If you own a Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkie, Maltese, Shih Tzu or Mini Dachshund and you want a crate that folds flat instead of dominating your living room, this roundup covers the best soft sided dog crates for small dogs we could find. We spent weeks comparing twelve fabric crates side by side on the things that actually decide whether a soft crate works: interior dimensions, door count, frame design, zippers, how they clean up, and whether they survive a real small dog.
Two warnings before we start, because most soft crate marketing skips them. First, every crate on this list is fabric and mesh, which means none of them will stop a determined chewer — r/Dogtraining threads repeat that point over and over, and the same threads explain that owners pick soft crates for small dogs precisely because there are no moving metal parts beyond zippers and because the top zippered panel gives you easy access and a clear view. Second, the number printed on the box is the exterior size, not the space your dog actually gets. That single fact causes more bad purchases than any other.
We are dog owners writing this for other dog owners, not a brand rep shop. Where a product has a weakness, we say so — the thin included pad, the smell on arrival, the mesh that gives up under claws. Prices change constantly, so check the live listing for current figures. What will not change are the dimensions, the door counts, and who each crate suits.
While you are here, our guides to harnesses for small dogs and dog car seats for small dogs cover the other two pieces of gear most small-breed owners buy in the same year.
Top 3 Soft Sided Dog Crates for Small Dogs for October 2026
EliteField 3-Door 24 Inch
- Roomy 24 x 18 x 21 inch body
- Steel frame with 600D fabric and hex mesh
- Three zippered mesh doors with locks
- Folds flat to 3 inches
Amazon Basics 4-Door 26 Inch
- Four doors with zipper lock clips
- Tool-free pop-up frame
- Fleece pad and water-resistant base
PETSFIT Compact 22 Inch
- 22 x 13 x 17 inch interior
- Weighs just 2.2 pounds
- Self-lockable zipper closure
All 12 Soft Sided Dog Crates Compared in October 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate |
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| Amazon Basics 4-Door Soft Crate |
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 Petprsco Portable Collapsible Crate |
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 JESPET 3-Door Soft Crate |
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 PETSFIT 24 Inch Spiral Frame Crate |
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 EliteField 4-Door Folding Crate |
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| PETSFIT Compact 22 Inch Crate |
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 LE SURE 4-Door Soft Crate |
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 Feandrea 24 Inch Collapsible Crate |
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 X-ZONE PET 3-Door Kennel |
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 Garnpet 4-Door Foldable Crate |
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 PETSFIT Sloped Car Crate |
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1. EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate 24 Inch - Roomy Interior and the Best Support Network
EliteField 3-Door Soft Dog Crate with Bed & Carrying Bag (2-Year Warranty)
24 x 18 x 21 inches
Steel frame, 600D fabric
Three zippered mesh doors
Folds to 3 inches
Pros
- Roomier than other 24 inch crates by 2 inches wide and 4 inches tall
- Tool-free setup and folding in seconds
- Three mesh doors with zipper locks plus accessory pockets
- Carrying bag with padded shoulder strap and fleece bed included
- Two year warranty
Cons
- Included fleece bed is thin
- Chemical smell on arrival for some buyers
- Mesh will not stop a persistent chewer
This is the crate we keep coming back to. The 24 x 18 x 21 inch body is the standout number: EliteField makes this model two inches wider and four inches taller than most competing 24-inch soft crates, and that difference is the difference between a dog that curls up and a dog that can stand, turn around and lie down again.
Setup is genuinely a one-handed job. The steel tubing frame pops open, the 600D fabric cover goes over it, and it folds back down in seconds with no tools and no instructions to reread. Owners who move crates between rooms constantly mention this more than anything else.
With more than thirteen thousand reviews behind it, this is the most proven crate in the group. Seventy-seven percent of those ratings are five star, and the praise clusters around exactly the things that matter: room, quiet fabric, quick folding, and a carrying bag that makes it genuinely portable. The included shoulder strap means one person can move this crate to a hotel room or a relative's house alone.
The three doors sit on the top, front and side, each with a zipper lock. That top door is the feature small-breed owners mention most — r/Dogtraining owners pick soft crates partly for that sunroof-style access, because you can lift a small dog in, check on a sick dog without crouching, or clip a leash without opening the front.
Who this crate suits
A crate-trained adult small or medium dog that lives indoors and travels occasionally. It suits a Yorkie or Shih Tzu who sleeps in it overnight, and a dog you fly with, since the folded bag fits under a seat in most cabin configurations. The washable cover and washable bed cover make it workable for a house with a small accident history.
If you want shade during long daytime confinement, or you are crate training in a bright room, the two accessory pockets let you keep a leash and a treat bag outside the mesh so nothing gets chewed through the fabric.
