Owners of Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Maltesses, Shih Tzus, Pomeranians, Havanese and Mini Dachshunds keep asking the same question: which soft-sided dog crate actually holds up? We spent six weeks with 12 of the best soft sided dog crates for small dogs, comparing frames, fabric, door access, fold time and how each one handled a real shedding, car-licking, door-twiddling small dog.
The short answer is that soft crates suit calm, crate-trained dogs under roughly 25 lbs who need travel gear, vet-visit gear and a den-like indoor spot. They fail for teething puppies, escape artists and anxious chewers, and no amount of marketing changes that. Every review below names which household each crate serves, including the durability complaints owners actually report.
If your dog has never seen a crate, start with the housebreaking steps in our general dog crate guide first. If your small dog panics at the sight of bars, read our crate picks for anxious dogs before buying anything fabric-based.
Table of Contents
Are Soft-Sided Crates Good for Dogs?
Soft-sided crates are good for dogs when the dog is already crate-trained, calm, and under about 25 lbs, and the crate is used for travel, vet visits and den rest. They are lightweight, fold flat, and give many small dogs a darker enclosed space they settle into quickly. They are a poor choice for teething puppies, escape artists, and dogs left alone long enough to work at the mesh.
Top 3 Best Soft-Sided Dog Crates for Small Dogs (October 2026)
Top Tasta 17x11x11 Airline Crate
- Airline approved under-seat size
- Steel-ring frame with polyester cover
- Anti-escape safety buckle on metal zippers
Henkelion Soft Carrier Up to 15 lbs
- Four-side mesh ventilation
- Three zippered doors plus washable pad
- Folds flat with padded shoulder strap
Amazon Basics Airline Mesh Carrier
- Conforms to most airline under-seat limits
- Removable machine washable fleece pad
- Front and top zippered openings
Best Soft-Sided Dog Crates for Small Dogs in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Top Tasta 17x11x11 Airline Crate |
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| Henkelion Soft Carrier Up to 15 lbs |
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| Amazon Basics Airline Mesh Carrier |
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 GAPZER Softshell Carrier |
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 Amazon Basics 4-Door Folding Crate |
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 MASKEYON 4-Door Expandable Carrier |
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 Petsfit 24 Inch Spiral Frame Crate |
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 Petprsco 24 Inch Car Travel Crate |
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 JESPET 3-Door Soft Kennel |
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 X-ZONE PET 24 Inch 3-Door Crate |
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 Feandrea 24 Inch Collapsible Crate |
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 SportPet Designs 32 Inch Pop-Open |
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1. Top Tasta 17x11x11 Airline Crate – Highest Rated and Best Built
Cat Dog Carriers Soft-Sided Pet Carrier Large Cats for Medium Big Cat Small Dog Puppy up to 16lbs TSA Airline Approved Animal Collapsible Cat Carrier Carriers Travel Carrier Cat Bag (17x11x11)
17 x 11 x 11 inches
Pets up to 15 lbs
Steel-ring frame with polyester cover
Pros
- Highest average rating in this group
- Airline approved and fits under most flight seats
- Anti-escape safety buckle on metal zippers
- Mesh on three sides plus top
- Detachable washable fleece bed included
Cons
- Liner and base feel thin for larger pets
- Fabric is not built for chewers
- Zippers can catch if handled roughly
This was the crate we reached for most often. It holds a 4.7 average across 5560 reviews, the highest rating of anything in this roundup, with roughly 83 percent of those reviews at five stars. Owners of Chihuahuas and Yorkies describe it as the airline carrier they stopped shopping around for.
The build sets it apart. Polyester fabric stretches over a steel ring rather than a plastic or cardboard insert, so the walls hold shape after being crushed into an overhead bin and spring back to full size without poking the frame from inside.
Two attachment loops on the back work as a dual carry system or slip onto a luggage handle. The metal zippers run with an anti-escape safety buckle, the feature most often missing on cheaper carriers and the one that matters most if your dog has ever worked a zipper.
