Most small dog owners buy a soft-sided crate expecting it to do two jobs: contain a puppy for a few hours at home and double as a travel bag. Those are very different demands, and the crates that shine at one usually disappoint at the other. After working through eleven soft-sided models across this category, the clear pattern is that soft crates earn their place as a portable kennel for a calm, crate-trained dog, and they lose their place the moment teeth meet mesh.
That is the honest framing for the best soft sided dog crates for small dogs in 2026. These are not wire crates in a fabric costume, and they are not built for the dog who shreds bedding. They are light, fold-flat, tool-free enclosures that fit in a trunk, pop up in a hotel room, and give a nervous small breed somewhere den-like to sit while you work.
In this guide I break down eleven soft crates for small dogs by door layout, frame material, weight, washable bedding, and the honest limitations reviewers report after months of use. I also cover the sizing math, since running small is the single most common complaint in this category, and the car seatbelt question that comes up every time somebody travels with a small dog. If your dog chews, digs or panics when crated, I will tell you where to go instead, and our guides to heavy duty crates for escape artists and crates for large dogs cover that ground properly.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Soft Sided Dog Crates for Small Dogs (October 2026)
Three models cover nearly every small dog household. The Amazon Basics four-door is the generalist, the LE SURE is the better-built travel crate, and the Petsfit 22-inch is the lightest option here for dogs under 15 pounds.
Amazon Basics 4-Door Folding Crate
- 26 x 18 x 18 inches
- 26 x 18 x 18 in pop-up frame
- Top door plus front and side doors
- Removable fleece pad and shoulder strap
LE SURE 26 Inch Collapsible Crate
- Four zippered doors
- Waterproof PVC base and sherpa mattress
- Interior safety leash
- Built for dogs to 20 lbs
Petsfit 22 Inch Pop-Up Crate
- 22 x 13 x 17 inches
- 2.2 pounds
- Self-locking zipper head
- 600D fabric with three mesh sides
All Soft Sided Dog Crates for Small Dogs Compared in 2026
Every crate below folds flat, sets up without tools, and carries a water-resistant or waterproof base. Weight ranges from 1.33 pounds to 9 pounds, and interior sizing runs from 17.5 inches to 32 inches long, so check the dimensions against your dog before you commit.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics 4-Door Folding Soft Crate |
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 Go Pet Club 18 Inch Rounded Top Crate |
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| LE SURE 26 Inch Collapsible Crate |
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| Petsfit 22 Inch Pop-Up Crate |
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 Feandrea 24 Inch Collapsible Crate |
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 Garnpet 26 Inch Four-Door Crate |
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 Petsfit 19 Inch Portable Crate |
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 Gardner Pet 26 Inch Travel Crate |
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 Morpilot 24 Inch Crate for Dogs to 27 lbs |
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 DUMOS 24 Inch Soft Dog Crate |
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 SportPet Designs Pop-Open Kennel |
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1. Amazon Basics 4-Door Folding Soft Crate for Small Dogs
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
26 x 18 x 18 inches
7.67 pounds
Four doors
Removable fleece pad
Pros
- Sets up and collapses in seconds with no tools
- Lightest carry weight of the four-door 26 inch options
- Zipper lock clips on every door
- Water-resistant base wipes down
- Included removable fleece pad
Cons
- Fabric will not stop an escape-minded chewer
- Front door strap fastens on one side only
- Seams between frame bars are awkward to clean
I have put more mileage on this crate than any other in the group, largely because it is the one most people end up owning first. The pop-up frame is genuinely the fastest here: pull the panels apart, press the corners down, and the shape locks without a single tool. Collapsing it is the same motion in reverse and takes about as long as picking up your keys.
At 26 by 18 by 18 inches it suits most Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Pomeranians and small Shih Tzus with room to stand and turn. The four-door layout is the feature that separates it from cheaper two-door crates, because a top door lets you lower a dog in or lift one out without crouching at floor level. Reviewers also praise how light it feels compared with a hard plastic kennel of the same size.
The fleece pad that ships with it gets peeled off and washed more often than the crate itself. The water-resistant base is the other sleeper feature, because a small dog crate lives on kitchen tile more than anyone expects, and a damp pad smell is the fastest way to make a dog avoid its own bed.
Where I would push back is the fabric itself. The material is a soft canvas and vinyl blend that shrugs off claw marks from a calm dog but has no chance against a dog working the door seam deliberately. Several owners report the front zipper developing drag over time, and the roll-up door strap is Velcro on one side only, so the flap hangs loose unless you fold it back on itself.
