choice when cleanability matters to you.
6. EliteField 4 Door Folding Soft Dog Crate – Best for Large and Giant Breeds
EliteField 4-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Curtains (2-Year Warranty)
- Runs 2 inch wider and 4 inch taller than most 42 inch soft crates
- Four mesh doors with curtains for shade
- Multiple handles plus a storage bag with shoulder strap
- Removable washable cover and bed cover
- 2-year warranty
- Reported to last years of heavy use
- Heaviest crate here at 20.5 lb
- Curtain and door flaps held by elastic loops dogs can pull out
- Envelope-style back pouch will not close over bulky items
- Fold-down instructions are confusing
This is the biggest crate in the roundup at 42 by 28 by 32 inches, and it is worth the extra height. Tall breeds get real headroom instead of a hunched sitting position, which is what makes a crate comfortable rather than merely adequate.
Long-term owners describe units still in service after eight years across many states. The four doors and four curtains also do real work: curtains cut glare and barking in a hotel room or at a show.
It folds to about three inches thick, which is the flattest pack-down among the large crates here. Carrying handles plus a padded shoulder strap make it manageable for two people even at 20.5 pounds.
The 2-year warranty is the longest in the group, and both the crate cover and the bed cover are removable and washable.
What you should check before buying
At 20.5 pounds this is a two-person job for most people, and it is the heaviest option in the roundup. The curtain flaps are held by elastic loops rather than Velcro, and clever dogs can pull the loops out.
Which dogs it suits best
Large and giant crate-trained breeds that need headroom, owners showing or competing, and anyone who wants one crate that lasts years of heavy travel use.
7. Feandrea 32 inch Collapsible Crate – Best Escape Protection
Feandrea Collapsible Soft Dog Crate, Portable Travel Carrier, 32 Inches
- Self-locking zippers stop a dog opening doors from inside
- Assembles in about 30 seconds
- Wide size range from 24 to 48 inch
- Water-resistant shell wipes clean
- Two exterior pockets
- Fleece pad inner padding is not washable
- Not indestructible against determined chewers
- Water-resistant surface rather than a fully waterproof liner
Self-locking zippers are the feature to buy this crate for. Owners who have dealt with a dog working a zipper open from the inside treat that hardware as the deciding factor, and the fleece pad inside gives a crate-trained dog a proper sleeping surface.
Setup takes about thirty seconds without tools, and the range runs from a 24 inch M size to a 48 inch 4XL, so you can buy one model and stay with the brand as your dog grows.
At 32 by 23 by 23 inches the XL version fits dogs between 35 and 50 pounds. Three doors give good airflow and access from more than one side.
The water-resistant Oxford coating wipes clean with a damp cloth, which is what you want after a muddy dog or an accident. Reviewers also like the two exterior pockets for treats and leashes.
What you should check before buying
The fleece pad’s inner padding cannot be machine washed, and the shell is scratch and tear resistant but not chew-proof. If your dog chews, this is not the crate.
Which dogs it suits best
Crate-trained dogs that show an interest in zippers, and owners who want a single brand covering a small dog through to a large one. Good for car trips and holidays.
8. Lesure Today Show Soft Crate – Best for Shows and Hotels
Lesure Today Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crates for Large Dogs, 36in Black
- Reflective strips on both sides for visibility
- Integrated safety leash plus self-locking zippers
- Waterproof shell wipes clean with a damp cloth
- Machine-washable removable mat and storage bag included
- Four sizes from S up to dogs of 90 lb
- Mesh and zippers are not built for persistent chewing or scratching
- Larger sizes are heavy and bulky
- Plush mat is thin for the crate size
Built for the awkward environments. Reflective strips on both sides matter when you are loading a crate into a dark car park at a 6 a.m. training class or a show, and most competitors in this roundup do not include them.
The integrated safety leash lets you tether a dog inside without attaching anything to the collar. That is useful in a recovery situation and prevents a dog pushing into the mesh door during an unfamiliar evening away.
It folds two different ways, so you can pack it for indoor or outdoor use, and the included storage bag keeps the folded shape tidy. Assembly takes about two minutes with no tools.
Four sizes are offered: S for dogs to 35 pounds, M to 50, L to 70 and XL to 90.
What you should check before buying
Breathable mesh walls and zippered openings are the standard soft-crate weak point. They will not hold against a dog that chews or claws persistently, and the included plush mat is thin relative to the crate.