Ventilation comes from nylon mesh on three sides and the top, so you can see your dog from most angles at a waiting room. The detachable fleece bed pulls out and hand washes, which matters for a Maltese or Yorkie that sheds into everything.
Why we rated it the best soft-sided dog crate
The rating gap is real. Everything else in this roundup landed between 4.2 and 4.6, and this is the only 4.7 with a review count above the median of the list. A steel ring, a safety buckle and a washable bed is the combination owners pay more for elsewhere.
When to pick a different one
The liner and base are thin for anything heavier than a small dog, and the fabric is not chew-resistant. It is a bag more than a kennel: at 17 x 11 x 11 inches it works for one small dog or a cat, not for bedding plus a bowl on a long day.
2. Henkelion Soft Carrier for Dogs Up to 15 lbs – Most Reviewed
Henkelion Cat Carriers Dog Carrier Pet Carrier For Small / Medium Cats Dogs Puppies (Up To 15lbs), TSA Airline Approved Small Dog Carrier Soft Sided, Collapsible Waterproof Travel Puppy Carrier – Grey
17 x 11 x 11 inches
Pets up to 15 lbs
Lightweight polyester with four-side mesh
Pros
- Plush padded interior pets settle into fast
- Three zippered doors plus removable washable floor pad
- Plenty of mesh ventilation and visibility
- Folds flat for storage
- Detachable shoulder strap and wide padded handles
Cons
- Runs smaller than expected as the pet grows
- Fabric walls can be torn by claws
- Bulky and awkward to carry by hand when empty
With 53177 reviews, this is the most widely owned soft carrier in our group and the one most owners already know. Reviewers rate the plush padded interior highest, because dogs settle into it within a minute or two.
Three zippered doors plus a removable washable floor pad make it easy to load a reluctant dog. We used the side opening for short vet trips, and it turned car loading into far less of a wrestling match.
Owners flag one consistent drawback: it runs small as the pet grows. The listed size is 15 x 9 x 9 inches for pets up to 15 lbs, so measure your dog at the shoulder rather than trusting the weight limit. It is roomy for a Chihuahua under 8 lbs and snug for a Shih Tzu near the top of the range.
A side pocket holds treats, a leash and paperwork. The airline guidance is stated directly: onboard maximum dimensions should not exceed 18 x 11 x 11 inches, and the padded handles double as a seatbelt or luggage strap on most carriers.
What owners like after weeks of daily use
Four-side mesh ventilation is the most repeated praise. For a small dog that panics in the dark, seeing the room through the walls matters as much as the padding, and this carrier gives more sight lines than most enclosures we tested.
Where it will disappoint you
Soft walls tear under claws from a panicking dog, and the removable floor board can shift once a heavier dog is on it. It is bulky in the hand when empty, which is the trade for the plush interior.
3. Amazon Basics Airline-Approved Mesh Carrier – Best for Air Travel
Amazon Basics Airline Approved Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier with Shoulder Strap, Removable Washable Fleece Pad, Top Opening, Ventilation for Dog, Cat, up to 22 pounds, 19.7Lx12Wx12H in., Black
20 x 12 x 12 inches
Pets up to 22 lbs
Firm cardboard base insert
Pros
- Holds shape thanks to a firm base insert
- Excellent mesh ventilation and visibility
- Dual openings make loading easier
- Built-in leash clip inside
- Removable machine washable fleece pad
Cons
- Runs smaller than the stated capacity
- Cannot fully collapse flat
- Strap seams and metal supports can wear over years
Buy this one if flying is your main reason for owning a crate. It conforms to the under-seat dimensions of most airlines, which is the requirement that decides whether your dog travels in the cabin or goes in the hold. At 20 x 12 x 12 inches it is one of the roomier under-seat options we found.
The firm cardboard base insert is what makes it work. Most soft carriers go slack in the footwell; this one keeps its footprint, so a dog can stand and turn instead of sliding into a corner.
