By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Choosing a crate for dog travel comes down to three things: how well it fits your car or cabin space, how securely it holds your dog, and how easily it folds up and goes back in the trunk. This list compares seven soft-sided, collapsible options that owners commonly use for road trips, camping and the occasional flight. We looked at manufacturer specifications, brand reputation, and patterns in owner feedback about zipper durability, mesh ventilation, floor support and setup time. None of these were tested by us in a lab or on the road, so use the specs as a starting point and measure your dog before you buy.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallPetmate Vari Dog Kennel, Carrier for Large Dogs, 36inView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest budget pickAmazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, MediumView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for extra-large breedsLesure Soft Collapsible XL Dog Crate, 42in BlackView on Amazon - 4
Best for easy setupPortable Dog Crate Soft Sided, 36 Inch Collapsible Travel Dog Crate, GreyView on Amazon - 5
Best for small hatchbacksDog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate with 2-Door DesignView on Amazon - 6
Best for hot weather airflowCollapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs 36 Inch, GreyView on Amazon - 7
Best for indoor and outdoor versatility36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate for Large Dogs, BeigeView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Petmate Vari Dog Kennel | Hard-sided, airline-style travel | Durable plastic shell |
| Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate | Budget car trips | Double-door access |
| Lesure Soft Collapsible XL Dog Crate | Extra-large breeds up to 90 lbs | Four-door layout |
| Portable Soft Dog Crate (36 Inch, Grey) | Quick setup and breakdown | Built-in leash and plush pad |
| 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate | Large or medium dogs in compact cars | Two-door mesh design |
| Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs 36 Inch | Warm-weather travel | Mesh ventilation on multiple sides |
| 36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate, Beige | Mixed indoor and outdoor use | Four-door foldable frame |
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel, Carrier for Large Dogs, 36in
Airline Friendly and Made of Durable Plastic, This Pet Crate Works Great for Home and Travel Petmate Vari Dog Kennel, Carrier for Large Dogs, 36in, Taupe and Black
Best for: Hard-sided, airline-friendly travel with a dog that needs a sturdy shell.
This is the option for owners who want a rigid carrier that holds its shape in a crowded cargo area or a crowded back seat. It suits large dogs and owners who plan to use the crate for both home and travel.
Key specs
- 36-inch size for large dogs
- Durable plastic construction
- Taupe and black color
Pros
- Rigid shell protects against bumps and crushing
- Easy to clean and wipe down after a messy trip
- Works for both home use and travel
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than soft-sided options
- Does not fold flat for storage
Bottom line: Best for owners who prioritize structure and airline-style safety over packability.
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Medium
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
Best for: Budget-conscious car trips with a medium-sized dog.
A practical choice for first-time travelers or owners who only need occasional crate travel. It works well for dogs who already accept a crate and do not need heavy-duty construction.
Key specs
- Medium size, 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″
- Double-door access
- Tan color
Pros
- Folds down for trunk storage
- Two doors make loading and unloading easier
- Straightforward assembly
Cons
- Soft walls offer less protection in a sudden stop
- Better suited to small-to-medium dogs than large breeds
Bottom line: A sensible starting point for light, occasional travel on a tighter budget.
Lesure Soft Collapsible XL Dog Crate, 42in Black
Portable Travel Camping Pet Kennel, 4-door, Indoor Outdoor Use, Easy to Set Up and Fold, For Extra Large Breeds Up to 90 lbs Lesure Shown on Today Show Soft Collapsible XL Dog Crate, 42in Black
Best for: Extra-large breeds that need room to stand and turn around.
Designed for dogs up to 90 pounds according to the listing. Owners with big dogs who camp or road-trip often tend to value the four-door layout and the extra floor space.
Key specs
- 42-inch size
- Rated for dogs up to 90 lbs
- Indoor and outdoor use
Pros
- Four doors give flexible access
- Designed for quick setup and folding
- Generous interior for large dogs
Cons
- Large footprint when set up
- Soft frame may flex under a heavy dog
Bottom line: Pick this if your dog is too big for standard collapsible crates and you have the cargo space.
