By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
A dog crate soft sided is a collapsible, fabric-walled crate that gives your dog a den-like space without the metal bars of a wire model. In this guide you will learn how to decide whether a soft-sided crate fits your dog and home, how to size it correctly, how to set it up so your dog actually uses it, and where soft crates fall short. By the end you will have a clear checklist for buying and introducing one.
What a Soft-Sided Crate Is Best Suited For
Soft-sided crates typically have a rigid or semi-rigid frame, often aluminum or fiberglass, covered by nylon or polyester fabric with mesh windows and a zippered door. Most fold flat for storage and travel. They are lightweight, quiet and easy to move, which is why many owners reach for one for car trips, visits to relatives and hotel stays.
Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Soft Sided Dog Travel Crate Picks for Car and Air Trips (2026).
They are a poor match for some dogs. Chewers, diggers and dogs that try to escape by scratching or biting through fabric can damage a soft crate quickly, and a determined dog can tear a zipper or mesh panel. For background on how these models compare with other styles, see Dog Crate Types Compared: Wire, Plastic, Soft, Heavy-Duty and Soft-Sided Dog Crates: Where They Fit.
Good Fits for a Soft Crate
- Adult dogs that are calm in confinement and do not chew fabric
- Small to medium dogs that need a portable den for travel
- Owners who need to store a crate in a closet or car trunk
- Dogs that are already crate-trained and only need a travel option
Poor Fits for a Soft Crate
- Puppies still learning bladder control, since they can chew and soak through fabric
- Power chewers, diggers and escape artists
- Dogs left unsupervised for long periods in a crate they might destroy
Step 1: Choose the Right Size
Sizing matters more with soft crates than many owners expect, because the fabric can sag and the frame flexes. The general rule is that your dog should be able to stand up without the head touching the top, turn around fully and lie down stretched out. Measure your dog from nose to base of tail (length) and from the floor to the top of the shoulders (height), then add about 2 to 4 inches to each measurement to find a minimum interior size.
For a more detailed walkthrough of measurements, read Sizing a Crate for an Adult Dog. If your dog is large or between sizes, Size of Large Dog Crate: 5 Best Picks Compared for Big Dogs (2026) covers how dimensions translate across models.
Measuring Checklist
- Measure nose to base of tail while your dog stands naturally.
- Measure floor to top of shoulders, not to the top of the head.
- Add 2 to 4 inches to each measurement.
- Compare against the manufacturer’s listed interior dimensions, not the exterior.
- If your dog is still growing, plan for an adult-size crate and use a divider for a puppy.
Step 2: Check Construction and Safety Features
Not all soft crates are built equally. Look at the frame, the stitching, the zipper and the floor before you buy.
- Frame: Aluminum or fiberglass poles with secure connectors resist collapse better than thin plastic rods.
- Zippers: Heavy-duty, two-way zippers with a locking option are harder for dogs to open or chew through.
- Fabric: Denier (a measure of fiber thickness) is a useful signal. Higher numbers generally mean more durability, though manufacturers vary in how they report it.
- Mesh: Small-gauge, tightly woven mesh keeps paws and noses from pushing through.
- Floor: A removable, water-resistant base with raised edges helps contain accidents and makes cleaning easier.
Soft crates are not a substitute for a secure space when you are away. Do not leave a dog in a soft crate unattended if the dog has a history of chewing or escaping, and always remove collars with tags that could catch on the mesh or zipper.
Step 3: Introduce the Crate Gradually
Even a well-made soft crate can feel unfamiliar, so introduce it the same way you would any crate. Set it up in a common area, leave the door open, and place a bed or soft blanket inside. Toss treats near the entrance, then inside, letting your dog go in on its own.
Once your dog is comfortable entering, close the door for a few seconds while you stay nearby, then gradually extend the time. Work up to short periods of rest inside the crate with you in the room, then leave the room briefly. Keep sessions short and positive. If your dog shows distress such as frantic scratching, whining that does not stop or drooling, go back a step.
For a structured timeline, see Schedule for Crate Training: A Step-by-Step Daily Plan for Puppies and Dogs. If your goal is to use the crate for house-training or to understand the broader benefits, Why Is Crate Training Important for Dogs? Benefits and How-To explains the reasoning behind the process.