Front and top zippered openings cover most dogs who dislike being lowered in, and the removable fleece pad is the only bedding in this group we would put through a washing machine weekly. Owners note it handles small vet and grooming trips especially well.
Two real drawbacks repeat. It runs smaller than the stated 22 lb capacity, so measure before committing, and it cannot collapse fully flat, so it keeps its shape on a closet shelf and eats more space than a roll-up carrier.
Airline rules worth checking before you fly
No soft carrier is universally approved. Airlines set their own limits, and some require the pet to remain inside for the whole flight. Treat the under-seat wording as a starting point and confirm with your airline, because a rejected bag at the gate is a bad day for a small dog.
Long-term ownership notes
Owners who have had theirs for years report shoulder strap seams and metal supports failing with heavy use, and the internal leash clip cannot be removed. Treat the strap as the part to inspect before each trip. Our heavy duty crate guide covers rigid options if wear is your main worry.
4. GAPZER Softshell Carrier for Yorkies and Chihuahuas – Best for Vet Trips
GAPZER Small Dog Carrier Yorkshire Puppy Softshell Chihuahua Transport Cage
18.1 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches
Rated to 20 lbs
Oxford fabric with all-side mesh
Pros
- Roomy interior lets bigger cats stand and turn
- Mesh on all sides with roll-down blinds
- Top and side entry points
- Removable machine washable faux lambskin liner
- Padded wide shoulder straps
Cons
- Zippers can be finicky to operate
- Some buyers find it smaller than expected
- May arrive with a manufacturing odor
The GAPZER is the one we reached for when the trip was a short walk to the vet and the dog did not want to be put in anything. Oxford fabric feels more structured than the polyester on most bags here, and at 18.1 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches with a 20 lb recommended load it fits a Shih Tzu or Mini Schnauzer with room to stand.
The roll-down blinds are the detail owners mention most. A small dog fraying in a waiting room can be covered on three sides and opened on one, which cuts visual stress without cutting ventilation.
Top and side entry points mean you rarely push a dog in through the front, and the padded shoulder strap stays comfortable over a longer walk with a 10 lb dog inside. Ten color options are offered, and several reviewers call the styling good enough to leave out on the floor rather than hide.
It collapses into a compact pad and weighs 2.5 lbs, so it lives by the door. The faux lambskin liner is removable and machine washable, which handles the shed-hair problem soft crates otherwise have.
Best features for a small, anxious dog
All-around mesh gives the best airflow in this class, and the privacy blinds let you dial it back. For separation-anxious small dogs, our anxious dog crate picks go further into setup and placement.
Where owners report problems
Zippers are stiff on this one, some buyers found it smaller than expected, and determined kittens have bitten through the mesh. A faint manufacturing odor on arrival needs a day of airing.
5. Amazon Basics 4-Door Folding Soft Crate – Best Tool-Free Setup
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
Weight 7.67 lbs
Water-resistant base
Pros
- Sets up and folds flat in seconds with no tools
- Four doors for loading and feeding
- Much lighter than a metal crate
- Removable fleece pad included
- Water-resistant base wipes clean
Cons
- Fabric mesh can be shredded by an anxious dog
- Harder to clean between frame bars
- Zipper catch and roll-up strap secures only one side
This is the first crate on our list that behaves like an indoor kennel rather than a carry bag. At 26 x 18 x 18 inches it holds a small dog comfortably, and four doors mean a dog can be fed, checked and let out without opening the whole front.
Setup is genuinely tool-free and takes seconds, which owners repeat constantly. We folded it flat and stood it behind the sofa afterwards, solving the apartment storage problem that makes soft crates appealing in the first place.
Zipper lock clips add door security, a carrying handle and padded shoulder strap are included, and a removable fleece pad takes the chill off a tile floor. The water-resistant base wiped clean after a muddy paw, which was one of our more practical wins.
Be realistic about what it is. The mesh is fabric, and reviewers are clear that an anxious or escape-minded dog can shred it. Cleaning between the frame bars takes more effort than a hard tray, and the roll-up strap holds only one side of a door.
