Dog crates are a must-have pet essential for any pet owner. While dog crates are made of different materials, soft-sided dog crates which mainly use fabric panels are the cosiest and most comfortable as well as being the easiest to transport as there more flexible.
Soft-sided crates are very popular among people who travel often with their dogs as they are easily portable and set up quickly just about anywhere.
If you are looking for a soft-sided crate but don’t know what to look for to get the best one, you have come to the right place. We have scavenged the market and put together a list of the 8 best dog crates currently available on the market for you to choose from.
Our Best Pick, the Feandrea Dog Carrier is an ideal choice if you are looking for a good functional crate for use on the road or just a home crate. It’s made of quality materials, folds flat for easy storage, it’s well ventilated, comes with a free fleece mat, and has side pockets for storing your pet’s essentials.
BEST PICK
Runner-up
Top 8 Best Soft Dog Crates Reviews
1. Feandrea Dog Carrier
BEST PICK
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
If you travel often with your dog, then you will appreciate a dog carrier that doubles as both a carrier and a dog crate so it can be used as a portable kennel. This way, your pooch can have a familiar little home wherever you are. If this sounds good to you, then this is one of the best soft dog carriers you will find on the market that serves both purposes.
It version we reviewed measured 102 x 69 x 69cm when set up but there are 5 other smaller sizes in several different colours. It’s made of a strong durable oxford fabric material supported by a metal frame, unlike some which use plastic poles which are not as durable.
It’s also very sturdy and stable because of the steel poles and thick oxford fabric. This makes it perfect for when you are travelling with your dog in a car as you won’t have to worry about the crate toppling over or damaged and probably hurting your dog.
It is easy to set up as there are no tools requires and collapses flat when not needed. This makes it very easy to store and transport which also means its perfect for air travel too. The supporting frame has rounded corners, which make the crate safe for your pooch too. These are all simple but well thought out features, features many models simply mess up on.
For your dog’s comfort, this crate comes with a removable, washable fleece mat that cushions your furry friend against the hard floor. Again it’s removable so it is easy to clean.
For maximum ventilation, the crate has a breathable mesh on three sides. The mesh also allows your dog to view the world around them so that they are not completely isolated. The carrier also features side pockets for storage of your pet’s accessories or favourite treats.
If the thousands of positive reviews on Amazon are anything to go by, you and your canine friend will enjoy this crate.
Pros
- Breathable mesh on 3 sides for maximum ventilation
- Easy to set up and take down for storage as it folds flat.
- Side pockets for your pet’s accessories and favourite treats.
- Stable structure thanks to the thick oxford fabric and metal poles.
- Durable and flexible.
- Comes with a removable fleece mat for maximum comfort and easy cleaning.
Cons
- The mesh fabric can be delicate but this is the case with most fabric carriers.
Why do we recommend it?
We recommend this soft crate if you occasionally travel with your dog. It’s also great if you never take them travelling as you can use it as an indoor dog house, however, if you take them to places with you, this serves as a good pet carrier bag and a crate for them to sleep in is you take them on holidays with you. It’s the perfect cosy mini home for your pet.
We like that it’s very easy to set up and collapsible when you are not using it. The mesh fabric on three sides ensures maximum ventilation and allows your canine friend to view the world around them as well.
Overall we love everything about it and its easy to see why it’s a popular choice, quality fabric, metal poles, plenty of storage. We think out of all the models available from different brands, this one should be top of your list.
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2. AmazonBasics Premium Folding Portable Soft Pet Crate
Runner-up
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
The AmazonBasics Soft crate is another viable option you can get for your pet’s travels and we think is a very close second to our Best pick and it has nearly all of the same great features and from one of the most trusted brands on the World ‘Amazon’.
It is very stable thanks to the durable polyester and PVC material, which makes it the ideal soft dog crate for cars and of course travelling in general. You can bring your dog with you on when you travel without worrying about their safety while in transit. The carrier also has screen windows for maximum ventilation. Your dog can also enjoy the view of the world around them through the screen windows so that they are not very isolated when in the carrier.
