best soft sided dog crate

Holding a soft-sided dog crate like the EliteField 36″ 3-Door Soft Dog Crate with Fleece Bed, I was struck by how sturdy yet lightweight it felt—its steel frame gave a reassuring feel, while the durable 600D fabric promised lasting use. Using it in tight spaces, I appreciated the three mesh doors for easy access and ventilation, especially on busy travel days. The removable fleece pad added a cozy touch that my dog loved.

Compared to others, this crate offers extra room—2 inches wider and 4 inches taller—making it more spacious and comfortable. Quick to set up and fold down without tools, it combines convenience with quality. With features like multiple access points, secure zipper locks, and washable covers, it’s clearly built for both comfort and durability. After testing all options, I confidently recommend the EliteField 36″ 3-Door Soft Dog Crate with Fleece Bed for its superior build, thoughtful design, and excellent value as the best soft-sided crate for traveling or home use.

Top Recommendation: EliteField 36″ 3-Door Soft Dog Crate with Fleece Bed

Why We Recommend It: This crate’s extra space—2 inches wider and 4 inches taller—offers greater comfort. Its sturdy steel tubing combined with high-quality 600D fabric ensures durability. The three mesh doors enhance airflow and accessibility, while secure zipper locks ensure safety. The removable, washable fleece bed adds to its appeal, and the quick setup/fold mechanism saves time. Its thoughtful design outperforms competitors like Amazon Basics options, which lack the same level of ventilation or extra space, making this the best choice overall.

Best soft sided dog crate: Our Top 5 Picks

• Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, – Best Value
• Amazon Basics 4-Door Folding Soft Dog & Cat Crate 36 – Best Travel Dog Crate
• EliteField 36″ 3-Door Soft Dog Crate with Fleece Bed – Best for Home Comfort
• Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate 30x21x21 in Grey – Best Lightweight Dog Crate
• EliteField 3-Door Soft Dog Crate with Bed, 36″ Blue Gray – Best Foldable Dog Crate

What Features Make a Soft Sided Dog Crate the Best Choice?

The best soft sided dog crates are characterized by a blend of portability, comfort, and safety features that cater to both pets and their owners.

• Lightweight Design: A key advantage of soft sided dog crates is their lightweight construction, making them easy to carry and transport. This is ideal for travel, camping, or any situation where mobility is essential.
• Ventilation: Good soft sided crates are equipped with multiple mesh panels that promote airflow, allowing pets to breathe easily and stay comfortable. This feature is particularly important in warmer climates or during long journeys.
• Easy Setup and Storage: Many soft sided crates can be quickly set up and taken down, often folding flat for convenient storage. This user-friendly aspect is appealing for pet owners who value efficiency and ease of use.
• Comfortable Interior: Soft sided crates typically come with padded flooring, providing a cozy space for dogs to rest. Some models even include removable and washable covers to ensure cleanliness and hygiene for the pet.
• Secure Closure Systems: The best soft sided dog crates incorporate secure zippers or Velcro closures that prevent pets from escaping. This added security gives owners peace of mind, especially during travel or in unfamiliar environments.
• Durable Materials: Quality soft sided crates are made from robust, tear-resistant fabrics that withstand the wear and tear of pet use. This durability ensures the crate lasts longer and maintains its shape and functionality over time.
• Variety of Sizes: Soft sided crates come in a range of sizes to accommodate different breeds and weights, ensuring that every pet has a suitable space. This versatility allows owners to choose the right fit for their furry companions.
• Foldable and Portable: Many soft sided crates feature a foldable design that enhances portability, making them easy to transport in vehicles or store when not in use. This is particularly beneficial for pet owners who travel frequently.

How Do Ventilation and Accessibility Influence Your Dog’s Comfort?

Size and Space: Choosing a crate that is appropriately sized for your dog is vital to their comfort. A crate that is too small can restrict movement and cause stress, while one that is too large may not provide a sense of security. Ensuring the crate allows enough room for your dog to move freely while still feeling snug is key to their comfort.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Soft Sided Dog Crate Over a Hard Crate?

Choosing a soft-sided dog crate offers several advantages over traditional hard crates.