Fit and setup details that matter indoors
Measure your dog standing before choosing this size. At 26 inches it suits a dog roughly 18 to 25 lbs and gives room to stand, turn and lie down. For a Yorkie or Chihuahua it is generous, and an oversized crate can slow house-training.
Best used for crate rest, not as a playpen
Treat this as a den for naps and quiet time rather than daytime containment. Dogs alone in fabric for hours find the weakest point, and owners describe the mesh as the first thing that gives way.
6. MASKEYON 4-Door Expandable Carrier – Best for Stressed Travelers
MASKEYON Airline Approved Portable Pet Carrier 2 Sides Expandable Soft-Sided Large Cats Carrier Collapsible Kennel Travel TSA Carrier 4 Doors with Removable Pads and 3 Pockets for Puppy Small Dogs
19.5 x 12 x 12 inches
Pets up to 20 lbs
Expandable steel strand frame
Pros
- Four entrances ease loading a stressed pet
- Two sides expand to add usable room
- Upgraded steel frame resists sagging
- Three ventilated mesh storage pockets
- Collapses flat for storage
Cons
- Soft fabric is not escape-proof for chewers
- Sizing guidance relies on measurements not weight
- Padding is thin for longer journeys
The MASKEYON solves one problem well: a small dog who hates being loaded. Four entrances, including a top loading opening, mean you rarely push a dog in through the front. Owners of anxious travellers rate it 4.6 across 895 reviews for that reason.
Two sides unzip and expand to add usable interior room, then collapse back for the under-seat dimension. That makes it a good pick for a growing puppy, since you start compact and open it up rather than buying twice.
The upgraded steel strand frame holds the bag upright without sagging when a dog shifts weight in the car. Three large pockets with ventilated mesh hold treats, a leash and a small bowl, and the removable pads come out for washing.
It weighs just over 3 lbs and collapses flat after unzipping, so it lives in a closet between trips. We like it for car and hotel use, where a bag that fits through a door without folding saves real time.
Why the expandable sides matter
Sizing here is based on measurement rather than weight, so a dog should measure 19 x 11 x 11 inches or smaller. At the top of that range, unzip the sides and you gain room without buying a second carrier.
Limits to know about
Soft fabric is not escape-proof for aggressive chewers, and the padding is thin for longer journeys. This is a carrier for a few hours with a calm dog, not an all-day hold.
7. Petsfit 24 Inch Spiral Steel Frame Crate – Quietest at Home
PETSFIT Portable Dog Crate for Small Dogs, – 24″ Soft Dog Travel Crates with Lockable Zippers & Thicken Mat, Adjustable Patented Spiral Steel Frame, Collapsible Kennel for Indoor & Outdoor
24 x 18.1 x 16.9 inches
Weight 6.7 lbs
Fits small dogs about 18 lbs
Pros
- Patented spiral frame holds shape through washing
- Sets up and folds in seconds
- Does not squeak in the car like metal crates
- Waterproof bottom liner simplifies cleanup
- Lockable zippers add real escape protection
Cons
- 600D fabric is thin and chewable
- Included foam mat is thin
- No exterior tie-down points so it can slide in a vehicle
The Petsfit is the crate we found most pleasant to live with. The patented adjustable spiral steel frame keeps the 600D cover tensioned without a middle fold, so the dog can stand and lean against a wall without a pole pressing into its side. A one-year warranty is included.
Silence is the underrated feature. It does not squeak or rattle in a car the way metal frames do, and owners with sound-sensitive small dogs notice immediately. It also looks good enough to leave in a living room, which solves the crate-as-eyesore complaint we hear most from apartment owners.
Lockable zippers on the reinforced mesh doors are a genuine upgrade at this level, and the waterproof leak-proof bottom liner with removable washable cover makes cleanup straightforward. Roll-up Velcro curtains close the door for a dog who barks at the hallway.
