The best collapsible dog crate for travel depends on whether you need a lightweight soft-sided option for car trips and hotels or a hard-sided crate for maximum safety. That single split decides most of the buying, because a crate that folds flat into a laptop bag and one that folds into a rigid slab are built for completely different journeys.
We spent weeks with twelve collapsible dog crates, weighing them, folding and re-setting them, and matching each one to the trip it actually solves. The list below is grouped by travel scenario rather than by brand, so you can jump straight to your situation: back seat, cargo hold, hotel room, hotel suite with two dogs, or an SUV boot.
A few words on who this is for. If you drive most of your trips and your dog settles in a crate at home, you are in the soft-fabric or folding-wire camp. If you fly, your world shrinks to an under-seat box roughly 18 to 22 inches long, and only a small subset of these twelve will fit. If your dog is a chewer, an escape artist, or simply anxious, the fabric crates on this list are the wrong tool, and we say so plainly in the safety section below.
We also keep this guide current through 2026, and every rating and review count below is the live figure from the product listing rather than an old snapshot.
Top 3 Picks: Collapsible Dog Crates for Travel in 2026
MidWest 30-Inch iCrate
- Folding wire design
- Tool-free setup
- Divider panel and leak-proof tray
SportPet X-Large IATA Kennel
- IATA 51st Edition listed
- Tie-down holes and labels included
- Removable wheels
Best Collapsible Dog Crates Side by Side in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| MidWest 30-Inch iCrate |
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| Amazon Basics 24-Inch Wire Crate |
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 Amazon Basics Folding Soft Crate |
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| SportPet X-Large IATA Kennel |
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 DONORO 28-Inch Pop-Up Crate |
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 JESPET 24-Inch 3-Door Soft Crate |
|
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 Petprsco 24-Inch Soft Crate |
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 Petsfit 22-Inch Pop-Up Crate |
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 LE SURE 36-Inch Soft Crate |
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 Garnpet 36-Inch 4-Door Crate |
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 PetSafe Happy Ride Crate |
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 ZOMISIA 28-Inch Heavy Duty Crate |
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How We Judged Crates for Travel
Every crate here was judged on the same seven things. How long it takes to fold and re-set without tools. How small and how light the packed bundle is. How much air moves through it. How easy it is to wipe or hose clean after a road trip. How many doors and how much interior room. The size ladder the brand offers. And whether the maker documents airline or IATA compliance at all.
We also weighed the failure modes owners actually report, not the ones brands advertise. That means soft crates that get pushed through from inside, zips that catch after a few months, and frames that warp in storage all count against a product here.
Our general shortlist for the best collapsible dog crates for travel: if your dog is crate-trained and calm, the fabric models win on weight and pack size. If your dog is untrained or strong, the wire and hard-plastic models win and cost you a heavier bundle.
1. MidWest 30-Inch iCrate Folding Wire Crate – Our Overall Pick
Midwest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs
Folding wire crate
30.5 x 19.25 x 21.5 inch
For dogs 21-40 lb
17 pounds
Pros
- Folds flat for compact storage
- Tool-free assembly no bolts needed
- Divider panel lets the crate grow with the dog
- Leak-proof tray with rubber feet
- Black e-coat finish resists rust
Cons
- Heavy to carry when fully assembled
- Single-door models need repositioning to reach the dog
- Tight for dogs near the top of the 21-40 lb band
This is the crate we keep coming back to because nothing else in the set combines an enormous review history with a design that genuinely folds flat. At 30.5 x 19.25 x 21.5 inches it covers the middle of almost every breed list, from French Bulldogs and Dachshunds up through terriers, and it weighs 17 pounds assembled.
The build is the reason. Precision welds, rounded corner clips and a slide-bolt latch with a Paw Block that stops a paw from working the door, all finished in a black e-coat that resists rust in a damp car boot. The divider panel means a puppy crate becomes an adult crate without a new purchase, and the leak-proof tray with rubber feet stops it sliding on a smooth floor.
The honest limitation is weight. Seventeen pounds is fine in an SUV boot and genuinely annoying when you are carrying it up three hotel stairs. It also rattles more than a soft crate on rough tarmac, which matters if your dog is noise-sensitive.
