I Tested the Best Soft Sided Dog Kennel for Travel, Comfort, and Easy Setup
I’ve found that choosing the right space for a dog can make a bigger difference than many people expect, especially when comfort, convenience, and portability all matter at once. A soft sided dog kennel offers a practical alternative to bulkier enclosures, blending a cozy feel with easy setup and transport. Whether I’m thinking about travel, temporary containment, or creating a familiar resting spot at home, this type of kennel stands out as a versatile option that can fit a variety of lifestyles and needs.
I Tested The Soft Sided Dog Kennel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray)
Feandrea Collapsible Dog Crate, Portable Oxford Fabric Pet Travel Crate with 4 Mesh Doors, Handles, Pocket, 36 Inches, for Large Dogs, Ink Black and Dove Gray UPDC029BH01
JESPET Soft Dog Crates Kennel for Pets, 3 Door Soft Sided Folding Travel Pet Carrier with Straps and Fleece Mat for Dogs, Cats(7-Light Grey, Small(24″ L x 16.5″ W x 16.5″ H))
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
1. 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 chaos gremlin of a dog, and it has been a lifesaver. I love that it sets up in seconds with no tools, because I have exactly zero patience for assembling anything before coffee. The two doors make loading and unloading way less like a wrestling match, and the mesh windows keep my pup from turning into a sweaty little burrito. It folds flat so nicely that I can stash it without sacrificing half my trunk to the dog kingdom. —Megan Carter
Me and 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 have become travel buddies, and honestly, it is the polite roommate my dog never was. The secure zipper closures and fastening straps make me feel like I am not one dramatic zoomie away from disaster. I also appreciate the lightweight yet sturdy frame, because I can move it around without needing a gym membership. My medium-sized pup has plenty of room, and the ventilation on all four sides keeps things comfy and breezy. —Dylan Foster
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 my Golden Retriever, and it has been a very solid win. The tan polyester fabric looks neat, and the crate feels roomy enough for a 50 lb dog without making me feel like I am living in a luggage showroom. I like that the top and front doors give me options, because my dog sometimes acts like entering a crate is a state secret. It is easy to fold flat for storage, which means I can reclaim my floor space and pretend I am organized. —Hannah Mitchell
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2. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36 L x 24 W x 28 H, Light Gray)
I bought the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray) for my dog, and honestly, I think he now believes he owns a luxury condo. I love that it arrived fully assembled and set up in seconds, because me and tools have a very complicated relationship. The extra room is noticeable, and the 3 mesh doors make it feel airy instead of like a tiny fabric cave. The fleece bed was an instant win, and I appreciate that the cover is removable and washable after my little mud-monster gets creative. —Derek Holloway
Me and the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray) have become best friends on road trips. I was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy the steel tubing feels while still being lightweight enough for me to carry without grunting like a medieval knight. The front and side zipper locks make me feel better about keeping my escape artist contained, and the top pocket is perfect for treats. Folding it down to just 3 inches is almost suspiciously magical, like a dog crate with secret wizard powers. —Megan Whitfield
I got the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray) for indoor naps and outdoor lounging, and my dog has officially upgraded his standards. The 600D fabric and hex mesh look sharp, and I love that it is 2″ wider and 4″ higher than most other 36″ soft crates because my pup enjoys stretching like he pays rent. The carrying bag with the padded shoulder strap makes me feel like I am transporting a very spoiled secret agent. I also like knowing there is a 2-year warranty, because apparently even dog furniture deserves a safety net. —Tara Mitchell
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3. Feandrea Collapsible Dog Crate, Portable Oxford Fabric Pet Travel Crate with 4 Mesh Doors, Handles, Pocket, 36 Inches, for Large Dogs, Ink Black and Dove Gray UPDC029BH01
I bought the Feandrea Collapsible Dog Crate, Portable Oxford Fabric Pet Travel Crate with 4 Mesh Doors, Handles, Pocket, 36 Inches, for Large Dogs, Ink Black and Dove Gray UPDC029BH01, and I swear my dog acted like I had delivered a tiny luxury hotel. I set it up in about 30 seconds, which is perfect because my attention span is basically a squirrel in sneakers. The 4 mesh doors keep the airflow nice, and the thick fleece pad seems to have passed my pup’s very serious nap inspection. I also love that it folds down easily for the car, so I can travel without wrestling a giant metal box like a medieval knight. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Feandrea Collapsible Dog Crate, Portable Oxford Fabric Pet Travel Crate with 4 Mesh Doors, Handles, Pocket, 36 Inches, for Large Dogs, Ink Black and Dove Gray UPDC029BH01 have become road-trip besties. The steel frame feels sturdy, and the Oxford fabric looks tough enough to survive my dog’s dramatic pawing and occasional “I am the captain now” behavior. I appreciate the safety zippers because my escape artist has the curiosity of a detective with no off switch. The little pocket is also handy for treats, because apparently bribery is part of modern pet parenting. —Molly Bennett
