The soft crate is an essential accessory for many dog owners. It makes travel and potty training easier, and bedtime more comfortable. But not all dog crates are created equal. You will need to consider size, material, and design, but also optional features such as the fabric’s water resistance and expandable panels.
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Nia Perkins
Veterinarian, DVM
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Nia Perkins
Veterinarian, DVM
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
To help you find the rare gem that will please your pooch as much as your wallet, we’ve reviewed the options available on the market and compiled a list of the best choices based on price, material, portability, design, and extra features.
Check out our top pick of the best soft dog crates of this year below!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (Updated in 2023)
The 9 Best Soft Dog Crates
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Dimensions: 41.9 x 30.9 x 30.7 inches
Breed size: All sizes
Features: Top load, collapsible, carry handle, 2-door
Material: Polyester, PVC
This soft dog crate is not perfect, however: the zippers are less durable, and the fabric of the mesh panels will not withstand the repeated onslaught of the sharp teeth and claws of an overly vigorous pup.
Pros
Comes in 5 colors and 4 sizes
Includes comfy fleece pad, accessory pockets, handle, and strap
Reasonably priced
Multiple screened panels for extra ventilation
Very easy to assemble
Cons
Zippers are less durable
Hand wash only
Frisco Indoor & Outdoor Soft-Sided Dog Crate is a very affordable option if you have a small or medium dog that is not too rowdy. Although the mesh paneling and the three doors offer good ventilation and easy entry and exit, the fabric is not as resistant as the manufacturer claims.
Comes in 5 colors and 4 sizes
Includes comfy fleece pad, accessory pockets, handle, and strap
Reasonably priced
Multiple screened panels for extra ventilation
Very easy to assemble
- Comes in 5 colors and 4 sizes
- Includes comfy fleece pad, accessory pockets, handle, and strap
- Reasonably priced
- Multiple screened panels for extra ventilation
- Very easy to assemble
Zippers are less durable
Hand wash only
- Zippers are less durable
- Hand wash only
Dimensions: 36 x 24 x 24 inches
Breed size: Small and medium breeds
Features: Top load, collapsible, carry handle, 3-door
Material: Mesh, steel
Check Price on Chewy
Indeed, an agitated, anxious, or clever dog can manage to escape, either by chewing the fabric or by sliding the zippers with his paw. But if you spend time getting them acclimated to the new crate, they will hopefully start to feel more comfortable. You can then bring your pooch camping or to a hotel with this versatile option without worrying that they will constantly escape.
Pros
Access through three doors
Lightweight and easy-to-fold design
Great for camping and quick road trips
Budget-friendly
Cons
Mesh fabric is not as durable as other more expensive options
Not designed to resist chewing or scratching
Not suitable for large, rambunctious dogs
The EliteField Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate is pricey, but roomy, well-made, and versatile. It comes with a range of practical accessories, such as curtains, straps, a transport bag, and a fleece pad. This makes it a terrific option for dog owners who enjoy traveling with their pets. And unlike most crates, this one comes with four zippered doors to give your dog multiple in and out options. This crate also provides all the visibility and ventilation needed.
Access through three doors
Lightweight and easy-to-fold design
Great for camping and quick road trips
Budget-friendly
- Access through three doors
- Lightweight and easy-to-fold design
- Great for camping and quick road trips
- Budget-friendly
Mesh fabric is not as durable as other more expensive options
Not designed to resist chewing or scratching
Not suitable for large, rambunctious dogs
- Mesh fabric is not as durable as other more expensive options
- Not designed to resist chewing or scratching
- Not suitable for large, rambunctious dogs
Dimensions: 42 x 28 x 32 inches
Breed size: All sizes
Features: Top load, collapsible, carry handle, carry bag, water-resistant
Material: Nylon, mesh
But there is one big downside: the door zippers are very easy to move, even for a dog’s paw. Thus, it could become a real nuisance when you’re trying to house train your pup who might attempt to get out of the crate whenever they want!
Pros
Includes straps for easy travel
Comes in 5 sizes
Spacious design
Includes curtains, carrying case, and fleece bed
Easy access through four doors
Cons
Smart dogs will quickly figure out how to escape
Expensive and heavy
The Firstrax Noz2Noz Sof-Krate is available in different sizes to fit most breeds. This easy-to-carry soft crate assembles in seconds and provides a cozy and comfortable place for your pooch. The steel frame is very sturdy, and the reinforced, rounded corners protect your vehicle’s interior. Plus, the mesh windows allow for maximum airflow. The base is water-resistant and machine washable, but this soft crate is not waterproof.
