SOFT-SIDED
DOG CRATES
Soft-sided dog crates — lightweight, portable, and easy to set up anywhere. Fabric walls with mesh ventilation panels, steel or fiberglass frames, and fold-flat designs that weigh a fraction of wire or plastic crates. From 21" small pop-up crates to 42" large soft kennels for travel, camping, vet visits, and home use with crate-trained dogs.
SMALL21" POP-UP SOFT DOG CRATE
21"L × 15"W × 15"H · 3 lbs · 600D oxford fabric
- Pops open in seconds
- Mesh windows all sides
- Folds flat to 2" thick
POPULAR24" SOFT-SIDED DOG CRATE
24"L × 18"W × 17"H · 4 lbs · 600D oxford fabric
- Steel frame construction
- Top and front door access
- Washable fleece pad included
MEDIUM30" SOFT-SIDED DOG CRATE
30"L × 21"W × 21"H · 6 lbs · 600D oxford fabric
- 3-door design
- Mesh ventilation panels
- Includes carrying bag
BEST SELLER36" SOFT-SIDED DOG CRATE
36"L × 24"W × 24"H · 8 lbs · 600D oxford fabric
- Sturdy steel tube frame
- Roll-up mesh doors
- Interior leash clip
LARGE42" SOFT-SIDED DOG CRATE
42"L × 28"W × 28"H · 12 lbs · 1200D oxford fabric
- Reinforced 1200D fabric
- Extra-wide front door
- Padded floor insert
TRAVEL36" POP-UP TRAVEL SOFT CRATE
36"L × 24"W × 24"H · 5 lbs · 600D ripstop nylon
- Sets up in 3 seconds
- Fiberglass spring frame
- Packs into carry case
BREATHABLE30" MESH SOFT DOG CRATE
30"L × 21"W × 21"H · 5 lbs · Mesh panels all sides
- Maximum airflow design
- Full mesh ventilation
- Lightweight aluminum frame
OUTDOOR36" CAMPING SOFT DOG CRATE
36"L × 24"W × 24"H · 9 lbs · Water-resistant 900D fabric
- Water-resistant exterior
- UV-resistant fabric
- Ground stakes included
SOFT DOG CRATE SIZING GUIDE
| Crate Size | Dog Weight | Dimensions | Example Breeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21" | Up to 15 lbs | 21"L × 15"W × 15"H | Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Maltese, Toy Poodles |
| 24" | Up to 25 lbs | 24"L × 18"W × 17"H | Pugs, Shih Tzus, Miniature Schnauzers |
| 30" | 25–35 lbs | 30"L × 21"W × 21"H | Beagles, Cavaliers, French Bulldogs |
| 36" | 26–50 lbs | 36"L × 24"W × 24"H | Border Collies, Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels |
| 42" | 51–70 lbs | 42"L × 28"W × 28"H | Labs, Goldens, Standard Poodles |
SOFT DOG CRATE FAQ
Common questions about soft-sided dog crates — durability, portability, cleaning, chew resistance, and when to choose soft over hard crates.
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO
SOFT-SIDED DOG CRATES
What Is a Soft-Sided Dog Crate?
A soft-sided dog crate is a lightweight, portable enclosure made from fabric (typically 600D to 1200D oxford nylon or polyester) stretched over a collapsible steel or fiberglass frame. Mesh ventilation panels provide airflow on multiple sides, and zippered doors allow easy access. Unlike rigid wire or plastic crates, soft crates fold flat for storage and transport, weighing just 3–12 lbs depending on size.
Soft crates are designed for crate-trained dogs that don't chew or scratch at their enclosure. They provide containment through the dog's acceptance of boundaries, not through structural force. This makes them ideal for well-behaved dogs during travel, events, and supervised situations, but unsuitable for dogs with destructive crate behavior.
Fabric Types and Construction
Soft crate fabrics are measured in denier (D) — the thickness of the individual threads. 600D oxford fabric is the standard for most soft crates, providing a good balance of weight, durability, and water resistance. 900D fabric offers better tear resistance for outdoor use. 1200D fabric is the heaviest option, used in premium soft crates for larger dogs where extra durability matters.
The frame determines the crate's stability. Steel tube frames are the most rigid and durable, used in standard soft crates. Fiberglass spring frames are used in pop-up designs — they allow the crate to open instantly and fold flat, but provide less structural rigidity than steel. For dogs under 30 lbs, either frame type works well. For larger dogs (30–70 lbs), steel-frame soft crates hold their shape better under the dog's weight.
Best Use Cases for Soft Crates
Soft crates excel in situations where portability and convenience matter most: car travel (lightweight and fits easily in any vehicle), camping and hiking (packs small, sets up fast), dog shows and agility trials (familiar den space between events), vet visits (less intimidating than hard crates), and visiting friends or family (easy to bring along and set up in any room).
Many dog owners use soft crates as a secondary crate alongside a wire or plastic crate at home. The hard crate serves as the primary daily crate, while the soft crate travels. This gives the dog a familiar enclosed space anywhere they go without the weight and bulk of transporting a hard crate.
Soft Dog Crates at SimpleWag.com
SimpleWag.com carries soft-sided dog crates from 21\" to 42\" in standard, pop-up, mesh, and outdoor configurations. Every soft crate we sell uses 600D+ fabric, reinforced stitching at stress points, and includes a washable floor pad. From $39 pop-up travel crates to $89 large reinforced soft kennels, we stock the full range. Use our kennel finder tool to match your dog's size and travel needs to the right soft crate — we'll recommend what works, not what's expensive.
NOT SURE WHICH SOFT
CRATE IS RIGHT?
Answer 4 quick questions about your dog's size, behavior, and how you'll use the crate. We'll match you to the right soft crate — no guesswork.
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