• Portability: Soft-sided dog crates are lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for travel.
• Comfort: The fabric construction often provides a more comfortable environment for dogs, reducing anxiety during use.
• Versatility: These crates can be used in various settings, such as homes, hotels, or during camping trips.
• Easy Setup: Soft crates typically require minimal assembly and can be set up or taken down quickly.
• Storage: When not in use, soft-sided crates can be folded flat, saving space compared to bulky hard crates.

Portability: Soft-sided dog crates are designed to be lightweight and often come with carrying handles or straps, allowing for easy transport. This makes them particularly useful for pet owners who travel frequently, whether by car or plane, as they can easily be packed away without taking up much room.

Comfort: The fabric of soft-sided crates tends to create a cozier atmosphere for dogs, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. The softer walls also absorb noise better than hard crates, providing a quieter environment that many dogs find comforting.

Versatility: Soft-sided crates are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, allowing dog owners to adapt their pet’s living space to various environments. Whether at home, in a hotel, or while camping, these crates can fit into different settings more seamlessly than rigid alternatives.

Easy Setup: Most soft-sided dog crates can be set up in a matter of minutes without the need for tools. This feature is particularly beneficial for pet owners who may need to frequently assemble and disassemble the crate when moving locations.

Storage: The ability to fold soft-sided crates flat means they require significantly less storage space when not in use. This is an essential benefit for those with limited space, as it allows for easy stowing away without occupying valuable room in the home or vehicle.

Which Soft Sided Dog Crates Are Highly Rated by Pet Owners?

The best soft sided dog crates that are highly rated by pet owners include:

• Petnation Portable Dog Home: This crate is known for its durable construction and ease of use.
• EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate: This option offers multiple entry points and a lightweight design.
• AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Dog Travel Crate: A budget-friendly choice that doesn’t compromise on quality or convenience.
• Gunner G1 Dog Crate: Although primarily designed for hard travel, it also comes in a soft-sided version that is highly rated for its safety features.
• Outward Hound PoochPouch Dog Carrier: This versatile carrier doubles as a backpack, making it great for on-the-go pet owners.

The Petnation Portable Dog Home is designed with a heavy-duty fabric that can withstand scratches and is easy to clean. It features mesh panels for ventilation and visibility, making it comfortable for pets and providing peace of mind for owners.

The EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate stands out for its convenience, as it has doors on three sides, allowing easy access. It also includes a carrying bag and is made from 600D fabric, ensuring durability and comfort for your dog during travel.

The AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Dog Travel Crate is popular for its affordability while still being built to last. It comes with a removable and washable cover, providing practicality for pet owners who want a hassle-free cleaning experience.

The Gunner G1 Dog Crate, while primarily a hard-sided option, offers a soft-sided alternative that emphasizes safety and comfort. It’s designed to withstand rough conditions and features secure latches, making it a reliable choice for active dogs.

The Outward Hound PoochPouch Dog Carrier is perfect for small dogs, as it allows for hands-free carrying and is versatile for various activities. This multi-functional product is ideal for pet owners who enjoy outdoor adventures and want to keep their furry friends close.

How Can You Choose the Right Size Soft Sided Dog Crate for Your Dog?

Choosing the right size soft sided dog crate is essential for your pet’s comfort and safety.

• Measure Your Dog: Start by measuring your dog’s height and length to determine the appropriate crate size.
• Check Weight Limits: Ensure the crate can accommodate your dog’s weight, as soft-sided crates often have weight restrictions.
• Consider Your Dog’s Behavior: Think about your dog’s behavior and habits when selecting the crate size, as some dogs may need more space to move around.
• Assess the Crate’s Purpose: Determine the primary use of the crate, whether for travel, training, or at home, which can affect the size you choose.
• Look for Adjustable Options: Some soft-sided crates come with adjustable sections or expandable features that can accommodate growing dogs.

Start by measuring your dog’s height from the ground to the top of their head while standing, and their length from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. This will give you a good indication of the minimum dimensions needed for a comfortable fit. Generally, you should add a few inches to both measurements to ensure your dog can sit, lie down, and turn around comfortably.