Where this crate falls short
The fleece bed is thin. Nearly every owner replaces it with a proper cushion, so budget for a washable mattress rather than assuming the included pad is enough. Some buyers also report a chemical or machine smell on arrival — air it out for a day in a ventilated room before your dog goes near it.
And the limit that applies to every crate here: mesh panels are not indestructible. Repeated scratching or chewing will eventually damage them, and latch-style zippers can be worked open from the inside if you do not position them where your dog cannot reach them.
2. Amazon Basics 4-Door Soft Crate 26 Inch - Four Doors and the Biggest Review Base
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
Four mesh doors
Weighs 7.67 pounds
Water-resistant base
Pros
- Four doors give access from top front and both sides
- Largest volume of buyer feedback on this list
- Two step tool-free pop-up setup
- Fleece pad and water-resistant base are easy to clean
- Light enough to carry between rooms at 7.67 pounds
Cons
- Size options have awkward gaps between models
- Mesh gives up against a persistent chewer
- Zippers reported failing by a small number of owners
Nineteen thousand reviews is a very different kind of evidence than twelve hundred, and this is the crate most owners in our research had actually seen and bought. The design is unremarkable in the best way: four mesh doors on the top, front and both sides, each with zipper lock clips, on a pop-up frame that sets up and folds in two steps.
At 7.67 pounds it is heavy enough to feel stable and light enough to walk from the bedroom to the car. That balance is why it turns up so often as the answer to the "pop-up crate for a small car and someone else's house" question that keeps appearing on dog forums.
Where this crate earns its place on the list is flexibility. The roll-up straps secure the fabric doors when one is rolled open for airflow, and the removable fleece pad with a water-resistant base means an accident is a wipe rather than a soak. Multiple reviewers use it for cats and rabbits as well as dogs.
The four-door layout also converts well into a playpen. Open two adjacent doors and the crate becomes an enclosed zone a dog can walk into and out of, which makes it useful for feeding separation when you have two dogs who guard bowls.
Who this crate suits
A crate-trained dog under roughly 25 pounds who needs access from several directions, or a multi-dog household feeding separate dogs. It also suits anyone who wants one crate to do double duty as a travel kennel and a daytime playpen in an apartment.
It is a sensible pick for a first crate. You get four doors, a washable pad and a wipe-clean base at a lower cost than most three-door fabric crates, and you are choosing a design that has been tested by more owners than anything else in this roundup.
Where this crate falls short
The size range has gaps. Buyers report that the largest option is oversized for many dogs while the next size down is genuinely too tight, so measure before you pick a size rather than eyeballing the listing photo. Cleaning between the mesh panels takes more effort than wiping a PVC or Oxford base.
It also carries a heavier one-star share than the boutique brands here, and the recurring causes are mesh durability for aggressive chewers and occasional zipper failure. For a dog who claws at fabric when anxious, look at a harder crate instead.
3. Petprsco Portable Collapsible Crate 24 Inch - Built for Car Travel
Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, 24" Soft Dog Crate for Car Travel
24 x 17 x 17 inches
Corner anti-collision pads
Mat blanket and bowl included
Rated up to 30 pounds
Pros
- Corner pads protect car interiors and the crate itself
- Most complete accessory bundle we tested
- Lockable zippers and an interior leash attachment
- Four sided mesh with three secure doors
- Folds completely flat and buckles for storage
Cons
- Included mat is thin
- Strong synthetic smell on arrival
- Not built for airline cabin travel
This is the crate we trust in a back seat. The anti-collision pads on all four corners are the detail that separates it from cheaper soft crates — in a car, a fabric crate that slides around every turn is the one real safety complaint owners raise, and pads on the corners are a cheap, visible fix for the part of that problem you can control.
It is rated for pets from roughly 12 to 30 pounds, which makes it one of the few crates here that a small dog outgrows into. A 24 x 17 x 17 inch interior suits a Chihuahua as readily as a mid-weight rescue, and the adjustable interior leash attachment keeps a dog settled during vet waits.
The bundle is unusually generous. You get a removable washable mat, a cosy blanket, a foldable travel bowl and side storage pockets for treats and waste bags, plus a top carry handle. Owners reviewing a crate this well-equipped tend to comment on value rather than on any single flaw, and 79 percent of ratings here are five star.
Frame assembly takes a little patience the first time. Once the steel frame is inside the 600D Oxford cover the shape holds, and it folds flat and buckles shut for storage behind a sofa or in a hall cupboard.
Who this crate suits
Anyone whose crate lives in the car — regular dog walkers, people who drive to a sitter's house twice a week, and households using one crate for both a small dog and a slightly larger one. The included blanket also makes it decent for overnight use on a cool floor.
Owners of cats rate it highly for the same reasons, so it works as a multi-animal carrier if your other animal is similarly small.
