This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This costs you nothing extra. See our affiliate disclosure for details.
The best soft-sided dog crates are light, fold flat in seconds and give a calm, crate-trained dog a cozy, den-like space at home, in a hotel room or at a friend’s house. Our top pick is the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate for its range of sizes and three doors, with the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate as the budget choice. Soft crates are not for every dog, though: they rely on fabric, mesh and zippers, so they suit settled dogs rather than chewers or escape artists. Below you will find our picks, a size comparison and tips on choosing and using a soft crate safely.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Crate | Example Size (L × W × H) | Doors | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate | 30″ × 21″ × 24″ (also 36″ and 42″ and more) | 3 (front, side, top) | Most calm dogs, home and travel |
| Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate | Small 26″ × 18″ × 18″; Medium about 30″ × 21″ × 21″ | 2 (front, top) | Budget buyers, small and medium dogs |
| Petnation Port-A-Crate | Several lengths from 20″ to 36″ | Multiple | Small to medium dogs, frequent setup |
| Pet Gear No-Zip View 360 | Compact sizes for small pets | 1 push-button door | Small dogs and cats on road trips |
Are Soft-Sided Dog Crates a Good Idea?
For the right dog, yes. A soft crate weighs a fraction of a wire or plastic crate, folds into a flat package, and its fabric walls give a quieter, more enclosed feel that many dogs find relaxing. They are popular for travel, camping, dog shows, visiting family and as a second crate in a bedroom or office.
They are a poor choice for puppies in the chewing stage, dogs still learning to settle, and dogs with any history of escaping or panicking in a crate. A determined dog can chew through mesh, push zippers open or tip a light crate. For those dogs, look at our escape-proof dog crates or a sturdy wire or plastic crate instead.
1. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate — Best Overall
The EliteField is one of the most widely sold soft crates, and it comes in a long list of sizes. The 30-inch version measures about 30″ × 21″ × 24″, the 36-inch about 36″ × 24″ × 28″ and the 42-inch about 42″ × 28″ × 32″, so you can match it to small, medium or larger calm dogs. A steel-tube frame holds the fabric shell in shape, and three mesh doors on the front, side and top make it easy to fit into a car or a corner.
- Three doors for flexible placement and easy access
- Wide range of sizes
- Comes with a fleece bed and a carry bag
- Sets up without tools
Worth knowing: Like all soft crates, it is meant for calm, crate-trained dogs. Supervise at first, and do not leave a chewer alone in it.
2. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate — Best Budget
A simple, low-cost soft crate with a front door and a top door, so you can let your dog walk in or lower a small dog in from above. The small size is listed at 26″ × 18″ × 18″, and the medium at about 30″ × 21″ × 21″, which suits small and many medium dogs.
- Low price for an occasional-use crate
- Front and top loading
- Folds flat for storage
- Mesh panels for airflow and visibility
Worth knowing: It is a basic crate with a lighter build than the EliteField. Best for short stays, travel and calm dogs.
3. Petnation Port-A-Crate — Best for Quick Setup
The Port-A-Crate has been around for years and is known for springing into shape quickly and folding down just as fast. It comes in several lengths from about 20 inches up to 36 inches, which makes it easy to find a size for toy and small breeds as well as medium dogs.
- Fast to open and fold
- Range of sizes, including small ones
- Mesh windows for airflow
- Light and easy to carry
Worth knowing: Check the size guide on the listing for your dog’s length and weight, and size up if your dog is between sizes.
4. Pet Gear No-Zip View 360 — Best for Small Dogs on the Go
A compact soft crate for small dogs and cats with a push-button, no-zip door and mesh all around, so your pet can see out. Skipping the zipper makes it quicker to open and close, which is handy at rest stops.
- No-zip push-button door
- Mesh on all sides for visibility
- Folds down quickly
- Good for small pets in the car
Worth knowing: Only for small pets. Check the listed size and weight limits, and like any soft crate it is not for chewers.
How to Choose a Soft-Sided Dog Crate
Size
Measure your dog from nose to the base of the tail while standing, and from the floor to the top of the head while sitting. Add about 2 to 4 inches to each. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. Our dog crate size chart lists typical crate lengths by breed and weight.
Frame and stability
Look for a rigid frame, usually steel or plastic tubing, that holds the walls taut. A sagging roof or walls make the space smaller and are easier for a dog to push against.
Doors and zippers
More doors make placement easier, but every zipper is a weak point. Lockable or tucked-away zipper pulls help, and some crates use clips or push-button closures instead.
Washability
A removable, washable pad and a fabric that wipes clean are worth having. Accidents and muddy paws are hard to clean out of mesh and seams if nothing comes apart.
Portability
If you travel often, check the folded size and whether a carry bag is included. For flying, soft crates generally are not accepted as cargo kennels; see our airline approved dog carriers instead.
Tips for Using a Soft Crate Safely
- Introduce it at home first. Let your dog explore it with the doors open, feed meals inside and practice short stays before you rely on it on a trip.
- Supervise early sessions. Watch for chewing, pawing at the mesh or nosing the zippers.
- Keep it out of hot cars and direct sun. Fabric crates can trap heat. Never leave a dog in a parked car.
- Do not use it as a car safety device. Soft crates keep a calm dog contained but offer little crash protection. Secure the crate so it cannot slide, or use a crash-tested car harness.
- Retire a damaged crate. A torn panel or broken zipper is an easy escape route.
The Bottom Line
For most calm, crate-trained dogs, the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate is the best soft-sided dog crate thanks to its size range, three doors and included bed. If you only need one for occasional trips, the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate does the job for less. For a puppy, a chewer or an anxious dog, choose a wire or plastic crate instead.
Related Guides
- 5 Best Dog Crates in 2026: Wire, Plastic, Soft-Sided, and Modular Picks Compared
- 5 Best Dog Crates for Car Travel: Safer, Calmer Road Trips
- Wire vs Plastic Dog Crate: Which Is Better for Your Dog?
- Dog Crate Sizes: Size Chart by Breed & Weight (Plus How to Measure)
- 4 Best Escape-Proof Dog Crates for Strong Dogs and Escape Artists
- 5 Best Dog Crate Pads and Beds in 2026
- 5 Best Airline Approved Dog Carriers for In-Cabin and Cargo Travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Are soft dog crates safe?
They are safe for calm, crate-trained dogs when you supervise at first. They are not a good choice for chewers, puppies or dogs who try to escape, because fabric, mesh and zippers can be chewed or forced.
Can a puppy use a soft-sided crate?
It is usually better to start a puppy in a wire or plastic crate. Puppies chew and are still learning to settle. A soft crate works well later, once your dog is reliably calm in a crate.
Are soft crates good for car travel?
They are convenient for calm dogs on trips, but they offer little crash protection. Secure the crate so it cannot slide, and consider a crash-tested harness or a hard crate for regular driving.
How do you clean a soft dog crate?
Remove and wash the pad, vacuum hair out of the seams, and spot-clean the fabric with mild soap and water. Let it dry fully before folding it away.
What size soft crate does my dog need?
Measure your dog’s length and height and add about 2 to 4 inches. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably.
Sizes and product details can change. Check the current listing before you buy.