Soft-sided dog crates are lightweight, portable enclosures built from fabric and mesh panels. They are popular for temporary use at home, at events, or during air travel in the cabin, but they are not suitable for every situation. Understanding where a soft-sided crate fits into your dog’s routine can help you make an informed choice and keep your dog safe.
Where Soft-Sided Crates Fit in Everyday Use
Soft-sided crates are easy to set up, carry, and store. They can serve as a familiar den for a dog at home, in a hotel room, or at a friend’s house. The American Kennel Club (AKC) notes that a crate can be a dog’s safe haven when visitors come over or when the dog needs a quiet place to rest. However, the AKC also cautions that soft, porous surfaces like fabric bedding can tempt puppies to potty or shred the material. The AKC advises waiting until a dog consistently avoids accidents and does not shred fabric before adding soft items to a crate. This same caution applies to the crate itself: a soft-sided crate is made entirely of fabric and mesh, so a dog that chews or scratches may quickly damage it or escape.
For safety, the AKC recommends always removing a dog’s collar when the dog is inside a crate. This prevents the collar from catching on the crate’s fabric or frame. A soft-sided crate can be a good short-term option for a calm adult dog that is already crate trained, but it is not a substitute for a more durable enclosure if the dog is destructive or anxious. For more on how different crate types compare, see our dog crate types compared article.
Air Travel with Soft-Sided Crates
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) provides guidance for passengers traveling with a dog or cat in the cabin. According to IATA, only small dogs and cats can travel in the cabin, and they must be placed in a container that fits under the seat in front of the passenger. IATA’s guidance states that soft-sided containers may compress when inserted under the seat. Compression of the ventilation openings can result in reduced ventilation and heat buildup inside the container, which could lead to adverse consequences for the animal. This is a critical point for anyone considering a soft-sided crate for air travel.
IATA’s container requirements specify that any in-cabin carrier must have at least 16% of the area on its four vertical sides set up as ventilation openings. The container must be escape-proof and leak-proof, and it must be able to contain any feces or urine. A “Live Animals” label must be affixed. IATA also advises that dogs and cats should be introduced to the travel container well before the journey so that their stress during confinement is minimized. The organization strongly discourages sedation or tranquilization for animals traveling by air, as these drugs can reduce the animal’s ability to respond to stress and may cause health risks. If sedation is medically necessary, it must be done under a veterinarian’s direction and the airline must be informed.
Individual airlines may have additional or more stringent policies than IATA’s guidance. Some airlines restrict the number of animals in the cabin, and smaller aircraft may have extremely limited under-seat space. IATA recommends contacting the airline well in advance to confirm that the specific soft-sided crate and the dog will be accepted on the chosen flight. For a broader look at crate options, visit our dog crate types section.
Car Travel: Why Hard-Sided Carriers Are Safer
The ASPCA’s Relocation team provides clear advice for road trips: secure your pet in a hard-sided carrier with ventilation holes that is fastened to the vehicle. The ASPCA states that the crate should be large enough for the pet to stand or sit without touching the top, lie down, and turn around. The crate must be secured so it will not slide or shift during an abrupt stop. Crucially, the ASPCA warns, “Never use a wire or collapsible crate when transporting your pet, they can collapse or break open causing serious injuries or death in the event of an accident.” Soft-sided crates are collapsible by design, so this warning applies directly to them. According to the ASPCA, a soft-sided crate is not a safe choice for car travel.
The ASPCA also advises against letting a dog ride with its head out the window and recommends keeping the dog in the back seat if a carrier is not used, with a harness attached to the seat buckle. Airbags are not designed for pets and can cause serious injury. For road trips, the ASPCA suggests preparing a travel kit with food, a bowl, leash, waste bags, grooming supplies, medication, a first-aid kit, and your veterinarian’s contact information. Packing a favorite toy or bedding can provide a sense of familiarity. The organization also reminds owners never to leave an animal alone in a parked vehicle, as temperatures can rise dangerously fast even on mild days. For a detailed comparison of materials, see our dog crate materials compared guide.
