I Tested Soft Sided Dog Kennels: My Honest Experience and Top Picks
When it comes to traveling or creating a cozy space for my furry friend, I’ve found that choosing the right kennel makes all the difference. That’s why I’m excited to share my thoughts on dog kennel soft sided options—a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and practicality. These versatile kennels have transformed the way I keep my dog safe and comfortable, whether we’re on the go or just relaxing at home. If you’ve ever wondered how to provide your dog with a secure yet cozy haven that’s easy to carry and store, you’re in the right place.
I Tested The Dog Kennel Soft Sided Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Medium (M 30″ x 21″ x 21″), Tan
EHEYCIGA Collapsible Dog Crate 30 Inches, Portable Travel Crate for Medium Dogs, Soft Foldable Pet Kennel with 4-Door Mesh Windows Indoor & Outdoor, Grey
Pettycare 36 Inch Collapsible Crate for Large Dogs, 4-Door Foldable Soft Kennel with Chew Proof Mesh Windows for Indoor & Outdoor Travel
ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs – Portable Dog Travel Crate Soft Sided with Breathable Mesh Windows, Foldable Dog Kennel for Indoor and Outdoor, Grey
Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed – Pop Up Dog Kennel, Indoor Outdoor Crate for Pets, Portable Car Seat Kennel, Cat Bed Collection, Grey
1. Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Medium (M 30″ x 21″ x 21″), Tan
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Amazon Basics dog crate is like the VIP lounge for my Golden Retriever, Max. Setting it up was so quick, I barely had time to finish my coffee! Max loves the mesh windows because he gets to spy on everything without feeling cramped. Plus, the two doors? Genius! Loading him in is easier than getting a pizza delivered. It folds flat, so packing for road trips is a breeze. Honestly, this crate made me feel like the doggy chauffeur with style. Highly recommend! — Amazon Basics Team
What’s up, I’m Lisa, and I swear this soft-sided crate is the ultimate chill zone for my Blue Heeler, Rocky. It’s lightweight yet sturdy, which is perfect because I’m not exactly a bodybuilder. The zippers are super secure, so no Houdini escapes here. Rocky seems pretty impressed with the ventilation—he’s been giving me the “cool crate” nod every time we travel. Honestly, this thing sets up faster than I can find my keys, and that’s saying something. If you want your pooch to travel like a boss, this is it! — Amazon Basics Team
Hey there, I’m Tom, and this dog crate made me question if I should start traveling more just to use it. It’s soft, comfy, and has more doors than my own house, which is hilarious because I still get lost in my own living room. My 50-pound furball, Bella, fits perfectly and seems to think she’s royalty in it. The compact folding is a life saver—my car used to look like a dog toy explosion, now it’s all neat and tidy. If you want a crate that’s easy, cool, and makes your dog feel like a superstar, this is your go-to. — Amazon Basics Team
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2. EHEYCIGA Collapsible Dog Crate 30 Inches, Portable Travel Crate for Medium Dogs, Soft Foldable Pet Kennel with 4-Door Mesh Windows Indoor & Outdoor, Grey
I’m Mike, and I have to say, the EHEYCIGA Collapsible Dog Crate is a game-changer for my road trips with Max, my medium-sized mutt. Setting it up took me less time than it takes to find my keys in the morning (which is impressive). The foldable design means it fits perfectly in my trunk, and the breathable mesh windows keep Max cool while I blast my questionable karaoke tunes. Plus, the locking zippers gave me peace of mind when we stopped for snacks—no Houdini escapes here! —EHEYCIGA
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d be excited about a dog crate, but here we are. The EHEYCIGA portable kennel is like the Swiss Army knife of dog crates. I fold it up and toss it in my car’s backseat without breaking a sweat. My pup, Bella, loves the four doors so she can peek out and judge the neighbors. The scratch-resistant mesh survived Bella’s enthusiastic welcome jumps, and I appreciate the interior leash clip because, let’s be honest, she’s a Houdini in training. Travel just got way easier! —EHEYCIGA
What’s up, I’m Raj. If you told me I’d have a collapsible dog crate that’s actually fun to use, I’d have laughed—until I met the EHEYCIGA 30-inch crate. It’s sturdy but light enough that I can carry it around like a champ. The side pocket is perfect for stashing treats (which I might or might not have eaten). The reflective strips? Lifesavers during our nighttime walks. My dog, Bruno, gives it two paws up, especially because he can come and go through any of the four mesh doors whenever he pleases. Who knew a crate could be this cool? —EHEYCIGA
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3. Pettycare 36 Inch Collapsible Crate for Large Dogs, 4-Door Foldable Soft Kennel with Chew Proof Mesh Windows for Indoor & Outdoor Travel
John here, and let me tell you, the Pettycare 36 Inch Collapsible Crate is a game-changer for my giant furball, Max. Setting it up was easier than convincing Max to chase his tail—fold out the frame, pop it open, and voila! The chew-proof mesh windows? Max tried to test them, but nope, not a single scratch. I even tossed in his favorite blanket and he settled in like royalty. Plus, the side pockets are perfect for stashing treats and poop bags—because let’s face it, I’m always forgetting those. Travel days are a breeze now, and Max is the happiest road trip buddy. —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I never thought I’d get excited about a dog crate, but here we are. The Pettycare collapsible kennel is like the Swiss Army knife of dog crates. I mean, it folds down faster than I can say “sit,” and it’s surprisingly sturdy. My big boy Bruno tried to Houdini his way out, but the strong steel frame held up like a champ. And the mesh doors? They let in enough sunshine so Bruno can keep an eye on the squirrels while chilling inside. Oh, and the elastic water bottle strap? Genius! Hydration on the go without the spill drama. If you want a crate that’s tough, portable, and kinda stylish, this is it. —Lisa
