The 6 Best Soft Dog Crates in 2020

Are you a traveling professional who wants to take your dog with you? Or perhaps just the kind of person who can’t leave their furry pal behind? If so, you may want to take a look into folding soft dog crates. There are several advantages to owning a collapsible dog crate, and if you’re the right kind of person with the right kind of dog you might want to make the leap and purchase one right now. In this review, you can find the best soft crates for dogs on the market.

But first, let’s look at how you can determine if one of these collapsible dog crates is right for you.

Pros

  • Folding soft dog crates are usually collapsible, making for easy storage.
  • They’re very lightweight, meaning they’ll take less effort for you to move around.
  • Most of these types of crates will have high visibility and superior ventilation, making your puppy feel secure and making sure that they have fresh air.
  • They’re soft, which has obvious advantages for your canine’s comfort. You’ll also find that they’re perfect for clumsy puppies or dogs recovering from surgery who might injure themselves in a wire or plastic crate.

Cons

  • They are more easily damaged by dogs with destructive tendencies.
  • If your dog isn’t well potty trained, cleaning can be quite a chore.
  • They’re not very protective of your friend during car rides, and they can be hard to secure.

Our Choice and Recommendation:

We recommend the 3-Door Folding Soft-Sided Dog Crate by EliteField available on Amazon.com. Its’ superior durable construction and novel features make it stand-out among these products. For someone with a love of the outdoors, you can rest assured knowing that you can lock the zippers and have your dog secured during the night.

You also may choose the luxurious 4-Door Folding Soft-Sided Dog Crate with Curtains by EliteField available on Chewy.com. It has an additional door and solid fabric curtains along with mesh ones to let you adjust your dog’s privacy. Highly recommended.

Reasons for a Soft Crate

These crates are made for taking your companion on the go, traveling with a dog can be a bit rough but with a high-quality soft crate, you’ll be able to relax knowing that your dog has somewhere he can sleep at night and feel secure. Whether you’re taking an overnight trip to the lake or just sleeping in a hotel room it’s important to make sure that your canine is secure and safe.

Contrary to what you may be thinking, soft crates aren’t only good indoors, most are water-resistant and made of tough materials to be able to withstand the elements very well. They come in a variety of styles and often have pockets where you can store your dog’s leash, favorite toys, and maybe some treats depending on your fancy.

In addition to being convenient for you to pack and store, your fuzzy friend will be thrilled to be able to see around themselves and can make themselves comfortable wherever they’re at. If you’re intrigued by the idea, stick around, we have a list of great crates that you may want to look into.

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Comparison Table

Editor's Picks:
Features:
Our Rating:
Buy from:
Best Overall
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft-Sided Dog Crate
  • Five Different Sizes
  • Locking Zippers
  • Two Pockets for Stuff
  • High Durability
  • Steel Frame
  • 3 Year Warranty
5
Amazon
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Runner Up
Fold-a-Crate by 2Pet
  • Strong Frame
  • Perfect Ventilation
  • Different color Options
  • Easy Foldable
4.9
Amazon
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Best Dog Car Carrier
AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier
  • Three Different Sizes
  • Adjustuble Shoulder Strap
  • Fleece Insert
  • Sleek Design
4.7
Amazon
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Foldable Carrier
Soft Side Pet Crate by Precision Pet
  • Water Resistant
  • 4 Doors
  • Folds Quickly
  • Durable
4.7
Amazon
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Sturdy Construction
Pet Gear Generation II Deluxe Portable Soft Crate
  • Three Doors
  • Dtrong Steel Frame
  • Multiple Vents
  • Easy to Fold
4.5
Amazon
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Five Sizes
Go Pet Club Soft Pet Crate
  • Inexpensive
  • Pad Included
  • Made of Heavy Duty Material
4.5
Amazon
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Individual Reviews of the Best Soft Dog Crates 2020

Best Soft Dog Crate: EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft-Sided Dog Crate

This great item from EliteField definitely lives up to its name. That is to say, it looks classy and it’s definitely a soft crate for the go. But this deceptively glib name is actually fastened onto a great collapsible dog crate. Featuring two large and three smaller mesh windows, and a very durable frame this is a fantastic option for your dogs.

It comes in five different sizes, with the largest being 42”x28”x32”. It may not be the biggest crate on the market, but it is one of the best if it suits your dog’s size.