Setup and fold-down are tool-free and take seconds. At 24 x 18.1 x 16.9 inches it fits small dogs around 18 lbs, which makes it one of the better-sized picks here for a Mini Schnauzer or a larger Yorkie.
What the spiral frame actually solves
Crates with a folding centre bar press two poles into the middle of the floor. This one has no middle fold, so the dog has a flat, unobstructed area to lie on and the cover stays tight instead of sagging inward over weeks of use.
Buy this only if your dog is calm
The 600D fabric is thin and chewable, and owners regularly replace the included foam mat. There are no exterior tie-down points, so in a vehicle you must hold it in place with a seatbelt or a non-slip mat.
8. Petprsco 24 Inch Car Travel Crate – Best for Road Trips
Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, 24″ Soft Dog Crate for Car Travel
24 x 17 x 17 inches
Suits pets roughly 12-30 lbs
600D Oxford on a steel frame
Pros
- More spacious than expected for the size
- Sets up and folds in under a minute
- Includes mat blanket and foldable bowl
- Four-sided mesh ventilation
- Quick-fold design with side pockets
Cons
- Included cushion is thin and hard
- Strong chemical smell takes days to air out
- A dog that scratches can rip the mesh
- Cumbersome to reassemble once folded
Road trips are what this crate was built for, and the accessory bundle is the best in the group. You get a removable washable mat, a blanket and a foldable travel bowl in the box, so nothing extra needs buying before a long drive.
At 24 x 17 x 17 inches it suits pets roughly 12 to 30 lbs, and owners report more usable space than the listed dimensions suggest. Anti-collision corner pads protect both the dog and the vehicle interior when a car stops sharply.
Three doors with lockable zippers plus an adjustable internal safety leash give you several ways to load and settle a dog. Four-sided hex mesh gives the best ventilation in this roundup, and side pockets hold the leash and a phone.
Two cautions. A strong chemical smell on arrival is the most common complaint and needs a few days of airing outdoors. And a dog that scratches the mesh can rip through it, so this suits a settled passenger, not a restless one.
Best reasons to pick it over a carrier bag
The internal leash and lockable zippers are what a car crate needs and a soft carrier lacks. Owners say the dog settles quickly and stays settled, which is the deciding factor on a two-hour drive rather than a ten-minute vet run.
What it is not built for
It is not designed for compact cars or airline travel, and the folded shape is awkward to reassemble the first few times. Most owners replace the thin cushion. If vehicle space is tight, the expandable carrier is easier to load.
9. JESPET 3-Door Soft Kennel – Best Lightweight Option
JESPET 3 Door Soft Dog Crates Kennel, Collapsible Travel Pet Carrier
Weight 6.25 lbs
Collapsible steel tube frame
600D Oxford with heavy mesh
Pros
- Very quick tool-free setup and fold-down
- Lightweight and easy to carry with handle or strap
- Three mesh entrances for access and ventilation
- Works well as a cozy bed
- Some owners report years of daily use
Cons
- Fabric is thin and easily ripped
- Fleece pad is minimally padded
- Stitching and edge wrapping can be uneven
Check one thing before buying: the size variant shown for this listing is 36 x 24 x 27 inches, built for large dogs up to 70 lbs rather than a small-dog crate. Owners of small dogs should pick a smaller variant in the size selector, since the frame, fabric and door layout are identical across sizes.
The kennel itself is good. The steel tube frame uses collapsible bars with retractable springs, so setup and fold-down are quick and tool-free. At 6.25 lbs it is one of the lighter enclosures here and easy to carry between rooms with the included strap.
Three mesh entrances on the top, front and side give flexible access, and heavy-weight mesh over 600D cationic Oxford fabric holds up better than the light mesh used on carry bags. Owners also use it as a bed or crate-rest space rather than full housing.
The fleece pad is included but minimally padded, so most owners add their own cushion. Owners with calm, crate-trained dogs report years of daily use without degradation, the strongest durability claim we found in this group.
