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10 Best Soft Crates For Dogs 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Veraste 33" L x 25" W x 25" H Collapsible Travel Dog Crate, Portable Soft Dog Kennel for Medium Large Dogs up to 60 lbs, 4-Door Foldable Travel Crate with Durable Mesh & Storage BagGreen

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,461
Size
Material
Portability

Most important from
529 reviews

Size
The crate offers ample space for dogs to stretch out comfortably and move around freely.
Material
The lightweight structure balances convenience and comfort but may not suit dogs that are aggressive chewers or escape artists.
Portability
Assembly and takedown are extremely quick and straightforward, taking just a couple of minutes.
Ventilation
The soft, breathable mesh walls provide excellent ventilation, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Security
Despite claims, the chew-proof material does not withstand persistent chewing, compromising security after a short period.

The Veraste 36 Inch Collapsible Travel Dog Crate is a solid choice for medium to large dogs when you need a portable and comfortable space. Its size (36 x 25 x 25 inches) is roomy enough for bigger dogs, and the soft polyester material with chew-proof mesh windows offers good breathability and visibility, helping pets feel secure without overheating. The crate’s four zippered mesh walls ensure excellent ventilation, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

One of its strongest points is portability—the crate folds down quickly without tools, and weighs about 12.7 pounds, which is manageable for most adults to carry. It comes with a storage bag for easy transport, making it a practical option for travel or trips to the park. Assembly is very straightforward, taking roughly two minutes, which adds to its convenience.

Cleaning is also easy since the fabric is water-resistant and the plush mat inside is removable and machine washable. This helps maintain hygiene without much effort. However, being a soft crate, it may not provide the same level of security as hard crates, especially for dogs that tend to chew or escape, so it’s best suited for well-behaved dogs or supervised environments. This crate is versatile—useful for crate training, travel, or as a cozy resting spot at home. It balances comfort, airflow, and portability well, but if you need maximum security or have a very strong chewer, you might want to consider a sturdier option. For most medium-large dogs and owners looking for something lightweight and easy to store, the Veraste crate is a dependable pick.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,461
Size
Material
Portability

Most important from
529 reviews

Size
The crate offers ample space for dogs to stretch out comfortably and move around freely.
Material
The lightweight structure balances convenience and comfort but may not suit dogs that are aggressive chewers or escape artists.
Portability
Assembly and takedown are extremely quick and straightforward, taking just a couple of minutes.
Ventilation
The soft, breathable mesh walls provide excellent ventilation, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Security
Despite claims, the chew-proof material does not withstand persistent chewing, compromising security after a short period.
#2

Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 4-Doors, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Small Animals, Quick Setup, Small 26" x 18" x 18", Grey

Rating
8.8
Portability
Size
Ventilation

Most important from
19043 reviews

Portability
This crate offers excellent portability combined with reliable sturdiness, making it ideal for travel and camping with dogs.
Size
Pets enjoy the spacious interior, comfortably standing, sitting, and relaxing with their bedding inside.
Ventilation
The crate's ventilation and multiple doors help pets feel secure and less confined during travel.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is straightforward, and the crate accommodates additional pads or blankets for extra comfort.

The Amazon Basics 4-Doors Portable Soft-Sided Folding Travel Crate is a lightweight and convenient option for small dogs and other small pets. Measuring 26 x 18 x 18 inches, it provides a cozy space suitable for small breeds or cats. The soft fabric material makes it comfortable and easy to carry, and the crate folds up quickly without any tools, making it very portable. It includes a carrying handle and padded shoulder strap, which is great for travel or moving around the house. Ventilation is well thought out with four doors, including a top door that lets in light and fresh air, helping pets feel less confined. The zipper lock clips add security, preventing pets from escaping while allowing easy access.

The crate also comes with a removable fleece pad for added comfort and a water-resistant base that helps keep the area clean. However, because it’s made from fabric, it may not offer as much protection or durability as a hard-sided crate, especially if your pet tends to chew or scratch. Cleaning can be straightforward thanks to the removable pad, but the fabric itself might require more careful maintenance to avoid stains or odors. This crate is best suited for pet owners who need a lightweight, easy-to-store travel solution for small pets and prioritize portability and ventilation over heavy-duty security or ruggedness.

Rating
8.8
Portability
Size
Ventilation

Most important from
19043 reviews

Portability
This crate offers excellent portability combined with reliable sturdiness, making it ideal for travel and camping with dogs.
Size
Pets enjoy the spacious interior, comfortably standing, sitting, and relaxing with their bedding inside.
Ventilation
The crate's ventilation and multiple doors help pets feel secure and less confined during travel.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is straightforward, and the crate accommodates additional pads or blankets for extra comfort.
#3

Amazon Basics Folding Portable Soft Pet Dog Crate Carrier Kennel, 42 x 31 x 31 inches, Black

Rating
8.8
Size
Material
Portability

Most important from
18759 reviews

Size
The crate's spacious interior allows pets to move comfortably, but its large size can be cumbersome to carry without assistance.
Material
The machine-washable fleece mat inside significantly improves pet comfort and ease of cleaning.
Portability
The included padded shoulder strap and hand carry handle make transporting the crate easier, yet additional loops for shoulder carrying when folded would enhance convenience.
Ventilation
Multiple mesh panels provide excellent ventilation and visibility, though some pets may prefer a darker, enclosed space for comfort during travel.
Ease of Cleaning
The machine-washable fleece mat inside significantly improves pet comfort and ease of cleaning.
Security
The crate offers a secure environment with locking zippers, providing peace of mind during confinement.