Portable Dog Crate Soft Sided, 36 Inch Collapsible Travel Dog Crate, Grey
Portable Dog Crate Soft Sided, Easy Fold & Setup Kennel, Indoor & Outdoor, Breathable Mesh Windows, Built-in Leash, Plush Pad 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs, Travel Dog Crate Grey
Best for: Owners who want fast setup and a crate that comes with useful extras.
Suited to people who travel frequently and do not want to spend time assembling a crate at each stop. The built-in leash point and plush pad are useful details for hotel stays.
Key specs
- 36-inch size for large dogs
- Breathable mesh windows
- Grey color
Pros
- Easy fold and setup
- Built-in leash for securing the dog
- Plush pad included
Cons
- Soft sides do not block sun or drafts well
- Pad may need replacing with heavy use
Bottom line: A strong pick for frequent travelers who value convenience at each stop.
Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate with 2-Door Design
Dog Crate,36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate for Large or Medium Dogs, Portable and Foldable Design of Dog Cage, Perfect for Travel or Home Use, Dog Kennel with 2-Door and Durable Mesh Windows, Light Grey
Best for: Large or medium dogs in compact vehicles.
The 25-inch depth and height suit owners whose cars have limited rear space. Two-door access helps when loading from either side of the vehicle.
Key specs
- 36 x 25 x 25 inches
- Two doors
- Durable mesh windows
Pros
- Compact footprint for its size class
- Foldable for storage
- Mesh windows allow airflow
Cons
- Lower height may not suit taller dogs
- Mesh panels can snag claws if the dog paws at them
Bottom line: Good for owners who need a large-dog footprint in a smaller vehicle.
Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs 36 Inch, Grey
Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs 36 Inch, Portable Travel Soft Dog Kennel with 4-Door Mesh, Large Pet Crate Carrier Indoor & Outdoor, Grey
Best for: Warm-weather trips where airflow matters.
A good fit for summer road trips and camping, where ventilation can make the difference in how comfortable a dog stays during the ride.
Key specs
- 36-inch size
- Four-door mesh design
- Grey color
Pros
- Mesh on multiple sides improves airflow
- Four doors for flexible access
- Usable indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Mesh offers less privacy for anxious dogs
- Soft frame needs careful folding to avoid strain
Bottom line: Best for hot-climate travel where ventilation is the priority.
36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate for Large Dogs, Beige
36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate for Large Dogs, 4-Door Foldable Travel Dog Kennel with Durable Mesh Windows for Indoor & Outdoor Portable Pet Crate, Soft Side Dog Crate, Beige
Best for: Owners who want one crate for both home and travel.
A versatile option for dogs who sleep in a crate at home and then go on trips. The four-door design and beige finish blend more easily into a living room than bright alternatives.
Key specs
- 36-inch size for large dogs
- Four doors
- Durable mesh windows
Pros
- Works indoors and outdoors
- Foldable frame for storage
- Neutral color suits most décor
Cons
- Soft walls are not crash-rated
- Thin mesh may not hold up to a determined chewer
Bottom line: A good all-purpose crate for owners who want one product in the house and in the car.
Buying Guide
Crate Size and Fit
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail, then add roughly 2 inches for length. Height should let your dog stand and turn around with the head clear of the top, though a crouching position is not a safety requirement for travel. Measure the cargo area of your vehicle too, and check whether the crate will fit with seats up.
Good picks for this: Lesure Soft Collapsible XL Dog Crate, Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate
Construction: Soft-Sided vs. Hard-Sided
Soft-sided crates are lighter and fold flat, which makes them practical for trunks and small cars. Hard-sided carriers hold their shape and offer more protection if something shifts or a dog pushes against the wall. Choose based on how much structure your dog needs and how much storage space you have.
Good picks for this: Petmate Vari Dog Kennel, 36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate, Beige
Ventilation and Mesh Quality
Look for mesh windows on at least two sides so air can move through the crate. Check that the mesh is tight enough that a paw or nose cannot get caught. Owners often report that mesh quality varies more between brands than the frame does, so check photos and reviews for signs of sagging or tearing.
