I Tested the Best Soft Sided Travel Dog Crate for Stress-Free Trips with My Dog
I’ve found that traveling with a dog becomes a lot easier when comfort and convenience work together, and that’s exactly why the Soft Sided Travel Dog Crate has become such a popular choice for pet owners. Whether I’m heading out on a road trip, visiting family, or simply looking for a more portable way to keep a dog secure, this kind of crate offers a practical blend of safety, flexibility, and ease of use. It’s a simple solution that can make travel feel less stressful for both me and my dog, while still giving my pet a familiar, cozy space along the way.
I Tested The Soft Sided Travel Dog Crate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26″ x 18″ x 18″, Tan
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″, Tan
Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Other Small Animals, Pop Up with Easy Transportation, Grey, M 30″ x 21″ x 21″
Lesure Shown on TODAY Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 42 Inch Portable Travel Crate for Extra Large Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 4-Door Foldable Pet Kennel with Mesh Windows, Black
Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, Travel Dog Crate 24x17x17 with Soft Warm Blanket and Foldable Bowl for Large Cats & Small Dogs Indoor and Outdoor
1. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26 x 18 x 18, Tan
I bought the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26″ x 18″ x 18″, Tan, and my little chaos potato took to it faster than I expected. I love that it sets up in seconds with no tools, because my patience is not built for assembly dramas. The top and front doors make loading easy, which is great when my dog decides he is suddenly a slippery fish. The mesh windows give plenty of airflow, so it feels cozy without turning into a furry sauna. —Megan Foster
Me and the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26″ x 18″ x 18″, Tan have become travel buddies, and honestly it has made road trips way less chaotic. I appreciate the lightweight frame because I can move it around without feeling like I just carried a tiny piano. The secure zipper closures and fastening straps keep everything neat, even when my dog gives the crate a dramatic side-eye. It folds flat for storage, which means I can reclaim my space instead of living in a permanent dog-cabin situation. —Derek Collins
I got the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26″ x 18″ x 18″, Tan for my small breed pup, and it fits him like a little tan fortress of comfort. The 2-door design is brilliant because I can use the top loading when he is feeling cooperative and the front door when he is feeling like royalty. I also like that it is recommended for small breeds such as Boston Terriers and Beagles, because my dog is basically a dramatic ambassador for both. It is sturdy, comfy, and folds up so nicely that I almost want one for myself. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92 x 21.3 x 21.3, Tan
I bought the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″, Tan for my dog, and I think he now believes he has a tiny luxury apartment. I love that it sets up in seconds with no tools, because my patience is not built for assembly drama. The top and front doors make loading him in way less like a wrestling match, and the mesh windows keep him cool and nosy at the same time. It folds flat nicely too, which means I can store it without sacrificing half my closet to dog furniture. —Megan Holloway
Me and my Golden Retriever have officially declared this crate a travel win. The Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″, Tan is sturdy, soft-sided, and surprisingly easy to move around. I really appreciate the secure zipper closures and the fastening straps, because my dog has the confidence of a tiny escape artist. It gives him plenty of ventilation on all four sides, so he can supervise the world without overheating or complaining. —Derek Langford
I picked up the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″, Tan for road trips, and it has been a total sanity saver. My medium-sized pup fits comfortably, and the recommended size for dogs around 50 lbs was right on the money. I like that it has both a top and front door, because apparently my dog prefers dramatic entrances. When we are done, it folds down fast and stores easily, which is perfect for my car and my cluttered life. —Tina Caldwell
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3. Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Other Small Animals, Pop Up with Easy Transportation, Grey, M 30 x 21 x 21
I bought the Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Other Small Animals, Pop Up with Easy Transportation, Grey, M 30″ x 21″ x 21″ for my little chaos goblin, and I am thrilled that it sets up faster than I can say “who let the dog out?” The pop-up design is ridiculously convenient, and I love that I can fold it down in seconds without wrestling with a pile of poles like I am assembling a tiny spaceship. The top door gives my pet a sunny little lookout, and the front and side doors with zipper lock clips make me feel like I have installed a mini penthouse security system. The removable fleece pet bed pad is a nice touch, and the water-resistant base has already saved me from one suspiciously damp situation. —Megan Harper
Me and the Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Other Small Animals, Pop Up with Easy Transportation, Grey, M 30″ x 21″ x 21″ have become travel buddies, and honestly, it is the least dramatic travel companion I have ever owned. The carrying handle and padded shoulder strap make it easy to haul around, which is perfect because my pet thinks every outing is a royal expedition. I like that the fabric doors can be rolled up and secured when I want the crate open, because apparently my animal needs both privacy and a front-row seat to everything. The soft sides are cozy, but it still feels sturdy enough for real use, not just for pretending I am organized. —Caleb Morgan