Which dogs it suits best
Crating for dog sports, training classes, hotel stays and campsite use, with a range of sizes covering most adult dogs. Our guide to large dog crates covers the hard-sided alternatives for chewers.
9. Garnpet 36 Inch 4 Door Soft Crate – Best Cargo Area Fit
- Four doors that roll up for full access
- Carry handles make it easy to move between rooms and trips
- Folds flat for storage
- Waterproof fabric wipes clean
- Steady steel frame for crate-trained dogs
- Mesh and fabric can tear if an anxious dog pushes through
- Included mat is thin
- Noticeable synthetic smell on arrival
- Larger sizes can feel oversized
Border Collie owners in particular rate this crate highly, and the reason shows up repeatedly in the reviews: it fits in the back of a crossover without needing the seats moved or folded.
Four roll-up doors mean you can load from any side, which matters when you are working in a cramped boot rather than an open driveway. Setup and breakdown each take under five minutes.
The waterproof Oxford fabric wipes clean with a damp cloth, and the steel frame holds its shape for crate-trained dogs. Post-surgical owners use it as a recovery space where supervision is easier than with a hard crate.
Carry handles at the top make it light to move room to room for a dog that is not yet fully crate-trained, which is often how it gets used in practice.
What you should check before buying
Several owners report a strong synthetic smell on arrival, so air it out before your dog uses it. Anxious dogs can tear mesh when they push at a door.
Which dogs it suits best
Crate-trained medium and large dogs in family cars and crossovers, plus short-term home recovery use. If your dog escalates when confined, read our guide to dog crates for anxiety first.
10. DONORO Pop Up Soft Kennel – Best for Small Dogs
- Lightest crate here at 3.25 lb
- Instant pop-up with no assembly
- Hoses off and dries quickly after an accident
- Double zippers with three mesh windows
- Sizes from 24 inch up to 36 inch
- 1-year warranty
- One folding side panel can weaken and feel flimsy
- Velcro door flap does not hold the door open
- Too flexible to carry with a dog inside
- Sizing runs smaller than the listed dimensions suggest
At 3.25 pounds this is the crate you carry across a airport concourse or up hotel stairs on your own. It posts a 4.5 average, and reviewers repeatedly say the build quality surprises them at this weight.
Double zippers on three high-density mesh windows add security, and water-resistant fabric with protected seams and reinforced corners hoses off and dries fast. Owners like it for training class crating as much as for travel.
This 28 inch variant is listed for small dogs such as standard poodles and schnauzers, or one to two cats. The range runs from 24 inch for extra small pets to 36 by 23 by 28 inch for medium and large dogs.
The fabric is water-resistant rather than waterproof, so it handles an accident well but will not sit in standing water.
What you should check before buying
One folding panel can weaken over time and feel flimsy, and the Velcro door holder will not reliably keep the flap open. The frame is also too soft to carry with a dog already inside, so set it down before loading.
Which dogs it suits best
Small, crate-trained dogs travelling light, and any crate used for training classes or short vet visits. Not for a dog that panics or tries to escape. Puppies are better served by the crates in our puppy crate guide.
Is a Soft Crate Safe in a Car Crash?
No soft-sided crate is built to protect a dog in a collision. The concern raised repeatedly on r/dogs is that a soft crate is treated as a loose object in the cabin, and the mesh and fabric offer no structural barrier to anything thrown at it.
That concern is reasonable. What we recommend instead is separating the two jobs. Use the soft crate to hold the dog in the back seat, and use a crash-tested harness clipped into the vehicle seat belt system to hold the dog inside the crate. The crate stops the dog leaving the vehicle in ordinary driving; the harness is what protects the dog in an impact.
For a dog in the cargo area, strap the crate down with cargo tie-downs so it cannot slide forward. Several owners in dog training forums report hooking the carrying straps over the headrest as a quick fix, and while that is better than nothing, a proper tie-down is the right answer.
If your dog is not crate-trained, a soft crate in a moving car is a distraction and a hazard. Spend the time on training first, then choose the crate. A hard plastic or wire crate anchored in place is the safer option for a dog that panics in the car.
Airline Travel Rules: What Airline Approved Actually Means
Airline approved is a marketing phrase, not a certification. IATA publishes a specification for animal transport containers, but each carrier sets its own rules on top of it, and those rules change by route and by aircraft.
