By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Choosing a folding travel dog crate comes down to a few practical questions: will it fit your dog comfortably, will it collapse small enough for your trunk or back seat, and will it hold up through repeated setups and trips. This list compares six folding and collapsible crates across size, build style, door layout and portability. We based our selection on manufacturer specifications, brand reputation, and the patterns owners commonly describe in their feedback, including ease of assembly, ventilation, and how well the frame keeps its shape. We did not physically test these products, so check dimensions against your own dog before you buy.
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 large dogs on road tripsDog Crate,36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate for Large or Medium Dogs, PortView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for easy setupPortable Dog Crate Soft Sided, Easy Fold & Setup Kennel, Indoor & OutdView on Amazon - 4
Best for extra-large breedsPortable Travel Camping Pet Kennel, 4-door, Indoor Outdoor Use, Easy tView on Amazon - 5
Best for small cars and quick storageCollapsible indoor/outdoor travel cat and dog crate with mesh screen wView on Amazon - 6
Best budget pick36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate for Large Dogs, 4-Door Foldable TraView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate | Small to medium dogs and everyday car trips | Double door and tan finish |
| Dog Crate, 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate | Large or medium dogs at home and on the road | Two doors and durable mesh windows |
| Portable Dog Crate Soft Sided, 36 Inch | Owners who want fast assembly | Built-in leash and plush pad |
| Portable Travel Camping Pet Kennel, 42 inch XL | Extra-large breeds up to 90 lbs | Four doors and extra-large footprint |
| Collapsible Pop Up Kennel, 32.5 inch | Compact cars and frequent folding | Pops up and folds flat |
| 36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate | Budget-conscious buyers with large dogs | Four doors and mesh windows |
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
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: Small to medium dogs and everyday car trips
This is a practical starting point for owners of smaller and medium dogs who need a crate that is easy to lift, store and carry. Its double door layout makes it simple to load a dog from either side of a vehicle.
Key specs
- Medium size, 29.92 x 21.3 x 21.3 inches
- Collapsible soft-sided travel kennel
- Double door access
- Tan color
Pros
- Folds down for trunk or closet storage
- Double doors give flexible loading
- Assembly is generally described as quick
Cons
- Not suited to large or heavy-chewing dogs
- Soft walls offer less protection in a collision than a rigid crate
Bottom line: A sensible first choice for owners of small to medium dogs who want a simple, easy-to-store crate for car trips.
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
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 on road trips
Owners of large or medium dogs who want one crate for both home and travel will find the 36-inch footprint useful. The listing emphasizes that it works for both uses.
Key specs
- 36 x 25 x 25 inches
- Two doors
- Mesh windows
- Light grey color
Pros
- Generous interior for large dogs
- Usable at home and on trips
- Mesh panels aid airflow
Cons
- Larger footprint takes up more trunk space
- Requires a dog that will settle in a soft-sided enclosure
Bottom line: A strong option for large and medium dogs when interior room matters more than compact storage.
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
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: Easy setup
Owners who set up a crate at every hotel or campsite will appreciate the emphasis on quick folding and assembly. The built-in leash and plush pad add convenience for shorter stops.
Key specs
- 36 inch size, suited to large dogs
- Soft-sided construction
- Breathable mesh windows
- Built-in leash and plush pad
Pros
- Fast fold and setup
- Usable indoors and outdoors
- Built-in leash anchor is convenient at stops
Cons
- Plush pad may need regular washing
- Soft frame may flex under a determined chewer
Bottom line: A good pick for owners who want a large crate that goes up in minutes.
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
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
This is aimed at owners of extra-large dogs, with a listed weight capacity up to 90 pounds. The four-door layout suits people who load from several sides.
Key specs
- 42 inch size
- Four doors
- Listed for dogs up to 90 lbs
- Black color
Pros
- Room for extra-large breeds
- Four doors aid loading and access
- Designed for indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- Large footprint is hard to fit in compact cars
- Heavier to carry when folded than smaller models
Bottom line: Best suited to owners of very large dogs with an SUV, van or truck.
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
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: Compact cars and quick storage
Owners with small cars or limited storage will find the pop-up design practical. The listing notes it works for both cats and dogs, so it suits smaller pets best.
Key specs
- 32.5 x 19.5 x 19.5 inches
- Pop-up and fold-flat design
- Mesh screen windows
- Blue color
Pros
- Pops up and folds flat in seconds
- Compact when stored
- Mesh windows for airflow
Cons
- Shorter height limits larger or tall dogs
- Pop-up frames can be less stable than fixed frames
Bottom line: A fit for smaller dogs and owners who need a crate that stores in a closet or small trunk.
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
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: Budget-conscious buyers with large dogs
Shoppers who need a large crate but want to keep spending modest will find this a sensible fit. It offers the four-door access common in larger models.
Key specs
- 36 inch size for large dogs
- Four doors
- Durable mesh windows
- Beige color
Pros
- Four doors for flexible access
- Large interior for big dogs
- Collapsible for storage
Cons
- Soft walls need supervision with heavy chewers
- Less structure than a wire or hard-sided crate
Bottom line: A practical choice for large-dog owners who want room and collapsibility without a premium build.