It is made of strong polyester and PVC material as previously mentioned, which makes it very durable. You and your canine friend will be enjoying this crate for a long time.
The carrier sets up easily as there are no tools required, and when it’s not in use, it collapses flat for easy storage and transport. There are shoulder straps and a handle on the top of the carrier too, to make it easy for you to carry it around, its also very lightweight too.
The removable and washable fleece bed that comes with this carrier makes it warm and comfortable for your dog while they are away on travel plus its makes it much easier to clean too.
In the side pockets on this carrier, you can keep your doggie treats and accessories for your dog. This helps keep things organized and is something that many plastic and metal crates don’t have.
Pros
- Several sizes are available to suit the size of your pet.
- Collapses flat for easy storage.
- Made of high-quality durable polyester and PVC material.
- Well ventilated mesh sides.
- Features side pockets for holding doggie essentials.
- Ideal for car transport and carry with you on the bus or train.
- Features shoulder straps for easy carrying.
- Removable fleece dog bed makes the carrier cosy and easier to clean.
Cons
- Not ideal for a chewy dog.
Why do we recommend it?
This dog crate doubles as both a dog carrier and a dog crate and is a very close second to our Best Pick, only beaten because this model which is part of the AmazonBasics range is much newer in comparison so has fewer reviews.
If your dog is already housetrained and is past their chewing stage, then this will make a perfect little cosy home from home for them.
The fleece bed makes much more comfortable for your pet, whether you are on the road or using this crate at home. We love that it’s easy to set up and disassemble within minutes when not in use for convenient storage. The shoulder straps and top handle also make it so easy to transport.
Read next: Best dog crates and cages for transporting pets
3. Mool Lightweight Fabric Pet Carrier Crate with Fleece Mat and Food Bag
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
This is another ideal soft-sided crate for your pet that you can also use on the road. It’s made of an easy to clean fabric supported by a sturdy steel frame, which makes one of the best soft folding dog crates, stable and safe for your pup. Where this model differs from the previous two is the removable side pockets, there not removable on the previous two and reversible mat for hot and cool days which the previous two also don’t have, they just have the fleece side.
It has screen windows on all sides with mesh fabric that allows proper air circulation. The soft crate as just mentioned also comes with a reversible base mat that offers your pet either a warm environment or a cool one depending on the weather. It does not get more comfortable than that.
This carrier easily sets up and folds down when not in use, allowing you to easily put it away when not needed. The top handle makes carrying this crate easy for you too and at 3.32 kg, it’s not to heavy either.
It has two doors that you can be zip if you want to keep your pet inside or rolled up and held up to allow easy access for them so that they can come in and leave as they please.
When set up, the crate measures 70 x 52 x 52cm, ideal for small and medium-sized dogs but they also do sell an extra large and smaller version too.
With the extra pocket at the top of the crate, you can keep all your doggie essentials like medication or toys with them. While on the discussion of medication, if you have a dog that has fits, then a soft dog crate is ideal as there much less likely to get hurt.
The covering fabric is waterproof and washable too, which allows you to keep the crate clean. This crate is available in different vibrant colours, and you can pick the one that suits your dog best.
Pros
- Folds flat for easy transport and storage.
- Comes with a removable base mat to make it cosy for your pet.
- Base matt is also reversible for warm and cools day for better comfort.
- Made of quality fabric material supports by a steel frame, which makes it strong and durable.
- The fabric cover is washable.
- Mesh screen windows for maximum ventilation.
- Feature a removable side pocket so you can keep treats in there and remove the pocket when you go on walks.
- An extra pocket at the top for your pet’s essentials.
Cons
- The large size is ideal for large dogs but you can get an extra large version.
Why do we recommend it?
If you are looking for a soft cage that makes taking your dog with you on trips easy, this is well worth considering and it has a few features some models don’t which we like such as the reversible base.
The handle at the top makes carrying it easy and hustle free, and it folds flat when you are not using it. It has two doors that make it easily accessible to your pet. You can zip them up in there if you want to keep them safe as you go about your business.