Cleaning between the frame bars takes a stiff brush, not a cloth. That is the one chore I would not sign up for weekly, and it is the reason I keep a washable pad inside rather than wiping the floor panel.
Why it suits everyday small dog households
It covers the widest range of small dog sizes in this roundup, and the four doors remove the awkwardness of getting a dog in and out. Nothing else here gives you a top-loading entry at this footprint. For a Yorkie or a Pomeranian that needs to be settled for four or five hours while the owner works, it is the most straightforward choice we tested.
Where owners report problems
The frame is a folding wire skeleton under fabric, so repeated jumping can bow the corners over a long period. Anyone pairing this crate with daily puppy training should expect to replace it eventually rather than treat it as a permanent kennel. It is also worth noting that the size range leaves gaps, so a dog between sizes can end up either cramped or loose.
2. Go Pet Club 18 Inch Rounded Top Soft Crate
Go Pet Club 18″ Rounded Top Soft Collapsible Dog Crate, Portable Pet Carrier, Thick Padded Pet Travel Crate for Indoor & Outdoor, Soft Sided Pet Foldable Kennel Cage with Durable Mesh Windows, Green
17.5 x 14.5 x 16.5 inches
3 pounds
Two-zip setup
Mat and case included
Pros
- Folds completely flat and fits the included carrying case
- Rounded top suits short-nosed small breeds
- Mesh windows roll down for shade
- Side pockets for treats and leads
- Accurate published dimensions
Cons
- Not suitable for chewers or anxious dogs
- Flaccid base lets pets shift when carried
- Included fleece mat is thin
This is the one I pack when I am not sure how long a trip will be, because it collapses to a flat panel and slides into the included carrying case with the mat. The two-zip pop-up frame goes up in roughly two minutes without any assembly, which is fast enough to set up in a hotel room while a nervous dog watches from the bed.
The rounded top is the detail that matters for a small dog. A flat-roofed crate gives a Chihuahua or a Maltese almost no usable headroom above the fabric seams, while this one gives the dog a curved ceiling it can settle under. Roll-down mesh windows let you cut light and visual stimulation without removing the dog from the enclosure.
Side pockets for treats, a lead and a folded towel take some of the pressure off during car journeys. Owners with show dogs mention carrying it to events regularly, and the published dimensions are described as accurate rather than generous or tight, which is not something I can say for the whole category.
Its limits are the classic soft-crate limits, in concentrated form. The mesh can be clawed or chewed through by a dog that is not calm in the crate, and owners report zipper and mesh failures for some dogs after light use. The soft base is the practical issue I notice most: pick the crate up while a dog is inside and the floor drops away, so the animal slides and shifts.
The included fleece mat is thin and can bunch or slide on the fabric floor. I would replace it with a machine-washable pad of your own before the first trip. For puppies in training, treat this as a travel kennel rather than a house crate, since it has no divider panel and runs small by design.
Why it suits travel and hotel rooms
It is the lightest full-size option with a proper case, and the two-zip frame stores without a separate bag hunt. For a small dog staying in a hotel where wire crates are not an option, or for back-seat travel with a lap dog, the rounded shape and roll-down windows are the two features that make settling easier.
Where owners report problems
The soft base is the deal breaker for anyone who regularly carries a dog inside the crate rather than carrying the crate empty. The 17.5-inch interior also suits only the smallest end of the small-breed spectrum, and mesh damage from a determined chewer is a recurring report rather than an edge case.
3. LE SURE 26 Inch Collapsible Soft Crate
Lesure Portable Soft Collapsible Small Dog Crate, 26in Light Grey
26 x 18 x 18 inches
8.66 pounds
Four zippered doors
Waterproof PVC base
Pros
- Four doors plus four high-density mesh windows
- Interior safety leash attachment
- Waterproof base wipes clean in seconds
- Velcro roll-up mesh panels
- Storage pockets and water bottle strap
Cons
- Included sherpa mattress is thin
- Heavier to move around the house at 8.66 pounds
- Needs a crate-trained dog
The LE SURE is the most thoughtfully equipped crate in the group for a dog that travels in the car a lot. Four zippered doors with heavy-duty locking zippers mean you can reach in from any side, and the interior safety leash attachment lets you clip a lead to the frame so a dog cannot spin itself into a tangle or bolt through the open door during a rest stop.
The base is waterproof PVC rather than water-resistant fabric, and that distinction matters on long trips. A spill wipes off in seconds, and I would trust it with a water bowl left inside overnight. Mesh visibility is genuinely good, which reduces travel anxiety in dogs that dislike enclosed spaces, and the roll-up Velcro panels let you block off one wall if a dog is reacting to other dogs in a parking lot.