Setup Tools and Supplies
- A soft-sided crate sized to your dog’s measurements
- A chew-resistant bed or washable pad that fits the floor
- High-value treats for positive association
- A crate cover or light blanket to reduce visual stimulation (leave the mesh side partly open for airflow)
- A water bowl that attaches to the mesh or a spill-resistant option for short sessions
- Your dog’s favorite chew toy, used only under supervision
Step 4: Plan for Potty Breaks and Duration
A soft crate is not a bathroom. Dogs generally should not be kept in a crate for longer than they can reasonably hold their bladder and bowels, and that limit depends on age, health and size. Puppies need frequent breaks, and older dogs or those with medical conditions may need more.
If you are using a soft crate during house-training, the principles are the same as for any crate. Potty Training Dog Crate: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Puppy Owners walks through break timing. Because soft fabric absorbs odors and moisture, cleaning up accidents quickly is essential.
Step 5: Use It Safely for Travel
Soft crates are popular for travel, but safety rules still apply. Check your airline’s or your vehicle’s guidance before you travel. For car trips, the crate should be secured so it cannot slide or tip. Ventilation matters, so never seal the mesh fully in a warm vehicle. For a broader look at rules by mode of transport, see Travel Dog Crates: Car and Air Travel Rules. If you are shopping specifically for trips, Dog Soft Travel Crate: 6 Best Picks for Car and Air Trips in 2026 compares options.
Always verify current airline rules directly with the carrier, since requirements change and vary by route and by the size of the dog.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying too large a crate for a puppy. Excess space invites soiling. Use a divider if the dog will grow.
- Leaving a chewer alone in a soft crate. Fabric and zippers are easy targets for determined teeth.
- Skipping the introduction. Forcing a dog inside leads to fear that can carry over to other crates.
- Using the crate for punishment. Crates should feel safe, not like a timeout.
- Ignoring sag and wear. A bent frame or loose zipper reduces security. Inspect the crate regularly.
- Forgetting ventilation. Keep mesh panels unobstructed, especially in cars and warm rooms.
Recommended gear
A washable, chew-resistant bed sized to the crate floor helps keep the interior comfortable and easy to clean. View on Amazon
A sturdy crate cover or light blanket can reduce visual distractions for nervous dogs while still allowing airflow through the mesh. View on Amazon
A crate-specific pet bowl that clips to the mesh keeps water available during short sessions without spilling across the floor. View on Amazon
FAQ
Is a soft-sided dog crate safe for puppies?
Generally, soft crates are better suited to adult dogs that do not chew. Puppies often chew fabric and zippers and may soak through the floor during house-training. A wire or sturdy plastic crate is usually a safer choice for young puppies.
How do I know what size soft crate to buy?
Measure your dog’s length and height, add 2 to 4 inches to each, and compare that to the manufacturer’s interior dimensions. Your dog should be able to stand, turn and lie down comfortably.
Can a dog chew its way out of a soft crate?
Yes, a determined chewer or digger can tear mesh, unzip doors or damage seams. Supervise any dog that shows chewing or escape behavior and choose a model with heavy-duty zippers.
How long can a dog stay in a soft crate?
Duration depends on age, health and bladder control. Adult dogs typically need regular breaks during the day, and puppies need them much more often. Avoid leaving any dog confined for long stretches.
Are soft crates allowed on airplanes?
Many airlines accept soft-sided carriers for in-cabin travel, but rules on size, type and dog weight vary. Check your airline’s current policy before booking.
How do I clean a soft-sided dog crate?
Remove the floor pad and wash it according to the label. Wipe the frame and fabric with a pet-safe cleaner and let everything air dry fully before reassembling. Enzymatic cleaners help with urine odor.
Will my dog feel trapped in a soft crate?
Some dogs feel more secure in a den-like space, while others prefer open mesh. Watch your dog’s body language and adjust with a partial cover, a different bed or a different crate style if needed.
When should I talk to a professional about crate training?
If your dog shows intense panic, self-injury, or continued distress despite gradual training, consult a veterinarian or a certified professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
Conclusion
A dog crate soft sided can be an excellent choice for calm adult dogs, travel and storage, but it is not ideal for chewers or puppies still learning house manners. Measure carefully, check construction, introduce the crate gradually and plan breaks around your dog’s needs. With the right fit and training, a soft crate becomes a comfortable, reliable space your dog will recognize as its own.
Ready to choose one?
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.