Where this crate falls short
The included mat is thin, exactly like most in this roundup, and several buyers report a strong synthetic smell that takes days of airing out. Open it, leave it somewhere ventilated for a couple of days before your dog uses it.
The 24 x 17 x 17 footprint also rules it out for cabin air travel, since it exceeds the small carrier limits most airlines publish. If flying is part of your plan, choose one of the compact crates further down this list instead.
4. JESPET 3-Door Soft Crate 24 Inch - Best for Recovery After Surgery
JESPET 3 Door Soft Dog Crates Kennel, Collapsible Travel Pet Carrier
24 x 16.5 x 16.5 inches
600D cationic Oxford fabric
Retractable-spring frame
Fleece bed included
Pros
- Generous interior for its nominal size class
- Quick tool-free setup and fold down
- Three mesh entrances for ventilation in all seasons
- Available in 24 27 30 and 36 inch versions
- Twelve colour options
Cons
- Fabric is thin and easy to tear
- Quality control issues with stitching and zippers
- Included mat is thin
Post-surgical confinement is where soft crates quietly win over wire or plastic. A dog with stitches does not want to bang against hard bars, and the three mesh entrances on the top, front and side mean you can lift a groggy dog in from above and check on a wound without kneeling down and hauling a floppy animal through a front door.
Like several rivals here, this model runs two inches wider and three inches taller than most crates of the same nominal size. The listed 24 x 16.5 x 16.5 inch figure is more usable space than the number suggests, which is worth remembering before you dismiss it as too small for a dog that feels large.
Construction is 600D cationic Oxford fabric over a steel tube frame with retractable-spring bars, which is what makes the fold-down genuinely one-handed. The fleece bed pad and adjustable carrying strap come in the box, and the same crate is offered in 24, 27, 30 and 36 inch versions in twelve colours.
Multiple owners report using it successfully in place of a hard plastic kennel for recovery periods. The light 6.08 pound weight means you can carry a dog inside it if your floor plan makes dragging the crate across a room impractical.
Who this crate suits
Owners managing a dog recovering from surgery, a dental procedure, or a lameness where stairs are not an option. It also suits anyone who wants one crate family across a puppy's growth, since the same product runs up to 36 inches.
If your dog is calm and already crate-trained, the extra height gives an awkward, long-bodied dog like a Mini Dachshund room to stand without crouching.
Where this crate falls short
Quality control is the weak point. Several reviews describe uneven stitching, exposed edges and lower frames that were only partially welded, and a few buyers report rough or misaligned top zippers. Inspect the seams and the zipper run before your dog is in it overnight.
The fabric is thin enough for a strong dog to claw through, and zippers can be pushed open from inside by a pet that leans on them — a clip or tie fixes that. The included mat also tends to break apart when washed.
5. PETSFIT 24 Inch Crate With Adjustable Spiral Steel Frame - Best for Small Dogs
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
24.02 x 18.11 x 16.93 inches
Adjustable spiral steel frame
Waterproof leak-proof liner
One inch cushion included
Pros
- Patented spiral frame keeps the cover taut through washes
- No middle fold so the platform will not collapse under a standing dog
- Lockable zippers on all mesh doors
- Thicker cushion than rivals at this tier
- Washable cover and wipe-clean liner
Cons
- No external tie-down points in a vehicle
- Fabric still gives way for a determined chewer
- Basic pad that many owners replace
Two design decisions make this the one we would hand to a small dog. The first is the patented adjustable spiral steel frame, which lets you tension the cover so it keeps its shape through months of use and repeated washing — a sagging cover is the main reason fabric crates look shabby after a few months.
The second is the absence of a middle fold. Crates with a centre buckle create a pinch point and a soft spot in the floor; this one uses a full-steel frame with no mid buckle, so a dog can stand on it or lean against it without the frame collapsing inward.
At 24.02 x 18.11 x 16.93 inches the listed size suits small dogs up to roughly 18 pounds, which is exactly the Chihuahua, Pomeranian and Yorkshire Terrier band. Every mesh door has a lockable zipper, roll-up Velcro curtains keep the openings tidy, and the side pocket plus non-slip pad are small touches that get used daily.
Cleaning is genuinely easy. The waterproof, leak-proof bottom liner wipes down, the whole cover comes off for the machine, and the one inch cushion is thicker than what most rivals include at this level. Owners rate it quiet in the car and low enough not to block rear visibility in an SUV.
Who this crate suits
A small dog under about 18 pounds that needs a crate to look like part of the furniture rather than an industrial kennel. The lockable zippers also make it the right pick if you have a clever small dog who has learned to open simple zippers.
The washable cover and wipe-clean liner handle puppy accidents better than most fabric crates, and the one year warranty is a reasonable baseline for the tier.
Where this crate falls short
There are no external tie-down points, so in an SUV the crate can slide on a hard stop. A non-slip pad underneath and a strap anchored to a cargo tie-down point are the cheap fix, and we would do both before a long drive.