One of the best features of this product is the locking zippers. We all know our pets can be quite crafty at times, but there’s no way for them to get into any mischief if they’re locked inside. Keep your escape artist safe, and you can rest easy on your camping trip. Another standout feature is that it has three doors instead of one or two. There also are two pockets for stuff your pooch needs as you travel together.

Really this product is quite simple, it’s a very high quality, soft-sided dog crate with a couple of unique features. Those unique features do make this crate a stand-out in this category, however, and make for a great all-around second home for your dog. This is one purchase that you will not find yourself regretting, and with its high durability, you’ll be sure to have it for years to come.

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Runner Up: Fold-a-Crate by 2Pet

For those on the go who are looking to spend a little bit less money, this collapsible dog crate by 2Pet foldable might be an ideal solution. Its removable cover is made of 600d Oxford fabric, making it an easy to clean and attractive option at a bargain price.

These crates come in three different colors, an attractive deep blue, a cheerful red, and a neutral beige tone that is almost whi
te. It also comes in four sizes to meet your dog’s size needs, making for a good looking and ec
onomical option for those who aren’t quite sure if they want to commit to soft crates permanently.

The biggest of the various size options is only 32” however, making this an unsuitable purchase for those who want a crate for larger dogs. However, the carrying handles make for an easy way to take your smaller dogs on the go securely, and your dog will be sure to enjoy the view with windows on all four sides. A conveniently located top door also allows you easy access to your pet when he needs a treat or a pat while you’re on the go.

The 2Pet foldable Fold-a-Crate is a one of the best soft sided dog crate option for your smaller dogs and puppies, and it folds up enough that it’s also convenient for you. If you’re not sure yet if you really want to go with a soft crate, you might want to make the investment to try this one out. There’s nothing to lose, and your pet will thank you.

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Best Dog Car Carrier: AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier

This is a great little pet carrier produced by Amazon Basics. It’s not exactly a crate, but when you need to take your smaller dog with you, you will rapidly find this to be a superior option. This is absolutely one of the best small dog carriers around.

Sometimes you’ll just want your canine companion along for the ride while you shop or go to a friend’s, and this convenient and portable travel carrier will keep your little buddy happy with its mesh sides and carry strap. You’ll be able to keep your dog close to you, where he’ll be happiest as you go through your day together.

This AmazonBasics carrier comes in three sizes, with the biggest of them measuring just under twenty inches in length and being about ten inches wide. Its sleek black design and shoulder strap will look good on you, and this carrier will be indispensable for the small dog owner.

It comes with a fleece insert and pad, keeping your dog comfortable and standing on a rigid surface during your travels. The fleece insert is machine washable, and the whole carrier is constructed of durable materials to allow for easy cleaning.

Whether you want to take your dog to a friend’s home to show him off, get him to the vet, or just can’t bear to be separated from your fluffy buddy, this is an awesome option and a must-have for those with great affection for small dogs.

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Foldable Carrier: Soft Side Pet Crate by Precision Pet

This attractive travel crate comes in four different sizes, able to cover a dog up to ninety pounds with the largest size. Your dog is sure to enjoy its large, nylon mesh windows and the comfortable, padded bottom panel.

The bottom panel itself can be removed for easy cleaning, and since the crate as a whole is made of waterproof material you’ll be able to wash it out easily if your animal does have an accident. Three of the sides open up, and as a bonus the top also unzips, allowing you to feed or water your dog without having to open the sides.

The crate itself is durable, the zippers are high quality and the corners are reinforced with an extra layer of tough fabric. It features an accessory pocket and water bottle for additional utility when you’re on the go, and when you fold it down you’ll be glad for the convenient carrying handle.

With four sizes to choose from, you’ll be happy to know that you can purchase one of these for all but the most massive canines and be content that you have a home-on-the-go for your companion.

The navy and tan coloration looks great, making this collapsible dog crate a stylish and functional item which will be sure to keep you, and your dog, happy for a long time to come. Wherever you may go, this crate has indoor and outdoor functionality and you’ll be sure to get the most out of your purchase.

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Sturdy Construction: Pet Gear Generation II Deluxe Portable Soft Crate

This is another great option for your crate needs. Unfortunately, this crate seems to lack easy carry handles and has a plastic bottom which means that while it’s still collapsible it is not quite as portable as some of the other options on this list. While it lacks some of the travel features of other soft crates on this list, it can still be a great addition to your home.