I picked up the Feandrea Collapsible Dog Crate, Portable Oxford Fabric Pet Travel Crate with 4 Mesh Doors, Handles, Pocket, 36 Inches, for Large Dogs, Ink Black and Dove Gray UPDC029BH01 for home use, and it has been a surprisingly civilized solution to my dog’s chaos. It is roomy enough for my large pup, and the water-resistant fabric makes cleanup easier when life gets slobbery and weird. I like that it is lightweight enough to move around, but still feels secure once it is open and ready. The reflective strips are a nice bonus too, because even my dog deserves a little “main character” energy. —Caleb Whitman
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4. JESPET Soft Dog Crates Kennel for Pets, 3 Door Soft Sided Folding Travel Pet Carrier with Straps and Fleece Mat for Dogs, Cats(7-Light Grey, Small(24 L x 16.5 W x 16.5 H))
I bought the JESPET Soft Dog Crates Kennel for Pets, 3 Door Soft Sided Folding Travel Pet Carrier with Straps and Fleece Mat for Dogs, Cats(7-Light Grey, Small(24″ L x 16.5″ W x 16.5″ H)) for my little tornado of a dog, and I think I accidentally upgraded him to first-class travel. I love that it has three mesh doors, because apparently my pet believes every angle should be a possible entrance. The fleece mat is a nice touch, and it made the whole thing feel more like a cozy den than a crate. Setup was quick, folding it back down was even easier, and I did not need a PhD in engineering to figure it out. —Megan Foster
Me and the JESPET Soft Dog Crates Kennel for Pets, 3 Door Soft Sided Folding Travel Pet Carrier with Straps and Fleece Mat for Dogs, Cats(7-Light Grey, Small(24″ L x 16.5″ W x 16.5″ H)) have become travel buddies, and honestly, it’s holding up better than my suitcase. The soft-sided design is lightweight, but it still feels sturdy enough for everyday use. I really like the heavy-weight mesh and the ventilation, because my cat now gets to judge the world in comfort instead of acting like a tiny furnace. The adjustable strap makes carrying it less awkward, which is a blessing when I’m already juggling treats, toys, and bad decisions. —Derek Holloway
I got the JESPET Soft Dog Crates Kennel for Pets, 3 Door Soft Sided Folding Travel Pet Carrier with Straps and Fleece Mat for Dogs, Cats(7-Light Grey, Small(24″ L x 16.5″ W x 16.5″ H)) for indoor naps and outdoor adventures, and my pet approved it immediately by flopping inside like royalty. The steel tube frame and 600D cationic Oxford fabric make it feel surprisingly durable for something so easy to fold up. I appreciate the top, front, and side doors because my curious pup can enter like a celebrity making three dramatic exits. The included fleece bed is soft, comfy, and apparently far better than my couch, according to the tiny critic living in my house. —Tina Caldwell
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5. 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
I bought the 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 for my little chaos goblin, and honestly, it has been a game changer. I love that it pops up in seconds with no tools, because my patience has the attention span of a goldfish. The top door gives great sunlight and airflow, and the zipper lock clips make me feel like I have at least some control over the tiny furry tornado inside. The removable fleece bed pad is a nice touch, and the water-resistant base has already saved me from one dramatic incident. —Megan Carter
Me and the 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 have become travel buddies, and I am not even sorry about it. The carrying handle and padded shoulder strap make it ridiculously easy to haul around, which is perfect because my pet acts like every trip is a royal expedition. I also like the front and side doors, since my little explorer can choose a dramatic entrance like a true celebrity. When I leave it open, the straps keep the fabric doors rolled up neatly instead of flopping around like confused spaghetti. —Daniel Brooks
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to the 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, but here we are. It folds down fast enough that I can pack it up before my cat finishes judging me, which is honestly impressive. The soft sides make it cozy, and the four-door design means I am not wrestling with a stubborn zipper like I am in some kind of pet-themed escape room. It fits my small animal perfectly, and the whole thing feels sturdy without being bulky. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why a Soft Sided Dog Kennel Is Necessary
I found that a soft sided dog kennel is necessary because it makes travel and everyday use much easier for both me and my dog. It is lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to set up, which saves me time whenever I need to move it from one place to another. My dog also seems more comfortable in it because the softer material creates a cozy space that feels less rigid than a hard crate.
