What Are the Best Soft Dog Crates?

Best Seller
Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier
10/10Our Score

  • Designed with a safety-first approach
  • Meets most airlines’ requirements for carry-on pet travel
  • Includes a detachable cross-body strap, D-ring clip for your keys, and collar tether clip

Are Soft Crates Good for Dogs?

Yes, the soft dog crate is good.

Soft crates are great because they allow dogs to have an area of their own. They are also very easy to take with, as they can fit into most vehicles and aren’t too heavy to carry around.

The main difference between the soft dog crate and the hard-sided dog crate is that the former has no fixed sides or top. Instead, it consists of a fabric cover with a zipper at one end and a soft pad on the bottom. When it’s time for your dog to rest, you simply pull the cover over it like a blanket, then zip it shut.

The main benefit of soft crates is their versatility. You can use them indoors or out, and they’re great for traveling with your pup. Some brands also offer accessories like crate mats, beds, and tents. Plus, they come in all sizes, shapes, and colors.

Are Soft Crates OK for Puppies?

Yes, the soft dog crate is okay for puppies. There are many water-resistant soft crates that are easy to clean in case the puppy has an accident while inside the crate. They can also be used as playpens and, because of the soft sides, are very comfortable.

The Best Soft Dog Crates Reviewed

To help you find the right soft dog crate on the market, we have reviewed several best-sellers. They are safe, affordable, and readily available on Amazon and Chewy.

Diggs Passenger Travel Dog Carrier

Price: $225

Color: Charcoal, Navy, Slate, Blush

Material: Polyester

Item Dimension: External Dimensions: 20L x 10.8W x 11.5H, Internal Dimensions: 18L x 10W x 10.75H

Pet: Dog and Cat.

Lifestage: Small breed cat and dog

Style: Indoor and Outdoor

Door: Two openings

Recommended Uses: The Diggs dog carrier is a great option for anyone who wants to take their pet with them on an airplane. The carrier meets most airline requirements for use in-cabin, so you can be sure that your dog will be safe and secure during the flight.

Assembly Required: No

Insulated: No

Collapsible: Yes

Foldable: Yes

Summary: The Diggs brand is one of the most trusted names in the industry, so you know you can count on the product to do what it says it will do: keep your dog safe. The Diggs carrier is designed to be lightweight and made of durable deluxe materials. 

This soft-sided carrier has been tested and approved by most airlines, meaning it has passed safety standards and regulations the federal government sets. It can hold up to 18 pounds. It has a removable pad that can be washed whenever needed. 

Pros
  • Handle for easy carrying
  • Approved by airlines
  • Comes with an easy-to-clean dog bed and pee pad
  • Lightweight but strong enough to withstand any bumps
  • Plenty of ventilation to make your dog comfortable
Cons
  • It does not come with wheels

Customer Reviews: Rated 4.8 stars out of 5, this soft dog crate is highly rated by users. Dog parents say it’s easy to use and keeps their pup secure while driving, and they appreciate how their dogs can see out of the window while riding in the car.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at Veterinarians.org is giving Diggs Passenger Travel Dog Carrier an overall 10/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10): This soft dog crate is designed specifically for small dogs. The carrier can also be used to transport cats, but it is recommended that you use a cat carrier instead.
  • Material Quality (10/10): The soft dog crate uses a high-quality polyester fabric that is water-resistant and breathable. This material is tough and durable, meaning you can use it for years. The inside of the carrier is lined with soft fleece that helps keep your pet comfortable. The fabric is also scratch-resistant.
  • Cost Effectiveness (10/10): The cost-effectiveness of this product is great. It is priced at $225, which is affordable for most people.
  • Customer Feedback (10/10): Most buyers have been extremely happy with the purchase, and the dog carrier has received many positive reviews.
  • Care and Cleanability (10/10): This soft dog crate is machine washable and dryer safe, so it can be cleaned in a pinch. Plus, it has a removable pee pad that makes cleaning up after your pet easier.
  • Product Variety (8/10): The soft dog crate is available in several colors, which makes it easy to find one that matches your personal style. However, it comes in only one size.
Amazon-Basics-portable-Folding-Soft-Dog-Travel-Crate-Kennel

Price: $73.99

Color: Tan

Material: Polyester

Item Dimension: 36″L x 24″W x 24″H

Pet: Dogs

Lifestage: Small and medium-sized dog

Style: Indoor and Outdoor

Door: Two Doors

Recommended Uses: This double-door crate is recommended for use by pet owners who need to travel with their dogs, cats, or other small animals. It can be used as a training crate or as a den for your pet when it’s not in use.

