🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Dog Care Products

Soft Dog Crate for Puppies: Our Shortlist

Find the top 5 soft dog crates for puppies in 2026, including the MidWest iCrate Soft Folding Crate. Avoid fabric crates for heavy chewers; only crash-tested models are safe for car travel.

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ProPawPicks Editorial Team
ProPawPicks Reviewer
Updated

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MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Soft Folding Crate ★ Top Pick: MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Soft Folding Crate Check Price on Amazon →
5
Picks Compared
10 to 50 lbs
Weight Range Covered
2 to 5
Ventilation Sides
1 to 15 years
Warranty Range
⚡ Key takeaways
  • Best Overall: MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Soft Folding Crate. This crate combines a sturdy steel frame with breathable mesh on all sides, ensuring good.
  • Best for Car Travel: Sleepypod Atom. Crash-tested by the Center for Pet Safety, the Atom offers superior protection in vehicles.
  • Best for Airline: Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier. This carrier is airline-approved for most cabins, with mesh panels for ventilation and a p.
  • Best Budget: Frisco Soft Sided Dog Crate. Affordable and lightweight, this crate features mesh windows and a foldable design.
  • Best for Large Dogs: Gunner G1 Intermediate Crate. Built with impact-resistant materials and a rotomolded design, this crate is extremely dur.
At a Glance

Quick Comparison

ProductBest For
MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Soft Folding Cr… Best Overall Check price →
Sleepypod Atom Best for Car Travel Check price →
Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier Best for Airline Check price →
Frisco Soft Sided Dog Crate Best Budget Check price →
Gunner G1 Intermediate Crate Best for Large Dogs Check price →

Quick answer

The best soft dog crate for puppies overall is the MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Soft Folding Crate. It offers excellent ventilation, a sturdy frame, and easy setup. For car travel, consider the Sleepypod Atom for its crash-tested safety. If you need a budget-friendly option, the Frisco Soft Sided Dog Crate provides good value with ample mesh windows.

What to consider for Soft Dog Crate For Puppies

Puppies grow quickly, so choose a crate that accommodates their adult size while providing a snug space now. Soft crates are not ideal for heavy chewers or strong escape artists. Ensure the crate has secure zippers and reinforced seams. Ventilation is critical; look for mesh panels on multiple sides. Portability matters if you travel often. Also, consider ease of cleaning since puppies may have accidents.

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

Correct sizing: the dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Good ventilation: mesh windows or vents prevent overheating. Secure construction: look for crash-tested designs for car travel, or strong zippers and locks for escape-prone dogs. Easy cleaning: removable, washable pads or waterproof bases. Portability: lightweight, foldable designs for travel.

How we chose these picks

  • Evaluated product specifications from manufacturer websites and retailer listings.
  • Compared safety features such as crash-test certification and escape-proof closures.
  • Assessed ventilation based on mesh coverage and airflow design.
  • Considered ease of assembly, portability, and storage.
  • Reviewed cleaning instructions and material durability.
  • Checked customer feedback for common issues like zipper failures or odor retention.
  • Ensured each product is suitable for puppies in terms of size range and comfort.
  • Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission.

What to avoid

  • A crate or carrier too small for the puppy to stand and turn in.
  • Unsecured carriers in a moving car; always use a seatbelt or tie-down.
  • Flimsy gates that a determined puppy can push through or climb.
  • Over-long crating without breaks; puppies need frequent potty and exercise breaks.

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

Why this matters

Soft dog crates are not recommended for heavy chewers or strong escape artists, as fabric can be torn. For car travel, only crash-tested models provide adequate protection.

The Options

Types Explained

Soft-Sided Crate

Made of fabric over a metal or plastic frame, these are lightweight and foldable. They offer good ventilation but are not chew-proof.

Best for: Travel, home use, and calm puppies.

Hard-Sided Crate

Plastic or metal crates that are more durable and escape-proof. They are heavier and less portable.

Best for: Chewers, strong dogs, and car travel.

Carrier

Small, portable bags or boxes designed for carrying dogs. Often airline-approved. Limited space for movement.

Best for: Air travel and short trips.

Pet Gate

Barriers used to confine dogs to a room. Not a crate, but useful for containment. Some are pressure-mounted or hardware-mounted.

Best for: Blocking off areas in the home.
The Rankings

Top 5 Picks

#1
MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Soft Folding Crate
Best Overall

MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Soft Folding Crate

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This crate combines a sturdy steel frame with breathable mesh on all sides, ensuring good airflow. It folds flat for storage and includes a fleece pad. The zippers are durable, but the floor is not waterproof, so accidents may soak through. Suitable for most puppies up to 40 pounds.

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#2
Sleepypod Atom
Best for Car Travel

Sleepypod Atom

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Crash-tested by the Center for Pet Safety, the Atom offers superior protection in vehicles. It has a padded interior, ventilation slots, and a seatbelt loop. The main limitation is its higher price and smaller size range, fitting dogs up to 25 pounds. Ideal for small breed puppies.