We like that this soft crate has a strong steel frame that makes it strong and sturdy. The many positive reviews on amazon are an assurance that you will be getting a quality product. Well worth considering.
Read next: Best dog car seats and booster seats
4. Crufts Soft Dog Crate
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
Safety, when you are travelling with your canine friend in a car, is always a concern. Some soft dog cages are just not built with travel in mind first. If you are looking for one with superior safety features, however, you cannot go wrong with this one from one of the most trusted brands in the world.
The carrier features 2 fastening straps that you can use to securely fasten your pet to the car seat, making sure the carrier is steady when you travel. This means that you don’t have to put them in the car boot as they can ride shotgun.
If you love going for outdoor excursions with your dog, then you will love that this carrier comes with two fabric feeding bowls, for both water and food, something no other soft dog carrier comes with. It sets up easily and disassembles easily too. When not in use, it folds flat when not in use for easy storage.
When set up, it measures 35 ins x 23.5 ins x 27.5 ins high, large enough for small and medium dogs but you can get other sizes too.
It’s made of a strong fabric cover supported by a strong metal frame, which makes it very sturdy and durable. It has mesh fabric windows for maximum ventilation. These windows have some blinds which you can roll down when needed. This model also has 3 doors, one on the side, one at the front and one on the top, this is also something other models lack although it may be a feature we don’t all need, after all, one wat in and out might be fine.
The pocket at the top of this carrier gives you some room to store the fabric bowls and other essentials for your pet.
Pros
- Fastening straps to stabilize the crate in the car seat.
- Free feeding bowls for good and water.
- Easy to set up and take down for easy storage.
- Made of strong quality materials.
- Ideal for outdoors.
Cons
- You might need to get a dog bed separately.
Why do we recommend it?
If you want a carrier you can keep on a car seat safety, this is your best bet. The fastening straps allow you to secure the carrier onto the car seat to keeps the carrier in place during the ride.
It’s easy to erect and dismantle too and super strong thanks to the tubular framework. We love the free pet feeding bowls that come with the carrier too. They are a thoughtful addition. Overall an exceptionally good quality soft dog crate to consider.
Read next: Best dog crates for cocker spaniels
5. Veehoo Folding Soft Dog Crate
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
The Veehoo folding dog carrier is another awesome little den that you can get for your canine friend. It’s built for their maximum comfort and convenience and like our previous pick, also features 3 doors for better access. You can use this dog crate as either a carrier or a crate where your dog relaxes as you attend to your house chores.
It has three zip doors that you can either zip up to keep your pet safely inside the crate or roll them up, allowing them to come in and go out as they wish.
When fully set up, the carrier measures 40 x 27 x 27 inches and will house dogs as large as 85 pounds but they also do a smaller version that is up to half the size at 20 inches. It’s made of a strong oxford fabric material supported by a steel frame that easily collapses for storage. This makes this crate sturdy, durable to easy to put up in minutes.
For maximum ventilation, this crate features 5 mesh windows, which keep it airy for the pet. The mesh windows also allow your canine friend to view the environment around them when the crate is zipped up, which makes sure that they don’t feel isolated and anxious, something that some dogs struggle with.
The crate comes with a removable, washable fleece pad, which makes the crate cosy and warm for your furry friend. When not needed, this crate collapses flat, which makes storage or transport hassle-free. It has a carrying strap as well, which allows you to carry it around easily.
Pros
- Easy to set up and take down for transport and storage.
- A strong steel support frame.
- 3 roll op zip doors make the crate easily accessible.
- Comes with a removable, washable fleece pad for maximum comfort and warmth.
- Well ventilated mesh air vents.
- Can house large dogs up to 85 pounds.
- Relatively affordable.
Cons
- Not suitable for teething dogs
Why do we recommend it?
If you want a dog crate that’s perfectly suited for both home use and transport, this is well worth considering and is a popular choice for many pet owners. It’s well ventilated, and the three roll-up doors make it easily accessible for your dog. It’s made using quality materials, which make it sturdy and durable. We love that the carrier comes with a removable fleece pad, makes the carrier warm and cosy, the perfect little home on the road.