What to check before you buy
Measure your dog’s standing height at the shoulder and compare it to the 21.5 inch interior height. Owners report the sizing runs tight for dogs sitting near the top of the stated 21-40 pound band, so if your dog is a chunky 40 pounds, read the next size up before ordering. If you are also flying, note this is a home and car crate, not an under-seat carrier.
Measure the boot of your vehicle with the seats down before you commit. At 112k+ reviews this listing has enough feedback to tell you the failure cases plainly, and the top one is not the crate, it is people carrying a full-size wire frame up a staircase.
Where it falls short
This is a single-door model, which means reaching your dog means rotating the whole crate or letting the dog step out to the edge. If you want front and side access, step up to the Amazon Basics wire crate in the next section. And if your dog chews fabric or works zippers, no wire or fabric crate here will fix that, which is why our safety section below matters.
2. Amazon Basics 24-Inch Folding Wire Crate – Best Value Fold
Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, 24″ x 18″ x 20″, Black
Folding wire crate
24 x 18 x 20 inch
For pets under 20 x 15.25 inch
15.12 pounds
Pros
- Folds down flat in minutes
- Front and side doors for flexible placement
- Divider adjusts space as the dog grows
- Removable tray with a hook to stop it sliding
- Spring-loaded latches are hard for dogs to work
Cons
- Assembly instructions and videos widely criticised
- Connecting prongs can arrive tightly stuck
- Large sizes are heavy and awkward to move
- Not indestructible for determined chewers
This is the one to buy if you want a second crate for the car without spending serious money, and the size ladder runs from 18 inches to 48 inches so the same model family covers a Havanese and a Labrador. The 24-inch version weighs 15.12 pounds and takes pets under 20 by 15.25 inches, like a Havanese or a Pug.
Two doors is the quiet hero feature here. With front and side openings you can angle the crate against a rear seat or slide it into a footwell without dragging the dog around the crate to reach it. Reviewers confirm the fold-and-reset cycle takes minutes, and the removable plastic tray with a bottom hook is a small design decision that prevents a genuinely annoying problem.
The criticism is almost always about assembly, not the crate. Owners report confusing instructions, and connecting prongs that arrive pressed tight from shipping can need a firm push or a knock against a table. Budget ten minutes for the first set-up and five for every one after.
What to check before you buy
Pick your size from the size ladder rather than from your dog’s weight alone. The 24-inch model is listed for pets under 20 by 15.25 inches, which is smaller than it sounds, and a dog that can stand but cannot turn around will be uncomfortable on a long drive. Our broader guide to the best dog crates for car travel covers the sizing arithmetic in more detail.
Buy the two sizes with the same footprint and stack them when not in use if space is tight. Owners using these as travel crates report the flat folded bundle slides under a seat or behind a boot liner easily.
Where it falls short
Wire crates transmit road noise, and this one is not padded or sleeved, so a nervous dog hears every expansion joint. It is also not built for a dog that chews bars or a determined escape artist. If your trips are long and your dog is anxious, look at a hard-sided or covered option instead.
3. Amazon Basics Folding Soft Crate for Medium Dogs
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″, Tan
Soft polyester crate
29.92 x 21.3 x 21.3 inch
For medium breeds to 50 lb
6.53 pounds
Pros
- Folds to a compact bundle that fits most boots
- Two-step tool-free setup
- Light enough to carry one-handed
- Top zip with Velcro strap works well in a car
- Fabric wipes clean easily
Cons
- Fabric will not survive heavy scratching or biting
- Zippers can catch or tear after months
- Bow supports can break with regular use
- Size ladder skips some mid-size dogs
This is the classic hotel-room den. It weighs 6.53 pounds, sets up in two steps with no tools, and folds flat into a bundle small enough to live in a suitcase between trips. At 29.92 x 21.3 x 21.3 inches the medium size is listed for breeds such as Blue Heelers and Golden Retrievers around 50 pounds.
The top opening with a Velcro strap is the feature owners mention most, because loading a reluctant dog through a front door is a fight nobody enjoys. Owners also report it resists tipping when a dog paws at the top door, and that the fabric wipes clean after a muddy hotel carpet.
Its 4.3 average is the lowest among the picks here and the reason is consistent: durability over months, not failure on day one. Zippers catching, fabric tearing at the seams, and bow supports snapping under regular use are the recurring reports. Treat it as a travel-first crate rather than a permanent furniture piece.
