By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Choosing a dog soft travel crate comes down to four things: whether it fits your dog’s body and the space you have, how well it holds up to a car seat or a baggage handler, how easy it is to set up and fold away, and whether the design gives your dog enough airflow and a secure feeling during the trip. This list compares six collapsible soft-sided crates from the Amazon US catalog. Each one was judged on its listed dimensions, door layout, mesh and frame construction, and the patterns owners tend to mention in their feedback, not on hands-on testing.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallAmazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, CollapsiblView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for small carsIncludes Mat, Blanket & Bowl, Strong Fabric, 4-sided Mesh Vents, 3 DooView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for large dogsDog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate, Portable and Foldable, Light GreyView on Amazon - 4
Best for frequent flyersFeandrea BAX Collection UPDC027BH01 Collapsible Dog Crate, 30 InchesView on Amazon - 5
Best for big-dog road tripsCollapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs 36 Inch, Portable Travel Soft DogView on Amazon - 6
Best budget pickZikopomi 30 Inch Portable Soft Foldable Dog Crate, 3 Zipper Door, Collapsible Pet KennelView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate | Medium dogs and everyday car trips | Double door layout with easy assembly |
| Soft Dog Crate 24-inch with mat, blanket and bowl | Small dogs and tight back seats | Three doors and a starter kit included |
| 36-inch large dog crate for large or medium dogs | Large dogs needing room to stand and turn | Two-door design with durable mesh windows |
| Feandrea BAX Collection Collapsible Dog Crate | Small dogs on flights and trips | Four mesh doors with handles and pockets |
| 36-inch Collapsible Soft Kennel, Grey | Large dogs on long drives | Four-door mesh with indoor and outdoor use |
| Zikopomi 30-inch Soft Foldable Dog Crate | Small to medium dogs on a budget | Three zipper doors and a 30-inch footprint |
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Medium, Tan
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: Medium dogs and everyday car trips
This crate suits owners who want a simple, no-frills soft kennel for a medium dog that rides in the back seat or cargo area of a sedan or SUV. The double-door layout lets you load from either side, which owners often find useful in tight parking spots.
Key specs
- Listed size: 29.92 x 21.3 x 21.3 inches
- Size class: Medium
- Color: Tan
- Collapsible frame with a carry design
Pros
- Easy to assemble and fold without tools
- Two doors give flexible loading
- Straightforward design that fits most mid-size vehicles
Cons
- Not built for large dogs that need extra headroom
- Basic padding; you will likely want to add a mat
Bottom line: A solid default for owners of medium dogs who want a predictable, easy-to-store soft crate for regular car use.
Soft Dog Crate 24-inch with Mat, Blanket and Bowl, Three Doors, Portable Collapsible Travel Kennel
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: Small dogs and tight back seats
This is a compact choice for small dogs and for owners who need a crate that fits behind a front seat or into a small hatchback. The bundled mat, blanket and bowl make it a ready-to-go kit for first-time travelers.
Key specs
- Listed size: 24 inches
- Fit: Small dogs and small cats
- Three doors
- Mesh vents on four sides
- Includes mat, blanket and bowl
Pros
- Three doors make it easy to reach in and reposition your dog
- Mesh on all sides supports airflow
- Bundled accessories save a shopping trip
Cons
- Too small for dogs over roughly 20 pounds or any dog that cannot lie down fully
- Bundled bowl and blanket are basic; many owners swap them out
Bottom line: Best for owners of small dogs who want a compact, complete starter set for car trips.
Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate, Portable and Foldable, Light Grey
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 needing room to stand and turn
This crate is aimed at large and medium dogs that need more floor space than a typical soft carrier provides. It works for home use as a temporary pen and for trips where a bigger dog must be able to shift position.
Key specs
- Listed size: 36 x 25 x 25 inches
- Two doors
- Durable mesh windows
- Foldable design
- Color: Light Grey
Pros
- Generous footprint for large breeds
- Foldable frame for storage between trips
- Mesh windows help with ventilation and visibility
Cons
- Takes up noticeable space in a small car
- Two doors offer less flexibility than a four-door layout
Bottom line: A good fit for owners of large or medium dogs who have room in the vehicle and want a roomy, foldable soft option.