Assembly Required: Yes

Insulated: No 

Collapsible: Yes

Foldable: Yes

Summary: The Amazon Basics brand has been around for several years, and its products are consistently very well-reviewed by customers. The Amazon Basics 2-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Folding Travel Crate is designed to fit in the backseat of your car or trunk, so it’s an excellent option for pet owners who want to take their dogs with them on trips. 

The soft-sided design makes this travel crate easy to fold and store when not in use. It also makes for easy cleaning — just pop this collapsible dog kennel into your washing machine when needed. The two mesh doors allow you to open both sides at once. 

Pros
  • Lightweight and folds easily for storage or transport
  • Durable enough for everyday use
  • Easy to setup and clean
  • Mesh windows and front door for optimal ventilation
  • Suitable for large breed dogs
Cons
  • No top handle

Customer Reviews: With over 10,000 positive reviews on Amazon, many dog parents like this pet kennel. One customer says that he found this crate suitable for his 16-pound dog because she can easily climb in and out without getting stuck. Another says the secure zipper closures are more durable than Velcro, and he does worry about his pet escaping the crate when locked in.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at Veterinarians.org  is giving Amazon Basics 2-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Folding Travel Crate an overall 8/10-star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10): This soft dog crate is great for small pets, from dogs to cats and even rabbits. The crate comes with secure zipper closures on the door that can be easily opened and closed with one hand, making it easy to access your pet.
  • Material Quality (10/10): This foldable dog crate is made of sturdy polyester, making it an excellent option for dogs prone to chewing and scratching at the sides of their crate.
  • Cost Effectiveness (9/10): The price range for this crate is under $80, which is cheaper than most other travel crates on the market.
  • Customer Feedback (8/10): Customers who have purchased this soft dog crate are pleased. They have stated that this crate is easy to carry and store, durable, and well-made. They also like that it comes with a removable bottom tray and two doors, making it easy to access the pet inside.
  • Care and Cleanability (9/10): This dog crate is machine washable and easy to clean. It also has a removable bottom tray for easy cleaning.
  • Product Variety (8/10): The soft dog crate comes in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that fits your pet’s needs.
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate

Price: $118.99

Color: Beige, Black, Blue Gray, Brown, Brown+Beige, Camo, Gray, Green, Khaki, Marron, Navy blue, Navy Blue+Grey, Purple, Red+Beige, Royal Blue, Sage Green

Material: Alloy Steel, 600D fabric, and Hex mesh fabric

Item Dimension: 42 x 28 x 32 inches

Pet: Dogs

Lifestage: All life stages

Style: Indoor and Outdoor

Door: Three Doors

Recommended Uses: This dog crate is designed for travel, so it’s a good choice if you want to take your pooch along on a trip.

Assembly Required: Yes

Insulated: No 

Collapsible: Yes

Foldable: Yes

Summary: The EliteField brand is a little bit newer to the dog crate market, but they have been making some great products for a long time. The EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate is one of their newer products that has received much positive customer feedback.

It is made with a heavy-duty 600D fabric that is both soft and durable. The crate has three doors and the bottom is padded with foam so that it won’t hurt your dog when they lay down on it. The mesh windows can be completely rolled upward. 

Pros
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Easy to set up and fold away
  • Can be used as a travel crate or in the house
  • Comes with a carrying bag for easy transport or storage
  • Very sturdy frame
Cons
  • Not good for escape artists

Customer Reviews: This is one of the best-selling soft dog crates on the market for several reasons. Dog parents love it because it’s easy to assemble, lightweight, and foldable so that it can be stored away. The soft dog crate also has a steel-reinforced frame that’s durable.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at Veterinarians.org is giving EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate an overall 9/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (9/10): With its three doors and collapsible frame, this crate is perfect for dogs of all sizes. The crate also allows excellent ventilation. 
  • Raw Material Quality (8/10): The soft dog crate is made from a durable polyester fabric that is resistant to water and dirt stains and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge. The steel hardware is made from rust-resistant zinc alloy. 
  • Cost Effectiveness (8/10): At $118.99, this soft dog crate is an excellent value for the price. It also comes with a 2-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with your purchase, so you have nothing to lose.
  • Customer Feedback (9/10): This crate has received high ratings. Customers have stated that it is easy to fold and unfold and lightweight, easy to carry, and store.
  • Care and Cleanability (8/10): The soft dog crate is easy to clean – just wipe down the outside with a damp cloth and use a mild detergent when cleaning the removable tray.
  • Product Variety (10/10): The soft dog crate comes in a variety of sizes and in different colors and designs, so you can find something that fits your unique style.
AmazonBasics Premium Folding Portable Soft Pet Crate

