Best Soft Dog Crates for 2023 – Reviews & Buying Guide

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So you’ve decided to get a soft dog crate for your pup. Or maybe to replace the old one with something better. When you realize that you need a crate for your dog, you probably don’t know exactly what to choose. There are so many on the market. So, you finally decide to get an indoors portable dog crate to give your pup its own den or maybe to crate a dog in it while traveling.

There are two basic categories of the crates that satisfy the demands. They are wire crates and the so-called soft dog crate ones. The latter are usually made of fabric and mesh, have plastic or metal frame and zippered doors. If you’re reading this article you’re obviously put an eye on the soft portable crates.

As the metal crates and soft ones are very different, pet parents need to have some arguments to make a proper choice.

Pros of Soft-Sided Dog Crates and Kennels

The look. Soft sided dog crate is much more beautiful compared to wire analogs.

Easier to carry. You can carry the fabric portable crate with you easily. All the models we review in this article collapse in seconds. You can set them up fast as well. This makes them the best option for traveling, camping, or just taking your pet to the vet.

Quiet. The crucial feature of the soft dog kennel, I’d like to say! Just imagine how loud the metal cage is when the dog is inside. A collapsible dog crate will let you sleep even having it beside your bed.

Collapsible. The soft-sided pet carrier can be folded flat in seconds to save space when not being used. Due to this feature, they differ from the hard carriers, especially for large dogs, which can be really huge and take plenty of space while in use or at storage.

What Are the Cons of Soft Kennels and Crates for Dogs?

Not for chewers and destroyers. Soft crates are not for aggressive dogs and those who are not crate trained. These crates won’t withstand claws and teeth. 

Limited serving term. Fabric and mesh are not even close to metal when it comes to longevity. Metal may rust or break but fabric can get ripped much easier. 

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Top-rated Soft Dog Crates and Kennels Comparison Table

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Reviews of Our Chosen Portable Soft Dog Crates in 2023

Here are our picks based on our own experience and customer feedback. The analysis included features we personally appreciate in soft-sided crates. You should always look for the reasons that are important for you before buying any of the recommended below. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] [vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″] [vc_column_text f_h3_font_style=”” h_color=”#70c3b7″]

1. Top-Notch Quality Product: EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate – Best Soft Dog Crate of 2023

[/vc_column_text] [vc_column_text]The 3-door folding soft crate by EliteField is the winning product due to its outstanding features. This soft-sided crate has more entrances than the majority of standard fabric crates. The side and front doors have fasteners to hold the mesh panels folded up when the crate is open. 

This is the perfect option for long trips due to its soft mat and handy pockets where pup supplies can be stored. The crate is well-ventilated so that the pet will feel comfortable inside. 

What we’d like to mention is the quality material of this EliteField model. The core parts are made of 600D watertight canvas, and the mesh is extra-sturdy as well. The quality allows pet parents to rely on this crate for years on. The crate is covered by a 2-year warranty from the USA-based company, although it refers to the manufacturer’s flaws only. 

Despite its sturdy components, the soft-sided crate like this is not recommended for not trained dogs or the ones prone to chewing and escaping. There’s no fabric to withstand the claws and teeth of the rampant dog. 

Both the cover and the inner mat are machine-washable.

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2. Our Runner Up: NOZ2NOZ Sof-Krate – Best Portable Dog Crate in 2023

[/vc_column_text] [vc_column_text]The close to the first position is the olive Sof-Krate by NOZ2NOZ. This is the premium quality portable kennel which is suitable for indoors and outdoors equally. The leak-proof material provides an efficient defense against liquids. The corners of the Sof-Krate are rounded and protected by the additional fabric layer to prevent damage of home or car interior. 

The mesh doors of this kennel can be covered with solid panels to let your pet more privacy when needed. It is crucial for animals during long trips or staying in crowded places for too long. 

This crate is very easy to assemble and so it is to be unfolded. Cleaning is a breeze as well. In case of accidents just wipe the surface with a cloth using some pet stain eliminator and let it dry. That’s all! The harder grime may be machine washed along with the regular laundry. Just take the fabric cover off the metal frame.  

Available in size range from 21 to 42 inches to accommodate almost any pet. The only real downside of this crate is the lack of handles. You won’t be able to carry this crate with a dog inside it – for some purposes, it is a major flaw.  

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3. Heavy-Duty Option: Arf Pets 3-Door Dog Soft Crate Kennel – Best Soft Sided Dog Crate

[/vc_column_text] [vc_column_text]The next on our list is the Art Pets Soft Kennel. It also has three doors to access and wide mesh areas for ventilation and observation. There are only medium sizes of this crate available for purchase, but many pet parents tend to buy one larger crate for two or more dogs they own. It has a very light but thick and sturdy aluminum frame with collapsible bars to provide long years of use and easy storage. 

