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Soft-sided dog crates offer dozens of benefits in comparison to old-school wire and plastic crates. Besides weighing less, soft crates are collapsible and can be easily folded for storage. They even tend to take up less space than collapsible wire crates. Further, soft-walled crates are more comfortable for dogs. As your dog gets used to a crate, it can even be used as a bed or an indoor “comfort zone.”
As is par for the course here at Cozy Crates, I’ve scouted out five of my top favorite soft-sided dog crates to help you choose the right product. Presenting the essential details and main pros of each, along with some purely fun features, we hope to save you time and effort by showing you where you can buy the perfect crate for your pooch.
Best Soft-Sided Dog Crates of 2023
There’s a dog crate that’s perfect for every canine enthusiast from plain and practical multi-door designs to cute and trendy retro-camper styles. Interested in features like pull-down shades, water-resistant fabric and climate-controlled window coverings? Looking for something with more than one door? I think I have something here for everyone. The following five are some of the best modern soft-sides crates.
Frisco Indoor & Outdoor 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate
Built to last, the Frisco Indoor & Outdoor 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate crate is made with a sturdy, metal frame and durable fabric. The lightweight steel frame and carrying handle make this collapsible crate easy to store and transport.
Not only is the crate designed to hold up with use, but it also features weather-specific components. The water-resistant base is ideal for wet days when you have to set up the crate on damp grass, while the ventilated windows are perfect for hot and humid summer weather. Water-resistance also aids in cleanup when your dog has accidents, preventing lasting odors and stains. The fabric walls and floor are hand washable, both inside and out.
These crates have three different doors, making it easy for you to load your dog in mere seconds. With one entry each for the top, front, and one side, this crate allows even reluctant and stubborn dogs to be crated quickly and conveniently. All of the doors are closed with zippers, and they can be rolled up and secured in place using straps with locking clips.
Ideal for car travel, the Frisco Indoor & Outdoor crate is convenient for transporting your dog to the vet or the kennel. You may also find it invaluable when moving to a new home, as it allows your dog to get used to new surroundings without leaving your watchful eye. Take it along when you go on camping trips, or use it to gradually introduce your pup to the dog park.
This crate also makes a great bed. You can upgrade it with a Frisco Crate Mat that fits perfectly to make a comfortable, cozy hideaway for your dog.
Quick and simple to set up, with no tools necessary, this Frisco crate comes in multiple sizes to accommodate dogs between 21″ and 42″ long and up to 85 pounds in weight. The smallest crate size includes a shoulder strap for use when the crate is collapsed.
Firstrax Noz2Noz Sof-Krate N2 Series 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate
Another fantastic three-door option, the Firstrax Noz2Noz Sof-Krate N2 Series 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate offers innumerable beneficial features. Easy set-up procedure, lightweight construction, and durable materials make this crate ideal for dogs on the go.
The frame is made from durable steel that’s lightweight for easy carrying. It collapses easily for storage, and the rounded corners of the frame redesigned to prevent scuffing, scratching, and ripping on wood floors and car interiors.
The fabric panels, including the doors, are formed from strong, washable fabric and mesh. The water-resistant base and washable fabric construction are designed to keep your pet dry in damp weather and make the crate easy to clean or disinfect.
The windows on the crate are made of breathable, ventilated mesh designed for optimum airflow, keeping your dog cool and comfortable on hot days. All four sides have windows, so your pet can enjoy the view during transportation.
On the top, front, and side, three different doors make for easy entry for your dog. Multiple openings also make it easier for you to load your pet on a time-crunch. To prevent your dog from pawing them open, the doors close with zippers that can be secured in place using strong clip locks. The front door panel can be rolled up and secured in place by the same method.
Besides convenient transportation, you can also use this crate as a bed or “comfort” zone for your dog. It makes a perfect hideaway for shy and nervous dogs when you have unexpected company, or the kids are getting a little too rowdy. Leave it set up at home, with the doors open, so he can get used to the space and retreat there for peace and quiet or an afternoon nap.
With no tools needed, Firstrax Noz2Noz Sof-Krate takes mere moments to set up. This crate also comes in multiple sizes to accommodate many sizes of dogs. Options are available for animals of 21 to 42″ in length and weights of up to 90 pounds.
EliteField 4-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate With Curtains
Step it up with this ultra-convenient 4-door dog crate featuring curtains on all the windows. The EliteField 4-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate With Curtains takes easy and convenient dog transportation to the next level.