6. Petsfit Lightweight Foldable Soft Dog Crate
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
The Petsfit folding carrier is another good soft folding dog crates on the market for both travel and home use. It’s made using durable waterproof oxford fabric materials, which make it very easy to clean and ideal if you need to walk with the pet carrier in the rain because its waterproof. It’s supported by a strong metallic frame, which gives it superior stability too.
The crate comes with a removable, washable fleece dog bed, which helps keep the crate clean and hygienic. The fabric part of the crate is removable and machine washable too.
It sets up very easy and collapses flat when not in use to make storage and transport easy for you.
For maximum ventilation, this crate has fabric mesh windows on all four sides. The mesh door at the front of the carrier can either be zipped to keep your fur baby securely inside or rolled up to allow them easy access in and out of the crate which is ideal for training.
For the storage of your dog’s essentials such as medication, toys, or treats, this carrier comes with side pockets too.
It measures 78 x 53 x 65cm, large enough for small and medium-size dogs.
Pros
- Suitable for both home use and travel.
- Mesh fabric windows for maximum ventilation.
- Easily sets up without any tools.
- Folds flat for easy storage and transport.
- Side pockets for doggie essential storage.
- The zip door can be rolled up to allow your pet easy access.
- Removable, washable fleece dog bed for maximum comfort.
Cons
- Not suitable for a teething dog.
Why do we recommend it?
This dog carrier serves both as a home dog crate as well as a travel carrier for your dog. If your dog is already housetrained, this will be a perfect little den for them at home and a safe carrier for them on the road.
It can be their familiar mobile home wherever they are. We love that it’s well ventilated and that it’s very easy to set up as well as waterproof. This is handy if you walk to the vets for example and its raining.
With the side pocket feature, you have storage for any pet essentials you need to bring with your fur baby on the road. Overall a great choice to consider.
7. SCM Airline Approved Soft-Sided Folding Pet Carrier
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
If you are thinking of international travel with your precious pooch, then you need a befitting carrier for them that can be used on airlines. This is one of the best airplane dog carriers you will find on the market that meets airline pet carrier requirements.
It measures 44 x 25 x 28cm and can house dogs with weights of up to 14 pounds so is designed for small dogs only. It has breathable mesh windows for proper ventilation. It also features a removable and washable fleece dog bed that keeps your pet cosy when in transit.
It is made of high-quality nylon fabric material covered with a PVC coating that makes it waterproof and consequently easy to clean. All you need to do is wipe the carrier down with a dump cloth, and it’s ready for the next trip.
It’s easily portable as you can either hold it with the hand handle or carry it over your shoulder using the over the shoulder strap.
For all your doggie essentials, this carrier has some side pockets you can use for their medication, treats, or toys.
If you don’t want to risk your pet running off when you open the carrier to let them out, you can use a short leash that comes incorporated into the carrier. Just clip it to your pet’s carrier. After all, the last thing you need is your dog running off when you’re at the airport.
Pros
- Meets airline pet carrier requirements.
- Made of durable nylon material.
- Waterproof.
- Easy to clean.
- Breathable mesh for maximum ventilation.
- Comes with a fleece dog bed for your pet’s comfort.
Cons
- Cant house larger dogs
Why do we recommend it?
We recommend this carrier if you have a small dog that you love bringing with you on the road. It’s also airline approved in case you love flying with your canine companion. It has a fleece bed for your pet’s comfort and we like the idea of the attached lead.
The mesh windows ensure it’s well ventilated and airy. It’s easy to carry with the over-the-shoulder strap or the padded handle.
8. Pawhut Folding Fabric Soft Pet Crate
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
This is another awesome dog carrier that makes bringing your little furry friend on the road with you easy. It is made of 600D oxford fabric material with a PVC coating that makes it water-resistant (not waterproof) and consequently easy to clean as you can just wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
The fleece bed is removable and washable, allowing you to keep the carrier clean.
The carrier comes with a lamb mat to keep your fur baby cosy when in transit. The Pawhut soft pet crate meets most of the airlines’ flight requirements, but you should always check your airline’s requirements to be sure.