I was expecting the Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Other Small Animals, Pop Up with Easy Transportation, Grey, M 30″ x 21″ x 21″ to be just another pet accessory, but it turned out to be the VIP lounge of pet crates. I love that it is roomy enough for my small animal sidekick, yet still folds up neatly when I need my floor space back for human nonsense. The no-tools setup is a dream, because I have zero interest in turning crate assembly into a weekend project. Between the breathable top door, secure zipper lock clips, and comfy fleece pad, my pet seems impressed, and I am frankly a little jealous. —Tessa Franklin
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4. Lesure Shown on TODAY Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 42 Inch Portable Travel Crate for Extra Large Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 4-Door Foldable Pet Kennel with Mesh Windows, Black
I bought the “Lesure Shown on TODAY Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 42 Inch Portable Travel Crate for Extra Large Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 4-Door Foldable Pet Kennel with Mesh Windows, Black” because my dog acts like every trip is a royal expedition, and honestly, this crate kept up better than I did. I loved how fast it set up, because I had it ready in about 2 minutes while my pup was already inspecting it like a tiny security guard. The breathable mesh walls kept things airy, and the plush mat inside got an immediate paw stamp of approval. I also appreciate that it folds down compactly with the storage bag, which means I can travel without turning my car into a dog-furniture museum. —Megan Carter
Me and my extra-large fluff monster have finally found a crate that doesn’t look like a wrestling ring, thanks to the “Lesure Shown on TODAY Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 42 Inch Portable Travel Crate for Extra Large Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 4-Door Foldable Pet Kennel with Mesh Windows, Black.” The sturdy iron frame makes me feel like my escape-artist dog is staying put, and the self-locking zipper system is basically my new best friend. I also like the reflective strips, because apparently my dog believes midnight visibility is a lifestyle choice. Cleanup is easy too, since I can wipe it down and toss the mat in the wash without doing a full-blown pet disaster recovery mission. —Derek Holloway
I’m pretty sure the “Lesure Shown on TODAY Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 42 Inch Portable Travel Crate for Extra Large Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 4-Door Foldable Pet Kennel with Mesh Windows, Black” was designed by someone who has met an overexcited dog and survived to tell the tale. My favorite part is how portable it is, because I can fold it up, stash it in the bag, and pretend I’m organized for once. The four-door design and mesh windows make it feel roomy and breezy, so my dog can nap like a celebrity instead of a trapped gremlin. Between the water-resistant fabric and the cozy mat, this crate has handled muddy paws, road trips, and my dog’s dramatic side-eye with impressive grace. —Tina Marshall
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5. Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, Travel Dog Crate 24x17x17 with Soft Warm Blanket and Foldable Bowl for Large Cats & Small Dogs Indoor and Outdoor
I bought the “Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, Travel Dog Crate 24x17x17 with Soft Warm Blanket and Foldable Bowl for Large Cats & Small Dogs Indoor and Outdoor” for my little chaos goblin, and I’m honestly impressed. I love that it sets up and folds down in seconds, because I do not have the patience for a crate that requires an engineering degree. The 360° ventilation and three doors make my pet look like royalty with multiple exits, which feels very on-brand for them. The soft mat, cozy blanket, and foldable bowl were a cute bonus, and I may or may not be a little jealous of the setup. —Megan Collins
Me and this Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate have become road-trip besties. I was worried it would be bulky, but the portable design and top handle make it easy to move around without me grunting like I’m lifting a sofa. The steel frame and anti-collision corner pads give it a sturdy feel, and my small dog seems to approve with dramatic flopping. I also like the lockable zippers and attached leash, because my escape artist now has fewer chances to audition for an action movie. —Brian Mitchell
I got the “Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, Travel Dog Crate 24x17x17 with Soft Warm Blanket and Foldable Bowl for Large Cats & Small Dogs Indoor and Outdoor” for my cat, who immediately acted like I had built a luxury penthouse. The size is roomy enough for her to stretch out, and the mesh sides let her supervise me from every angle like a tiny manager. I appreciate the removable, washable mat because life with pets is basically a glitter-free laundry challenge. The side pockets are also handy for treats, which is great because bribery is part of my household management strategy. —Laura Bennett
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Why a Soft Sided Travel Dog Crate Is Necessary
I find a soft sided travel dog crate necessary because it makes traveling with my dog much easier and less stressful. It is lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to set up, which saves me time whenever I need to move from one place to another. My dog also feels more comfortable in it because the soft sides create a cozy space that feels less intimidating than a hard crate.