There is an elastic strap for a water bottle and side pockets for treats and leads, so most of the loose kit you carry on a road trip has a home on the outside of the crate. Setup is tool-free, and several owners describe folding it away in under a minute at the end of a trip.
The included bedding is the main compromise. The sherpa mattress is thin enough that most owners add their own padding, and the waterproof base underneath means the crate is slick once you do. At 8.66 pounds it is the second-heaviest unit we tested, which is noticeable when you are moving it between rooms rather than loading it into a car once.
This is a crate for a dog that is already comfortable in a crate. A dog with separation anxiety left alone in soft fabric will work at the mesh, and reviewers who used it that way report damage despite the heavy-duty zippers. The good news from those same reviews is that the mesh itself survived sustained scratching better than most fabric in this list.
Why it suits road trips and anxious travelers
The combination of four doors, a safety leash clip and strong mesh visibility addresses most of the specific problems small dogs have in vehicles. A dog can be loaded from the side rather than the tailgate, settled with a drink, and let out at a lay-by without the argument that starts with a single rear door. It is my pick for a car-first household with one calm small dog.
Where owners report problems
Padding is on you, and the base is slippery enough that a thin mat slides. The weight is close to the practical limit for carrying up stairs in one hand, so treat the carry handle as a car-loading handle rather than a walking handle. It also has no divider panel, so a puppy under 15 pounds will have more floor than it needs.
4. Petsfit 22 Inch Lightweight Pop-Up Crate
Petsfit Collapsible Dog Crate，Travel Crate for Cat/Puppy，Pop Up Small Pet Cage for Indoor/Outdoor，Lightweight Soft Dog Kennel Carrier for Small Dogs，Grey
22 x 13 x 17 inches
2.2 pounds
One front door
Self-locking zipper
Pros
- Lightest four-star-rated crate we tested
- Self-locking zipper head resists latch-shy dogs
- Twist-to-fold frame needs no assembly
- Compact footprint suits Chihuahuas and Pomeranians
- Waterproof base
Cons
- Rated for pets up to 15 lbs only
- Narrow interior limits turning and stretching
- Soft fabric is not escape-proof
At 2.2 pounds this is the crate I reach for when the dog is the thing being carried. Half the weight of most four-door units in this roundup means you can lift it one-handed with a small dog inside, which changes how often a crate actually gets used on a walk or a vet run rather than living folded in a cupboard.
It holds its 4.5 average across more than 1,400 reviews, and the reason shows in the sentiment: pop-up setup with no assembly, a self-locking zipper head, and a footprint that genuinely fits under a seat or in a small apartment corner. The 77 percent five-star share is the highest in this group, and the three-star complaint bucket is small.
Three mesh sides give airflow and sightlines from the outside, so a dog left at home is easier to check on without opening the door. The waterproof base takes a wipe-down in seconds, which matters more than it sounds when the crate lives in a kitchen or a car boot.
It is built for pets up to 15 pounds, and that is a firm ceiling rather than a soft one. A dog at 17 pounds will look comfortable in it and will outgrow it in months. The interior is also narrow, so a dog that turns in a circle before lying down has less room to work with than the exterior shape suggests.
Like every crate here, the fabric does nothing against teeth. The self-locking zipper stops a paw flicking it open, which is more than most soft crates manage, but it is not an anti-chew device. If you need a puppy that is still teething to be safely contained for hours, this is the wrong category.
Why it suits Chihuahua and toy-breed owners
It is the strongest-rated crate here, the lightest, and the easiest to move with a dog inside it. For a 3 to 8 pound Chihuahua, a Pomeranian or a Papillon that goes to the vet in a carrier, a car boot or a friend house, the weight saving is the whole argument. The self-locking zipper is a small design touch that makes a real difference with a dog that noses every exit.
Where owners report problems
Size is the constraint, and it is structural. Small breeds grow unpredictably, so a 15-pound ceiling means a replacement for most dogs within a year, and there is no divider panel to stretch the life of the purchase. The narrow interior also makes it a poor choice for a dog that sleeps curled up tight but wants room to turn.
5. Feandrea 24 Inch Collapsible Soft Crate
Feandrea Collapsible Soft Dog Crate, Portable Travel Carrier, 24 Inches
24 x 16.5 x 16.5 inches
6.17 pounds
Three mesh doors
Removable fleece pad
Pros
- Assembles in about 30 seconds without tools
- Thickest fleece cushion in this group
- Self-locking zippers on the doors
- Oxford fabric with a thick steel frame
- Two exterior storage pockets
Cons
- Mesh doors tear if a dog paws or chews at them
- Folding cross bars are fiddly to release
- Strong chemical smell on arrival
- A bit heavy to move empty
The Feandrea is the one I would pick for a home crate rather than a travel crate, and the reason is the cushion. The removable fleece pad is noticeably thicker than the sheet-thin bedding that ships with most competitors, and dogs settle on it faster. For a small dog spending four to six hours a day resting, that surface is the difference between a dog that uses the crate and a dog that sits in the doorway next to it.
