🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Dog Care Products

Expert Pick: Best Soft Dog Crate for Chewers 2026

Reinforced mesh and locking zippers help, but no soft crate is fully chew proof. See why the MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry is our top pick.

PE
ProPawPicks Editorial Team
ProPawPicks Reviewer
Updated

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MidWest Homes iCrate Fold & Carry Single Door ★ Top Pick: MidWest Homes iCrate Fold & Carry Single Door Check Price on Amazon →
5
Picks Reviewed
2
Airline Approved
3
Crash Tested
4
Chew Resistant
⚡ Key takeaways
  • Best Overall: MidWest Homes iCrate Fold & Carry Single Door. This crate features a durable steel frame and a chew-resistant design with reinforced corn.
  • Best for Car Travel: Gunner G1 Intermediate Crate. The Gunner G1 is crash-tested and built with rotomolded plastic that is nearly indestructi.
  • Best for Airline: Sherpa Original Deluxe. This soft-sided crate is airline approved with reinforced mesh and locking zippers to prev.
  • Best Budget: Frisco Soft-Sided Crate. The Frisco crate offers chew-resistant zippers and a sturdy frame at an affordable price.
  • Best for Large Dogs: Petmate Two-Door Top Load Kennel. This hard-sided plastic kennel is durable and escape-proof for large dogs.
At a Glance

Quick Comparison

ProductBest For
MidWest Homes iCrate Fold & Carry Single Door Best Overall Check price →
Gunner G1 Intermediate Crate Best for Car Travel Check price →
Sherpa Original Deluxe Best for Airline Check price →
Frisco Soft-Sided Crate Best Budget Check price →
Petmate Two-Door Top Load Kennel Best for Large Dogs Check price →

Quick answer

The best soft dog crate for chewers is the MidWest Homes iCrate Fold & Carry Single Door for its durable steel frame and chew-resistant construction. For airline travel, the Sherpa Original Deluxe offers reinforced mesh and locking zippers. The Frisco Soft-Sided Crate is a budget-friendly option with chew-resistant features.

What to consider for Soft Dog Crate For Chewers

When choosing a soft crate for a chewer, prioritize reinforced seams, chew-resistant zippers, and heavy-duty mesh. Look for a sturdy frame that won’t collapse under pressure. Ensure the crate is properly ventilated and easy to clean. Consider your dog’s size and escape history; some dogs may require a hard-sided crate instead.

What to look for in a travel or containment product (crate, carrier, gate or car seat)

Select the correct size so your dog can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Good ventilation is critical for airflow. For car travel, choose a crash-tested crate or carrier. Escape-resistant construction includes locking zippers and reinforced seams. Easy cleaning with removable, washable pads. Portability features like folding or wheels are helpful.

How we chose these picks

  • Evaluated chew-resistant features like reinforced mesh and zipper guards.
  • Compared durability of frame materials (steel vs. plastic vs. fabric).
  • Checked airline approval for travel crates.
  • Reviewed safety certifications like Center for Pet Safety.
  • Considered customer feedback on escape resistance.
  • Assessed ease of cleaning and portability.
  • Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission.

What to avoid

  • A crate too small for your dog to stand and turn in.
  • Unsecured carriers in a moving car; always use seatbelts or anchors.
  • Flimsy gates that a determined dog can push through.
  • Over-long crating; never leave a dog crated for more than 8 hours.

For more guides, visit our dog guides, dog care products, and dog health sections.

Why this matters

Chew-resistant soft crates often use reinforced mesh and locking zippers, but no soft crate is completely chew-proof; for persistent chewers, a hard-sided crate is a safer long-term solution.

The Options

Types Explained

Soft-Sided Crate

Made of fabric with a metal or plastic frame. Lightweight and collapsible for easy transport.

Best for: Travel and calm dogs that are not heavy chewers.

Hard-Sided Plastic Crate

Durable plastic shell with ventilation slots. Often airline approved and more escape-proof.

Best for: Chewers and dogs that need extra security during travel.

Wire Crate

Metal wire panels with a removable plastic tray. Sturdy and well-ventilated.

Best for: Home use and crate training; not ideal for travel.

Carrier Bag

Soft fabric bag with shoulder strap. Designed for small dogs and airline cabin travel.

Best for: Small dogs and air travel where weight is a concern.
The Rankings

Top 5 Picks

#1
MidWest Homes iCrate Fold & Carry Single Door
Best Overall

MidWest Homes iCrate Fold & Carry Single Door

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This crate features a durable steel frame and a chew-resistant design with reinforced corners. The single door is sturdy, and the pan is easy to clean. However, the wire construction may not suit dogs that are determined to chew through metal bars, and it is not airline approved.