Feandrea BAX Collection UPDC027BH01 Collapsible Dog Crate, 30 Inches
Oxford Fabric, 4 Mesh Doors, Handles, Pockets, for Small Dogs, Ink Black and Dove Gray, BAX Collection UPDC027BH01 Feandrea Collapsible Dog Crate, Portable Pet Travel Crate, 30 Inches
Best for: Small dogs on flights and trips
This crate is built around portability and easy access. Its four mesh doors and carry handles make it practical for airport handling and for owners who want to check on their dog from several angles during a trip.
Key specs
- Listed size: 30 inches
- Four mesh doors
- Oxford fabric construction
- Handles and side pockets
- Colors: Ink Black and Dove Gray
Pros
- Four doors allow access from any side
- Handles and pockets help with carrying and organizing supplies
- Collapses for storage
Cons
- Listed for small dogs; not suitable for larger breeds
- Soft structure can sag if overfilled with bedding
Bottom line: A strong pick for small dogs whose owners travel by air or car often and want easy access and carrying options.
Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs 36 Inch, Portable Travel Soft Dog Kennel with 4-Door Mesh, 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: Large dogs on long drives
This kennel targets large dogs and owners who want a crate that works both indoors and outdoors. The four-door mesh layout helps with ventilation on warm-weather road trips and makes it easier to reach a dog in the rear of an SUV.
Key specs
- Listed size: 36 inches
- Four-door mesh design
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Collapsible for storage
- Color: Grey
Pros
- Mesh on several sides supports airflow on long rides
- Four doors make loading and checking on the dog easy
- Works as a temporary outdoor pen as well as a travel crate
Cons
- Soft walls offer less impact protection than a hard-sided crate
- Large footprint requires a roomy cargo area
Bottom line: A practical choice for large-dog owners who plan regular road trips and want a crate that also works around the house.
Zikopomi 30 Inch Portable Soft Foldable Dog Crate, 3 Zipper Door, Collapsible Pet Kennel
3 Zipper Door,Collapsible Soft Pet Kennel, Foldable Dog Cage, for Small and Medium Dogs, Indoor Outdoor Travel Zikopomi 30 Inch Portable Soft Foldable Dog Crate, 30" L x 21" W x 21" H
Best for: Small to medium dogs on a budget
This is a value-oriented soft crate for owners of small and medium dogs who need a basic, portable kennel for car rides, visits and occasional flights. Its three zipper doors give a range of access points for the size.
Key specs
- Listed size: 30 x 21 x 21 inches
- Three zipper doors
- Foldable frame
- Indoor and outdoor use
Pros
- Compact footprint for smaller vehicles
- Three zipper doors allow flexible access
- Folds down for easy storage
Cons
- Zippers can be a weak point if pulled hard by an anxious dog
- Not suited to dogs that need headroom or long stretches of standing
Bottom line: A sensible budget pick for owners of small to medium dogs who want a simple, portable crate for occasional trips.
Buying Guide
Size and Fit
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail and from the floor to the top of the head or ears while sitting. Add a few inches to each measurement so your dog can stand, turn around and lie down without touching the walls. Soft crates with a listed footprint near 30 inches suit most small and medium dogs, while 36-inch models are better for large breeds. Check the listed dimensions against the space behind your seat or in your cargo area before buying.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 36-inch large dog crate
Door Layout and Access
Crates with two, three or four doors let you load your dog from different sides and reach in without unloading everything. Two doors often suffice for a car, while four doors help when you need to check on a dog from several angles or lift it out in a tight space. Look for zippers with a metal or heavy-duty coil and double-stitched stress points.
Good picks for this: Feandrea BAX Collection Collapsible Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Kennel 36-inch
Ventilation and Mesh
Mesh panels on several sides support airflow, which matters in warm cars and in cargo holds. Mesh that is too coarse can let small dogs push out a paw or nose, so check the mesh size against your dog’s build. Solid fabric blocks wind and sun but holds more heat, so pair a solid-back crate with a window-shade cover in summer.
Good picks for this: Soft Dog Crate 24-inch with mat, blanket and bowl, Zikopomi 30-inch Soft Foldable Dog Crate
Frame and Structure
Soft crates depend on a flexible internal frame to hold their shape. Look for a frame of fiberglass or similar rods rather than thin plastic, and check that the frame slides into sleeves that will not come loose. A frame that holds its shape makes the crate easier to set up in a car and reduces the chance of it collapsing on your dog.
