Soft dog crates have exploded in popularity thanks to their lightweight portability and space-saving design. Unlike rigid wire or plastic crates, a soft crate folds flat in seconds — ideal for car travel, camping, visiting family, and hotel stays. But they’re not suitable for every dog. Here’s our comparison of the best soft-sided dog crates available in the UK, plus honest advice on who they’re for (and who they’re not).
Best Soft Dog Crates UK Compared
| Product | Doors | Sizes | Key Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EliteField 3-Door | 3 (top, front, side) | S to XXL | Strongest frame, accessory pack (pad, curtains, bag) | £45-75 |
| Feandrea Foldable | 3 | M to XL | Oxford fabric, storage pockets, good ventilation | £30-50 |
| Amazon Basics 4-Door | 4 (top, front, 2 sides) | S to XL | Best value, 4-door access | £25-45 |
| DogGoods Do Good | 3 | L to XL | Seatbelt loops, lockable zippers, padded bottom | £55-80 |
| Morpilot Large Carrier | 3 | L (up to 32kg) | Highest weight capacity, includes collapsible bowl | £40-55 |
| Henry Wag Folding | 2 | M to XL | UK brand, sturdy steel frame, side pockets | £35-55 |
Our Top Pick: EliteField 3-Door
The EliteField dominates soft crate reviews for good reason. Its pop-up frame is genuinely robust — not the flimsy wire you find in budget models — and the included accessories (fleece pad, privacy curtains, carry bag, shoulder strap) save you £15-20 in extras. Available from Small (61cm) to XXL (122cm), it covers Chihuahuas to Labradors. The three-door design makes access easy from any angle.
Best for Car Travel: DogGoods Do Good
If car safety is your priority, the DogGoods crate has built-in seatbelt loops that thread through the rear seat belt, keeping the crate secure. UK Highway Code Rule 57 requires dogs to be suitably restrained in vehicles — a seatbelt-secured crate satisfies this requirement. See our dog car safety guide for more on travelling with dogs.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use a Soft Crate
| ✅ Good For | ❌ Not Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Already crate-trained dogs | Dogs that chew or claw |
| Calm, confident dogs | Escape artists |
| Travel and camping | Puppies (still teething/training) |
| Temporary use at events/shows | Dogs with severe separation anxiety |
| Elderly or low-energy breeds | Destructive breeds left unsupervised |
Honest warning: If your dog is not already crate-trained and relaxed in a crate, a soft crate is not the place to start. Anxious dogs can rip through fabric panels in minutes, potentially injuring themselves on the internal frame wires. Start with a proper wire crate and crate training first.
What Size Soft Crate for My Dog?
Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down stretched out. Measure from nose to tail base, then add 5-10cm. For soft crates, err on the larger side — the fabric walls reduce internal space slightly compared to a wire crate of the same dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a soft crate in the car?
Yes, and soft crates are one of the most popular car restraint options for dogs. Look for models with seatbelt loops or straps (DogGoods, some EliteField models). Under UK Highway Code Rule 57, your dog must be suitably restrained in a vehicle — an unsecured crate could slide in an emergency stop.
Are soft dog crates airline approved?
For in-cabin travel with small dogs (under ~8kg), some soft carriers are accepted — but check with your specific airline. For cargo hold travel, hard-sided IATA-approved kennels are mandatory. No soft crate is suitable for cargo.
How do I clean a soft dog crate?
Most soft crates have removable, machine-washable pads. The fabric shell can be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For deep cleaning, remove the frame rods and hand-wash the fabric cover, then air dry. Never tumble dry — heat can warp the stitching.