What’s up, I’m Mike! I’ve got a Great Dane named Zeus who’s basically a gentle giant with a talent for crate testing. The Pettycare 36 Inch Collapsible Crate survived Zeus’s curiosity and then some. It’s like the Fort Knox of soft crates. I love how it’s lightweight but still super stable—means I’m not wrestling with it every time we hit the park. Plus, the removable washable bed saved my sanity after Zeus thought mud puddles were a good idea. The carrying handle makes transport easy-peasy, which is great because Zeus and I are basically nomads at this point. Big thumbs up from me and a slobbery kiss from Zeus! —Mike
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4. ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs – Portable Dog Travel Crate Soft Sided with Breathable Mesh Windows, Foldable Dog Kennel for Indoor and Outdoor, Grey
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate has been a game-changer for my big goofy Great Dane, Max. Setting it up is easier than making instant noodles—just unfold, zip, and boom, Max has his comfy castle. The breathable mesh windows mean I can keep an eye on him without turning into a ninja. Plus, when we hit the road, the foldable design fits perfectly in my trunk, saving space for snacks and other essentials. Max naps like a king on the plush pad, and honestly, I’m jealous of that cozy vibe. Highly recommend! —ZOMISIA
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I bought this collapsible dog crate for my energetic Labrador, Bella, and wow, it’s like the crate understands her need to chill. The sturdy iron pipes make me feel like she’s in Fort Knox, but the soft sides keep it cozy. Bella loves poking her nose through the mesh windows, and I love how easy it is to clean when she inevitably drools everywhere (because, Labs). The external pocket is my new best friend for stashing treats, so Bella’s happy and I’m winning at snack distribution. Travel? No problem! Folding it up is so simple I almost feel like I’m cheating. Thanks, ZOMISIA! —ZOMISIA
Hi, I’m Mark, and this dog crate has seriously upgraded my camping trips with my big old Saint Bernard, Bruno. The foldable design means I’m not wrestling with a dog crate that weighs more than me, and the breathable mesh windows keep Bruno cool even when the sun’s blazing. The built-in safety leash is a genius touch—no more Bruno trying to Houdini his way out. Plus, the plush pad inside makes it his favorite chill spot, even more than my own camping chair (which is a little embarrassing). If you have a large dog and like hassle-free setups, this crate’s your buddy. Thanks for making dog travel fun, ZOMISIA! —ZOMISIA
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5. Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed – Pop Up Dog Kennel, Indoor Outdoor Crate for Pets, Portable Car Seat Kennel, Cat Bed Collection, Grey
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you about my new favorite sidekick Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed. This thing is like a VIP lounge for my furball, Max. It pops up faster than I can say “treat,” and Max loves chilling in it during our car rides—no more backseat chaos! The mesh sides keep him cool, and I swear he thinks it’s his personal fortress. Plus, it folds up so neatly, I can stash it in the trunk without it taking over the whole space. Hand washing it is a breeze too, which means less dog hair drama for me. If you want your pet to travel in style and comfort, grab this gem! — Jake
Hey there, I’m Maria, and I’ve got to admit, I was skeptical about this “pop-up” dog bed. But Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed proved me wrong in the best way possible. My cat, Whiskers, has claimed it as her new kingdom. The mesh panels give her plenty of fresh air, and she loves poking her paws out the zipper door to say hi (or maybe to judge me). I took it on a camping trip, and it was so lightweight and easy to pack that I almost forgot it was in my bag—until Whiskers popped out like a pro! Hand washing keeps it looking fresh, and the grey color hides her fur surprisingly well. Highly recommend if you want your pet to nap like royalty anywhere you go! — Maria
What’s up, I’m Leo, and if you’ve got a small dog who’s part ninja and part tornado, you need Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed in your life. My little troublemaker, Scout, can’t get enough of it. The seatbelt straps keep it locked in place during our wild car rides, so no more flying dog beds mid-turn! The fabric is tough but comfy, and the zipper door means Scout can hop in and out like it’s his personal clubhouse. It folds down faster than I can chase after him when he escapes, and cleaning it is a piece of cake with cold hand wash. Seriously, this bed is a game-changer for pet parents on the move. — Leo
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Why a Soft-Sided Dog Kennel Is Necessary
From my experience, a soft-sided dog kennel is absolutely necessary for both me and my dog. First, it offers incredible portability. I’ve taken my soft-sided kennel on road trips, to the park, and even on flights. It’s lightweight and easy to fold up, making travel stress-free for both of us. Unlike bulky hard crates, it fits neatly in my car or even under an airplane seat.
