By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Finding the right medium travel crate for dog use comes down to matching the crate to your dog’s size, how you travel and how often you’ll fold it up and carry it. A crate that fits a 35-pound dog in your hatchback may be the wrong choice for a flight, and a sturdy plastic kennel can be overkill for weekend drives. This list compares five medium options across car trips, air travel and occasional home use. Our criteria were manufacturer-listed dimensions, construction type, airline suitability where stated, ease of setup and collapse, and patterns in owner feedback about durability and ventilation. We did not test these products ourselves.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallAmazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double DoorView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for large-medium mixed useDog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate for Large or Medium DogsView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for air travelPetmate Vari Dog Kennel, 36inView on Amazon - 4
Best budget pickPetmate Sky Kennel, 28inView on Amazon - 5
Best for quick setupAmazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog CrateView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door | Car trips and everyday use | Double-door access and collapsible frame |
| Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate for Large or Medium Dogs | Dogs at the upper end of medium | Generous interior and mesh windows |
| Petmate Vari Dog Kennel, 36in | Air travel and sturdy home use | Durable plastic shell with airline-friendly design |
| Petmate Sky Kennel, 28in | Smaller medium dogs on flights | IATA-compliant construction, made in USA |
| Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate | Frequent folding and transport | Four-door access and pop-up setup |
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door
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: Car trips and everyday use with a dog who settles in an enclosed space
This soft-sided crate suits owners who want a lightweight, foldable option for road trips, hotel stays and occasional crate use at home. The double-door layout lets you load a dog from the front or side, which helps when parking space is tight.
Key specs
- Size: 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″ (per listing)
- Size class: medium
- Color: Tan
- Construction: collapsible soft-sided frame
- Access: double door
Pros
- Folds down for storage and transport
- Two doors give flexible loading
- Easy to assemble without tools
Cons
- Soft walls offer less protection in a collision or for chewers
- Not designed as a checked or airline-rated crate
Bottom line: A strong pick for owners who mainly drive and want an affordable, easy-to-store medium crate.
Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate for Large or Medium Dogs
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: Dogs at the upper end of the medium range who need extra headroom and floor space
This crate’s larger footprint suits sturdier medium dogs and owners who want room for a bed and water bowl inside. It also works for home crate training when you need a bigger enclosure.
Key specs
- Size: 36″ x 25″ x 25″ (per listing)
- Door count: 2
- Windows: durable mesh
- Color: Light Grey
- Design: portable and foldable
Pros
- Generous interior for medium-to-large dogs
- Mesh windows support airflow and visibility
- Foldable for transport
Cons
- Larger footprint takes more room in smaller cars
- Not specified as airline-approved
Bottom line: Best for owners whose medium dog is on the bigger side and who want more space than a standard medium crate provides.
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel, 36in
Airline Friendly and Made of Durable Plastic, This Pet Crate Works Great for Home and Travel Petmate Vari Dog Kennel, Carrier for Large Dogs, 36in, Taupe and Black
Best for: Air travel and sturdy home use where a hard-sided shell is preferred
A plastic kennel like this one fits owners who want rigid walls for protection and a crate that can stay in place at home. The listing describes it as airline-friendly, so it is worth checking your airline’s current rules before booking.
Key specs
- Size: 36 inches (per listing)
- Material: durable plastic
- Colors: Taupe and Black
- Type: hard-sided kennel
Pros
- Rigid shell offers more protection than soft sides
- Suitable for both home and travel use
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than soft crates
- Does not collapse for storage
Bottom line: Pick this if you fly regularly or want a durable crate that doubles as a permanent home setup.
Petmate Sky Kennel, 28in
IATA Compliant Heavy Duty Kennel Made in USA, Includes Ready to Fly Essentials Petmate Sky Kennel for Air Travel, 28in Dog Crate for Pets 15 to 30lbs
Best for: Smaller medium dogs needing an IATA-style kennel for flights
This kennel is listed for dogs in the 15 to 30 pound range and includes the essentials for air travel. It suits owners whose dog is on the lighter side of medium and who need a crate that meets common airline dimension and construction expectations.
Key specs
- Size: 28 inches (per listing)
- Dog weight range: 15 to 30 lbs (per listing)
- Standard: IATA compliant (per listing)
- Made in USA (per listing)
Pros
- Built to airline-style specifications
- Includes ready-to-fly essentials
- Sturdy construction for handling
Cons
- Limited interior room for dogs above the stated weight range
- Not designed for everyday comfort or folding storage
Bottom line: A focused choice for flying with a smaller medium dog who fits the listed weight range.
Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate
Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Other Small Animals, Pop Up with Easy Transportation, Grey, M 30" x 21" x 21"
Best for: Frequent folding, transport and quick setup
The four-door design gives access from several sides, which helps with dogs who are hesitant to enter and with cars where one side is blocked. The pop-up frame makes it practical for owners who set up and break down the crate often.