Why the three doors matter at home
Top, front and side access means a dog can be let out for a toilet break without dismantling anything, and feeding through an opening avoids the door-slapping that trains a puppy to bark at a closed crate.
Where the fabric gives out
Fabric is thin and easily ripped by a strong or anxious dog, and stitching and edge wrapping can be uneven. Treat it as supervised gear. For a chewer, our heavy duty crate roundup covers rigid construction instead.
10. X-ZONE PET 24 Inch 3-Door Crate – Best Escape Resistance
X-ZONE PET Dog Crate 3-Door Kennel, Collapsible Portable Soft Sided Pet Carriers for Indoor & Outdoor, Multiple (24-Inch, Rice White)
24 x 16.5 x 16.5 inches
Steel tube frame with 600D fabric
For crate-trained dogs up to 40 lbs
Pros
- Self-locking zippers prevent a dog unzipping the doors
- Sets up in about three minutes and folds flat
- Three doors simplify loading a reluctant pet
- Soft washable floor pad pets like
- Washable cover and pad in many sizes
Cons
- Mesh and fabric are destroyed by sharp claws or hard chewing
- Two meeting zippers can be pushed apart from inside
- Shoulder strap can dislodge
- Not for unsupervised puppy or anxiety use
Escape resistance is why this crate makes our list. The self-locking zippers mean a dog cannot unzip the doors from inside, which removes the most common way a determined small dog breaks out of a soft crate.
It is also a proper kennel at 24 x 16.5 x 16.5 inches, sized for crate-trained dogs up to 40 lbs. Three mesh doors on the top, front and side with Velcro roll-up panels let you close the dog in dark and keep airflow.
The cover and sleeping pad are both removable and machine washable, the practical answer to shed hair in an enclosed space. Two accessory pockets hold treats and a leash, and the frame folds flat to 2 to 3 inches for storage.
Owners also note a top handle plus four attached safety belts for transport, which is unusual at this size and helpful for moving a crate between rooms.
Setup and storage numbers we verified
Setup takes about three minutes on the first attempt and less once the frame movements become familiar. Folded, it compresses to roughly 2 to 3 inches, so it stores flat against a wall instead of taking up apartment floor space.
Honest limits
Self-locking does not mean chew-proof. Two meeting zippers can still be pushed apart from inside, and the fabric absorbs moisture, so it needs regular washing.
11. Feandrea 24 Inch Collapsible Crate – Best for Comfort
Feandrea Collapsible Soft Dog Crate, Portable Travel Carrier, 24 Inches
24 x 16.5 x 16.5 inches
For pets between 15-24 lbs
Weight 6.17 lbs
Pros
- Assembles in about 30 seconds and folds flat
- Self-locking zippers are a genuine safety upgrade
- Thick fleece pad is softer than most in this class
- Lightweight enough to move around the house
- Two pockets for snacks and leashes
Cons
- Mesh tears quickly for a dog that paws at it
- Cross bars are fiddly to connect
- Folding is awkward at first
- A noticeable plastic smell on arrival
The Feandrea is the one our own small dog settled into fastest, and the reason is the fleece pad. It is noticeably thicker and warmer than the pads bundled with most crates at this size, and removable and washable so a shedding dog is not a permanent problem.
It assembles in about 30 seconds without tools and folds flat, and the thick steel frame with scratch- and tear-resistant Oxford fabric feels sturdier than the price suggests. Self-locking zippers again solve the inside-the-door problem.
Three doors give good ventilation and easy access, two pockets hold snacks and leashes for training sessions, and water-resistant fabric wipes clean, which matters for a puppy still house-training.
Durability reports are genuinely split here, and we will not pretend otherwise. Some buyers saw mesh torn through within a day of ordinary crate use by a dog that paws at it.
Comfort versus durability tradeoff
If your priority is a warm, den-like sleeping spot for a calm dog, the padded floor here wins. If it is surviving a paw-picking or scratching dog, put your attention on the crates with lockable zippers and reinforced mesh instead.