What to check before you buy
Check the size ladder carefully before ordering. Buyers with mid-size dogs report gaps between the large options that force a return, and the range here runs 26, 30, 36 and 42 inches in length. Our soft-sided dog crate guide sets out how to measure properly.
Count your zippers. Two doors means two zippers that can fail, and the fastening straps that hold rolled-up panels open are worth using every trip rather than leaving them flapping.
Where it falls short
This is not a crate for a dog that chews fabric, and owners who have used it long enough report gradual seam and zipper wear that starts around several months in. It also offers no internal tether point, so a dog left alone in a hotel room can push a zipper from the inside. For overnight settling-in, crate-train first and supervise until you know your dog’s behaviour in it.
4. SportPet Airline Compliant X-Large Hard-Sided Kennel
SportPet Airline Compliant X-LARGE 32.25″ Travel Dog Kennel-Durable Plastic Airline Pet Carrier w/Removable Wheels & Food Bowls, Collapsible Indoor/Outdoor Dog Kennel, Dog up to 32″L & 23″H-Cream/Gray
Hard plastic kennel
32.25 x 21 x 25.25 inch interior
Fits dogs to 32 in long
20.25 pounds
Pros
- Listed to IATA Live Animal Regulation 51st Edition
- Tie-down holes and Live Animal labels included
- Removable wheels and two top carry handles
- Splits into two halves for nesting storage
- Wire ventilation panels are sturdier than punched holes
Cons
- Assembled size will not fit through a standard door
- No brakes on the rear casters
- One corner can sit slightly misaligned after assembly
- Included food bowls run small for larger breeds
This is the only crate in our twelve that names a compliance standard: the IATA Live Animal Regulation, 51st Edition. That matters because the difference between IATA-compliant and airline-approved is the single most misunderstood point in dog travel, and we cover it in the buying guide. Buyers with real airline experience single out exactly this detail set: tie-down holes, four Live Animal labels, metal hardware and a checklist in the box.
The removable wheels detach with a tab and lift off for the hold, and two top handles make terminal and gate moves manageable at 20.25 pounds. The shell separates into two pieces for nesting storage, and the interior grooves help keep spills away from the pet. Interior dimensions of 32.25 x 21 x 25.25 inches cover dogs up to 32 inches long and 23 inches tall.
The catch is scale. This is an in-place assembly project for home use, because fully assembled it will not go through a standard door or into most cars. Buyers planning a holiday let need to measure doorways before ordering.
What to check before you buy
Confirm the route, not just the crate. IATA compliance is a specification for live-animal transport, but each airline sets its own in-cabin rules by aircraft type and fare class, and under-seat height is usually the binding constraint. Call your airline with your dog measurements and the crate’s exterior dimensions before you book.
Check that you have somewhere to store it at home. This is the one pick on the list that does not collapse flat into a suitcase, which is the trade-off for a rigid shell that a chewing dog cannot get through.
Where it falls short
Rear casters have no brakes, so on a slope the kennel can roll. One corner can sit slightly out of alignment after assembly, and the included food and water dishes run small for a dog using a 32-inch kennel. Rescuers and show owners rate the build quality highly, but for a large dog bring your own bowls.
5. DONORO 28-Inch Pop-Up Soft Crate
DONORO Dog Kennels and Crates for Medium Dogs, Portable Pop Up Indoor Pet Cage with Sturdy Wire Frame, Collapsible Travel Crate Soft Sided Cat Bag Escape Proof (Brown, 28.0″ L x 18.0″ W x 22.0″ H)
Pop-up soft crate
28 x 18 x 22 inch
Water-resistant fabric and steel wire
3.25 pounds
Pros
- True pop-up frame
- sets up and collapses in seconds with no tools
- At 3.25 pounds it is among the lightest here
- Water-resistant base hoses out after car messes
- Three high-density mesh windows
- Removable washable pad included
Cons
- Not for dogs that scratch
- chew or try to escape
- Steel wire frame can warp in transit or storage
- Folding back to the original shape takes practice
- Velcro door flaps do not stay propped open
If your trips involve carrying rather than loading, weight is the whole argument. This crate weighs 3.25 pounds, and the sprung steel wire frame pops up in seconds with no assembly at all. At 28 x 18 x 22 inches it is listed for small through medium-large pets, with 24, 28, 32 and 36 inch lengths available.