Good picks for this: Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate, Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate
Durability and Fabric
Oxford fabric and similar woven materials resist tearing better than thin nylon. Stitching along seams and door edges matters as much as the fabric itself. Dogs that chew, scratch or push against the walls will wear out a crate faster, so consider a model with reinforced corners or add an outer cover if your dog is a heavy chewer. Soft crates are not crash-tested restraints, so they should not be your only safety measure in a moving vehicle.
Good picks for this: Feandrea BAX Collection Collapsible Dog Crate, Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs 36 Inch
Portability and Folding
Check how the crate folds, how heavy it is when packed, and whether it comes with a carry bag or handles. A crate that folds flat in a few steps is easier to store in a closet or trunk. Some owners prefer a model with side pockets for leashes, bowls and treats, which keeps travel supplies within reach.
Good picks for this: Feandrea BAX Collection Collapsible Dog Crate, Soft Dog Crate 24-inch with mat, blanket and bowl
Use Case: Car, Air or Home
A crate for car travel should fit the cargo area or back seat securely and be anchored so it does not slide. Crates for air travel must meet the size and labeling rules of the airline and may need to be checked against the carrier’s current policy. A crate that doubles as a temporary home pen should be roomy enough for comfortable resting and easy to clean. Match the crate to the job before you buy.
Good picks for this: 36-inch Collapsible Soft Kennel, Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate
FAQ
Is a soft crate safe for car travel?
A soft crate can be used in a car, but it does not protect a dog in a crash the way a rigid, crash-tested crate or a properly installed harness can. Anchor the crate so it cannot slide, and keep it away from airbags where possible. Your veterinarian or a certified trainer can help you choose a restraint method that suits your dog and vehicle.
How do I know what size soft crate my dog needs?
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail and add several inches. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. Avoid crates so large that a dog can be thrown around during a stop, and check the listed dimensions against your vehicle space.
Can soft travel crates be used on airplanes?
Some airlines accept soft-sided carriers for in-cabin travel, while others require hard-sided containers for cargo. Check the airline’s current pet policy, including size limits and approved carrier types, before you buy. Confirm the size rules with the airline directly, since policies can change.
How do I keep a soft crate from smelling or getting dirty?
Remove any removable liner or mat and wash it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wipe the frame and fabric with a pet-safe cleaner and let everything air-dry fully before folding. Avoid storing a damp crate, since moisture can cause odor and mildew.
Will my dog be comfortable in a soft crate?
Many dogs adjust well when the crate is introduced gradually with treats, a familiar blanket and short practice sessions at home. Dogs that panic, chew through fabric or injure themselves in a crate should be evaluated by a veterinarian or a certified behavior professional before further travel.
Should I use a mat or bedding inside a soft crate?
A thin, washable mat or a blanket can add comfort, but avoid bulky bedding that a dog could chew or pull apart. Choose materials that are easy to launder and check periodically for loose threads that could be swallowed.
How long can a dog stay in a soft crate during a trip?
Plan regular breaks for water, bathroom needs and movement. Most trips need stops every few hours, and the exact timing depends on your dog’s age, health and temperament. Ask your veterinarian for guidance on longer trips, especially for puppies, seniors and dogs with medical conditions.
Conclusion
For most owners, the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate is a practical starting point for medium dogs on regular car trips. Small dogs and tight spaces suit the 24-inch bundle or the Zikopomi 30-inch crate, while the Feandrea BAX Collection works well for frequent travelers who value four-door access. Large dogs need the roomier 36-inch models, and the four-door 36-inch kennel is worth a look for long drives where ventilation matters. Measure your dog, measure your vehicle, and choose the crate whose listed dimensions and door layout match both. For guidance on crate training and travel rules, the Travel Dog Crates: Car and Air Travel Rules article and the Sizing a Crate for an Adult Dog guide are good next reads. Comparing soft options with other materials may also help, as covered in Dog Crate Types Compared: Wire, Plastic, Soft, Heavy-Duty and Soft-Sided Dog Crates: Where They Fit.
Sources
- Product safety guidance for pet products and related recalls (cpsc.gov)
- Crate and travel training information for dog owners (akc.org)
- Veterinary guidance on animal transport and pet health (avma.org)
Related reading
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.