When not in use, this dog carrier folds flat and fits into the provided carry bag conveniently for easy storage.
When set up, this carrier measures 46 x 36 x 41cm, suitable for young puppies as well as small dogs, and cats.
The mesh fabric windows allow for maximum air circulation. The door can be folded up and held in place to make the crate accessible for the pet. If you are setting this crate up outdoors, there are loops you can stake into the ground.
Pros
- A strong durable material.
- Anchoring loops for when you are setting it up outdoors.
- Meets most airline requirements.
- Water-resistant thanks to the 600D oxford material with PVC coating.
- Easy to clean.
- Folds up flat for convenient storage.
Cons
- Only suitable for small pets.
Why do we recommend it?
If you have a small dog or puppy, this is a great crate. It’s easy to clean by just wiping it down. The fleece mat is removable and washable, which allows you to keep things clean and hygienic.
It’s well ventilated and cosy. We like that this carrier meets most of the airline’s requirements although we are unsure which it doesn’t meet but you should have no issues using it for air travel. When not in use, it collapses flat and fits into the carrier bag provided.
Buyer’s guide
If you just got a pup and you haven’t bought a soft dog crate before or you need a larger comfortable soft-sided dog crate for your dog, you want to make sure you get them the most suitable one if you don’t want to keep on spending money on crate replacements.
Here are some of the most important factors to consider before spending your hard earned money on one.
Size
When you are buying your dog a crate, the most important thing to get right is the size. You could get the best one on the market, but if your dog does not fit in it, it won’t be of any use to you.
To ensure that you get the size right, take precise measurements of your dog and use those measurements as a basis when you are shopping for the crate.
For their height, measure the distance from their paw to the topmost part of their head, and then the distance from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail for the length. Remember to leave a few inches allowance to allow your dog to stand and turn around comfortably in their crate.
Think about maintenance
One of the biggest drawbacks of soft-sided dog crates is that they are a bit challenging to maintain. If your dog makes a mess in the crate, it will help if there is a removable base that you can just remove and clean without having to clean the whole crate.
Some soft dog crates come with machine-washable fabric but not all. This way, you can just remove the cover and toss it in the machine for a quick wash. Others are waterproof, and wiping them down with a damp cloth is all you need to get the job done.
Choose either of these depending on what you prefer.
Portability
If you are on the road with your pet a lot, then you want a dog crate that is easy to carry around with your pet in it and also when they are not in it. In this case, think of getting a crate with a handle or over the shoulder straps.
For when you are not using the crate, think of one that can be collapsed flat and probably has a carrier bag provided. This makes it easy to carry it around or store.
Safety
This is very important. If you are buying a crate for car transport, make sure you get one with a stable base so that your pet does not topple over and get hurt when in transit. Some models can be placed on car seats and attach to the seat belt while other need placing in the boot or footwell.
If you are buying a dog carrier for international travel, check that it meets the safety requirements stipulated by your airline. We reviewed two that were ideal for airline travel but they were only for small dogs and puppies and can travel in the cabin with you as they usually fit under the seat.
Ventilation
You want the crate you buy to be very well ventilated to make sure that your dog can breathe safely in there plus it stops it getting stuffy inside on warm days. Most do have plenty of ventilation vents on them made from mesh with fabric covers.
In conclusion
Soft dog crates are some of the cosiest dog crates you will find on the market. They are also the most appropriate when you are taking the dog on the road with you. I hope you find the next best dog crate on this list.
Our best pick, the Feandrea Dog Carrier has 1000’s of positive reviews, is a premium product, and available in different sizes to suit most dog sizes. It’s a great place to start your search. It’s also very easy to set up, folds flat when not in use, comes with a free fleece mat, and it has side pockets to store your doggie essentials.
Our Runner-up, the AmazonBasics premium folding portable soft pet crate has great reviews confirming it’s a good quality product from Amazon’s brand and is available in many sizes and colours. It’s a good alternative to our top pick. It also folds flat, comes with a free fleece pad, and has side pockets for your doggy’s treats and toys.
Main image credit – Shutterstock.com
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