The Amazon Basics Folding Portable Soft Dog Crate is designed well for medium to large dogs up to about 90 pounds, such as Golden Retrievers or Pitbulls. Its size (42 x 31 x 31 inches) generally allows most dogs to stand and turn comfortably, which is crucial for their comfort. Made from durable polyester and PVC, it offers a sturdy yet soft exterior that balances protection and comfort. The crate includes multiple mesh panels providing good ventilation and visibility, which helps pets feel less confined and keeps air flowing.

Portability is a strong point here—the crate folds flat and comes with a top handle and shoulder strap, making it easy to carry and store. Cleaning is fairly simple, especially with the machine-washable fleece pad inside. Security is decent due to solid zipper closures, although as with most soft crates, it may not be suitable for very aggressive chewers or escape artists. Additionally, the crate has practical storage pockets for treats or toys, adding convenience during travel.

While the materials are durable for soft crates, they won’t offer the same level of protection or rigidity as hard crates, so it’s best for calm dogs rather than those needing heavy-duty confinement. The weight of about 13 pounds makes it light for its size but still a bit bulky for frequent long-distance carrying compared to smaller carriers. This crate is a good fit for dog owners seeking a portable, comfortable, and well-ventilated soft crate for travel or home use with medium to large dogs who are not prone to chewing aggressively.

Rating
8.8
Size
Material
Portability

Most important from
18759 reviews

Size
The crate's spacious interior allows pets to move comfortably, but its large size can be cumbersome to carry without assistance.
Material
The machine-washable fleece mat inside significantly improves pet comfort and ease of cleaning.
Portability
The included padded shoulder strap and hand carry handle make transporting the crate easier, yet additional loops for shoulder carrying when folded would enhance convenience.
Ventilation
Multiple mesh panels provide excellent ventilation and visibility, though some pets may prefer a darker, enclosed space for comfort during travel.
Ease of Cleaning
The machine-washable fleece mat inside significantly improves pet comfort and ease of cleaning.
Security
The crate offers a secure environment with locking zippers, providing peace of mind during confinement.

Buying Guide for the Best Soft Crates For Dogs

Choosing the right soft crate for your dog is essential for their comfort, safety, and your convenience. Soft crates are portable, lightweight, and often more comfortable for dogs compared to hard crates. They are ideal for travel, temporary containment, or as a cozy den for your pet at home. When selecting a soft crate, consider your dog's size, behavior, and your specific needs to ensure you make the best choice.
SizeSize is one of the most important factors when choosing a soft crate. It should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Measure your dog’s height and length, and add a few inches to ensure a good fit. Small crates are suitable for toy breeds and puppies, medium crates for small to medium breeds, and large crates for bigger dogs. If your dog is still growing, consider a crate with adjustable dividers.
MaterialThe material of the soft crate affects its durability and comfort. Look for crates made from high-quality, tear-resistant fabric with sturdy mesh windows for ventilation. The frame should be made of strong, lightweight materials like steel or aluminum. If your dog is a chewer or tends to scratch, opt for a crate with reinforced seams and tougher fabric. For added comfort, choose a crate with a soft, padded floor.
PortabilityPortability is a key advantage of soft crates. They are designed to be lightweight and easy to carry. Look for features like carrying handles, shoulder straps, and the ability to fold flat for storage. If you travel frequently with your dog, a crate that is easy to set up and take down will be very convenient. Consider the weight of the crate and how easy it is to transport, especially if you will be moving it often.
VentilationProper ventilation is crucial to keep your dog comfortable and prevent overheating. Soft crates typically have mesh windows on multiple sides to allow for airflow. Ensure the crate has enough ventilation for your dog, especially if you live in a warm climate or plan to use the crate outdoors. Some crates have roll-up covers for the windows, which can be useful for controlling airflow and providing privacy.
Ease of CleaningA soft crate should be easy to clean, as accidents and spills can happen. Look for crates with removable and washable covers or liners. Some crates have waterproof or water-resistant bottoms, which can make cleaning up messes easier. If your dog is prone to accidents or you plan to use the crate for travel, this feature will be particularly important.
SecuritySecurity features ensure that your dog stays safely inside the crate. Look for crates with strong zippers, secure latches, and reinforced seams. Some crates have additional locking mechanisms to prevent your dog from escaping. If your dog is an escape artist or tends to push against the sides of the crate, these features will be crucial to keep them contained.

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