Includes straps for easy travel
Comes in 5 sizes
Spacious design
Includes curtains, carrying case, and fleece bed
Easy access through four doors
- Includes straps for easy travel
- Comes in 5 sizes
- Spacious design
- Includes curtains, carrying case, and fleece bed
- Easy access through four doors
Smart dogs will quickly figure out how to escape
Expensive and heavy
- Smart dogs will quickly figure out how to escape
- Expensive and heavy
Dimensions: 42 x 28 x 32 inches
Breed size: All sizes
Features: Top load, collapsible, 3-door
Material: Mesh, steel
Noz2Noz Sof-Krate also includes a mesh front, side doors, and a top entrance. We were pleased to find zippers on the front and side access doors, but the zippers seem poorly designed and tend to break easily. Also, it doesn’t include an outer travel case, which makes it susceptible to damage during travel.
Pros
Good ventilation through top, front, and side entry doors
Strong steel frame with locking mechanism
Washable
Water-resistant base
Cons
Doesn’t include a travel case
Not recommended for crate training
Not waterproof
Pricey
- DogGoods Do Good Foldable Travel Dog Crate
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Dimensions: 48 x 33 x 33 inches
Breed size: Large and giant breeds
Features: Collapsible, seat belt loop
Material: Canvas, coated metal
If your pup weighs over 35 pounds, the DogGoods Do Good Foldable Travel Crate won’t let you down. This soft-sided crate folds up easily and has a modern design, sturdy iron frame, and two doors. In addition, it is lightweight and has washable and water-resistant padding. The downside is, it is not indestructible so it may not withstand chewers. It also has a steep price.
Good ventilation through top, front, and side entry doors
Strong steel frame with locking mechanism
Washable
Water-resistant base
- Good ventilation through top, front, and side entry doors
- Strong steel frame with locking mechanism
- Washable
- Water-resistant base
Doesn’t include a travel case
Not recommended for crate training
Not waterproof
Pricey
- Doesn’t include a travel case
- Not recommended for crate training
- Not waterproof
- Pricey
Dimensions: 48 x 33 x 33 inches
Breed size: Large and giant breeds
Features: Collapsible, seat belt loop
Material: Canvas, coated metal
Pros
Spacious and modern design
Super easy to set-up
Durable and well-made
Includes roll-down blackout shades for stressed doggies
Cons
Pricey
Not recommended for high-anxiety, chewer dogs
Petnation Port-a-Crate is also made by Firstrax, so you know you are buying from a good, reputable brand. This soft crate is reasonably priced and contains a front door and a top entrance. The mesh side windows are pretty small, so this might not be the best option if your pup likes to check out his surroundings. But it may be a good choice for anxious doggies, as they won’t be able to tell when you’re taking them to the vet!
Spacious and modern design
Super easy to set-up
Durable and well-made
Includes roll-down blackout shades for stressed doggies
- Spacious and modern design
- Super easy to set-up
- Durable and well-made
- Includes roll-down blackout shades for stressed doggies
Pricey
Not recommended for high-anxiety, chewer dogs
- Pricey
- Not recommended for high-anxiety, chewer dogs
Dimensions: 36 x 25 x 25 inches
Breed size: Large and medium breeds
Features: Top load, collapsible, double door
Material: Mesh, steel
This crate also features rounded corners, a sturdy steel frame, and a front door with a locking mechanism. However, just like the Noz2Noz Sof-Krate, the zippers may let you down. But overall, this easy-to-set-up crate is great for quick road trips. Keep in mind, this crate may only be suitable for fully potty-trained dogs because the soft bottom will retain the smell of urine.
Pros
Great design and sturdy frame
Easy to put up and down
Folds up and buckles so you store it in small places
Cons
Only suitable for fully potty-trained dogs
Windows are quite small
Zippers are poorly designed
The Jespet 3-Door soft dog crate has three entrance doors for easy access to your dog, which also gives him good ventilation. It is made of strong steel tubing while the cover is washable and made of mesh fabric. It also includes a fleece bed and adjustable shoulder straps for added comfort and convenience. All of these characteristics are similar to those of its competitors.
