Best Soft-Sided Dog Crates for Travel and Home

Soft-sided crates solve a specific problem: you need containment that’s lightweight, collapsible, and easy to transport. They’re useless for dogs that chew or claw their way out of everything, but for calm, crate-trained dogs, they’re the most practical option for car trips, hotel stays, camping, dog shows, and homes where a metal crate takes up too much permanent space.

We tested 8 soft crates over two months with three calm-temperament dogs. Here’s what worked.

Best Overall: EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate

Three mesh doors (top, front, side) give you placement flexibility no other soft crate matches. In a car, you want the front door. At a hotel, the side door against a wall. For vet visits, the top-loading door makes extraction simple.

The steel tube frame folds flat in seconds and the carrying case makes it genuinely portable. Weight: under 10 lbs for the large size.

Pros:

• Three doors for versatile access
• Steel frame folds flat with carrying bag
• Mesh panels on all sides for ventilation
• Removable, washable fleece bed pad
• Multiple size options (24-42 inch)

Cons:

• Not for chewers or scratchers (mesh will tear)
• Frame corners can catch on car upholstery
• Zippers are the weak point over time

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Best for Car Travel: Petmate Portable Pet Home

Specifically designed for vehicle use. The flat bottom sits stable on car seats, the ventilation panels are positioned high so they don’t get blocked by seat cushions, and the pop-up spring design means setup takes literally 2 seconds.

We used this for a 6-hour road trip and the dog (a 40-lb mix) slept comfortably the entire drive. The built-in mat provided enough cushioning without adding bulk.

Pros:

• Pop-up design for instant setup
• Flat, stable base for car seats
• Lightweight and compact when folded
• Built-in sleeping pad

Cons:

• Less structured than steel-frame options
• Limited size range
• Not suitable for extended use as a permanent crate

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Best Budget: AmazonBasics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate

No frills, functional, and about half the price of name-brand options. Single front door, steel wire frame, removable fleece pad. It does what it needs to do for occasional travel without the premium features or price.

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Steel frame holds shape
• Removable fleece bed
• Folds flat for storage

Cons:

• Single door only
• Mesh quality is thinner
• Zippers feel less durable
• Limited color/size options

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Best Premium: Diggs Revol Dog Crate

The Revol is a hybrid: aluminum frame with mesh sides that’s more durable than pure soft crates but lighter than full metal. The latch system is the standout feature; it operates with one hand, which matters when you’re holding a leash and a coffee.

The puppy divider, ceiling hatch, and side door combine to make this genuinely versatile for every life stage. It’s expensive, but it might be the only crate you ever buy.

Pros:

• Aluminum frame is both light and strong
• One-handed diamond latch system
• Puppy divider included
• Ceiling hatch for top access
• Collapses for storage

Cons:

• Most expensive in this category
• Heavier than pure soft crates
• Overkill for occasional-use needs

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Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy a Soft Crate

Good candidates:

• Dogs that are already crate trained and relaxed in confinement
• Frequent travelers who need a portable containment option
• Dog show competitors who need quick setup/teardown
• Camping and outdoor trips where weight matters
• Homes where the crate is used occasionally, not daily

Skip the soft crate if:

• Your dog has separation anxiety (they’ll claw through the mesh)
• Your dog is a chewer (they’ll eat the fabric)
• Your dog is still being crate trained (start with wire or plastic)
• You need a permanent home crate that takes daily use

For heavy-duty options, see our large breed crate guide or apartment crate recommendations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a soft crate on an airplane?

Most soft crates meet under-seat dimensions for in-cabin pet travel on domestic flights. Check your airline’s specific size requirements (commonly 18”L x 11”W x 11”H). Soft crates are NOT approved for cargo hold travel. For cargo, you need an IATA-approved hard-shell kennel.

How do I clean a soft crate?

Remove the frame, unzip the fabric shell, and machine wash on gentle cycle. Air dry. Most removable bed pads are also machine washable. Wipe the frame with a damp cloth.

Will a soft crate hold up to a puppy?

Probably not. Puppies chew, scratch, and test boundaries. A soft crate for a puppy is an expensive chew toy. Start with wire or plastic until the dog is past the destructive phase (usually 12-18 months).

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