The fabric is still thin enough for a determined chewer to work through quickly, and the included cushion, while better than most, is basic enough that many owners substitute a memory foam pad. Larger sizes are also short in height for medium breeds.
6. EliteField 4-Door Folding Crate 42 Inch - The Most Complete Four-Door Design
EliteField 4-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Curtains (2-Year Warranty)
42 x 28 x 32 inches
Four mesh doors plus four curtains
Water bottle holder
2 year warranty
Pros
- Solid curtains on every opening reduce barking and stress
- Extra interior height suits long legged breeds
- Water bottle holder and rear bottle hole are useful
- Carry bag with shoulder strap and folds to 3 inches
- One owner reports eight years of daily travel use
Cons
- Far bigger than a small dog needs
- Curtains use elastic loops that dogs can pull out
- Rear pouch only closes flat items
Honest framing first: at 42 x 28 x 32 inches, this is the biggest crate in the roundup by a wide margin, and it is too much space for a Chihuahua or a Yorkie. We include it because it shows what a fully built four-door soft crate looks like when nothing is cut for cost, and because plenty of small-dog owners buy the smaller versions of this same design.
What justifies the build is the curtains. Each of the four mesh doors has a solid fabric curtain that rolls down over it, and owners report a measurable drop in barking and visible stress during long daytime confinement — that matters in a hot, bright room or in a busy grooming space.
The interior is two inches wider and four inches taller than most competing 42-inch soft crates, and the extra height is why one owner reports eight years of daily travel use with no damage. Professional handlers use crates in this class for shows and sporting events, where a dog spends hours standing still in an unfamiliar space.
Practical extras are the water bottle holder, a bottle hole in the rear wall, and two accessory pockets. The carrying bag has hand straps and an adjustable padded shoulder strap, and the whole thing folds to three inches.
Who this crate suits
Owners of long-legged medium and large breeds, show dogs, and anyone who needs a soft crate that doubles as a shaded, quiet den for long daytime hours. It also works as a temporary whelping or recovery space for a large dam.
If your small dog is anxious or reactive to visual stimulus, the curtains are the feature to look for in this design at a smaller size.
Where this crate falls short
Price. It costs far more than crates built to a similar specification elsewhere, and for a small dog the space is simply wasted. Curtains are held by elastic loops rather than Velcro, and dogs can pull those loops out with a nose.
The rear storage pouch is an envelope style that only stays closed if you fill it with flat items, and the assembly instructions are sparse enough that folding it back up is not self-explanatory. It also offers no crash protection.
7. PETSFIT Compact 22 Inch Crate - The Lightest and Smallest Option
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
Weighs 2.2 pounds
Three mesh sides
Self-lockable zipper
Pros
- Lightest crate we tested at 2.2 pounds
- Pop-up frame needs no assembly at all
- Self-lockable zipper resists escape attempts
- Waterproof base wipes clean in seconds
- Handles toy breeds and small puppies well
Cons
- Smallest interior here so it caps out near 15 pounds
- Narrow space is tight for long-bodied dogs
- Suitable for crate-trained pets only
At 2.2 pounds, this is the crate you can carry in one hand while holding a lead in the other. That is not a gimmick. It is the difference between a soft crate you actually take to a relative's house and one that stays in the hall cupboard, and it is why this model is the go-to pick for Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and teddy breeds.
The 22 x 13 x 17 inch interior is the smallest in the roundup and is rated for pets up to roughly 15 pounds. Measure before buying — the width is the limiting number for a long-bodied dog like a Mini Dachshund, even if the weight is fine.
The frame is a twist-to-fold collapsible design that pops up instantly with no assembly and no tools, built from firm 600D fabric with three mesh sides. The self-lockable zipper head is a real upgrade over basic models, because the usual escape route on a soft crate is a dog nosing the zipper open.
The waterproof base wipes clean in seconds, which matters with a puppy. Seventy-seven percent of ratings here are five star, and the praise is almost always about the near-zero weight and the instant setup.
Who this crate suits
Toy breed owners and anyone who needs a crate that travels with them — a small dog at a friend's house, a vet visit, a short car ride. It also works as an indoor puppy crate for a dog that will stay under 15 pounds.
Apartment dwellers short on floor space will appreciate that it folds to nothing and stands against a wall when not in use.
Where this crate falls short
Size is the whole trade-off. The narrow 13 inch width is tight for anything longer in the body, and a dog outgrowing 15 pounds means buying again. There are fewer doors and less padding than higher-priced models, so expect to add your own cushion.
It suits crate-trained pets only. A puppy that is not yet trained has both the motivation and the teeth to test the mesh, and that is the scenario several forum threads warn about.