Buying Guide
Size and fit for your dog
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail and from floor to the top of the ears while sitting. A common guideline is that the crate should let your dog stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. Our guide to Sizing a Crate for an Adult Dog covers this in more detail. Also check the listed interior dimensions, not just the outside footprint.
Good picks for this: Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch, Portable Dog Crate Soft Sided 36 Inch
Folded size and storage
Measure the trunk, back seat or closet where the crate will live. Folded dimensions matter as much as the set-up size. Pop-up designs fold flat quickly, while some frames fold into a bundle that still takes up floor space.
Good picks for this: Collapsible Pop Up Kennel 32.5 inch, Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate
Door layout and access
Two doors give you a front and side entry. Four doors let you load from several angles, which helps when space is tight. Check whether doors have zippers or latches that a dog cannot easily open.
Good picks for this: 36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate, Portable Travel Camping Pet Kennel 42 inch
Frame and build quality
Look at the frame material and how the crate locks into shape. A stable frame reduces wobble and sagging. Owners commonly report that stitching and zipper quality determine how long a soft crate lasts.
Good picks for this: Portable Travel Camping Pet Kennel 42 inch, Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch
Ventilation and comfort
Mesh windows keep air moving, which matters on long drives. Look for mesh on at least two sides. A removable or washable pad helps with hygiene and comfort on trips.
Good picks for this: Portable Dog Crate Soft Sided 36 Inch, Collapsible Pop Up Kennel
Use case: car, air or home
Car travel usually benefits from a crate that is secured with a strap or seatbelt. Air travel has its own size and approval rules, so confirm them with your airline before buying. Our guides on Travel Dog Crates: Car and Air Travel Rules and Dog Travel Crate for Car: 7 Best Picks for Safe Trips (2026) give more context.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Portable Travel Camping Pet Kennel 42 inch
Durability and care
Soft crates are easy to clean but can be damaged by heavy chewers or scratching. Check that the bottom is reinforced and that the seams are double-stitched. Manufacturers typically recommend spot cleaning and air drying, so check the care label before washing.
Good picks for this: 36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate, Portable Dog Crate Soft Sided 36 Inch
FAQ
Is a folding soft crate safe for car travel?
A soft crate can be used in a car, but it offers less protection in a sudden stop than a rigid crate. Secure it with a strap or seatbelt, and keep the dog from sitting on top of it. Consult a veterinarian or certified professional trainer if your dog is anxious in the car.
Can I use a folding travel dog crate on an airplane?
Many airlines have rules on crate size, material and approval for in-cabin or cargo travel. Check your airline’s current policy before you buy, and measure against their limits. Some soft crates meet airline sizing, but you should confirm first.
How do I know what size to buy?
Measure your dog and compare to the crate’s interior dimensions. Your dog should be able to stand, turn and lie down. Avoid oversized crates for small dogs when possible, since a large space can make housetraining harder.
How long does it take to set up a folding dog crate?
Setup times vary by model. Pop-up designs usually open in seconds, while frames with poles can take several minutes the first few times. Practice at home before a trip so your dog is not waiting while you figure out the frame.
Are soft-sided crates good for chewers?
Soft crates are generally better for calm dogs. Heavy chewers can tear mesh or seams, so a wire or hard-sided option may be more durable. Supervise your dog in any soft crate until you know how it handles chewing.
Can a folding crate double as a home crate?
Yes, many owners use the same folding crate at home and on trips. Make sure it is stable on your floor and that your dog does not push through mesh or zippers. Our guide to Soft-Sided Dog Crates: Where They Fit explains which situations suit soft models.
How should I introduce my dog to a new travel crate?
Place the crate in a familiar room with the door open and a comfortable bed inside. Offer treats and meals near or inside it, then gradually close the door for short periods. Our article Why Is Crate Training Important for Dogs? Benefits and How-To covers the basics.
Conclusion
For most owners, the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate is the simplest starting point for small to medium dogs. Large-dog owners who want room at home and on the road may prefer the 36-inch Dog Crate with two doors or the Portable Dog Crate Soft Sided with its quick setup. Extra-large breeds will need the 42-inch Lesure XL model, and those with tight storage should consider the pop-up kennel. Budget-minded buyers with large dogs can look at the four-door 36-inch collapsible crate. Measure your dog and your vehicle before you order, and check airline rules if you plan to fly.
Sources
- Consumer product safety information on pet products and general safety guidance (cpsc.gov)
- Crate training basics, sizing guidance and travel tips for dogs (akc.org)
- Veterinary guidance on safe pet transport and animal welfare during travel (avma.org)
Related reading
- 7 Best Folding Wire Dog Crates for Home and Travel (2026)
- Wire Collapsible Dog Crate: 6 Best Picks for Home and Travel (2026)
- Travel Dog Crates: Car and Air Travel Rules
- Travel Dog Crate Collapsible: 6 Best Picks for Trips in 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.
