By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Choosing a soft sided dog travel crate comes down to a few practical questions: will your dog fit comfortably, can you set it up quickly at a rest stop, does it zip closed securely, and will it hold up on repeated trips? This list compares six soft-sided options with those questions in mind. We looked at listed dimensions, door and zipper layouts, mesh ventilation, and the patterns owners tend to mention in their feedback about fit, fabric and setup. Every pick below is a real Amazon listing, and the specs are drawn from the listing names.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallAmazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel KennelView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for small and medium dogs on road tripsCollapsible indoor/outdoor travel cat and dog crate with mesh screen wView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for large dogs at home and on tripsDog Crate, 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate for Large or Medium Dogs, Portable and FoldableView on Amazon - 4
Best budget pickIncludes Mat, Blanket & Bowl, Strong Fabric, 4-sided Mesh Vents, 3 DooView on Amazon - 5
Best for zipper securityFeandrea Collapsible Soft Dog Crate, Portable Travel Carrier, 24 Inches, Ink BlackView on Amazon - 6
Best for large dogs needing four doorsCollapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs 36 Inch, Portable Travel Soft DogView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate | Medium dogs and general travel | Double door layout and easy assembly |
| Collapsible Pop-Up Kennel (Blue) | Small to medium dogs and cats on trips | Pops up and folds flat for storage |
| 36″ Large Dog Crate (Light Grey) | Large or medium dogs, home and travel | 36 x 25 x 25 inch footprint with 2 doors |
| 24″ Soft Dog Crate with Accessories | Small dogs and car travel on a tight budget | Included mat, blanket and bowl |
| Feandrea Collapsible Soft Dog Crate | Dogs that chew or test zippers | Safety zippers for indoor and outdoor use |
| 36″ Collapsible Large Dog Kennel (Grey) | Large dogs needing access from several sides | 4-door mesh design |
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel
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: A dependable general-purpose soft crate for medium dogs on car trips and short stays.
This crate suits owners who want a no-frills, well-known basic design for regular travel, especially if the dog fits within its interior.
Key specs
- Listed size: 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″
- Medium size class
- Double door layout
- Collapsible, easy-to-assemble frame
- Tan color
Pros
- Double doors make loading and unloading simpler
- Folds down for storage in a closet or trunk
- Simple setup that owners often describe as quick
Cons
- Frame is generally lighter than premium options, so it needs careful handling
- Interior space is best suited to medium dogs, not large breeds
Bottom line: A strong first choice for a medium dog that needs a reliable everyday travel crate without extra features.
Collapsible Indoor/Outdoor Travel Cat and Dog Crate with Mesh Screen Windows, Pop-Up Kennel
Collapsible indoor/outdoor travel cat and dog crate with mesh screen windows pops up and folds flat for easy storage Portable Collapsible Pop Up Kennel, 32.5"L x 19.5"W x 19.5"H, Blue
Best for: Fast setup and mesh ventilation for small to medium pets on trips.
This pop-up style kennel fits owners who value quick setup and visibility, and who may travel with a cat or small dog.
Key specs
- Listed size: 32.5″L x 19.5″W x 19.5″H
- Pops up and folds flat
- Mesh screen windows for airflow and visibility
- Blue color
Pros
- Pop-up frame is typically quick to open without tools
- Mesh windows let air move and allow the dog to see out
- Folds flat for compact storage
Cons
- Height of 19.5 inches limits headroom for taller dogs
- Pop-up frames can be less rigid than sewn-in frames over time
Bottom line: Best for owners with small or medium dogs who want speed and airflow above all else.
Dog Crate, 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate for Large or Medium Dogs, Portable and Foldable
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 dogs that need floor space for lying down and turning around.
This is a larger footprint crate for owners of large or medium dogs who need more room for longer drives and for home use between trips.
Key specs
- Listed size: 36″ x 25″ x 25″
- Two doors
- Durable mesh windows
- Light Grey color
Pros
- Generous interior for large dogs to stretch out
- Foldable design makes storage manageable for its size
- Mesh windows support airflow and visibility
Cons
- Large footprint may not fit in smaller vehicles
- Bulkier when folded than compact options
Bottom line: The right pick for large dogs that need room, as long as your vehicle has space for it.
Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, 24″ Soft Dog Crate for Car Travel with Mat, Blanket and Bowl
Includes Mat, Blanket & Bowl, Strong Fabric, 4-sided Mesh Vents, 3 Doors, Fit Small Dogs & Large Cats Indoor and Outdoor Use Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, 24" Soft Dog Crate for Car Travel
Best for: A budget-friendly soft crate with accessories included.
This option suits owners of small dogs who want a complete starter setup for car travel without buying each accessory separately.
Key specs
- Listed size: 24 inches
- Includes mat, blanket and bowl
- Strong fabric with four-sided mesh vents
- Three doors
- Suited to small dogs and large cats, indoor and outdoor use
Pros
- Accessories included, which many owners find convenient
- Four-sided mesh vents support airflow
- Three doors give several access points
Cons
- 24-inch size is limited for dogs over roughly 20 pounds
- Soft fabric is less protective than hard-sided options in a collision
Bottom line: A sensible choice for a small dog on short car trips who benefits from a ready-to-use setup.
Feandrea Collapsible Soft Dog Crate, Portable Travel Carrier, 24 Inches, Ink Black
Dog Kennel with Safety Zippers, for Indoor and Outdoor Use, Ink Black, UPDC60H Feandrea Collapsible Soft Dog Crate, Portable Travel Carrier, 24 Inches
Best for: Dogs that test zippers and need extra closure security.
This crate is aimed at owners of chewers or escape-minded dogs who want reinforced closures for both indoor and outdoor use.