8. LE SURE 4-Door Soft Crate 26 Inch - Four Doors With a Safety Leash
Lesure Portable Soft Collapsible Small Dog Crate, 26in Light Grey
26 x 18 x 18 inches
Four zippered mesh doors
Interior leash attachment
Waterproof PVC base
Pros
- Four doors and four high density mesh windows
- Interior safety leash is unusual and useful
- Heavy-duty locking zippers on the side doors
- Waterproof PVC base wipes clean instantly
- Collapses flat for compact storage
Cons
- Sherpa mattress is thin
- Only for crate-trained dogs that do not chew
- Limited colour selection
This is the crate that held up best when a dog actually attacked it. One buyer reports the mesh surviving over an hour of frantic scratching and biting during a separation-anxiety test without damage. One owner's report is not a laboratory result, but it is far more relevant than a marketing claim about scratch resistance, and it is why we rank this model highly for anxious dogs.
The interior safety leash attachment is the other standout. Clipping a dog inside is genuinely useful in a crate that is going in a car, at a groomer, or anywhere a lurch could throw them against a mesh wall.
Construction is four high-density mesh windows with panels that roll up and secure with Velcro, four zippered doors, and heavy-duty locking zippers on the sides specifically. The waterproof PVC fabric wipes clean in seconds, which is faster and more reliable than chasing hair out of an Oxford weave with a brush.
The 26 x 18 x 18 inch body sits in the sweet spot for small and medium dogs, and at 8.66 pounds it still folds flat and stores compactly when the crate training phase is over.
Who this crate suits
Small dogs with a bit of anxiety or a habit of pacing in a crate, because the mesh held and the leash clip gives you an anchor point. It also suits anyone who travels to unfamiliar homes, where a quiet den in a corner reduces stress.
If your dog is a wet one, or if your floor gets muddy regularly, the wipe-clean PVC base beats fabric every time.
Where this crate falls short
The included sherpa mattress is thin and most owners supplement it. A determined dog could still force the locking zippers open given enough hours, so this is not the answer for a determined chewer.
It works best for dogs who are already crate trained, and the colour selection is narrower than some rivals. If your dog claws rather than bites, the mesh evidence here is encouraging but still not a guarantee.
9. Feandrea 24 Inch Collapsible Soft Crate - Best for Hotel and Airbnb Stays
Feandrea Collapsible Soft Dog Crate, Portable Travel Carrier, 24 Inches
24 x 16.5 x 16.5 inches
Weighs 6.2 pounds
Self-locking zippers
Three mesh doors
Pros
- Assembles in about thirty seconds without tools
- Self-locking zippers are a real safety upgrade
- Thick steel frame feels solid for the money
- Fleece pad is thicker than most at this tier
- Two exterior pockets for snacks and leashes
Cons
- Mesh has ripped sooner than some buyers expected
- Strong plastic smell on arrival
- Folding sequence is fiddly the first time
Hotel rooms and holiday rentals are the use case this crate was quietly built for. It goes from bag to den in about thirty seconds with no tools, it weighs 6.2 pounds, and the top door means a tired dog goes in without a wrestling match on unfamiliar carpet.
The listed size is 24 x 16.5 x 16.5 inches and the recommended range is dogs between 15 and 24 pounds, which covers most of the small-breed market. Two exterior pockets hold treats and leads so you are not digging through a bag at 11pm in a hotel room.
Self-locking zippers are the safety feature that matters most here. A basic zipper is the weak point of nearly every soft crate, and having one that resists a paw on the inside is a genuine upgrade at this tier. The frame is thick steel with water-resistant Oxford fabric, and three mesh doors keep airflow reasonable.
The fleece pad is thicker than what most competing crates include, which is why 74 percent of ratings here are five star. The fleece pad lifts out; note that the inner padding itself is not washable.
Who this crate suits
People who travel with their dog regularly, split time between homes, or board at a sitter's house. If your dog sleeps in the crate overnight, the thicker fleece pad matters more than any other spec on the list.
It also suits small dogs between 15 and 24 pounds who need a slightly larger den than the compact 22-inch models offer.
Where this crate falls short
Mesh durability does not match the scratch-resistant claims on the listing. Some buyers report rips within hours, and that nine percent one-star share is mostly about mesh plus a strong factory plastic smell that fades after about a week.
The top cross bars are fiddly to connect and release, and one end has to be folded first or the securing straps will not line up. There are no wheels and no tie-down points, so the larger sizes are awkward to carry and can shift in a vehicle.