Dogs That Chew or Scratch Fabric
The AKC’s crate training guidance highlights that many puppies prefer to go potty on soft, porous surfaces and may shred fabric. This makes a soft-sided crate a poor choice for a puppy or any dog that has not yet learned to settle without chewing. The AKC recommends waiting until a dog consistently avoids accidents and does not destroy fabric before adding soft bedding, and the same principle applies to the crate material itself. A dog that chews through a soft-sided crate can ingest fabric or mesh, which poses a health risk, and can escape into an unsafe environment.
The AKC also addresses separation anxiety. While a crate can be a useful management tool, dogs with separation anxiety may panic inside a crate and injure themselves while trying to escape. The AKC advises that for dogs showing signs of anxiety, a larger, puppy-proofed safe area such as a gated-off room or an exercise pen may be a better option than a crate. Working with a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist is recommended. A soft-sided crate offers little resistance to a panicked dog and is not a safe containment method for an anxious pet. For positive training approaches, read our positive crate training article.
Crate Training and Welfare Considerations
The AKC stresses that a crate should never be used as punishment. The AKC explains that dogs can learn to love their personal den when positive reinforcement is used. Treats, meals, and food-stuffed chew toys can help a dog form positive associations with the crate. The AKC also notes that senior dogs may suffer from aches and pains, and keeping them in a crate for too long may be physically uncomfortable. In such cases, a larger area where the dog can move between several comfortable spots is preferable.
IATA’s guidance for cabin travel reminds owners that traveling has an unsettling effect on animals and that they must be disturbed as little as possible. Domesticated animals prefer dim light, which helps calm them and reduce stress. The container must be clean, leak-proof, and contain absorbent bedding. The passenger is responsible for the actions of their dog while it is traveling in the cabin. For more on making a crate comfortable and safe, visit our making a dog crate comfortable page.
Checklist for Using a Soft-Sided Crate
Before relying on a soft-sided crate, consider the following points drawn from IATA, AKC, and ASPCA guidance:
- Confirm that your dog is calm and does not chew or scratch fabric. The AKC advises waiting until a dog is reliably non-destructive before using soft materials.
- Remove your dog’s collar before placing them in the crate, as recommended by the AKC for safety.
- If using the crate for air travel, check the airline’s specific policies. IATA notes that carriers may have stricter rules, and soft-sided containers can compress under the seat, reducing ventilation.
- Ensure the crate meets IATA’s ventilation requirement of at least 16% open area on the vertical sides, and that it is escape-proof and leak-proof.
- Never use a soft-sided crate for car travel. The ASPCA states that collapsible crates can collapse or break open in an accident and advises using a secured hard-sided carrier instead.
- Introduce the crate gradually with positive reinforcement. IATA advises introducing dogs to the travel container well before the journey, and the AKC describes gradual, reward-based training.
- Do not use the crate as punishment or for dogs showing signs of separation anxiety. The AKC warns that panicked dogs can injure themselves trying to escape.
- Provide absorbent bedding and ensure the crate can contain any waste, as required by IATA for air travel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a soft-sided crate for car travel?
The ASPCA advises against using collapsible crates in vehicles because they can collapse or break open during an accident. A hard-sided carrier that is secured to the vehicle is the safest option for road trips.
Are soft-sided crates safe for air travel in the cabin?
IATA guidance states that soft-sided containers may compress under the seat, which can reduce ventilation and cause heat buildup. They can be used if they meet IATA’s container requirements and fit under the seat, but travelers should check with the airline for any additional restrictions.
What if my dog chews the fabric of a soft-sided crate?
The AKC recommends waiting until a dog consistently does not shred fabric before using soft bedding or a soft-sided crate. A dog that chews fabric may ingest material or escape, so a more durable crate type is a safer choice.
For more information on soft-sided crates, visit our Soft-Sided Crates page.