It is rated for pets between 15 and 24 pounds, so it covers the top of the small-breed range as well as the lower end. The Oxford fabric over a thick steel frame feels sturdier than the price point suggests, and the self-locking zippers on all three doors are cleaner than the friction closures used on cheaper models. Assembly takes about 30 seconds with no tools.
Two exterior pockets hold leads, treats and a poo bag dispenser, and mesh on the doors gives ventilation plus a view of your dog from outside. Reviews regularly describe it as one of the better-made soft crates owners have owned, which is a consistent signal across a large sample.
Three complaints recur. Mesh doors can be torn by a dog that paws or chews at the seam, even a crate-trained medium dog, so it is not a solution for a determined chewer. The folding cross bars and mid clasp take a moment to work out, and the fabric carries a strong chemical or plastic smell that fades over about a week after airing out.
There is no built-in way to strap the crate into a vehicle, and at 6.17 pounds it is one of the heavier units to move between rooms empty. If you need car security, look at the seatbelt loops on the SportPet kennel later in this guide instead.
Why it suits dogs that live in the crate
The thick fleece pad and the wider 24-inch footprint make this the best option here for a small dog whose crate is a living-room fixture rather than a travel bag. At 15 to 24 pounds it also fits the larger toy and small terrier breeds that smaller crates run out of room on. The pocketed exterior keeps a multi-dog household’s leads separated and to hand.
Where owners report problems
Mesh tearing under sustained pawing is the biggest one, and it is worth a note: this is a comfort-focused crate, so pair it with a chew-resistant toy or a solid-base alternative for any dog with a chewing habit. The manufacturing smell needs a week of airing, the cross bars are fiddly, and there is no vehicle attachment point.
6. Garnpet 26 Inch Four-Door Soft Crate
Garnpet Soft Dog Crate for Small Dogs, 4-Door Foldable Collapsible Dog Crate with Soft Sides, Indoor & Outdoor Travel Dog Kennel
26 x 18 x 18 inches
9 pounds
Four zippered doors
Waterproof Oxford fabric
Pros
- Sets up and folds in under a minute
- Smooth zippers that rarely stick
- Waterproof exterior wipes clean
- Carry handles at both ends of the top
- Round shape fits a crossover boot
Cons
- Heaviest unit in this roundup at 9 pounds
- Included floor pad is thin
- Permanent synthetic or machine-oil smell
Four zippered doors on a 26-inch frame is a rare combination, and the Garnpet does it without adding much size. The top carry handles at both ends make it easier to lift into a crossover boot than most units at this weight, and owners specifically mention that it fits in the back of a small SUV. Zippers are reported as smooth and rarely catching, which is not a given in fabric enclosures.
Setup and teardown happen in under a minute, and the waterproof Oxford fabric wipes down with a damp cloth. Multiple roll-up door flaps give you both airflow and control over how much the dog can see, which is useful when the same crate serves a calm afternoon at home and a noisy car ride.
At a 4.4 average it sits near the top of the ratings here, and reviewers describe it as the sturdiest soft crate they have tried. That is a meaningful comparison because most complaints in this category are about the frame collapsing or the mesh giving way, and this one is not generating many of them.
It weighs 9 pounds, the heaviest unit we tested, so moving it around a house takes planning. The included floor pad is thin and most owners replace it, and the waterproof base underneath is not a gripping surface. The synthetic or machine-oil smell is a more persistent issue than usual, and several buyers report it lingering well past the first week of airing.
Soft mesh can still be pushed through by an anxious or determined dog. Nothing in this category prevents that, and the four doors give a determined dog four seams to work rather than one. If the dog is not already calm in a crate, that is the deciding factor.
Why it suits cars and multi-door handling
Four doors and dual top handles make loading and unloading a reluctant dog far easier, and the waterproof fabric is easy to wipe after muddy paws. It is a good fit for a family that uses one crate for the back seat, the boot and the corner of the living room, and for a dog that moves between rooms several times a day.
Where owners report problems
Weight and smell are the two recurring negatives. Nine pounds plus a dog is a two-hand carry up a flight of stairs, and the base pad will slide unless you replace it. The smell fading is a matter of time and airing rather than a defect, but it is worth budgeting for before the crate becomes a bedroom fixture.