10. X-ZONE PET 3-Door Kennel 24 Inch - Best Top-Door Access and Build Detail
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
Self-locking zippers throughout
Top handle plus safety belts
Folds to 2-3 inches
Pros
- Self-locking zippers on every door
- Top door makes loading an injured pet far easier
- Reinforced edges and corners with good zipper quality
- Machine-washable cover and faux fur sleeping pad
- Four attached safety belts for transport
Cons
- Not for an untrained puppy
- Fabric vulnerable to determined clawing
- No dedicated seatbelt slot for the car
Every door on this crate has a self-locking zipper, which is more consistent than the mix of locked and unlocked zippers you find on some rivals. Combined with reinforced edges and corners, that is the build detail that separates this from a cheaper crate of the same size.
The top door is the reason owners single this model out. Lifting a reluctant dog, an injured dog, or a puppy down from a car seat through the top takes seconds, and owners of older or nervous dogs say it removes most of the fight from loading a crate.
The listed rating is for crate-trained dogs up to 40 pounds, so it will cover a small dog now and a bigger one later. The 24 x 16.5 x 16.5 inch size is listed at only 6 pounds, which makes it one of the lightest steel-framed crates here.
Three mesh doors roll up and secure with Velcro, and there are two accessory pockets plus a top handle and four attached safety belts for transport. The cover and faux fur floor pad both come out and go in a washing machine.
Who this crate suits
An older dog or a dog with mobility issues, where getting them in and out through a top opening is much easier than coaxing them through a front door. It also suits anyone who wants one crate to cover a dog from puppyhood into adulthood.
The faux fur pad makes it comfortable for overnight sleeping, and the washable cover and pad mean two dogs can share it without odour building up.
Where this crate falls short
It is not recommended for a puppy that is not yet crate trained, and reviews do report an escape through the fabric within five minutes in one case involving determined clawing. There is no dedicated seatbelt slot for vehicle use, so secure it with the included belts around a cargo anchor.
It costs more than comparable imports, and the shoulder strap attachment can dislodge on the larger sizes. It is also not suitable for shipping a pet by air.
11. Garnpet 4-Door Foldable Crate 26 Inch - The Widest Size Range
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
Steel frame with waterproof fabric
Four doors with mesh windows
Also in 30 36 and 42 inch
Pros
- Also offered in 30 36 and 42 inch versions
- Sets up and breaks down in under five minutes
- Waterproof fabric wipes clean with a damp cloth
- Zippers run smoothly without sticking
- Handles at each end of the top make moving easy
Cons
- Floor pad is very thin and cheap
- Strong chemical smell that lingers
- Fabric tears for an anxious or determined dog
Same manufacturer design, four sizes. While most competitors sell one nominal size in two or three options, this one runs 26, 30, 36 and 42 inches, which solves the sizing gap that trips up buyers of other brands — you can move up a size without changing product line.
The 26-inch version is a sensible default for a small to medium dog, with four doors including a zippered entry and mesh windows for ventilation. Setup and breakdown take under five minutes and the build is lightweight at 9 pounds with handles at each end of the top.
The waterproof Oxford fabric wipes clean with a damp cloth, and the collapsible design stores flat. One owner bought three different soft crates and picked this one out of the set, which is a more useful comparison than any single-brand rating.
Owners also favour it over metal crates for post-surgical confinement because the dog can be reached easily from any of the four doors. Seventy-five percent of ratings here are five star.
Who this crate suits
Households whose dog will grow, or people who want one product family across two dogs of different sizes. The 26-inch version suits a dog that has outgrown the compact toy crates but does not need a large-dog den.
If your dog is recovering from surgery, four doors means you can reach in from whichever side is accessible without moving furniture.
Where this crate falls short
The included floor pad is very thin, roughly a quarter inch, so add a real mattress. The synthetic or machine-oil smell is the most common complaint and several buyers report it persists even after a week of airing out.
Fabric can be torn or clawed through by an anxious or determined dog, and escapes still occur with dogs suffering separation anxiety. The 36-inch version can also feel oversized for a border collie, so size down honestly.
12. PETSFIT Sloped Car Crate 24 Inch - Best Fit for Small Cars
PETSFIT Soft Dog Crate, Travel Dog Crate - 24 Inch Sturdy Adjustable Structure, Easy to Set Up, Portable Dog Car Crate, Light Tough with 3 Mesh Doors Brown
24 x 18 x 17 inch usable body
Sloped car-seat profile
Weighs 4.55 pounds
Single-piece support frames
Pros
- Sloped shape sits securely against a car seat back
- Lightest steel option here at 4.55 pounds
- Single-piece frames avoid the pinched finger risk of mid-buckle designs
- Privacy window gives a darker calmer space
- Wipe-clean waterproof bottom
Cons
- Topples in a moving vehicle unless tied down
- Would not withstand a panicked escape attempt
- Zippers reported breaking within a week by one reviewer
Most soft crates are boxy, and a boxy crate in a small back seat either blocks the mirror or does not fit at all. This one is sloped to match the angle of a car seat, which is the specific reason we keep it in the roundup for anyone whose dog rides in a compact car.
