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There are many dog crates out on the market today that offer your best friend a safe place to rest. Unfortunately, most of them are far from portable.
The best crates for portability usually aren’t very strong, and the best crates for strength may not be super portable. However, there are best crates out there that are both strong and portable.
The best portable dog crate definitely comes with its pros and cons. For instance, portable dog crates are best for people who travel a lot or move more than once in a while.
If you plan on staying put for a while, you may want to invest in a dog crate that isn’t so portable.
If you are looking for the best portable travel dog crate, you’re in the right place. This article will go over many different types of dog crates that are considered best for mere portability.
9 Best Portable Dog Crates
- Best Overall: EliteField 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate
- Best Value: AmazonBasics Soft Dog Crate
- Most Lightweight: Firstrax Petnation Port-A-Crate E Series
- Best Budget: Noz2Noz Soft-Krater Indoor and Outdoor Crate
- Most Durable: 2PET Bone Foldable Soft Dog Crate
- Best for Smaller Dogs: Arf Pets Dog Soft Crate
- For Medium to Large-Sized Dog Breeds: Petsfit Travel Soft Dog Crate
- Best Airline-Approved Dog Carrier for Small Dogs: X-ZONE PET Dogs Carrier
Best Overall: EliteField 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate
Key Features:
- No-toll assembly
- Lightweight, durable steel tubing
- Easy to clean polyester
- Hex mesh fabric
- Front and side doors with locking zippers
- With free carrying case and fleece bed
- Comes in 11 colors and 5 sizes
If you are after the ultimate portable dog crate that already comes with its own fleece bed and carrying case, then you can trust the EliteField 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate. It has everything you might want in a portable dog crate. It has safety features like locking zippers to ensure your pooch stays safe inside the crate.
It is lightweight, foldable, and very easy to clean. Since he gets to enjoy lots of ventilation, you don’t need to worry about your pooch suffocating. Pet parents say this is one of the best travel essentials for pets.
Best Value: AmazonBasics Soft Dog Crate
Key Features:
- Top and front door
- 4 side/mesh windows
- Zipper closures
- PVC frame and polyester fabric
- 35.83 x 24.02 x 24.02 inches
- Comes in 4 sizes
Simple, classy, portable, and lightweight are the best ways to describe this soft dog crate from AmazonBasics. Its mesh windows provide adequate ventilation and 2 doors (one at the front and one at the top) for your favorite canine’s easy access. It is made from a water-resistant PVC frame and already comes in 4 sizes.
There are zippers meant to contain your best bud. It does come with a one-year Amazon warranty. If you are looking for a cheap but reliable soft dog crate for your next trip with your pooch, consider this affordable option.
Most Lightweight: Firstrax Petnation Port-A-Crate E Series
Key Features:
- Extra strong steel frame construction
- With heavy duty zippers
- Mesh panels
- Water-resistant base
- Top and front entry
- With convenient padded carrying handles
The Firstrax Petnation Port-A-Crate E Series is one of those portable dog crates that you can set up and store in under a minute. It features heavy-duty construction, reliable zippers, well-ventilated interiors, and a comfy, water-resistant base. It even has padded carrying handles to ensure your hands won’t have a hard time carrying this on your next trip.
Best Budget: Noz2Noz Soft-Krater Indoor and Outdoor Crate
Key Features:
- Mesh sides with rollable covers
- Top opening
- Steel tube framing
- Up to 100lbs weight limit
- Water-resistant base
- With bucked straps
- Comes in 4 sizes
- 91.44 x 24 x 27 inches
Durable, lightweight, foldable, and easy to assemble – these are the best ways to describe the Noz2Noz Soft-Krater Indoor and Outdoor Crate. It opens from the top, has four mesh sides with rollable windows. It is available in multiple sizes and folds easily for easy storage.
Most Durable: 2PET Bone Foldable Soft Dog Crate
Key Features:
- Strong steel tube design
- Oxford 600D fabric cover
- Mesh panel windows
- With waterproof mat and reversible fleece pad
- Comes in 2 sizes and 4 colors
- 28 x 20 x 20 inches
- With 1-year warranty
This portable dog crate is well-priced and already includes many useful features and accessories, such as the fleece pad and waterproof mat. There are 2 sizes and 4 colors you can choose from, depending on you and your canine buddy’s preferences. The front zippered dog stops dogs from escaping while the mesh window panels ensure he has adequate ventilation.
Best for Smaller Dogs: Arf Pets Dog Soft Crate
Key Features:
- Steel frame
- Fully collapsible design
- Tightly woven material
- Water-resistant base
- Top, front, and side entry
- Machine washable soft cover
- 1-year warranty
If you don’t mind paying for more in exchange for quality, then Arf Pets Dog Soft Crate can be a great choice. It offers adequate space to keep your pooch engaged while inside the crate and buckles together when folded.