Price: $36.34

Color: Black

Material: PVC, Polyester

Item Dimension: 26.2 x 17.8 x 18.1 inches

Pet: Dogs

Lifestage: All life stages

Style: Indoor and Outdoor

Door: Two Doors

Recommended Uses: This portable soft dog crate is ideal for people who travel with their pets or need a temporary containment solution while away from home (think vacations). It’s also a good option for training, as there are no latches or locks that your pet can accidentally open.

Assembly Required: Yes

Insulated: Yes

Collapsible: Yes

Foldable: Yes

Summary: The Amazon Basics brand is known for its affordable products and this crate is no exception. In fact, this crate is probably the least expensive soft-sided pet carrier on the market today. The premium folding pet crate is made of high-quality polyester fabric with reinforced stitching and includes a soft carrying handle.

The foldable design makes it easy to transport, while the mesh panels on all sides allow for plenty of ventilation. The top and bottom are made with a sturdy PVC frame, which can be folded down when needed. The floor is made with a waterproof material that keeps your pup clean and dry during travel.

Pros
  • Soft fabric that’s easy to clean
  • Folds flat for easy storage
  • Durable polyester and PVC that can stand up to wear and tear
  • Easy to set up and take down
  • Top handle and shoulder strap for easy carry
Cons
  • Available in only one size

Customer Reviews: With 4.5 out of 5 stars based on Amazon reviews, this soft dog crate is an excellent product. Dog owners say the product is sturdy, and their dogs do not mind spending time inside. They also say it is easy to clean.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at Veterinarians.org  is giving Amazon Basics Premium Folding Portable Soft Pet Crate an overall 8/10-star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (9/10): The soft dog crate is suitable for dogs, as well as cats, rabbits, ferrets, and other small pets. The dimensions also make it perfect for traveling with your pet by car or plane.
  • Material Quality (8/10): This high-quality, durable soft dog crate will withstand all the wear and tear your pet can dish out. The material is sturdy and thick enough to provide maximum support yet flexible enough for your pet to move around comfortably inside.
  • Cost Effectiveness (10/10): This soft dog crate comes in at only $36.34, which makes it one of the most affordable crates on the market today.
  • Customer Feedback (9/10): The soft dog crate has received great reviews from customers on the online retail giant. Most customers have praised the product for its affordability, durability, and ability to keep their pets contained when traveling.
  • Care and Cleanability (8/10): The soft dog crate is easy to clean, with a removable bed that can be hand washed for those messier accidents. The mesh fabric can be cleaned with soap, water, or a pet stain remover.
  • Product Variety (7/10): The manufacturer does not offer this soft dog crate in multiple sizes or colors. However, it is still a good choice for pet owners looking for a portable soft dog crate that can fit most cars and travel well.
Lesure Soft Collapsible Dog Crate with Durable Mesh Windows

Price: $45.99

Color: Light Grey and Charcoal Grey

Material: PVC

Item Dimension: 15.79 x 13.98 x 5.75 inches

Pet: Dog

Lifestage: All life stages

Style: Indoor and Outdoor

Door: Four zippered doors

Recommended Uses: This pet home is perfect for those who want to keep their pets in one area without worrying about destroying furniture or other household items. It’s also ideal for those who travel with their pets often, as it can be easily folded and stored in the trunk of your car.

Assembly Required: Yes

Insulated: N/A

Collapsible: Yes

Foldable: Yes

Summary: The LE SURE pet brand is the premier provider of innovative products for the pet industry. This crate with durable mesh windows is a good choice for your dog. It is a high-quality soft dog crate that has many features and benefits. It is collapsible and easy to set up and fold down.

The mesh windows allow the pet to see what’s happening outside the crate while keeping them safe inside the crate. It also features a removable soft quilted mattress that can be washed in the washing machine when needed. 