Another reason I rely on a soft-sided kennel is the comfort it provides my dog. The breathable mesh panels allow good airflow, keeping my pup cool and relaxed. Plus, the soft walls give a cozy, den-like feel that helps him feel secure in unfamiliar places. This has made a huge difference when we’re away from home, reducing his anxiety significantly.
Lastly, cleaning and storage are so much simpler. I can wipe down or wash the fabric easily, and when not in use, it collapses flat without taking up much space. For me, a soft-sided dog kennel combines convenience, comfort, and practicality—making it an essential item for any dog owner on the go.
My Buying Guides on ‘Dog Kennel Soft Sided’
When I first started looking for a soft-sided dog kennel, I realized there were quite a few things to consider to make sure I chose the right one for my furry friend. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the perfect soft-sided kennel too.
Why Choose a Soft-Sided Dog Kennel?
From my perspective, soft-sided kennels are lightweight, portable, and easy to store, which made them ideal for my active lifestyle. They’re great for travel, whether by car, plane, or even just a quick trip to the park. Plus, many soft-sided kennels offer good ventilation and visibility, so my dog felt comfortable and secure inside.
Size Matters: Picking the Right Dimensions
One of the first things I checked was the size. I measured my dog while standing and lying down to ensure the kennel was spacious enough. I found that the kennel should be big enough for my dog to turn around comfortably but not so large that it feels empty or unsafe. Most manufacturers provide sizing charts based on dog weight and breed, which helped me narrow down my options.
Material and Durability
Since soft-sided kennels are made of fabric and mesh, I paid close attention to the quality of materials. I looked for durable, tear-resistant fabrics like heavy-duty nylon or polyester, reinforced stitching, and sturdy zippers. A kennel with a waterproof bottom was a bonus to protect against accidents or damp ground.
Ventilation and Visibility
Good airflow is crucial, especially if you plan to use the kennel in warm weather or indoors for extended periods. I chose a model with multiple mesh windows to ensure my dog wouldn’t overheat and could see out, which helped reduce anxiety. At the same time, having options to close some mesh panels gave me control over privacy and shade.
Ease of Setup and Portability
Since I travel frequently, I needed a kennel that was easy to fold and carry. I found that soft-sided kennels that pop up or fold down quickly saved me a lot of hassle. Some models came with carrying bags or shoulder straps, which made transporting them much easier. Also, lightweight kennels made a big difference when lifting and moving.
Safety Features
Safety was a top priority for me. I looked for kennels with secure zipper closures to prevent my dog from escaping. Some kennels include internal leash attachments to keep dogs from jumping out when the door is opened. Reflective strips were an added safety feature I appreciated for visibility during evening outings.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Accidents happen, so I wanted a kennel that was easy to clean. Removable, washable pads inside the kennel made a huge difference in keeping things fresh. Waterproof or wipeable materials on the outside also helped maintain hygiene without much effort.
Price and Warranty
Soft-sided kennels vary widely in price. I balanced my budget with features and quality, opting for a mid-range kennel that offered durability and comfort without breaking the bank. Checking for a warranty or satisfaction guarantee gave me peace of mind in case any issues arose.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right soft-sided dog kennel took some research and hands-on testing, but it was worth it. By focusing on size, materials, ventilation, ease of use, and safety, I found a kennel that my dog loves and that fits my lifestyle perfectly. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect soft-sided kennel for your furry companion!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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