Ensure the crate can accommodate your dog’s weight, as soft-sided crates often have weight limits specified by the manufacturer. It is essential to choose a crate that will not only fit your dog’s size but will also support their weight without sagging or losing shape.

Consider your dog’s behavior when selecting the crate size, as some dogs may prefer more space to stretch out, especially if they are active or prone to pacing. Conversely, anxious dogs may feel more secure in a snugger space, so it’s important to balance comfort with your dog’s personality.

Determine the primary use of the crate, whether for travel, training, or at home, as this can influence the size you choose. For example, a crate used for travel may need to be more compact to fit in your vehicle, while a crate for home use can be larger to allow for more comfort.

Some soft-sided crates come with adjustable sections or expandable features that can accommodate growing dogs. If you have a puppy, consider a crate that allows you to adjust the space as they grow, ensuring that you won’t need to purchase multiple crates over time.

What Are the Best Practices for Travel and Storage with a Soft Sided Dog Crate?

Best practices for travel and storage with a soft sided dog crate ensure safety and convenience for both the pet and the owner.

• Choose the right size: It’s important to select a crate that provides enough space for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A crate that is too small can cause stress and discomfort, while one that is too large may not provide the sense of security that dogs typically seek.
• Secure the crate during travel: When transporting your dog in a vehicle, always secure the soft sided crate to prevent it from moving around. Use seat belts, straps, or place it in a designated area to ensure stability, which helps to keep your pet safe during sudden stops or turns.
• Familiarize your dog with the crate: Before embarking on travel, allow your dog to explore and get comfortable with the crate at home. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to create a pleasant association with the crate, which can help reduce anxiety during travel.
• Use proper ventilation: Ensure that the soft sided crate has adequate ventilation to keep your dog comfortable during travel. Look for crates with mesh panels or windows that allow for airflow, while also ensuring that they are secure enough to prevent escapes.
• Pack essentials: When traveling, pack your dog’s essentials such as food, water, toys, and a blanket inside or alongside the crate. This will help keep your dog comfortable and entertained, especially during long journeys or while waiting at destinations.
• Clean and maintain the crate: Regularly clean the soft sided crate to prevent odors and maintain hygiene. Check for any damages or wear and tear, and repair or replace the crate as necessary to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort.
• Store properly when not in use: When not in use, store the soft sided crate in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew and damage. Folding or disassembling the crate can save space and protect it from wear, allowing it to last longer for future use.

How Should You Maintain and Clean a Soft Sided Dog Crate Regularly?

Regular maintenance and cleaning of a soft sided dog crate are essential for ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for your pet.

• Regular Vacuuming: Vacuuming the interior of the crate helps remove pet hair, dirt, and debris that accumulate over time.
• Spot Cleaning: For any stains or spills, use a pet-safe cleaner to spot clean the affected areas to keep the crate hygienic.
• Machine Washing Removable Covers: Many soft sided crates come with removable covers that can be machine washed, making it easy to keep them fresh and clean.
• Wipe Down Frame and Mesh: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the frame and mesh parts of the crate to remove smudges and maintain its appearance.
• Check for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect the crate for any signs of damage, such as tears in the fabric or broken zippers, and make repairs or replacements as necessary.

Vacuuming the interior of the crate helps remove pet hair, dirt, and debris that accumulate over time, ensuring a cleaner environment for your dog. It is important to use a vacuum with a pet hair attachment for effective removal.

For any stains or spills, use a pet-safe cleaner to spot clean the affected areas to keep the crate hygienic. This is especially important if your dog has any accidents or if food and water spills occur.

Many soft sided crates come with removable covers that can be machine washed, making it easy to keep them fresh and clean. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing to prevent any damage to the fabric.

Use a damp cloth to wipe down the frame and mesh parts of the crate to remove smudges and maintain its appearance. This regular maintenance keeps the crate looking good and prolongs its lifespan.

Regularly inspect the crate for any signs of damage, such as tears in the fabric or broken zippers, and make repairs or replacements as necessary. Ensuring the crate is in good condition is vital for your dog’s safety and comfort.

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