Pros
  • Durable mesh windows let air flow through the crate
  • Collapsible and lightweight
  • Removable top cover for easy cleaning
  • Large door opening for easy access
  • No metal bars or sharp edges that can hurt your dog
Cons
  • It does not come with a divider panel

Customer Reviews: This soft dog crate scores 4.4 out of 5 stars based on Amazon customers. They say their pets love the product and are happy with how easy it is to use it. They also mention that the crate folds easily and is space-friendly.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at Veterinarians.org  is giving Lesure Soft Collapsible Dog Crate with Durable Mesh Windows an overall 8/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (9/10): The size of this crate is perfect for small, medium, and x-large-sized dogs. The sizes make it an ideal choice for pet parents with multiple breeds or dogs in their homes.
  • Material Quality (8/10): The materials used in this soft dog crate are high quality. The mesh material is thick and doesn’t tear easily like some other crates we have tested. The PVC frames are strong enough to hold up to an average-sized dog.
  • Cost Effectiveness (8/10): We were impressed with the cost-effectiveness of this soft dog crate, especially when compared to other options on the market. Its $45.99 price tag makes it one of the least expensive soft crates on the market today.
  • Customer Feedback (8/10): Customers have given positive reviews about this soft dog crate as they were happy with its quality. They said their dogs loved sleeping inside the crate.
  • Care and Cleanability (8/10): This soft dog crate features an easy-to-clean surface that allows you to wipe down any messes quickly and easily. The material resists stains and odors better than other crates.
  • Product Variety (8/10): The soft dog crate comes in various sizes and colors to fit your particular needs.
AmazonBasics Premium Folding Portable Soft Pet Crate - 36‘

Price: $93.70

Color: Blue

Material: PVC and Polyester

Item Dimension: 36 x 23.4 x 24 inches

Pet: Dogs

Lifestage: Medium-sized breeds

Style: Indoor and Outdoor

Door: Three doors

Recommended Uses: The Amazon Basics Premium Folding Portable Soft Pet Crate is a great choice for crate training your dog or cat. It’s also ideal for transporting your pet in the car or airplane.

Assembly Required: Yes

Insulated: Yes

Collapsible: Yes

Foldable: Yes

Summary: The Amazon Basics brand is one of the most popular and trusted names in online retail. This collapsible dog crate is exactly what it sounds like: a portable kennel that can be folded up and stored away when not needed.

In addition, the polyester fabric is durable enough to withstand years of use and machine washable for easy care. The crate comes with a removable fleece pad that can be washed separately from the rest of the crate itself. 

Pros
  • Sturdy enough for a small dog or cat
  • Folds flat into a carrying case for easy storage
  • Lightweight and easy to carry around
  • Mesh windows for fresh air
  • Made in the U.S.A
Cons
  • Only one color and size

Customer Reviews: The Amazon Basics Folding Soft Pet Crate has over 700 positive reviews on Amazon. Reviewers say it’s great for travel and for dogs who need to be confined but don’t like being locked up in a traditional metal crate. They also love how easy it is to set up and fold down for storage or travel and how lightweight the product is when folded flat.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at Veterinarians.org is giving Amazon Basics Premium Folding Portable Soft Pet Crate an overall 8/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (9/10): The soft dog crate is one of our favorite options for those who need a portable dog carrier or cat carrier that’s lightweight but still comfortable enough for pets to lay down in without feeling cramped.
  • Material Quality (8/10): The material used for this product is very strong and durable. It is made from heavy-duty polyester and PVC, which can withstand a lot of wear and tear. The zippers are also thick and sturdy enough to last many years without breaking or coming off track.
  • Cost Effectiveness (8/10): The price of this soft dog crate is very reasonable. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but it is worthy.
  • Customer Feedback (8/10): This product’s most common positive review is that it is excellent value for money and a good quality product. Customers also found the soft dog crate easy to use and were happy with its size.
  • Care and Cleanability (8/10): This soft dog crate can be washed in cold water with mild soap or detergent and hung to dry. You can also use a vacuum with the hose attachment to clean out any messes that might occur while traveling or during potty training.
  • Product Variety (7/10): This product has no size options for purchase. However, the size is adequate for most small animals, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
X-ZONE PET 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate

Price: $77.79

Color: Carbon Black and Rice White

Material: Alloy Steel

Item Dimension: 33 x 24.4 x 3.5 inches

Pet: Dogs

Lifestage: All life stages

Style: Indoor and Outdoor

Door: Three doors

Recommended Uses: This sturdy, well-made crate is ideal for use at home or on the road. In addition to being a perfect solution for transporting your pet in the car, it also makes a great place for your dog to sleep when you’re at home.