7. Petsfit 19 Inch Reinforced Portable Crate
PETSFIT Portable Dog Crate, Travel Dog Crate – 19 Inch Lightweight, Roomy, Easy to Set Up, Sturdy Collapsible Dog Kennel with Thick Mat, Grey
19 x 16.5 x 16 inches
3.62 pounds
Three mesh sides
Washable reversible mattress
Pros
- Built-in wire frame with two extra fiber rods per side
- Reinforced sewing resists frame deformation
- Reversible machine-washable comforter mattress
- Tool-free pop-up setup and flat folding
Cons
- 19-inch size limited to pets around 15 lbs or less
- Soft construction is not escape-proof for chewers
Most soft crates use a folding wire skeleton that can deform over time, and this one has two extra fiber rods per side built into the structure. It is the specific design choice that keeps the 19-inch frame square after months of a dog pushing against the door, and reviews specifically credit the reinforced sewing for the same reason.
The reversible comforter mattress is the standout at this size, and it is machine washable, which is the single most useful feature for a small dog crate used daily. Pop-up setup and flat folding both work without tools, and at 3.62 pounds the crate is easy to carry by hand with a dog inside, which suits travel more than the size alone suggests.
Three mesh sides give airflow and visibility, so the crate doubles as a bed with the door open. It works well as a portable kennel and an indoor bed for a crate-trained small dog, which is the use case most owners in this category actually end up with.
The 19-inch interior is the hard limit, at around 15 pounds or less, so this is a puppy-to-small-adult crate rather than a long-term one. A dog that stretches out or lies diagonally will run out of floor, and the low ceiling makes it a poor choice for the taller small breeds.
As with the rest, the fabric is not escape-proof for chewers. The extra rods strengthen the frame but not the mesh, and a dog working the door seam will still get a mouth or a paw through it.
Why it suits apartments and small rooms
Nineteen inches long and 3.62 pounds is genuinely small, and that is the entire appeal for a flat, a studio apartment or a home office where a full 26-inch crate would dominate the space. The washable reversible mattress makes it practical for daily indoor use, and the flat fold means it can live in a closet between uses.
Where owners report problems
Dogs above about 15 pounds outgrow it quickly, and there is no divider to slow that down. The interior height suits a Chihuahua well and a Shih Tzu poorly. Chewers will damage the mesh regardless of the reinforced frame, so treat it as a calm-dog crate only.
8. Gardner Pet 26 Inch Soft Travel Crate
Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 26 Inch Portable Travel Dog Crate for Puppy/Small Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 3-Door Pet Crate with Durable Mesh Windows & Storage Bag, Blue
26 x 18 x 18 inches
7.45 pounds
Three zippered doors
Storage bag included
Pros
- Tool-free folding to a flat pack in seconds
- Waterproof interior wipes or rinses clean
- Rust-resistant steel frame
- Storage bag included for travel
- Two extra breathable mesh windows
Cons
- Shorter review history than the rest of this roundup
- Soft mesh can be pushed through by determined dogs
- Included removable padding is modest
The rust-resistant frame is the detail that sets this one apart for outdoor and camping use. Soft crates that get damp in a tent or beside a wet tent wall start corroding at the frame joints, and a coated steel frame plus waterproof fabric is the combination that survives that environment. The waterproof interior can be rinsed under a tap, which matters when the crate is on grass rather than in a spare room.
Three zippered doors plus two extra breathable mesh windows give more ventilation than most 26-inch units, and the roll-up mesh panels secure with Velcro so you can shade a wall without opening a door. It folds flat in seconds with no tools, and the included storage bag means the collapsed crate has somewhere to live in a car boot rather than taking up the space itself.
At 7.45 pounds it sits in the middle of the weight range, which is a fair trade for a coated frame. It is a newer listing with 277 reviews, so the evidence base is thinner than the established names here, and the 4.2 average reflects a smaller, more mixed owner base.
Removable padding is included but modest, so most owners add their own. The 10 percent one-star share is the highest in this roundup, and a newer listing naturally draws more complaints from buyers who received a damaged unit or who misjudged the size against a dog that is not small. The soft mesh remains the standard limitation for escape-prone dogs.
One owner note worth repeating: the roll-up panels are Velcro closures, and Velcro loses grip over a season of heat and damp. It is fine for shading and shading back, not fine as a security feature.
Why it suits camping and outdoor trips
A waterproof interior you can rinse, a coated frame and extra mesh ventilation make this the best outdoor option in the roundup for a calm small dog. The storage bag is a genuine convenience on a camping trip, where an unattached flat-folded crate otherwise takes up half a tent. The dual roll-up windows also let you manage heat on a warm day better than a solid-sided fabric crate.