There are basic handles you can use to carry the crate around. Like other portable dog crates, it is collapsible and foldable. This is perfect for both short-term indoor and outdoor use.
For Medium to Large-Sized Dog Breeds: Petsfit Travel Soft Dog Crate
Key Features:
- 42 x 30 x 28 inches
- Made from Oxford cloth
- Zippers locks
- With non-slip foot pads
- 2 doors and top entrance
- Patented screw-in frame design
- Comes in 2 colors and 2 sizes
If you don’t mind putting together a durable dog crate for your next trip, then this Travel Soft Dog Crate from Petsfit is for you. It has 3 entryways, non-slip foot pads, zipper locks, and a screw-in plastic frame that holds its shape. With its decent-looking design, your pooch will have a nice and cozy place to stay whenever, wherever.
Best Larger Dog Breeds: MidWest Portable Soft Tent Crate
Key Features:
- Folding steel frame
- With U-shape wire
- Sheepskin pad
- Easy-zip mesh door
- Water-resistant mesh windows
- Comes in 4 sizes
The MidWest Portable Soft Tent Crate has mesh windows and already comes with a free sheepskin pad, ensuring your best buddy’s comfort while inside the crate. Its U-shaped wire makes the dog crate more stable while the durable steel frame ensures its durable construction. Since it collapses easily, you can quickly take this on your next road trip with your pooch.
Best Airline-Approved Dog Carrier for Small Dogs: X-ZONE PET Dogs Carrier
Key Features:
- Original metal frame
- 3 entrances
- With carrying handles
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- Comes with a cozy fleece pad
- Mesh windows
- 17.5″L x 11″W x 11″H
- Comes in 3 colors and 2 sizes
The X-ZONE PET Dogs Carrier is one budget-friendly soft dog crate and is perfect for smaller dog breeds. It is approved by most airlines, which means you can use this to fly with your best buddy to your next destination. There is enough ventilation and a comfy fleece pad to ensure his comfort while the adjustable shoulder strap and carrying handles ensure your own convenience
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Portable Dog Crates
Accessories
Every dog crate should at least include a steel pan to place on the bottom and some type of cushion or padding for your pooch.
If possible, find a crate that includes some type of doormat to keep the bottom dry.
Size
There are many different sizes available for dog crates, which is why you should measure your dog before going shopping.
Measure from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail while he’s sitting down, and then measure his height while he’s standing up.
This will ensure you’re purchasing a large enough crate for your dog, but not one that is too large.
Carrying Options
The best portable dog crates offer you the ability to carry them around with ease. Some types of crates, such as folding wire crates, make this much easier than other types.
If your dog is going to a lot of places besides your home, you should check into a crate that has wheels.
These types of crates are typically constructed from aluminum or plastic and have either 4 or 2 wheels. There are many types of brands and styles you can choose from.
Locking Mechanism
The best type of dog crates utilize a locking mechanism that is very difficult for a dog to open. The worst type of crates have a simple latch that can be easily opened by most dogs.
They usually feature a simple piece of plastic or even a wire latch, which will not hold your dog in place.
Material
When you’re out shopping for the best type of portable dog crate, you should take a look at the material it is made out of.
Wire crates usually come in either aluminum or steel, which is the strongest of all. Unfortunately, this type of material can rust if it gets wet. Aluminum crates may be a better option since they don’t rust.
Warranty
When you’re looking for the best portable dog crates, it’s a good idea to check out whether or not they come with a warranty. If they do, you won’t have to worry about your dog breaking out of them or the crate itself breaking down on you.
Storage
If you plan on storing your dog crate when it’s not in use, whether at home or in the car, you should make sure it folds up or disassembles in some type of fashion.
This will not only ensure it’s easy to store, but also that you can take it with you when you travel.
Sturdiness and Durability
Of course, you need to get a dog crate that is strong and durable. In order for it to be portable, it will also have to be lightweight.
The best crates utilize a combination of aluminum and steel in order to create a sturdy but not too heavy crate that is safe for your dog.
Ventilation
The best portable dog crates will also provide ample ventilation for your pooch. Most of them utilize a combination of mesh and bars to keep air flowing through the crate.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best portable dog crates, there are many different brands and styles to choose from.
Decide what type of material you would like the crate to be made out of, as well as what type of locking mechanism it uses.
You should also think about accessories and storage when you’re shopping for dog cages.
Every crate is different, so do your research before buying the best one. Once you’ve decided on the type of dog crate you want, it’s time to look at your budget and see how much money you’re willing to spend.