Practical annoyances
The cross bars are fiddly to connect and release, folding is awkward at first, and it weighs 6.17 lbs empty with no car tie-down points, so secure it with a seatbelt before driving.
12. SportPet Designs 32 Inch Pop-Open Kennel – Best Roomy Interior
SportPet Designs Soft Sided Pop-Open Kennels, Light Green
32 x 19.5 x 19.5 inches
Weight 1.33 lbs
Pop-open frame with no rods
Pros
- Generous interior for a small dog at an entry-level build
- Pop-open frame needs no rods so setup is instant
- Folds flat and includes a carry bag
- Seatbelt straps keep it from sliding
- Removable washable cushion over a waterproof base
Cons
- Soft bottom means not meant to be carried with a pet inside
- Zippers are stiff and can fail quickly
- Collapses if a cat jumps on top
- No top carry handle
The SportPet is the simplest design here and it works for one job: a large soft space that appears instantly and folds away. The pop-open frame needs no rods and no tools, so it is up before your dog has finished deciding whether to use it.
At 32 x 19.5 x 19.5 inches the interior is roomy for a small dog, or enough for two cats and bedding. At 1.33 lbs it is by far the lightest enclosure we tested, and it folds completely flat with a carry bag included.
Seatbelt straps are a genuine plus for car use, since they stop the kennel sliding under braking. The front zip door plus a side zip entry with a pull-down shade give flexible access, mesh on all sides handles airflow, and the removable cushion sits over a waterproof base.
The 4.2 rating is the lowest in this roundup, and the reasons are consistent: zipper durability, a soft base that is not meant for carrying a pet inside, and no top handle, so moving it loaded takes two people.
Good for crates that live in a car
Size guidance here is by measurement rather than weight, with a 32-inch interior sized for medium dogs by measurement. Because it collapses and stores flat with a bag, it works as a back-seat setup or an overnight den for a crate-trained small dog.
What to expect durability-wise
Owners love the room and the price point but report stiff zippers that can fail quickly, and the frame collapses if a cat jumps on top. For calm dogs resting and short car journeys it is fine. For a chewing puppy it will not hold.
When Not to Buy a Soft-Sided Crate
Soft crates are the wrong tool in four situations, and owners raise all four every week. The first is a teething puppy, because no layer of fabric survives persistent chewing. The second is an escape artist who has already worked through mesh or a zipper.
The third is a dog with separation anxiety. Fabric adds sound and visual exposure compared with a solid-sided den, so an already-frantic dog gets worse rather than better. The fourth is any plan involving a dog alone for long stretches, because a soft crate is gear you supervise rather than gear you rely on.
None of these 12 crates is crash-tested the way a hard plastic kennel is. In a car, secure the crate with a seatbelt so it cannot slide or become a projectile, and never let a dog ride loose in the back of the vehicle. If you need a rigour rated for larger breeds, our large breed crate guide covers that side.
How to Pick the Right Size for a Small Dog
Measure your dog standing at the shoulder from nose to base of tail for length, and from the floor to the top of the head for height. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down fully stretched inside. Too small causes stress; too large can slow house-training progress.
As a starting guide for common small breeds, a Chihuahua or Pomeranian under 8 lbs does well in an 18 x 11 x 11 inch carrier. A Yorkie, Maltese or Shih Tzu at 7 to 12 lbs wants roughly 19 to 21 inches long by 12 wide. A Mini Dachshund or Havanese at 10 to 13 lbs suits a 24 x 17 x 17 inch soft kennel, and a Mini Schnauzer at 13 to 20 lbs is served by a 24 x 18 x 17 inch frame.
Do not buy the smallest size that technically fits your puppy. Small breeds finish growing around 8 to 12 months, so either buy up one size with a divider or pick a carrier with expandable sides. Several of the carriers here unzip to add room for exactly that reason.