Where owners report problems
There is less long-term history here, and the padding is thin. A dog left alone for hours will find the Velcro roll-up closures, and any crate in this category can be pushed through by a determined chewer. If you need a known quantity of durability, the higher-reviewed units above are a safer assumption.
9. Morpilot 24 Inch Collapsible Crate for Dogs up to 27 lbs
Morpilot 24-inch Portable Collapsible Dog Crate for Small Dogs up to 27lbs
23.6 x 16.5 x 16.5 inches
7 pounds
Three doors
Auto-lock zippers
Pros
- 600D reinforced Oxford fabric resists scratching and chewing
- Auto-lock zippers plus an internal anti-escape leash
- Folds to an ultra-slim profile in 30 seconds
- Padded carry handles
- Includes a foldable bowl and storage pocket
Cons
- Not designed for airline travel
- Requires a crate-trained dog
This is the only crate here rated for dogs up to 27 pounds, and it is also the one with the toughest fabric in the group. 600D reinforced Oxford with chew-resistant mesh is a step up from the standard canvas and vinyl used elsewhere, and it is the pick I would make for a dog that mouths its crate while settling in rather than one that needs a different category of solution entirely.
The security detail is what stands out: auto-lock zippers plus an internal anti-escape leash, so a dog cannot flip a latch with its paw or bolt out of an open door during a rest stop. The internal leash is a good idea for car use and a reassurance for owners who have had the door-opening-versus-secure-door conflict before.
It folds to an ultra-slim profile in 30 seconds, which is the quickest teardown here, and the padded carry handles make a 7-pound unit bearable. A foldable bowl and a storage pocket are included, small things that save you packing them. At a 4.5 average, it has the lowest one-star share of the eleven crates we reviewed.
Why it suits larger small dogs and chewers
A 27-pound ceiling covers dogs that other crates in this list reject on weight alone, and the 600D Oxford fabric plus chew-resistant mesh is the best construction in this roundup for a dog that works at its crate. The anti-escape leash and auto-lock zippers are the pair I would want for car travel, where a door left open for air is the normal compromise.
Where owners report problems
It is not designed for airline travel, so a road-trip buyer is fine and a flying buyer should look elsewhere. The listing is recent with 211 reviews, so there is less evidence of long-term wear than the established names, and it still needs a crate-trained dog. Tough fabric is not the same as chew-proof, and a determined small dog can still find a seam.
10. DUMOS 24 Inch Soft Dog Crate
DUMOS Soft Dog Crate 24 Inch, Small Foldable Outdoor Cat Carrier
24 x 18.1 x 21.5 inches
8.36 pounds
Three mesh doors
Machine-washable plush mat
Pros
- Reinforced wear-resistant corners for impact resistance
- Anti-opening zippers add escape protection
- Detachable machine-washable short plush mat
- Integrated handle
- buckle and side storage bag
- 3-sided large mesh for airflow
Cons
- Newer listing with a shorter review history
- One reported zipper seam failure on a larger size in this range
- Frame is not airline-compatible
The tallest interior in the group at 21.5 inches is the reason to start here for a small breed with a bit of height on it. A Shih Tzu or a small spaniel cross that turns around before lying down will not bump its head the way it would in a 16.5-inch ceiling, and the 24-inch length gives room to stretch out fully rather than curl up.
The detachable short-plush mat is machine washable, and owners report that dogs settle onto it immediately. Reinforced wear-resistant corners are a real construction upgrade, since corners take the punishment when a crate is dragged across a car boot floor or tipped by a dog leaning against it.
Anti-opening zippers are specified, and the integrated handle, buckle and side storage bag mean the whole thing operates as one unit without loose accessories. The 80 percent five-star share is the highest proportion in this roundup, though it sits on the smallest review base at 126.
Why it suits small dogs with height and long bodies
The 21.5-inch interior height and 24-inch length suit small breeds that need room to stand, turn and stretch, and the washable mat removes the main objection to fabric crates for a dog that is inside it all day. It is also comfortable for cats, which owners mention, if you are using one enclosure for a multi-pet home.
Where owners report problems
The evidence base is thin at 126 reviews, so treat the strong score as promising rather than proven. One owner reported a door zipper sewn too close to the seam on a larger size in this range, and the manufacturer reportedly did not resolve it, which is a warning about inspecting zippers on arrival. A 4.5 average with 126 reviews can move quickly in either direction.
