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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—which is why they’ve been coined “travel crates.” They also tend to be more aesthetically pleasing and affordably priced.
We’ve rounded up the best soft crates for all kinds of dogs and all kinds of adventures, whether that’s camping, roadtripping, or just setting up a cozy den for your pup at home.
Choosing the Best Soft Dog Crate for Your Pup
Different styles of soft crate can suit different needs—and different dogs. When choosing a fabric crate for your pup, here are a few things to consider:
- Ventilation—Many soft dog crates on the market have zippable windows and doors made of mesh, allowing plenty of air to flow through freely. Some, however, have more openings than others—something to consider if you’re choosing a soft crate for outside activities and camping.
- Washability—One of the downsides of soft-sided dog crates is that they tend to be harder to clean than standard metal crates, which makes them a less functional choice for puppies and messier dogs. But many have pieces that can be detached and washed, while some even break down and can be cleaned in their entirety.
- Comfortable material—A key perk of fabric dog crates is that they get high scores in the comfort department. Some even go the extra mile and include extra padding on the bottom or a fluffy crate mat—a nice added detail for any dog but especially for senior pups and dogs with mobility issues.
- Size—When choosing the size of your soft-sided dog crate, you’ll want to make sure it’s spacious enough for your dog while still offering a cozy den-like experience. A good rule of thumb is to have it be just large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in. You’ll also want to take note of the weight capacity and make sure it corresponds to your dog.
Soft dog crates tend to work better for dogs who have already been crate trained and are less likely to destroy it 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 level of supervision.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite soft dog crates in different styles and sizes with lots of variables in between—right down to pop-ups and larger frames. Read on to find the best soft-sided dog crate for your pup.
Best for Big Dogs: EliteField Three-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided 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. It offers two inches more in width and four inches more in height than comparably sized fabric dog crates. Reviewers say the biggest size provides plenty of room for large pups, including a 78-pound German Shepherd and a 111-pound Great Dane.
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.
Key Features:
- Comes in five sizes and twenty 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:
- Made with steel tubes and 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 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 offers additional comfort after a long day of hiking and exploring. It even comes with stakes, making it a nice choice for the outdoors.
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 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 occupy two sides, making the interior less visible than some crates, like the Elitefield. 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.
Key Features:
- Comes in two sizes
- Velcro latch holds cushion in place
- Two mesh sides and one mesh top (some reviewers have said they wished there was more ventilation)
Best for Puppies: DogGoods Do Good Soft Travel Dog Crate
Puppies need a lot of sleep, especially when you first bring them home. Creating a cozy, relaxing spot for them to rest is imperative to their growth. With roll-down blackout shades and a screen cover, this soft dog crate helps to create a zen den for your pup. Soft-sided crates aren’t usually a top pick for puppies, but this one is an exception; it breaks down so you can fully wash it—a much-needed perk in the puppy department.
Key Features:
- Comes in sizes small to XX-large
- Includes a free carrying bag
- Liquid and leak resistant
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 gives added 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
How We Chose the Soft Dog Crates
The fabric 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 qualities like 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.