Good picks for this: Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs 36 Inch, Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch
Zippers, Doors and Access
Two doors are fine for most owners, but four doors make it easier to load a dog from any side of a car or to set up a crate in a hotel room. Zippers should run smoothly and lock or clip securely. Heavy-duty zippers are generally more reliable for dogs who test their enclosure.
Good picks for this: Lesure Soft Collapsible XL Dog Crate, Portable Dog Crate Soft Sided Grey
Floor Support and Stability
A flat, firm floor keeps your dog stable on turns and stops. Some soft crates include a base or frame that prevents the floor from sagging. A removable pad that washes easily is also worth considering for car trips where accidents happen.
Good picks for this: Portable Dog Crate Soft Sided Grey, Petmate Vari Dog Kennel
Setup Time and Portability
If you travel often, setup speed matters. Some collapsible crates take a few minutes with practice; others need more steps. Check the folded dimensions against your trunk or cargo space, and practice assembling the crate at home before you leave.
Good picks for this: Portable Dog Crate Soft Sided Grey, Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate
Durability and Care
Soft crates wear out faster than hard ones, especially if a dog chews or scratches. Check whether the fabric is machine washable or wipeable. Inspect seams and zippers after every few trips. Replace a crate if the frame bends or the mesh tears, because a damaged crate can be a hazard.
Good picks for this: 36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate, Beige, Petmate Vari Dog Kennel
FAQ
Is a soft crate safe for car travel?
Soft crates are used widely for car trips, but they are not crash-tested in the way some hard carriers are. Owners often pair any crate with a secure tie-down or seatbelt anchor. Check with your veterinarian about what is appropriate for your dog’s size and temperament.
How do I know what size crate my dog needs for travel?
Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail for length, and measure from the floor to the top of the head while your dog is standing. Add a few inches to each measurement. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably.
Can I use a collapsible crate on an airplane?
Most airlines require hard-sided carriers for in-cabin pets, and some specify exact dimensions. Check your airline’s pet policy before you buy. Many soft crates are used for ground travel and at hotels rather than for air travel.
How do I get my dog used to a travel crate?
Introduce the crate at home with treats and short sessions, gradually extending the time your dog stays inside. Feed meals near or inside the crate and practice with the door closed for brief periods. Start this training well before your first trip.
Should I put bedding in a travel crate?
A thin, washable pad is common. Avoid heavy bedding that a dog could chew or that holds moisture. Some owners also place a familiar blanket inside to reduce stress.
How do I keep my dog cool in a crate during summer travel?
Choose a crate with mesh on multiple sides, avoid direct sunlight by covering part of the crate, and never leave a dog in a parked car. Bring water and take frequent breaks. If your dog shows signs of heat stress, such as heavy panting or lethargy, contact a veterinarian right away.
Conclusion
For most owners, the best crate for dog travel is the one that fits your vehicle, matches your dog’s size, and that you can set up quickly. The Petmate Vari Dog Kennel suits owners who want a rigid shell; the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate suits a tighter budget and medium dogs; and the Lesure Soft Collapsible XL Dog Crate suits extra-large breeds. Owners who travel often may prefer the fast setup of the 36-inch grey model, while hot-weather trips point toward the mesh-heavy design. Measure your dog and your cargo space before you decide, and practice crate training before your first trip.
Sources
- Guidance on crate training, crate sizing and safe travel habits for dogs (akc.org)
- Consumer safety information on pet products and product recall notices (cpsc.gov)
- Veterinary guidance on traveling with pets and managing heat and stress (avma.org)
Related reading
- Wire Crate for Dog: 7 Best Picks for Home, Training and Travel
- Wire Collapsible Dog Crate: 6 Best Picks for Home and Travel (2026)
- Travel Dog Crates: Car and Air Travel Rules
About Audrey Hayes
Audrey Hayes is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our dogs & puppies guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