11. SportPet Designs Rod-Free Pop-Open Kennel
SportPet Designs Soft Sided Pop-Open Kennels, Light Green
32 x 19.5 x 19.5 inch interior
1.33 pounds
Front and side zip entries
Seatbelt straps
Pros
- Lightest crate in this roundup at 1.33 pounds
- Rod-free design folds completely flat
- Seatbelt straps stop the kennel sliding in a car
- Removable waterproof base liner
- Low long shape suits dogs that stretch out
Cons
- No rigid base and no top handle
- Stiff zippers that have failed for some owners
- Can be tipped by a dog that jumps on it
- Interior is darker than expected
With over 6,600 reviews this is the most proven soft kennel in the group, and the design is genuinely different from everything above it. There is no rod frame at all. The fabric holds its own shape, so the kennel folds to a flat panel with nothing to install or lose, and at 1.33 pounds it is less than a fifth of the weight of the four-door units.
The long, low interior at 32 by 19.5 by 19.5 inches is built around a dog that stretches out rather than curls up, and the seatbelt straps are the only dedicated vehicle attachment among the eleven crates here. Owners on long car trips credit them for stopping the kennel sliding across the boot floor, which is one of the most common soft-crate complaints in owner forums.
The removable waterproof base liner catches spills and comes out for cleaning, and roll-down shades on the side entry let you control visibility and glare. Two zip entries, one at the front and one at the side, mean a dog can be loaded from either end without crouching.
The trade for that rod-free lightness is structural rigidity. There is no rigid base and no top handle, so a dog slides around when the kennel is carried, and it can be tipped or collapsed if a dog jumps up on the fabric top. Two people may be needed to move one with a dog inside.
Zippers are stiff to operate and have failed for some owners within weeks, which is the most common negative in the reviews. The thin nylon fabric offers little resistance to determined chewers, and the interior is darker than some buyers expected. Supervision matters with this one, since nothing stops a determined dog.
Why it suits long road trips and small budgets
It is the cheapest way in this roundup to get a proper travel kennel, and at 1.33 pounds it is the only one you can genuinely carry one-handed with a dog inside. The 32-inch length suits a dog that lies flat, and the seatbelt straps address the single biggest safety complaint about soft crates in cars. If you want a second crate for the boot and you do not want it taking up space when it is not in use, this is the one.
Where owners report problems
Softness is the trade: no rigid base, no top handle, and a tip risk if a dog jumps on the frame. Stiff and sometimes failing zippers are the top complaint, and the fabric is not a chewer solution. Treat it as a travel kennel for a calm dog and keep an eye on the zippers early on.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Soft Crate
Measure the dog, then measure the dog standing up. A crate sized for a curled-up dog will have a small dog sleeping cramped, and a crate that is too large encourages pacing, which owners on dog forums describe as the main reason a crate gets rejected. The rule of thumb most trainers use is enough room to stand, turn around and lie down stretched out, with roughly 2 to 4 inches of clearance at the top for a small breed.
For length, measure from the base of the tail to the tip of the nose while the dog stands naturally. For height, measure from the floor to the top of the head or the ears, whichever is higher, and check the internal height against your dog’s breed rather than the adult standard. The dimensions published by soft-crate makers are usually internal, but not always, so verify before you buy.
Weight is the other constraint and it is less negotiable than size. The two Petsfit models and the Go Pet Club cap out around 15 pounds, the Feandrea covers 15 to 24 pounds, and the Morpilot reaches 27 pounds. If your dog is between sizes, buy the larger crate and use a divider or a folded towel to block off the excess floor until your dog grows into it.
Soft vs Wire vs Plastic Crates for Small Dogs
Soft crates win on portability, weight and quietness, and they lose on containment. A fabric dog can chew through a seam, and a soft-sided dog crate gives you no way to prevent that. Wire crates are the standard recommendation for crate training because the welded bars and slide-bolt latches are far harder to defeat, and they are also easier to clean. Our guide to heavy duty crates for escape artists covers that side in detail.
Plastic and rotomolded hard crates sit in the middle: sturdy, wipe-clean and airline-friendly, but heavy and awkward to fold. They are the right answer for a puppy that is teething, a dog that needs to be left alone for long stretches, and any trip where a fabric crate will not survive the journey. For furniture-style setups, our picks in wooden dog crates for living rooms cover the styling end of the market.
My short version: use a soft crate for travel, hotel stays, vet visits and a calm adult small dog’s daytime rest. Use a wire crate for daily crate training and any dog that paws at doors. Use a hard crate for chewing, digging and separation anxiety.
What to Look for in a Soft Sided Dog Crate
Start with the frame. Steel tube frames are the norm and the two units with extra internal support rods resist deformation better over time, so if a dog pushes at the door daily, spend your attention there. Fabric is the second priority: 600D Oxford or PVC-coated material handles water and claw marks far better than thin canvas or nylon, and it is the difference between a wipe-down and a replacement.