This portable crate has long straps to help you carry it when needed. In other words, this one is perfect to travel with pets, be it a trip to camping or a visit to a groomer. The soft crate like this one is great to keep the automobile interior free from hair or other dirt. 

This soft kennel has a waterproof bottom and easy to clean cover.  

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4. Best for Your Budget: AmazonBasics Folding Soft Dog Crate – Best Collapsible Dog Crate

[/vc_column_text] [vc_column_text]The AmazonBasics Folding Soft Dog Crate is the best cheap alternative to the rest of the carriers mentioned here. It is nice-looking and has two entrances with quality zip locks. The size range allows it for pups from small to large breeds. You only have to measure your dog accurately to order the proper size. 

When it comes to differences, the main is the collapsible frame of this product. It is not metal, it is made of thick PVC tubes. They are sturdy to handle the dog up to 80lb (as the manufacturer claims) and very light. 

The polyester material is watertight and durable. This crate offers a dog more privacy than others due to less mesh. The ventilation windows are placed upper to let the air circulate through the crate. Doors on the top and on the side have fasteners to hold them out the way when unzipped.

Just like the NOZ2NOZ crate, this one by AmazonBasics has no handles to carry the crate with a pet inside. Mention this while making a purchase.    

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5. Best Alternative: Soft Side Pet Crate by Precision Pet

[/vc_column_text] [vc_column_text]This is another excellent product for dogs by Precision Pet. It looks much like the other similar soft crates on sale but has several differences. First, this crate has 4 doors offering the pet parents easy access inside from any position. 

Second, it has no shoulder straps, only two small handles which allow carrying the crate with a dog between vehicle and building but will require two people for it. 

The other features including washable cover and collapsible frame are quite common for this type of crates. It doesn’t require tools for assembly but some customers claim that it’s inconvenient to set it up because one has to crawl inside to do it. 

The Precision Pet crate is ideal for carrying dogs in the car since it has a door on the narrow end for a dog to get inside and out. There are handy pockets for treats, harness or other pet supplies to take to the road trip. The mat or a pet bed should be placed inside for better comfort for your dog. 

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6. Best Soft-Sided Carrier for Small Dogs: AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier

[/vc_column_text] [vc_column_text]The Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier by AmazonBasics is the different type of portable crates. This one is not for being a den or playpen, rather the handy carrier for visiting vet or groomer. It has an adjustable shoulder strap allowing you to carry it with your hands free, and two long handles.  

The carrier can hold small to medium-sized pets up to 22lbs. Pay attention to the height because it is lower than regular soft crates. The carrier has a top door and a side door with secure zip locks. What’s great about this one is the fluffy fleece bottom cover coming with the carrier. 

Basically, you won’t need to buy any extra travel supply apart from this carrier, as it’s the ready-to-go kit. This pet travel carrier can be used on airplane trips too, just check this out beforehand. This reminds of a big sports bag made of mesh almost completely. It has no collapsible frame, but you can fold it down like a usual bag instead. The hard bottom shouldn’t be bent as it provides the shape sustainability of the whole thing.

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How to Pick the Right One Soft Dog Crate?

• Measure the size of a dog accurately. Your canine has to be able to stand inside on four paws with the head up. The length and width of the crate must let the dog lay comfortably in its preferred sleeping position. The length usually is equal to the dog’s measurement from nose to tail’s root. It’s not recommended to purchase the large crate for a smaller dog since it’s not a playing pen. Domestic canines are of den animals origin, so they tend to feel safe and comfy in the snug places. Too spacious crates lack seclusion.

• Think about the way you will use it. The minor features such as the absence of handles can become the major flaw of the product if you buy it for carrying your dog inside between places.

• A carrier or a crate? – Will you have to carry the dog in the soft crate? If so, pick up the one with a shoulder strap for a small pup and the crate with stiff bottom and comfy handles for a large breed dog. 

• Are you tight on a budget? Usually, the more expensive the product is the better is the quality. Although, there are cheaper versions of the top-recommended options that many can afford. They may lack some extra features but still do the job. Look at the warranty term, if you’re in a doubt. 

Final Thoughts

Although we highly recommend all the reviewed crates, there are our favorites. If you buy a soft-sided crate for the first time, choose the one with a pet bed or mat included. Thus, you won’t need to spend extra on it, and the size will definitely match the crate bottom. 

Big pup’s owners should check the material sturdiness and the presence of handles if the crate is for carrying dogs inside, not only crating. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row] [vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

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