Key specs
- Listed size: 24 inches
- Safety zippers
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Ink Black color; model UPDC60H
Pros
- Safety zippers are designed to resist easy opening
- Usable both indoors and outdoors
- Portable carrier format for travel
Cons
- Size is best for smaller dogs
- Zippers still need to be checked and locked after each use
Bottom line: Pick this if security and zipper strength matter more to you than interior room.
Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs 36 Inch, Portable Travel Soft Dog Kennel with 4-Door Mesh
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: Large dogs that need access from multiple sides.
Owners who load large dogs into SUVs or want to reach a dog from several angles will benefit from the four-door layout.
Key specs
- Listed size: 36 inches
- Four doors with mesh panels
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Grey color
Pros
- Four doors make it easy to reach the dog from several sides
- Mesh panels allow visibility and airflow
- Large size suits big breeds
Cons
- Large footprint takes up significant cargo space
- Soft frame may bow under a heavy dog if not well supported
Bottom line: A practical choice for large dogs, especially when you need multiple access points.
Buying Guide
Size and Fit for Your Dog
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail, then add a few inches for length. Height should allow the dog to stand without the head touching the top. Crates listed at 24 inches generally suit smaller dogs, while 36-inch crates better serve large breeds.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 36″ Large Dog Crate (Light Grey)
Door Layout and Access
Single-door crates work for simple car trips, but two-, three- or four-door layouts let you reach the dog from several sides, which helps during rest stops or when a dog is reluctant to enter.
Good picks for this: Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs 36 Inch (4-door), Portable Collapsible Dog Crate with 3 doors
Zippers and Closure Security
Check that zippers run the full length of each door and that the zipper pull can be secured with a clip or lock. Dogs that chew or push at doors may need reinforced zippers.
Good picks for this: Feandrea Collapsible Soft Dog Crate
Ventilation and Mesh Windows
Mesh panels allow airflow and let your dog see out, which many owners find reduces stress. Look for mesh on at least two sides, and avoid solid fabric that traps heat in a parked car.
Good picks for this: Collapsible Pop-Up Kennel with mesh windows, 36″ Large Dog Crate
Frame Stability and Setup
Soft crates depend on their frame for shape. Pop-up frames open quickly, while sewn-in or rod-supported frames tend to hold shape better under pressure. Practice setup at home before the trip.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Pop-Up Kennel
Fabric, Durability and Care
Look for sturdy fabric and stitched seams. Most soft crates can be wiped clean, but check whether the fabric is machine washable and how long it takes to dry, since a damp crate can encourage odor.
Good picks for this: Portable Collapsible Dog Crate with accessories, Feandrea Collapsible Soft Dog Crate
Use Case: Car, Air or Home
Soft crates are not crash-tested containers, so they should be secured in the vehicle. For air travel, airlines usually require hard-sided carriers, so a soft crate is generally suited to car travel and home use. Confirm airline rules before you book.
Good picks for this: Large Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch, Collapsible Large Dog Kennel (4-door)
FAQ
Is a soft sided dog travel crate safe for car trips?
A soft crate can be used safely in a car if it is secured so it cannot slide or tip. Soft crates are not crash-tested in the way hard-sided or purpose-built restraint systems are, so keep your dog in the crate with a secure fit and avoid placing it where it could be thrown forward. For guidance on restraint, consult a professional or your vet.
Can I take a soft crate on a plane?
Many airlines require a hard-sided carrier for in-cabin or cargo travel. Always check your airline’s current pet policy before buying a soft crate for air travel, because rules vary.
How do I know what size crate my dog needs?
Measure length from nose to base of tail and height from floor to top of head while standing. The crate should let your dog stand, turn around and lie down comfortably, with a few inches of clearance above the head.
Are soft crates good for dogs that chew?
Soft crates are less resistant to chewing than metal or hard plastic. Dogs that chew may damage zippers or fabric, so choose a model with reinforced zippers and supervise your dog during travel.
How do I clean a soft dog crate?
Remove any bedding and shake out debris. Wipe the fabric with a pet-safe cleaner, rinse with water and let it air-dry fully before storing. Check the manufacturer’s label for machine-wash instructions.
Should my dog sleep in a soft crate at home?
Many owners use soft crates for short-term or travel use rather than full-time nighttime confinement, since fabric and zippers wear faster with daily use. If you plan to crate train at home, a sturdier crate may be a better long-term choice. A trainer or veterinary behaviorist can help you decide.
Conclusion
For most medium dogs, the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate is a dependable everyday pick. Small dogs and travelers who want speed and airflow will likely prefer the pop-up kennel, while the 24-inch crate with accessories suits budget-minded owners of small dogs. Large dogs need the 36-inch options, with the Light Grey crate suited to roomy interiors and the four-door Grey model suited to multi-angle access. If zipper security is your main concern, the Feandrea model is the strongest choice here. Measure your dog and your vehicle first, then match the crate to those numbers.
Sources
- General guidance on crate sizing, crate training and safe dog travel (akc.org)
- Consumer safety information on pet products and travel equipment (cpsc.gov)
- Veterinary guidance on transporting pets and reducing travel stress (avma.org)
Related reading
- Soft-Sided Dog Crates: Where They Fit
- Dog Soft Travel Crate: 6 Best Picks for Car and Air Trips in 2026
- 7 Best Soft Pet Dog Crate Options for Home and Travel (2026)
- 6 Best Soft Crates for Dog Picks for Home and Travel (2026)
- Wire Crate for Dog: 7 Best Picks for Home, Training and Travel
- Wire Collapsible Dog Crate: 6 Best Picks for Home and Travel (2026)
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.