This folding soft dog crate comes in six rich colors and is very sturdy(steel tube). It also comes in a number of sizes and the largest is suitable for dogs up to ninety pounds. With two storage pouches on the exterior and three large, mesh windows your dog will be happy for their new home away from home. It will keep your dog secure and allow them to survey their surroundings well, keeping them happy. The interior is waterproof in case your dog has an accident, and it comes with a removable fleece pad which will be easy to machine wash just in case.

That said, it does lack some of the portability features of the others on this list, and it may be best suited for your home rather than when you’re on the road. It’s attractive enough to leave up in your home, though, and it’s a great option if you have restricted living quarters and need to fold up your dog’s bed for the day. This durable option is sure to make a long lasting, easily cleaned home for the right dog and with the number of options available it comes with a strong recommendation.

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Five Sizes: Go Pet Club Soft Pet Crate

The Go Pet Club Soft Pet Sided Crate is another great choice. This functional and aesthetically pleasing crate comes in five sizes, with the biggest one being a full thirty-nine inches tall. It’s important to make sure your dog can stand up fully within their mobile home, and this crate definitely provides that.

It features a faux-lambskin pad for covering the bottom to provide extra comfort for your dog and windows on three sides which give it an almost tent-like look when they’re rolled up. It’s made of heavy-duty polyester with PVC backing, making it waterproof and suitable for use almost anywhere.

The smaller sizes can be confidently recommended to meet your puppy crate or small, traveling dog needs. The handle for this design is located on the top and runs perpendicular to the length of the Sided crate, making it easy to carry even when it’s fully assembled. You’ll easily be able to carry your smaller dog or puppy around with you, which means that this crate can also function as a basic pet carrier for your smaller animals.

One of the big draws of this product is the amazing amount of volume gained when it folds down. This model folds down to less than two inches of thickness when you’re ready to take it somewhere, meaning you can fit it virtually anywhere in your home or vehicle. Combined with its rather unique look, this is a solid purchase for your traveling needs, and indeed, it may be one of the best small dog crates available.

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So Which One?

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably interested in knowing which one is the best. The answer is quite simple: you’ll have to determine that according to your own needs. Someone with a toy dachshund may be perfectly happy with a pet carrier with a shoulder strap, and a person with a husky who enjoys camping will want a large and durable soft crate that will stand up to the elements on their wanderings together.

You’ll first need to figure out what exactly your need is, do you want a second home for your dog? Something you can fold up during the day so you can use your tiny studio apartment freely? Or just something so you can carry your dog and show him to friends and family?

Then you’ll want to determine the size of your dog. Make sure that your canine can stand up comfortably within whichever sided crate or carrier you get for him or her and that they can turn around easily. This is an absolutely essential step, and your dog will love his home much more if you prepare carefully.

The last thing to take into consideration is price, you’ll have to match your budget but keep in mind that the more expensive products tend to be better. All of the products recommended here are viable, but sometimes it pays off in the long run, to acquire the highest quality from the very start.

Conclusions

For the pet owner who likes to travel and enjoys the outdoors, a soft-sided carrier is an almost essential piece of equipment. Collapsible dog crates are the best way to save space and provide a comfortable and cozy enclosure for your canines, and even if you just need a carrying case for your small dog you’ll be thrilled with the light weight and slim profile of this kind of product.

Your dog deserves the best, and these highly portable crates are the way to go if you’re on the move a lot. Save space and provide a great environment for your dogs, with affordable pricing and a bevy of features there’s no reason for the busy dog owner to not make the investment in one of these great soft dog crates. This soft crates are great to travel on car, or something like this, but if You fly a lot with your friend, try to read about airline approved dog crate.

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Images credits: Amazon.com & Chewy.com

Individual Reviews

Sources:

  1. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/crate-training-101
  2. https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/live-animals/pets/

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View Comments

  • the Amazon pet carrier is not always welcome via Airline Companies as the ends are metal encased in nylon or plastic and do not collapse...I have encountered this problem and the attendant insisted I 'collapse' the ends to fit it under the seat...the ends of the carrier were bent out of shape, the metal frame tore through the plastic tubing and could have potentially injured my pet, who is a service dog. BE AWARE of what each individual airline requirements are when traveling with your pet, soft sided or hard sided case, and the material of your pet's travel case.

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