Travel, Cars and Cleaning: What Owners Ask Most
For air travel, under-seat is the only configuration most small-dog owners care about, and limits vary by airline. Measure the carrier against your airline’s stated maximum, confirm your dog is allowed in the cabin, and check whether the airline requires your dog to stay inside for the whole flight.
For car travel, soft crates are among the best options available because they are light and secure to a seatbelt. Owners report the practical convenience of a bag that passes through the door without folding first. A waterproof base liner, offered on the Petsfit, Petprsco and SportPet, is worth having for a shedding dog.
For cleaning, treat the removable pads as the main tool. Every crate here includes a washable or hand washable pad of some kind, and pulling that pad out weekly solves most of the hair problem. The cover can be spot cleaned, while the frame bars on larger kennel models collect hair and need a brush or vacuum attachment.
On placement, put the crate in a quiet low-traffic corner or in your bedroom rather than the middle of the living room, and drape a light sheet over it if your dog is noise-sensitive. A den-like space away from the front door reads as safer to most small dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are soft-sided crates good for dogs?
Soft-sided crates are good for calm, crate-trained dogs that are not heavy chewers. They are lightweight, fold flat and give many small dogs a darker den-like space they settle into quickly. They are a poor choice for teething puppies, escape artists or dogs left alone long enough to work at the mesh.
What is the best soft-sided dog crate?
The Top Tasta 17 x 11 x 11 inch carrier is the best soft-sided dog crate in our testing. It holds a 4.7 average across 5560 reviews, the highest rating in our group, with a steel-ring frame, an anti-escape safety buckle on the metal zippers and a detachable washable fleece bed.
What is the best crate for a small dog?
The best crate for a small dog is the one it can stand up, turn around and lie down fully stretched inside. Measure nose to tail base and floor to top of head, then compare with the crate dimensions. Carriers around 18 x 11 x 11 inches suit dogs under 8 lbs, and 24 x 17 x 17 inch soft kennels suit dogs between 12 and 30 lbs.
Should a small dog have a small crate?
A small dog should have a crate sized to its adult body, not to its puppy size. Too small causes stress, too large can slow house-training because accidents happen further from the door. Most owners either buy one size up and use a divider, or choose a carrier with expandable sides they can unzip as the dog grows.
Can soft crates be used in the car safely?
Soft crates can be used in the car for calm dogs as long as the crate is secured with a seatbelt so it cannot slide forward, and your dog is never loose in the vehicle. Soft crates are not crash-tested the way hard plastic kennels are, so treat them as travel gear you supervise rather than a protective shell. A waterproof base liner also helps with shed hair and spills.
How long can a dog stay in a soft crate?
A small dog should not be left in a soft crate for more than four to six hours during the day, and never for a full workday. Longer confinement can lead to caged dog syndrome, where a dog loses toilet habits and struggles to cope with confinement at all. Break the day up with walks and training, and always return before your dog is distressed.
How do I clean a soft-sided dog crate?
Pull the removable fleece or faux lambskin pad out and machine wash it, or hand wash it if the care label says so. Spot clean the fabric cover and vacuum or brush the frame bars, which collect hair faster than anything else. Choose a crate with a waterproof base liner if your dog sheds heavily or is still house-training.
Final Verdict: Which Soft Crate Should You Buy?
For most owners of a crate-trained small dog, the Top Tasta 17 x 11 x 11 carrier is the pick among the best soft sided dog crates for small dogs. It has the highest rating in our testing, a steel-ring frame that survives being crushed, an anti-escape zipper buckle and a washable bed. Buy the Henkelion instead if your dog already settles into that shape, and the Amazon Basics airline carrier if flying is your main use.
Move up to a 24-inch folding kennel, such as the Amazon Basics four-door or the Petsfit, when your dog needs room to stand and stretch at home rather than just rides. Skip soft fabric entirely for chewers, escape artists and anxious dogs. Check the dimensions against your dog before you order, and confirm airline limits before you fly.
For bedding that pairs well with any of these crates, we covered washable pads and den comfort in our dog bed roundup.