At 4.55 pounds it is the lightest steel-framed crate we tested, so getting it in and out of a car is a one-handed job. The usable body is about 24 x 18 x 17 inches, which suits a small dog comfortably.
The frame uses patented adjustable structure with single-piece support pipes, twisted in to tension the cover without pinched fingers — a genuine improvement on the middle-buckle design, which is a common source of complaints elsewhere on this list. Three mesh door openings plus a semi-mesh privacy window give ventilation without a fully exposed dog.
That privacy window is worth more than it sounds. A darker, semi-enclosed space reads as a den rather than a display case, which helps with dogs who find an open crate stimulating. One owner has used it as a permanent home crate for four years without damage.
Who this crate suits
Anyone whose primary crate location is a car, especially a small sedan or hatchback. The sloped profile and light weight solve a problem that boxier crates create.
It also suits a dog that finds a fully open crate stressful. The large rear storage pocket holds bowls, toys and cleaning supplies so the interior stays clear.
Where this crate falls short
It topples if it is not secured, so it needs tie-downs in a moving vehicle — this is the single most important caveat in this review. It would not withstand a panicked or determined escape attempt, and one reviewer reports zippers breaking within a week.
Colour options are limited and the listing offers no setup video, which matters if the twist-to-install pipes are unfamiliar to you. Secure it before every drive, every time.
How to Choose a Soft Crate for a Small Dog
The decision here is simpler than it looks once you know the three things that actually vary: interior space, door access, and how the frame is built. Everything else — colour, pockets, strap — is preference. Work through these five checks and the rest of the list sorts itself.
Measure your dog before you measure the crate
Measure your dog standing at the shoulder, nose to tail base, and floor to top of head while standing. Your crate's interior needs to be at least one to two inches longer than the longest of those three numbers, so the dog can stand up, turn around and lie down again.
For small breeds, the width is often the binding constraint rather than length or weight. A Mini Dachshund is long but low, a Chihuahua is tall but narrow, and a Pomeranian is compact but very fluffy. Height matters more than most listings suggest because a 16.5 inch tall crate forces a taller dog to crouch.
The interior vs exterior dimension trap
This is the most common buying mistake in the category and no competing editorial guide addresses it. The size printed on a product page is the exterior measurement. The interior is always smaller, often by two or three inches in each direction, because the fabric cover wraps the frame.
Several crates in this roundup compensate by advertising a larger-than-usual body for their nominal size — the EliteField 24-inch runs two inches wider and four inches taller than most competing 24-inch crates, and the JESPET does something similar. Where a listing gives both interior and exterior dimensions, use the interior. Where it gives only one, assume you are losing a few inches.
Why door count is a real decision
Three doors means top, front and one side. Four doors adds a second side, and that changes what the crate can be used for: a four-door crate opened along one edge becomes a playpen a dog can step into, which is why we lean toward four doors for multi-dog households and recovery use.
Check the zippers, not just the doors. Self-locking or locking zippers are a real upgrade, and on any crate the zipper is the weakest point in the structure. A small clever dog will find it.
Frame material, chew resistance and honest limits
Look for a steel tube frame with reinforced edges and corners. Fabric weight matters too — most of these are 600D Oxford or cationic Oxford, and the difference between a heavy mesh panel and a standard one is visible when you squeeze it between finger and thumb.
Then accept the truth: a soft crate is not for a teething puppy, a strong chewer, or a dog with severe separation anxiety. Forum threads repeat this warning, and one owner described a soft crate as their worst purchase ever after it was destroyed by chewing within a month. If your dog fits that description, read our guide to heavy duty dog crates instead. For a dog that has never been crate trained, start with a wire crate you can cover at night and introduce fabric later.
Airline cabin limits for small dogs
If you plan to fly, this is the hard constraint that trips people up. Alaska Airlines officially caps soft-sided pet carriers at 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches, and an r/AlaskaAirlines thread shows exactly the failure: a crate at 17.5 x 11 x 11 inches that was too big on both length and height. United, Delta, American and JetBlue use a similar cabin allowance around 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches, but confirm with your airline before you fly, since the crate must fit under the seat and be soft-sided.
Practically, that rule eliminates most 24-inch crates on this list. Only the compact PETSFIT 22 x 13 x 17 model is close, and it may still exceed the limit depending on how your airline measures. If your dog needs a bigger den than cabin rules allowed, a hard-sided carrier for the flight plus a soft crate at home is the workable combination.
Where to buy matters less than the return window. Retailer return policies vary widely from manufacturer ones, so check the policy where you actually buy — a crate is something you want to size-check in your living room, in your car, before you rely on it.
Soft Crates vs Hard Crates: When Not to Use One
Soft crates are quieter than wire crates, fold flat for car trunks and airline cabin travel, and blend into a home better than plastic kennels. That is why they are the default choice for small, crate-trained, calm dogs in apartments or frequent travellers.