Key specs
- Size: 30″ x 21″ x 21″ (per listing)
- Size class: M
- Access: four doors
- Color: Grey
Pros
- Four doors make loading easier
- Pop-up setup without tools
- Collapses for storage
Cons
- Soft construction is less protective than hard shells
- Listing names small animals too, so check fit for your dog’s size
Bottom line: Ideal for owners who fold and move the crate frequently and want flexible access.
Buying Guide
Check the interior dimensions against your dog
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail and add a few inches for length, then measure from the floor to the top of the ears while the dog is standing for height. The crate should let your dog stand, turn and lie down without touching the top or walls. Manufacturer listings give outer dimensions, so allow for wall thickness when you compare.
Good picks for this: Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate for Large or Medium Dogs; Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door
Soft-sided versus hard-sided construction
Soft crates fold flat and weigh little, which suits car trips and storage. Hard-sided plastic kennels offer rigid walls, better protection and are more common for air travel. Owners who fly usually choose hard-sided options.
Good picks for this: Petmate Vari Dog Kennel, 36in; Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate
Airline requirements
Airlines set their own rules on kennel size, ventilation, label placement and whether the crate must be hard-sided. Check your airline’s current pet policy before you buy, because a crate that works for a car may not be accepted in the cabin or cargo hold.
Good picks for this: Petmate Sky Kennel, 28in; Petmate Vari Dog Kennel, 36in
Doors and access points
Double-door and four-door layouts let you load a dog from more than one side. This helps when space is limited in a car or when a dog is nervous about entering through a single opening. Check that latches are secure and that doors do not sag when closed.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate; Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door
Ventilation and visibility
Mesh windows or ventilation panels help air circulate and let your dog see out, which can reduce stress during travel. Solid walls can feel more den-like for some dogs but limit airflow in warm vehicles. Keep the crate out of direct sun and never leave a dog unattended in a hot car.
Good picks for this: Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate for Large or Medium Dogs; Petmate Sky Kennel, 28in
Ease of setup, folding and storage
If you need to fold the crate for storage, check the number of steps and whether it collapses flat. Owners often report that pop-up frames save time but that soft crates can be harder to reshape after repeated folding. Consider how much room you have at home and in your vehicle.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate; Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door
Durability and cleaning
Plastic shells are generally easier to wipe clean and hold up well to scratching, while soft crates need more care and may need the fabric or liner washed. Check whether the floor is removable or washable. For chewers, a hard-sided crate usually offers more long-term resistance.
Good picks for this: Petmate Vari Dog Kennel, 36in; Petmate Sky Kennel, 28in
FAQ
What size medium travel crate for dog do I need?
Choose a crate where your dog can stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. Measure your dog’s length and standing height, then add a few inches of clearance. Check the interior measurements in the listing rather than relying on the size class alone.
Can I use a soft crate on an airplane?
Many airlines require hard-sided kennels for flights, especially in cargo. Check your airline’s policy before you book, since rules differ by carrier and by whether your dog travels in the cabin or as checked baggage.
How do I acclimate my dog to a travel crate?
Introduce the crate gradually with treats, meals and short sessions with the door open. Build up to longer periods with the door closed. A dog that is comfortable in the crate at home is usually less stressed when traveling. For a full routine, see our guide on Why Is Crate Training Important for Dogs? Benefits and How-To.
Is a collapsible crate safe for car travel?
Soft collapsible crates are widely used for car travel, but they offer less impact protection than hard shells. Secure the crate with a seatbelt or cargo strap so it cannot slide. If you are choosing between styles for road trips, our overview of Dog Travel Crate for Car: 7 Best Picks for Safe Trips (2026) covers car-specific options.
Should I put bedding in a travel crate?
A thin, washable pad is usually enough. Thick bedding can overheat a dog in a warm car and may be chewed. Remove any loose items that could be swallowed.
How often should I clean a travel crate?
Wipe down the interior after each trip and wash removable liners or pads regularly. Plastic shells can be cleaned with pet-safe disinfectant, rinsed well and dried before reuse. Soft crates should be spot-cleaned or washed according to the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Can a medium crate work for home use too?
Yes. Many medium travel crates double as home crates for sleeping and short absences. For home-only setups with larger crates, see Wire Dog Crates: Home Use and Limits.
Conclusion
For most car-based owners, the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate offers easy storage and flexible access. Owners with a larger medium dog may prefer the 36-inch Dog Crate for more interior room. If you fly, a hard-sided option such as the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel or the Petmate Sky Kennel is a safer starting point, with the Sky Kennel suited to smaller medium dogs in the listed weight range. For frequent folding and transport, the Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate is a practical choice. Always check the interior size against your dog and your airline’s current rules before buying.
Sources
- Guidance on animal-related health and safety while traveling (cdc.gov)
- Veterinary guidance on pet transport and animal welfare (avma.org)
- Crate size, training and travel tips for dog owners (akc.org)
Related reading
- 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.