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#2
Best for Car Travel

Gunner G1 Intermediate Crate

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The Gunner G1 is crash-tested and built with rotomolded plastic that is nearly indestructible. It offers superior protection in a car accident. The downside is its high price and heavy weight, making it less portable for everyday use.

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#3
Sherpa Original Deluxe
Best for Airline

Sherpa Original Deluxe

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This soft-sided crate is airline approved with reinforced mesh and locking zippers to prevent escapes. It has a padded top for comfort. A limitation is that it is not suitable for strong chewers who may tear the mesh, and it lacks a metal frame.

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#4
Frisco Soft-Sided Crate
Best Budget

Frisco Soft-Sided Crate

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The Frisco crate offers chew-resistant zippers and a sturdy frame at an affordable price. It folds flat for storage and includes a fleece pad. However, the mesh is not as durable as premium options, and it may not withstand persistent chewing.

Check Price on Amazon →
#5
Petmate Two-Door Top Load Kennel
Best for Large Dogs

Petmate Two-Door Top Load Kennel

View on Amazon

This hard-sided plastic kennel is durable and escape-proof for large dogs. It has a top-loading door for easy access and is airline approved. The trade-off is that it is bulky and not as portable as soft crates.

Check Price on Amazon →
Before You Buy

Key Buying Factors

01

Chew Resistance

Look for reinforced seams, heavy-duty zippers, and chew-proof mesh. Some crates have metal frames that prevent bending.

02

Size Appropriateness

Measure your dog's height and length. The crate should allow standing, turning, and lying down comfortably.

03

Ventilation

Ensure adequate airflow with multiple mesh panels or windows. Good ventilation prevents overheating.

04

Portability

Consider weight, folding mechanism, and carrying handles. Soft crates are lighter; hard crates are heavier but more durable.

05

Safety Certifications

Check for Center for Pet Safety crash-test ratings or airline approval if traveling. These ensure the crate meets safety standards.

Living With It

Care, Cost and Maintenance

Cleaning

Remove fabric covers and wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle. Air dry to prevent shrinkage. Wipe down plastic or metal parts with a mild soap solution.

Inspection

Regularly check zippers, seams, and mesh for signs of chewing or wear. Replace any damaged parts immediately to prevent escapes.

Storage

Fold soft crates flat when not in use. Store in a dry area to prevent mold. Hard crates can be stacked or stored with doors open to air out.

Pro tip

To extend the life of a soft crate, apply a bitter apple spray on the corners and zippers to deter chewing. Always supervise your dog initially to ensure they don't attempt to escape.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose the right size soft crate for my dog?
Measure your dog from nose to tail and from floor to the top of the head when sitting. Add 2 to 4 inches to each measurement. The crate should allow your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. For chewers, a snug fit may reduce movement that encourages chewing.
Are soft crates safe for car travel?
Soft crates are generally not crash-tested and may not provide adequate protection in a collision. For car travel, we recommend a crash-tested hard-sided crate or a car harness that is Center for Pet Safety approved. If using a soft crate, secure it with seatbelts and place it in the back seat.
What are airline requirements for soft crates?
Airlines require soft crates to be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and have a secure zipper closure. The crate must fit under the seat in front of you. Check with your specific airline for size restrictions. Some airlines require hard-sided crates for checked baggage.
How long can I leave my dog in a crate?
Adult dogs should not be crated for more than 8 hours at a time. Puppies need more frequent breaks. Prolonged crating can lead to anxiety and health issues. Always provide water and ensure the crate is comfortable.
How important is ventilation in a soft crate?
Ventilation is crucial to prevent overheating and ensure fresh air flow. Look for crates with mesh panels on multiple sides. Avoid crates with limited airflow, especially in warm weather. Some soft crates have roll-up windows for extra ventilation.
Can a soft crate be escape-proof for a determined chewer?
Soft crates are generally not escape-proof for determined chewers. They can chew through mesh or zippers. For heavy chewers, a hard-sided plastic or metal crate is more secure. If you must use a soft crate, choose one with reinforced seams and locking zippers.
What is the difference between soft and hard crates?
Soft crates are lightweight, collapsible, and easier to carry. They are good for travel and calm dogs. Hard crates are more durable, escape-proof, and often crash-tested. They are heavier and bulkier but provide better protection for chewers and during car travel.
How do I clean a soft dog crate?
Most soft crates have removable fabric covers that can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. Use mild detergent and air dry. The frame can be wiped with a damp cloth. Regular cleaning prevents odors and bacteria buildup.
Is it safe to use a soft crate for a dog with separation anxiety?
Soft crates may not be safe for dogs with severe separation anxiety, as they can chew through the material and injure themselves. Consult a certified trainer or veterinarian for behavior modification. In some cases, a hard-sided crate or alternative confinement method is recommended.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency

How we made this guide

How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Dog Care Products, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.

How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.

Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

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Sources and further reading

Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.