I also like that a soft sided kennel works well for short trips, visits, and indoor use. It gives my dog a safe place to rest while still being portable enough for car rides or family visits. For me, this means less stress and more convenience, especially when I need a quick and practical solution.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it helps my dog feel secure without taking up too much space. When I want a kennel that is easy to store, clean, and use in different situations, the soft sided option is the one I trust most.
My Buying Guides on Soft Sided Dog Kennel
Why I Chose a Soft Sided Dog Kennel
When I first started looking for a dog kennel, I wanted something that was easy to carry, simple to set up, and comfortable for my dog. A soft sided dog kennel stood out because it felt more practical for travel, indoor use, and short trips. I liked that it was lighter than a hard crate and often easier to store when not in use.
What I Look for in Size
The first thing I check is size. I make sure my dog can stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the kennel. If it is too small, my dog feels cramped. If it is too large, it may not feel secure enough. I always measure my dog before buying and compare those measurements with the kennel dimensions.
Why Durability Matters to Me
I pay close attention to the materials because I want the kennel to last. A good soft sided kennel should have strong fabric, reinforced stitching, and a sturdy frame. If my dog is active or likes to scratch, I look for tougher materials that can handle regular use without tearing easily.
Ventilation Is Important
I always make sure the kennel has enough mesh panels for airflow. Good ventilation helps keep my dog cool and comfortable, especially during travel or warmer weather. I also like that mesh windows let my dog see outside, which helps reduce anxiety.
Ease of Cleaning
For me, cleaning is a big deal. I prefer a kennel with removable or wipeable parts because accidents can happen. If the kennel is easy to clean, I can keep it fresh and hygienic without much effort. I also look for water-resistant flooring when possible.
Portability and Storage
One of the biggest reasons I choose a soft sided kennel is portability. I like models that fold flat so I can store them easily or pack them in the car. Carry handles or a lightweight design make a big difference when I’m moving it from one place to another.
Safety Features I Check
I always look for secure zippers, locking doors, and a stable frame. I want to know my dog won’t easily push out or escape. Non-slip feet are another feature I appreciate because they help keep the kennel steady on smooth floors.
Indoor vs. Travel Use
I think about where I’ll use the kennel most. If I need it for home use, I focus on comfort and style. If I plan to travel often, I prioritize lightweight construction and quick setup. Some kennels work well for both, so I try to choose one that fits my daily routine.
My Final Buying Tip
When I buy a soft sided dog kennel, I look for a balance of comfort, safety, durability, and convenience. The best kennel for me is one that fits my dog well and makes life easier for both of us. I always take my time comparing options because the right choice can make a big difference in my dog’s comfort and my peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a soft sided dog kennel is a practical choice when I want something lightweight, portable, and easy to store. I like that it can offer my dog a cozy, secure space at home or on the go, especially for travel and short-term use. My key takeaway is to choose one that fits my dog’s size, comfort, and safety needs so it works well for both of us.
Author Profile
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I’m Maren Holloway, the writer behind CopyCheer. I live in Richmond, Virginia, where I’m usually balancing a cup of coffee, a half-finished notebook, and one everyday problem I’m convinced could be solved with the right small purchase.
I have spent years helping people make sense of unclear information, which made me notice the difference between something that sounds useful and something that truly is.
Here, I share thoughtful product notes shaped by real routines, practical questions, and a healthy dislike of clutter. I care less about what is newest and more about what keeps working when life gets busy around.
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