Assembly Required: Yes

Insulated: N/A

Collapsible: Yes

Foldable: Yes

Summary: The X-ZONE PET company believes that the health and happiness of pets should be a priority. Its folding soft dog crate is an excellent choice for those looking for a sturdy and reliable soft dog crate. It is made from durable 600D fabric and has locking zippers on each door. 

The X-ZONE PET 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate is easy to set up and easy to fold down when not in use, making it an excellent choice for traveling or home use. This soft dog crate comes with a removable fleece mat that helps keep your floors clean and dry during accidents and your pet comfortable during long trips. 

Pros
  • Folds flat for travel and storage
  • Three doors for accessibility and convenience
  • Four attached safety seat belts for easy transport
  • Easy to set up and take down
  • Durable, reinforced steel frame
Cons
  • Might be too large for small apartments or homes

Customer Reviews: Rated 4.5 stars out of 5, dog parents love this product. They say it’s easy to put together and take apart again, making it great for traveling or storage purposes. Consumers also love how lightweight this product is compared to other similar products on the market today that can be quite heavy and difficult to move around once assembled.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at Veterinarians.org is giving X-ZONE PET 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate an overall 8/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (9/10): This dog house is an excellent fit for any dog owner looking for a soft crate that can be used as a playpen and travel crate. The product has been designed with comfort in mind, which is evident by the fact that it features mesh windows on all four sides of the crate.
  • Raw Material Quality (8/10): The materials used in manufacturing the soft dog crate are of good quality, made from durable alloy steel tubing. The softness of the crate is also a plus point, as it makes it comfortable for your dog to sleep in.
  • Cost Effectiveness (8/10): The soft dog crate is very reasonably priced and can be found on Amazon for $77.79. For the price, you get a high-quality product that will last you for years.
  • Customer Feedback (9/10): Feedback on this item has been overwhelmingly positive, with many users posting pictures of their dogs enjoying their new crate. Most purchasers have praised the product for being sturdy, durable, and easy to set up.
  • Care and Cleanability (8/10): The soft dog crate is made of high-quality soft fabric that is easy to clean and maintain. All you need to do is wipe it down using a damp cloth or machine wash it in cold water with mild detergent. It also comes with a removable fleece bed for easy cleaning.
  • Product Variety (8/10): This soft dog crate comes in four different sizes and two colors, which makes it very easy to find a crate that fits your needs.

What Should I Look for in a Soft Dog Crate?

There are so many soft dog crates on the market today, and it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. The best way to decide what crate is right for you is to know what to look for in a soft dog crate. Here are some things to consider

  • Safety: Your dog’s safety should be a top priority when picking a soft dog crate. Look for one that has mesh on all sides, including the top and bottom. The mesh should be thick enough so your dog cannot bite through it to escape from the crate. You also want to make sure there are no sharp edges or other hazards that could injure your pet if they were to chew on them.
  • Size: You should always choose a size that will fit your pet comfortably but not too big so they can easily escape it. Also, the size of the crate should be proportional to the size of your dog, don’t get one that is too small for him because he will feel cramped inside and not want to stay there!
  • Durability: You want a crate that is going to last. You don’t want something flimsy and fragile that will fall apart after just a few uses. The best soft dog crates are made of strong materials like nylon, canvas, or polyester. If you have an especially rambunctious pup, then you may want to go for something thicker and more durable.
  • Ease of Set-Up and Take-Down: Some soft crates can be set up quickly, but others require more time and effort. The same goes for taking them down — some are easy, while others may take longer than expected. You want something easy enough to use without having to strain yourself or your pet while setting it up or taking it down.
  • Portability: If you need to travel with your dog often or if you’re planning on going camping, portability is an important factor when choosing a soft dog crate. Look for a lightweight model that folds up easily and takes up little room in the car or RV when traveling with your pet.
  • Additional Features: Some soft dog crate models have additional features such as mesh fabric windows, added doors, locking mechanisms on the zippers, pockets for pet items, removable pads, or even inner padding for extra comfort.

Can I Use a Soft Pet Carrier as a Crate?

Yes, you can use a soft pet carrier as a crate. It’s not ideal, but it will work in a pinch.

Soft pet carriers are great for traveling with your pup or kitty. They are easy to carry and come in all shapes and sizes.

Therefore, pet owners may choose to use soft carriers as doggie crates. The problem is that most soft carriers aren’t designed for this purpose, so it can be difficult to house-train your puppy when using one as a crate.