Great design and sturdy frame
Easy to put up and down
Folds up and buckles so you store it in small places
- Great design and sturdy frame
- Easy to put up and down
- Folds up and buckles so you store it in small places
Only suitable for fully potty-trained dogs
Windows are quite small
Zippers are poorly designed
- Only suitable for fully potty-trained dogs
- Windows are quite small
- Zippers are poorly designed
Dimensions: 30 x 23 x 21 inches
Breed size: Medium breeds
Features: Top load, collapsible, carry handle, 3-door
Material: Polyester
On the other hand, the mesh fabric seems less resistant to the claws and teeth of anxious doggies who want to escape from their crate. The zippers may also break easily, and this crate doesn’t come with a buckle to attach to a seat belt. These drawbacks make the Jespet a slightly less appealing option for dog owners who travel frequently, or for puppies that chew on everything in their path.
Pros
Great design for a non-chewing dog
Comes with a fleece bed and straps for extra comfort and easy transport
Easy access with three entrance doors
Cons
Zippers are poorly designed and break easily
Mesh is not very resistant to dogs’ claws
Does not have a buckle to attach to a seat belt
- Go Pet Club Soft-Sided Dog Crate
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Dimensions: 38 x 28 x 34 inches
Breed size: All sizes
Features: Collapsible, carry handle, carry bag
Material: Fleece, polyester
The Go Pet Club Soft-Sided Dog Crate isn’t the sleekest design, but it gets the job done with dogs that aren’t too energetic. One of the most common complaints is that a destructive or determined dog may be able to force its way out of this crate. In addition, the frame is made of PVC and not steel, which makes it less durable. It can be folded up to two inches, which makes transport super easy and convenient. In short, this option is ideal if your less active pup wants to take a little snooze on the soft fleece pad. It’s included!
Great design for a non-chewing dog
Comes with a fleece bed and straps for extra comfort and easy transport
Easy access with three entrance doors
- Great design for a non-chewing dog
- Comes with a fleece bed and straps for extra comfort and easy transport
- Easy access with three entrance doors
Zippers are poorly designed and break easily
Mesh is not very resistant to dogs’ claws
Does not have a buckle to attach to a seat belt
- Zippers are poorly designed and break easily
- Mesh is not very resistant to dogs’ claws
- Does not have a buckle to attach to a seat belt
Dimensions: 38 x 28 x 34 inches
Breed size: All sizes
Features: Collapsible, carry handle, carry bag
Material: Fleece, polyester
Pros
Includes a fleece pad and carrying case
Folds down to a compact 2 inches
Cons
Not strong enough for high energy dogs
Only one entrance
Less attractive design
- Etna Pop-Open Soft-Sided Dog Crate
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Dimensions: 33.5 x 19 x 19 inches
Breed size: Medium breeds
Features: Collapsible, water-resistant
Material: Polyester
The Etna Pop-Open Soft-Sided Dog Crate is roomy enough for small to medium-sized dogs to fit comfortably. It has mesh panels on three sides but only one door and no entrance on the top. This can make it a less convenient option when you want to put your pooch in it. The rather simple design of this crate, and the fact that it doesn’t come with other accessories, may explain its low price.
Includes a fleece pad and carrying case
Folds down to a compact 2 inches
- Includes a fleece pad and carrying case
- Folds down to a compact 2 inches
Not strong enough for high energy dogs
Only one entrance
Less attractive design
- Not strong enough for high energy dogs
- Only one entrance
- Less attractive design
Dimensions: 33.5 x 19 x 19 inches
Breed size: Medium breeds
Features: Collapsible, water-resistant
Material: Polyester
It is well suited for short outings, but not so much for long car trips or frequent transport.
Pros
Simple but cute design
Ideal for calm dogs and for short outings
Three mesh panels for good ventilation
Cons
No additional accessories included
Only one entrance
Not sturdy enough to withstand destructive dogs or energetic puppies
Simple but cute design
Ideal for calm dogs and for short outings
Three mesh panels for good ventilation
- Simple but cute design
- Ideal for calm dogs and for short outings
- Three mesh panels for good ventilation
No additional accessories included
Only one entrance
Not sturdy enough to withstand destructive dogs or energetic puppies
- No additional accessories included
- Only one entrance
- Not sturdy enough to withstand destructive dogs or energetic puppies
Choosing the Right Soft Dog Crate
What to Look for in a Soft Dog Crate?
Before getting a soft dog crate, you should ask yourself a few questions. This approach will allow you to better define your needs and those of your pup, and ultimately set a coherent budget. It’s also a good way to limit the risk of being disappointed by a product that is not really suitable for your dog. The questions below are good ones to ask yourself before you make a decision on a crate.