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#3
Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier
Best for Airline

Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier

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This carrier is airline-approved for most cabins, with mesh panels for ventilation and a padded bottom. It has a locking zipper and a shoulder strap. However, it is not crash-tested and may not hold up to heavy chewing. Best for small puppies under 22 pounds.

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#4
Frisco Soft Sided Dog Crate
Best Budget

Frisco Soft Sided Dog Crate

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Affordable and lightweight, this crate features mesh windows and a foldable design. It comes with a fleece pad and a carrying handle. The zippers can be flimsy, and the frame may not support very active puppies. Good for occasional use and small to medium breeds.

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#5
Best for Large Dogs

Gunner G1 Intermediate Crate

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Built with impact-resistant materials and a rotomolded design, this crate is extremely durable and escape-proof. It has excellent ventilation and a leak-proof floor. The trade-off is its weight and higher cost. Suitable for large breed puppies up to 90 pounds.

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Before You Buy

Key Buying Factors

01

Size and Growth

Puppies grow fast. Choose a crate that fits their adult size but use a divider to keep the space cozy now. The crate should allow the puppy to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.

02

Ventilation

Good airflow prevents overheating and reduces stress. Look for crates with mesh on at least two sides. Avoid crates with small windows or poor breathability.

03

Safety and Security

For car travel, choose crash-tested crates. For home use, ensure zippers are lockable and seams are reinforced. Escape-proof designs are important for anxious or clever puppies.

04

Ease of Cleaning

Puppies may have accidents. Removable, washable pads or waterproof bases make cleaning easier. Some crates have machine-washable covers.

05

Portability

If you travel, consider weight and foldability. Soft crates are generally lighter than hard ones. Look for carrying handles or shoulder straps.

Living With It

Care, Cost and Maintenance

Cleaning the Crate

Remove the pad and wash it according to the label. Wipe down the frame and mesh with a mild soap solution. For odors, use a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner. Allow all parts to dry completely before reassembly.

Maintaining Zippers and Seams

Check zippers regularly for snags or damage. Lubricate with a silicone spray if they stick. Inspect seams for loose threads and repair promptly to prevent escapes.

Storing the Crate

Fold the crate flat when not in use. Store in a dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fabric fading. Avoid placing heavy objects on top to maintain shape.

Pro tip

Use a crate divider to adjust the space as your puppy grows, preventing them from using one end as a bathroom and encouraging denning behavior.

Frequently asked questions

How do I size a soft dog crate for my puppy?
Measure your puppy from nose to tail and from floor to top of head while standing. Add a few inches to each measurement to ensure comfort. The crate should be tall enough for the puppy to stand without crouching and long enough to lie down fully. Use a divider if the crate is too large to prevent the puppy from using one end as a bathroom.
Are soft dog crates safe for car travel?
Only if they are crash-tested and secured with a seatbelt or tie-down. Most soft crates are not crash-tested and can collapse in an accident. For car travel, choose a crate that has been certified by the Center for Pet Safety or use a hard-sided crate that is properly anchored.
What are airline requirements for soft dog carriers?
Airlines require carriers to be well-ventilated, leak-proof, and large enough for the dog to stand and turn. The carrier must fit under the seat. Check your airline's specific size and breed restrictions. Some airlines require hard-sided carriers for cargo hold.
How long can a puppy stay in a soft crate?
Puppies under 6 months should not be crated for more than 3 to 4 hours at a time, as they need frequent potty breaks. Adult dogs can handle up to 8 hours, but it's best to provide breaks every 4 hours. Never leave a puppy crated all day.
Do soft crates have enough ventilation?
Most soft crates have mesh panels on multiple sides, providing good airflow. However, ensure the mesh is not too fine and that at least two sides are mesh. Avoid placing the crate in direct sunlight or a stuffy room. Some crates have additional ventilation slots.
How can I make a soft crate escape-proof?
Choose a crate with lockable zippers and reinforced seams. Some models have double zippers that can be secured with a small padlock. For determined chewers, consider a hard-sided crate. Also, ensure the crate is properly assembled and the frame is stable.
What is the difference between soft and hard crates?
Soft crates are lightweight, portable, and foldable, making them ideal for travel. They offer good ventilation but are not chew-proof. Hard crates are more durable, escape-proof, and often crash-tested, but they are heavier and less portable. Choose based on your dog's behavior and travel needs.
Can a soft crate help with crate training?
Yes, soft crates can be cozy and den-like, which may help anxious puppies feel secure. However, some puppies may chew the fabric. Start with short sessions and positive reinforcement. Use a divider to adjust size as the puppy grows.
What safety concerns should I watch for with soft crates?
Ensure the crate is not placed near heaters or in direct sunlight to prevent overheating. Check for loose threads or chewed fabric that could be ingested. Never leave a puppy unsupervised in a soft crate if they are chewers. Also, secure the crate in a car to prevent sliding.
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.