- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
Crate training your dog can help you and your pup have more adventures together, providing a safe space for them wherever you go. But standard metal, plastic, and wood crates can be bulky and hard to transport. That’s where soft dog crates come into play. Made of lightweight material, fabric dog crates are easier to pack up, take on the go, and store. They also tend to be more aesthetically pleasing and affordably priced.
When choosing the best kennel for your pup, soft crates work better for dogs who have already been crate trained and are less likely to destroy them with their teeth and claws. It’s also important to remember that no crate is 100% dog-proof, and crating your pup will always require some supervision.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best soft crates for all kinds of dogs and adventures, whether you’re camping, road-tripping, or just setting up a cozy den for your pup at home.
- Best Overall: EliteField 3-Door Soft Folding Dog Crate
- Best for Small Dogs: 2Pet Folding Soft Dog Crate
- Best for Large Dogs: Amazon Basics 2-Door Soft-Sided Crate
- Best for Senior Dogs: Orvis Hose-Off Folding Travel Crate
- Best for Portability: Petsfit Portable Pop-Up Dog Crate
- Best for Camping: Backcountry x Petco Fabric Dog Travel Crate
- Best for Car Travel: DogGoods Do Good Soft Travel Dog Crate
Best Overall: EliteField 3-Door Soft Folding Dog Crate (Verified Review)
The EliteField soft-sided crate is one of the most popular soft crates on the market, and after testing the crate ourselves, we can see why. A sturdy design features quality materials, and the crate itself is easy to set up and take down. The EliteField also offers two inches more in width and four inches more in height than comparably sized fabric dog crates, ideal for big breeds and pups who like a lot of personal space.
Three doors and mesh windows offer excellent ventilation, and the attached carrying bag makes it easy to keep your pup’s belongings in one place when you’re on the go. While the fleece bed is pretty thin, it’s still a nice added touch.
Key Features:
- Comes in five sizes and lots of different colors
- Mesh top zips open for more space
- Carrying bag and fleece bed included
Best for Small Dogs: 2Pet Folding Soft Dog Crate
Good things come in small sizes, especially when there are multiple options. The 2Pet Folding Soft Dog Crate offers two choices for smaller pups: a 20-inch crate that fits pets up to 15 pounds and a 24-inch size that can hold dogs up to 25 pounds. Innovative features include a full front zipper that helps keep your dog from chewing it and outside holders for a water bottle and food container.
Key Features:
- Two sizes for pups up to 25 pounds
- Made with steel tubes and a water-resistant fabric cover
- Includes a waterproof mat and washable fleece cushion
- A top handle can be used to secure the crate in the car with a seatbelt
Best for Large Dogs: Amazon Basics 2-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Crate
Highly rated on Amazon, this dog crate has an XL size that measures 42 x 31 x 31 inches, offering a little more room than many other larger soft crates on our list. Two doors (one in the front and one on top) make for easy loading and unloading, while mesh ventilation on all sides offers breathability.
While pet parents say to size up when buying this crate, they also report that the XL suits bigger breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Catahoula Hounds quite well. Reviewers also like that the polyester fabric and PVC frame are sturdy but lightweight.
Key Features:
- XL size measures 42 x 31 x 31 inches, great for bigger breeds
- Lightweight polyester and PVC frame
- Sets up easily: no tools needed
Best for Senior Dogs: Orvis Hose-Off Folding Travel Crate
Ideal for sweet seniors who might have a few more aches and pains, this soft-sided dog crate adds extra comfort with a plush Sherpa fleece pad. The mat has a water-resistant and washable cover with foam inside that’s even zipper-lined, providing double protection should any accidents occur.
The frame is completely collapsible, and side clips keep everything together when folded.
Key Features:
- Comes in three sizes
- Made of heavy-duty polyester Oxford weave
- Rounded corners protect car interiors and floors
Best for Portability: Petsfit Portable Pop-Up Dog Crate
This pop-up soft-sided crate folds down and packs up nicely into a slim carrying case, making it a good choice for pet parents prioritizing portability. Mesh windows on two sides provide a bit more privacy and less interior visibility than some crates. It’s a sleek, comfortable crate with thoughtful details like a large storage pocket, a non-slip bottom, and a fluffy cushion. It does, however, run a little short—so be sure to check the height dimension, especially if you’re planning to add a thick crate bed.
Key Features:
- Comes in two sizes
- Velcro latch holds cushion in place
- Two mesh sides and one mesh top
Best for Camping: Backcountry x Petco Fabric Dog Travel Crate
Adventure awaits! Made for outdoorsy pups, this durable fabric dog crate is water-, stain-, and tear-resistant. Mesh doors offer plenty of ventilation when camping, and a padded floor provides a comfy spot to rest after a long day of hiking and exploring. It even comes with stakes, making it a nice choice for outdoor elements.
Key Features:
- Comes in two sizes and fits dogs up to 132 pounds
- Includes convenient poop bag pocket
- Handles on the side make transport easy
Best for Car Travel: DogGoods Do Good Soft Travel Dog Crate
This soft crate is great for indoor, outdoor, and on-the-go use. The roll-down blackout shades and screen cover are especially handy for car travel, shielding against the sun’s rays. They’re also great for blocking the view of any triggers if you have an anxious or reactive pup.
Four seatbelt loops on each side securely strap the crate, and your most precious cargo, in place. An added perk? This crate is water-resistant and waterproof—with washable padding and soft fleece—in case you encounter any accidents on the road.
Key Features:
- Comes in sizes small to XX-large
- Includes a free carrying bag
- Liquid and leak resistant
How We Chose
The soft dog crates featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. Our selections prioritize durability, portability, and comfort. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.