Benefits of a Soft-Sided Dog Crate
A soft-sided dog crate is a great alternative to the metal variety for a number of reasons. For starters, a soft-sided dog crate is usually considerably lighter than a metal dog crate, which is great if you are traveling or moving the crate regularly. In addition, a soft-sided dog crate is often more flexible in terms of design (many soft-sided dog crates allow you to roll up all 4 sides), some can be used as airline approved pet carriers in addition to your dog’s daily den, and they are typically far more visually appealing than the standard metal designs.
A soft-sided dog crate may also be a safer option, especially if your dog has a habit of putting his paws or teeth through the bars of a metal crate. Unlike a standard dog crate, a soft-sided dog crate doesn’t have the same kind of gaps which can cause serious injuries if the dog was to get a paw or jaw stuck in the bars.
The Daily Pup’s Quick Picks!
The Best Soft-Sided Dog Crate for…
Overall: Hounda Accordion Expandable Soft-Sided Dog Crate
Value for Money: Amazon Basics Foldable Soft-Sided Dog Crate
XL Large Dogs: Guardian Gear XL Soft-Sided Dog Crate
Traveling: PetFit Travel Soft-Sided Dog Crate
Crate + Puppy Pen: Pet Playpen HQ
Airline Approved: Mr Peanuts Airline Series Pet Carrier
Why Use a Soft-Sided Dog Crate?
Many people choose to crate train their puppies or older dogs, especially during the early stages when the use of a crate can help with potty training, or if there are concerns about the dog getting into trouble while unsupervised. A crate is meant to be a safe space for your dog, where he feels comfortable spending time – it should be his ‘den’ and is not meant to be used as a punishment.
In order to help crate train your dog, it’s important to make his crate a comfortable, enjoyable space. This means having cozy bedding, some interesting toys to keep him entertained, and making sure he gets plenty of exercise, human interaction and time outside of his crate. You should never crate your dog for more than a few hours at a time. If you need to have your dog in a crate for a long stretch of time you should consider investing in an outdoor dog run, doggy daycare or a daily dog walker.
A soft-sided dog crate is a great option, as it can offer a comfortable and cozy environment for your dog as well as being lightweight and portable.
How to Choose a Soft-Sided Dog Crate
There are some important considerations when choosing the perfect soft-sided crate for your dog. Here is a list of some things to consider when looking for the right soft-sided dog crate:
2019’s Best Soft-Sided Dog Crates
We have reviewed the available options and created a list of what we consider to be the best soft-sided dog crates for all kinds of pooch – there is bound to be something to suit your dogs needs so keep reading to find the perfect soft-sided dog crate for your pup!
Best Overall Soft-Sided Dog Crate
The Hounda Accordion soft-sided dog crate gets our overall tick of approval! Coming in five different sizes and four color options, this soft-sided dog crate is incredibly versatile!
Made upon a super-sturdy metal framework, the tough nylon and mesh can be used as a standard four-walled crate or expanded on one or both sides for extra room.
This soft-sided crate is lightweight, foldable and comes with a carry bag with a shoulder strap for extra convenience.
Best Budget Soft-Sided Dog Crate
This Amazon Basics Foldable Soft-Sided Dog Crate is a perfect, budget-friendly option for your dog.
This soft-sided dog crate is available in five sizes and five colors – giving you plenty of choice! It also comes with an easily washable crate mat to keep your dog comfortable.
Made of polyester and durable PVC, this soft-sided dog crate is very well-ventilated and folds down into its own carry bag for easy transport and storage.
Best XL Soft-Sided Dog Crate for Large Dogs
This extra-large soft-sided dog crate is suitable for Great Danes, Great Pyrenees, Greyhounds, Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, and other extra-large dogs, measuring 42”L x 29”W x 34”H.
The Guardian Gear XL Soft-Sided Dog Crate brings you features including large mesh windows on all four sides to provide maximum ventilation, side panels with flaps that can be rolled open or left closed depending on the weather, a washable crate mat for extra comfort and pockets for handy storage!
Like most soft-sided dog crates, this crate is foldable, lightweight and comes with a handle and carry bag for easy transport and storage.
Best Soft Dog Crate for Traveling
The Petsfit Travel Crate is a great soft-sided crate for traveling, as it is light-weight and foldable, as well as being strong thanks to the steel frame.
Easy to clean, coming complete with a washable crate mat and offering great flexibility as all four mesh walls can be rolled up for greater access and freedom.
The sturdy top handle makes it easy to move and transport.
Best Puppy Play Pen + Soft-Sided Crate
This convertible and collapsible soft-sided dog crate is a great option for dogs and puppies needing more space to play, measuring a generous 46″ L x 46″ W x 21″ H.
This soft-sided dog crate features a waterproof floor, protecting your home from inevitable messes, and making it a good choice while potty training.
Both the top and bottom of the crate are removable, and there is a zippable roof to keep your puppy contained.
Best Airline Approved Soft-Sided Dog Crate
The Mr. Peanuts Airline Series Airline Approved Pet Carrier is a brilliant option for high-flying pooches.
Featuring automatic self-locking zippers that can’t be opened from the inside for optimal safety, and well-ventilated mesh panels to allow your dog to travel in optimal comfort.
Folding down to only 3″, and featuring a wide shoulder strap, luggage tag, leash tether and seatbelt attachment your pup will be traveling in style!
Read Next: 8 Awesome Dog Backpacks + Slings