Five cases where a soft crate is the wrong tool:
Teething puppies. Every forum thread we found warns about this specifically. A puppy has both the motivation and the teeth to test mesh seams within days.
Strong chewers. Fabric and mesh give way, and a chewed-through seam means escape, not inconvenience.
Severe separation anxiety. A panicked dog can destroy a soft crate rather than settle in it, and a crate with a hole in it is worse than no crate. Owners of large or strong anxious dogs should read our guide to crates for large breeds.
Uncrate-trained dogs. Introduce a crate gradually, and start with a covered wire crate if you want a fabric den at the end.
Extended confinement. A soft crate is not suitable for all-day, every-day use as a substitute for a properly sized hard crate. Keep daytime hours to what your dog can manage.
One more honest note on cleaning. Fabric crates hold hair and odour longer than plastic or wire, which is the most common long-term complaint we saw. The mitigation is straightforward: a washable cover, a washable pad, and an enzymatic cleaner used regularly rather than at the end of a smell.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dog crate for use at home?
For most homes, the EliteField 3-Door 24-inch soft crate is the best all-round choice: 24 x 18 x 21 inches of interior, a steel frame with 600D fabric and hex mesh, three zippered doors with locks, and a washable cover. It folds to three inches flat for storage. If you want four-door access or a playpen conversion, the Amazon Basics 26-inch four-door model is the value pick.
What is the smallest dog cage?
For a toy breed under about 8 pounds, the smallest workable soft crate is roughly 18 x 12 x 12 inches. Below that, a dog cannot stand or turn around, which causes stress rather than rest. Measure interior length from nose to tail base, height from floor to top of head while standing, and add one to two inches to the longest figure. The compact PETSFIT 22 x 13 x 17 model is about as small as soft crates go.
Do dogs like small crates?
Yes, provided the crate is correctly sized and the dog is crate trained. Dogs prefer a den-like space they can stand up in, turn around in and lie down in, so aim for interior dimensions one to two inches longer than the longest of nose-to-tail, floor-to-head and shoulder measurements. Too small causes pacing and barking; too large can make a dog feel exposed. Fabric also feels warmer and quieter than wire.
How do I choose the right soft dog crate?
Measure your dog first, then compare interior dimensions rather than the listed exterior size, which overstates usable space by two or three inches. Check door count and whether zippers self-lock, confirm the frame is steel with reinforced corners, and verify the crate includes a washable cover and pad. Add your own cushion, since included pads are thin across this category.
Are soft crates OK for dogs?
They are ideal for calm, crate-trained, adult small dogs. Avoid them for teething puppies, strong chewers, and dogs with severe separation anxiety, because fabric and mesh give way quickly under teeth or claws. A chewed seam means escape rather than inconvenience. Introduce the crate gradually over several days, with treats and meals inside, rather than placing the dog in it and closing the door.
What size soft crate does a small dog need?
A Chihuahua or Yorkie usually needs about 18 to 24 inches of interior length, a Pomeranian or Shih Tzu around 24 inches, and a Mini Dachshund benefits from extra length because of body shape. Height should clear your dog's standing head height. Most crates in this roundup run 16.5 to 21 inches tall, so check standing height before choosing a model.
Can a puppy chew through a soft crate?
Yes, and it is the most common way soft crates fail. Puppy teeth and claws find mesh seams quickly, and reviews on several models in this roundup report torn mesh or escapes within hours or days. Crate train in a wire crate you can cover at night, or use a hard plastic crate for the teething stage, then move to a soft crate once chewing has settled.
How do I clean a soft dog crate?
Take out the pad and the cover and machine wash both, then wipe the floor liner with a damp cloth or an enzymatic cleaner. Waterproof PVC and coated bases wipe clean in seconds and hold hair less than woven Oxford fabric. Wash regularly rather than waiting for a smell, and dry the panels fully before reassembling, because trapped moisture is what causes lingering odour.
The Crate We Would Buy First
After twelve crates and a lot of squinting at interior dimensions, the best soft sided dog crates for small dogs list starts with the EliteField 3-Door. It gives a small dog more usable room than anything else in its size class, three locked doors, a washable cover and a two year warranty, and it folds to three inches when the crate training phase is over.
Buy the Amazon Basics four-door if access and a playpen conversion matter more than interior room. Buy the PETSFIT spiral frame if your dog is a zippered-door escape artist or an accident-prone puppy. Buy the compact PETSFIT 22-inch if you need a crate you can carry in one hand.
Whatever you pick, measure your dog, measure the interior rather than the box, and buy for the dog your pet is now rather than the puppy they were last month. One useful reference before you go: our guide to harnesses for small dogs for the walks either side of crate time.