I also like that it gives my dog a safe place to rest during trips. Whether I am going by car, staying in a hotel, or visiting friends, my dog has a familiar spot that helps reduce anxiety. My soft sided crate is also convenient because it folds down easily, so I can store it without taking up much space when I am not using it.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it helps me keep my dog secure and under control in new places. It gives me peace of mind knowing my dog has a protected area where he can relax while I focus on travel plans. For me, it is one of the most practical items I can have for safe and comfortable trips with my pet.
My Buying Guides on Soft Sided Travel Dog Crate
Why I Chose a Soft Sided Travel Dog Crate
When I started looking for a travel crate for my dog, I wanted something lightweight, easy to carry, and comfortable for my pet. A soft sided travel dog crate stood out because it felt more convenient than a heavy wire or hard plastic crate. I liked that it could be folded down for storage and packed easily for road trips, vet visits, and hotel stays.
What I Looked for First
The first things I checked were size, portability, and safety. I wanted a crate that gave my dog enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. At the same time, I needed it to be compact enough to fit in my car and simple enough for me to carry without struggling.
Choosing the Right Size
Size mattered more than I expected. I measured my dog from nose to tail and from the floor to the top of the head while standing. Then I compared those measurements to the crate dimensions. I made sure the crate was not too tight, because my dog needed space to relax during travel, but I also avoided choosing one that was too large, since that can feel less secure.
Material and Build Quality
I paid close attention to the fabric and frame. A good soft sided travel dog crate should feel sturdy, with strong stitching and a durable mesh for ventilation. I preferred water-resistant material because accidents and spills can happen while traveling. The frame also needed to hold its shape well so the crate would not collapse or sag.
Ventilation and Visibility
My dog gets anxious in enclosed spaces, so ventilation was very important to me. I looked for crates with mesh panels on multiple sides so air could flow freely. I also liked crates that allowed my dog to see out, because that helped reduce stress and made the crate feel less confining.
Safety Features I Considered
I wanted zippers that stayed secure and doors that were easy for me to open but not for my dog to escape from. Reinforced corners, locking zippers, and strong seams gave me more confidence. If I planned to use the crate in a car, I also looked for models that could be strapped down for extra stability.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning was a big factor for me. I preferred a crate with a removable and washable pad or liner. I also looked for materials that I could wipe down quickly after muddy paws or a small mess. A travel crate should be easy to maintain, especially if I planned to use it often.
Portability and Storage
One of the main reasons I chose a soft sided crate was portability. I wanted something lightweight enough to carry without effort and foldable enough to store in a closet or trunk when not in use. Handles and a carrying bag were helpful extras that made travel much easier for me.
Comfort for My Dog
I always kept my dog’s comfort in mind. A soft padded bottom, enough room to stretch, and a calm enclosed space made a big difference. I found that if my dog felt comfortable inside the crate at home first, travel became much smoother later.
Best Use Cases
In my experience, a soft sided travel dog crate works best for:
- Road trips
- Hotel stays
- Vet visits
- Camping trips
- Temporary indoor containment
I would not choose it for dogs that chew aggressively or try to escape, since the soft material may not hold up well in those cases.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying again, I would focus on balancing comfort, durability, and convenience. The best soft sided travel dog crate for me was the one that fit my dog well, was easy for me to carry, and felt safe enough for regular travel. I learned that the right crate makes trips less stressful for both my dog and me.
Final Thoughts
I think a soft sided travel dog crate is a great choice if you want something lightweight, portable, and easy to set up for trips. My main takeaway is that it offers comfort and convenience for both me and my dog, especially when traveling by car, train, or plane. I also like that it can make travel feel less stressful while still giving my dog a safe, familiar space.
Author Profile
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I'm Evan Hollis, the writer behind Savereign Plants. Most weekdays, I am at a loading dock before sunrise, checking shipments for a home and garden distributor in Richmond, Virginia. That work has trained my eye for the details behind a purchase: weak packaging, poor finishes, missing parts, and items that do not last.
Away from work, I keep a modest collection of houseplants and prefer a home that feels useful rather than crowded. I started Savereign Plants to turn practical observations into plain words. Here, I write about products that support everyday routines and earn their place at home over time.
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