How Big Is Your Dog? How Does He Behave?
The size and temperament of your dog are obviously key parameters. They play a fundamental role in the choice of the soft crate. Weighing and measuring your pet correctly will ensure that the crate will be the right size, and won’t restrict their movement. As a rough guide, your pup should be able to lay down, sit up, turn around easily, and stand up comfortably (especially if you’re looking for a soft dog crate for your home).
In What Situations Are You Planning to Use the Soft Dog Crate?
If you travel in the car with your dog often, make sure the soft crate is correctly secured in the back seat. Consider a metal cage if you are planning a long road trip. It might be the safest option. In any case, keep in mind that dogs should always be restrained in the car, whether with a travel crate, dog car harness, or doggy seatbelt.
Have You Considered Your Dog’s Growth?
If you adopt a puppy, consider your options regarding the size of his crate. You could:
Buy a smaller crate to use only during his puppyhood, then buy a similar, but larger model.
Buy a crate with the right dimensions from the start, and adapt the space as you go with a divider, cushions, curtains, etc.
Important Things to Consider When Buying a Soft Crate for Dogs
To sort out the options that caught your eye, consider these important features:
- Buy a smaller crate to use only during his puppyhood, then buy a similar, but larger model.
- Buy a crate with the right dimensions from the start, and adapt the space as you go with a divider, cushions, curtains, etc.
Dimensions
The crate should be bigger than your dog, giving him ample room to move around. This rule is very simple: if your pup can’t turn around, don’t buy it. His movements should not be restricted. This may help prevent your dog from becoming anxious.
Besides, manufacturers often indicate a maximum or recommended weight. It is the second indicator that is the most reliable. No mystery here: just weigh your dog and scrupulously respect the recommendations!
Doors
A soft dog crate can have:
A single door: This is quite useful during training. Your dog will not be confused and will understand how to get into the crate more easily.
Two doors: This is a great option and is usually cheaper than those with three doors.
Three doors: This is seen on some soft crates, which have a top door allowing you to help the dog out easily and more quickly.
Opening and Closing System
A single door: This is quite useful during training. Your dog will not be confused and will understand how to get into the crate more easily.
Two doors: This is a great option and is usually cheaper than those with three doors.
Three doors: This is seen on some soft crates, which have a top door allowing you to help the dog out easily and more quickly.
- A single door: This is quite useful during training. Your dog will not be confused and will understand how to get into the crate more easily.
- Two doors: This is a great option and is usually cheaper than those with three doors.
- Three doors: This is seen on some soft crates, which have a top door allowing you to help the dog out easily and more quickly.
For soft dog crates, zippers are standard. They are sometimes also equipped with Velcro strips to keep the doors open.
Ease of Transport
A soft dog crate should be easy to take with you. Almost all models are folding. It is not uncommon for a handle to be provided as well.
Comfort
To feel comfortable and safe, your dog needs two things: to be able to breathe easily and to see around him. Look for soft crates that have doors and windows in mesh fabric, which allows for air renewal and creates visibility.
Besides, you can increase your pet’s comfort level by adding an extra cozy cushion, if it’s not already included.
Ease of Cleaning
The majority of soft crates have a cover that can be cleaned separately in your washing machine.
How to Get Your Dog Used to His New Soft Crate?
If you’re only using the crate to take your dog to the vet, this may create a negative experience. Therefore, you should use positive reinforcement so that your pooch comes to see his crate as a reassuring and comfortable place:
Gently introduce the new crate to your pup by allowing him to sniff the bag. Slip a treat or two inside.
Congratulate him warmly every time he enters.
Leave the crate close to your dog’s usual environment, so he gets used to seeing it.
Don’t hesitate to use the crate to take your dog to fun places, such as the dog park. He will start to associate it with positive experiences.
- Gently introduce the new crate to your pup by allowing him to sniff the bag. Slip a treat or two inside.
- Congratulate him warmly every time he enters.
- Leave the crate close to your dog’s usual environment, so he gets used to seeing it.
Conclusion
Whatever you choose, getting your dog acquainted with their new crate is important. You want them to feel comfortable and safe. Just remember, if a soft crate doesn’t work, there are other options available for your canine friend!
See also:
- 10 Best Dog Brushes for Shedding – Reviews & Top Picks
- 10 Best Dog Cooling Mats – Reviews & Top Picks
- Why Do Dogs Pee on Tires? Dog Behavior Explained
Featured Image Credit: ALPA PROD, Shutterstock