Most soft crates in this roundup are built for road, hotel and camping use. The Petprsco model states outright that it is not intended for airline travel. Before you book anything, confirm four things with your specific carrier: the maximum crate dimensions for in-cabin travel, the combined weight limit for the crate plus your dog, whether your crate style is accepted in the cabin or only as checked baggage, and the documentation your route requires.
A soft crate can work under a seat if it conforms to the space, which is why owners on r/dogs often prefer one to a rigid carrier for a short flight with a small dog. For anything larger, an IATA-compliant hard or aluminium container is the safer choice.
One more practical point: for checked travel, the crate counts against your baggage allowance and large soft crates are heavy. The EliteField at 20.5 pounds is a 42 inch crate, and that weight plus your dog adds up quickly against a single-piece limit.
How to Choose a Soft-Sided Travel Crate
Four criteria decide whether a soft crate works, and three of them are the ones buyers most often overlook.
Ventilation. Mesh on all four sides keeps air moving and your dog calm. Models with only front mesh trap heat in a parked car.
Frame sturdiness. A collapsible frame that holds its shape after folding is worth paying for. Look for steel tubing and for reviews that mention the frame surviving repeated setup.
Cleanability. A waterproof bottom liner and a removable washable cover matter more than the fabric rating, because something will be spilled in the crate.
Chew warning. This is the limit that decides the category. If your dog chews, scratches or claws at doors, no soft crate is the right choice. Buy hard plastic.
Escape hardware. Self-locking zippers or zipper lock clips are the difference between a secure crate and a dog that opens its own door while you are in another room.
Weight and folded size. If you carry it yourself, anything over 12 pounds is a two-person job. Check the folded thickness too if you are packing into a suitcase.
Measure your dog before you pick a length: nose to base of tail for length, and floor to top of the head or ears for height. Then measure your cargo area at the narrowest point, and add a few inches so the crate sits flat rather than wedged.
Give a new soft crate a proper introduction before you travel. Set it up in the room your dog already relaxes in, leave it open with a treat inside for a few days, then close the door for short periods while you are in the room. Increase the time slowly, and never use the crate as a punishment, because that association is what produces door-pushing and escape attempts later.
For a broader look at carriers for every trip type, our guide to the best dog crates for travel covers the hard-sided options we recommend for chewers and car-crash protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good soft dog crate for airline travel?
A good soft dog crate for airline travel conforms to the space under the seat, carries the dog plus a small bowl without exceeding your carrier’s weight limit, and uses a full-perimeter zip closure rather than open mesh. Confirm in-cabin dimensions with the airline before booking, because a soft crate that fits the aircraft type on one route may not fit on another.
Are soft-sided crates good for dogs?
Yes, for reliably crate-trained adult dogs. They are light, quiet, fold flat and give a dog a den-like space in unfamiliar rooms. They are not good for puppies, persistent chewers, dogs that scratch at doors, or any dog not yet crate-trained, because fabric and mesh will not hold.
What are the safest dog crates for travel?
For car travel, a hard plastic or wire crate anchored to the vehicle is the safest option. A soft crate is reasonable only for a calm dog, and even then it should be paired with a separate crash-tested harness clipped to the seat belt system, plus tie-downs in a cargo area.
Which dog travel crates are airline approved?
Airline approved is a marketing claim rather than a certification. IATA publishes a container specification, but each carrier adds its own rules for cabin size, combined weight and documentation, and those rules vary by route and aircraft. Ask your specific airline for the current figures in writing before you fly.
How big should a soft dog crate be for my dog?
Measure from the nose to the base of the tail for length, and from the floor to the top of the head or ears for height. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down stretched out. If you are between two sizes, take the larger one, since a cramped crate is a common cause of travel stress.
Which Soft-Sided Dog Crate Should You Buy?
If your dog is crate-trained and you drive, the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate is the pick. Its 6.53 pound weight, two-step setup and the largest body of owner feedback of any crate we tested make it the least risky choice in 2026.
For a large dog in the back of an SUV, take the JESPET for three doors and genuine headroom at 6.25 pounds, or the EliteField if you need 42 inches and a two-year warranty. For a small dog you carry yourself, the DONORO at 3.25 pounds is the one.
Check whether your dog chews before you buy anything from this list. If the answer is yes, skip the whole category and read our full dog crate guide instead.