Easy to set up and pack down, this crate is lightweight and portable. The built-in carrying case adds convenience to carrying and storage while the crate is collapsed. Handles on the top of the crate can also be used for carrying when the crate is set up.
Constructed from lightweight steel tubing, the frame is covered with sturdy fabric panels that are easy to clean. Doors and windows are secured with zippers, and the windows feature breathable mesh fabric for airflow.
With doors on the front, top, and both sides, this crate offers optimum ease for loading your dog. It’s convenient for crating or unloading your dog at home, in the back of a vehicle or outside. Whatever direction he comes from, this crate has an opening at the ready.
All of the doors also function as mesh windows with curtains, letting air and sunlight into the crate when the shades are pulled back. Leave the curtains down to promote a soothing, quiet atmosphere or pull them up so your dog can see what’s going on around him. The curtains can be rolled up and secured in place using adjustable straps with toggles for tightening.
Convenient for excursions to the park or camping trips, the storage pockets on the outside of the crate can be used for medication, leashes, toys, or treats. As an added bonus, this soft-sided crate by EliteField also comes with a free fleece bed.
Available in multiple sizes, there’s an EliteField soft-sided crate for every dog. Sizes start at 20 inches long by 14 inches wide and go all the way up to 42 inches long by 28 inches wide. Various crate options also allow for dogs of up to 90 pounds in weight.
Petmate Single Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate
Sometimes you can’t beat a solid, simple design, and that’s why the Petmate Single Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate made our list of top five crates. For affordability and ease of use, this product is hard to beat.
If getting your dog crated is easier when there are no additional doors allowing him to scurry away through the other side, this is the crate for you. With a single, front-loading entry, it couldn’t be easier to use.
Panels of durable, water-resistant fabric and climate control window coverings are fitted to the sturdy frame. Ground stakes are included to secure the crate to your lawn, or beside your bench at the park. The four stakes are conveniently positioned at each corner, functioning like tent pegs.
The front door, together with two upper side vents, have mesh panels to allow light and air to enter the crate. Doors and vents are held closed with zippers and can be rolled up and secured in place. The side window coverings can also be rolled up and held in place with Velcro.
With a comfortable foam pad fitted in the bottom of the crate, your dog can use this carrier as a bed, and storage pockets make it convenient for you to carry your pup’s treats and toys on road trips or visits to the dog park.
Water-resistance makes this soft carrier great for inclement weather, and the fabric also offers some resistance to staining and lingering odors. The inside and outside of the crate’s panels can be surface cleaned using water and mild soap.
This lightweight, soft-sided crate conveniently folds up into a self-contained carrying case. With multiple size options available, there’s a Petmate collapsible crate for every dog. For dogs as small as 10 pounds in weight all the way up to 90, these crates come in lengths 12 to 42 inches and widths of 9.5 to 29 inches.
MidWest Canine Camper Single Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate
If cute and trendy is your thing, you’ll understand why I included this retro-style camper design dog crate on our list. Maybe your dog likes to travel in style as much as you do. At least, I certainly think this particular soft-sided crate is as fun as it is practical!
Perfect for camping trips, the MidWest Canine Camper Single Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate is easy to set up and take down, and it packs flat for convenient storage. The metal frame is constructed from lightweight steel with a reinforcing U-shaped wire. Panels of durable, water-resistant fabric cover the frame on all sides.
The crate’s sides are fitted with two windows each, and the back is fitted with one large window. Breathable mesh fabric windows include coverings that can be rolled back and secured in place so your dog can enjoy the view.
Inside, this cute camper tent has a fleecy, faux sheepskin pad to keep your doggo cozy and at ease, whether he’s taking a snooze at home or riding along with you on an outdoor adventure. This built-in bed also makes it convenient for getting your dog used to the new carrier before transporting him to the vet.
The water-resistant fabric paneling is ideal for damp weather on the go. This weather resistant crate is also good for placement in the backyard when the lawn is wet or on the porch when it’s raining. It’s also great when you get surprised by rain on a camping trip. The fabric panels are easy to clean and can be hand-washed, inside and out.
Available in multiple sizes for many dogs, this adorable camper crate has options starting at 24 inches long by 15.5 inches wide all the way up to 42 inches long by 26 inches wide. The smallest MidWest Canine Camper can accommodate dogs up to 25 pounds, and the largest of these crates is designed to house pooches weighing up to 90 pounds.