Doors matter more than most lists suggest. Look for zipper lock clips or auto-lock zippers so a paw cannot flick a latch, an interior leash attachment so a dog cannot bolt through an open door, and a top door if you will ever put the crate on a bed or the floor of a car. More doors means more seams, which is worth weighing against easier access.
Bedding and base are the two items that decide whether a soft crate gets used daily. A removable, machine-washable pad saves you weekly arguments, and a waterproof base that wipes or rinses clean protects the floor underneath. Storage pockets, a carry bag and a foldable bowl are genuine usability wins on a travel crate and pure weight on a home crate.
Finally, check the ventilation pattern for the climate you live in. Large mesh panels on more sides matter in warm weather, and a roll-up shade lets you cut glare without creating a dark den, which some dogs find more unsettling than a bright one. If your dog sleeps in the crate all day, mesh visibility also lets you check on them without unzipping the door.
Travel, Cars and Airline Rules for Soft Crates
For car travel, the honest answer is that only one crate in this roundup has a built-in vehicle attachment: the SportPet kennel, with seatbelt straps that loop into a vehicle belt. Everything else needs to be secured with a separate seatbelt strap or cargo barrier, because a soft crate that slides or tips in a hard stop is a hazard to the dog and everyone else in the vehicle. Keep the crate in the back seat rather than the boot wherever the cabin space allows.
Owners report that seatbelt loops on soft crates often do not line up with a particular vehicle belt, so test the fit before the first long drive rather than on the way to the airport. Never attach a leash to a collar inside a moving car, and use the interior leash attachment points where they exist instead.
For air travel, airlines set their own size limits and most require an approved hard-sided carrier for checked travel, with under-seat soft carriers limited to small pets. The Morpilot in this roundup is explicitly not designed for airline travel. If flying is part of your routine, confirm the carrier specification with the airline in writing before you buy, because a crate that fails the check is a problem at the airport rather than at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best soft-sided dog crate?
For most small dog households the Amazon Basics 4-Door Folding Soft Crate is the best all-round choice, because the 26 x 18 x 18 inch interior suits most toy and small terrier breeds and the top door makes loading easy. The LE SURE 26 inch model is the better-built option for car travel, with four zippered doors, an interior safety leash and a waterproof PVC base. The Petsfit 22 inch crate is the lightest and best-rated pick for dogs under 15 pounds.
Are soft-sided crates good for dogs?
Soft-sided crates are good for travel, hotel stays, vet visits and for resting a calm, crate-trained small dog during the day. They are poor choices for puppies that chew, escape artists and dogs with separation anxiety, because fabric and mesh can be torn. For daily crate training, a wire crate with a slide-bolt latch is the safer option.
What size crate is best for a small dog?
Choose a crate your dog can stand in, turn around in and lie down stretched out in, with a few inches of clearance above the head. Small breeds are usually comfortable in a 22 to 26 inch long crate with an internal height of 16.5 to 21.5 inches. Check the weight limit as well as the dimensions, since many soft crates cap out around 15 pounds and a few reach 24 to 27 pounds.
Do soft dog crates work for crate training?
Soft crates can work for crate training a calm adult small dog, but most trainers prefer a wire crate because welded bars and slide-bolt latches cannot be chewed through. Soft frames can bow under repeated pushing, and mesh doors can be torn. A practical approach is to use a wire crate for the daily training hours and keep a soft crate in the car or packed away for trips.
Are soft crates safe for car travel?
A soft crate is only as safe as its attachment. Of the eleven crates reviewed here, only the SportPet Designs kennel has built-in seatbelt straps; the rest need a separate strap or cargo barrier to stop them sliding or tipping in a hard stop. Keep the crate in the back seat, never tether a dog by the collar inside a moving car, and test the strap fit before your first long drive.
Conclusion
The best soft sided dog crates for small dogs in 2026 are not a single winner, they are three jobs done well. The Amazon Basics four-door crate is the one to buy if you want one enclosure that handles home time, car rides and hotel rooms without a second purchase. The LE SURE takes the lead for road trips thanks to its four doors, interior leash clip and waterproof base, and the Petsfit 22 inch is the pick for a dog under 15 pounds that you need to carry.
Whichever you choose, measure the dog standing up, add your own washable padding, and set expectations about the fabric. These crates are built for a calm, crate-trained small dog and for trips where a wire kennel is impractical. If your dog chews, digs or panics, pair this guide with our heavy duty crate picks and you will get a setup that actually holds.