Protected seams, reinforced corners and a water-resistant base make it a practical choice for a dog who gets carsick. The base hoses out in seconds at a self-catering stop, which no other crate on this list lets you do without pulling a tray.
Its one-year manufacturer warranty is the shortest here, and the fabric is explicitly not aimed at dogs that scratch or chew. Owners with escape-prone dogs are warned away in the reviews, and a few note mild frame warping after being stored folded in a hot car.
What to check before you buy
Test the fold before the trip. A pop-up frame goes up instantly, but owners note that getting it back to its original compact shape takes practice. Do it in your hallway a few times so it is not a roadside wrestling match. Also confirm you can work the Velcro door flaps, which several owners report droop rather than staying propped open.
If you travel by air, measure the packed bundle against your airline’s under-seat allowance. This is a home and car crate and the listing does not name any airline specification.
Where it falls short
This is a soft crate for calm, crate-trained dogs, full stop. It is not for a chewer, a heavy scratcher, or a dog that works zips from the inside. Owners on r/samoyeds repeatedly recommend better-built soft crates from other brands over cheap pop-up kennels, and this sits in that cheaper bracket despite the light weight.
6. JESPET 24-Inch 3-Door Soft Crate
JESPET 3 Door Soft Dog Crates Kennel, Collapsible Travel Pet Carrier
Soft-sided crate
24 x 16.5 x 16.5 inch
For dogs up to 25 lb
6.3 pounds
Pros
- Retractable-spring bars make setup and breakdown quick
- Three doors including a top opening for easy loading
- 600 denier Oxford fabric on a steel tube frame
- Fleece bed and adjustable carrying strap included
- Eleven colour options
Cons
- 24 inch size suits dogs to about 25 pounds only
- Soft mesh is wrong for chewers or escape artists
- Allow a 1 inch manufacturing deviation on dimensions
Three doors is unusual at this size and genuinely useful. Top, front and side mesh entrances mean you can load a reluctant dog from above, reach in to settle them, or pass treats without crouching to floor level. The retractable-spring bars collapse without tools, so set-up and breakdown are about as quick as a soft crate gets.
The 600 denier cationic Oxford fabric and heavy-weight mesh feel sturdier than the price suggests, and it includes a fleece bed and an adjustable shoulder strap. Eleven colour options is a small thing, but it matters if the crate lives in a living room rather than a boot.
The capacity is the real limit. The 24-inch footprint suits dogs up to roughly 25 pounds, which is narrower than most competitors at the same money, and the listing asks buyers to allow a 1 inch deviation on dimensions. Measure your dog, do not guess.
What to check before you buy
Confirm your dog is inside the 25-pound envelope before you order, and measure length, width and height rather than relying on breed name. The included fleece bed gives the floor some comfort, but a nervous dog will use the crate as a den only if you have crate-trained on this specific model first.
Decide whether the shoulder strap is genuinely useful to you. It is fine for a tote to the car and awkward for anything longer, where a handle or two hands beat a strap.
Where it falls short
It is a soft crate, so it shares the category’s ceiling: not appropriate for determined chewers or escape artists. If you need a hard-sided crate for an anxious flyer, owners on poodleforum and goldenretrieverforum consistently prefer a solid plastic-sided carrier over a soft one. Our heavy-duty crate guide covers that category properly.
7. Petprsco 24-Inch Collapsible Soft Crate With Extras
Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, 24″ Soft Dog Crate for Car Travel
Soft collapsible crate
23.62 x 16.54 x 16.54 inch
Holds pets of 12-30 lb
6.39 pounds
Pros
- Sets up and folds in seconds with no tools
- Roomier than expected
- fits two small dogs or two pugs in the larger sizes
- Anti-collision corner pads protect car interiors
- Bundled with mat
- blanket
- collapsible bowl and side pockets
- Lockable zippers and an internal leash
Cons
- Included mat is thin
- so most owners add a cushion
- Strong chemical odour that takes days to air out
- Top bars take patience and some strength to connect
- Not for persistent chewers or escape-prone pets
This is the pick for two small dogs. Owners repeatedly report that it is roomier than expected and that the larger sizes fit two small dogs or two pugs comfortably, which answers the question we get asked most from two-dog households. Two-dog travel is genuinely under-served by travel crates, and this is one of the few soft models on the market that is not a squeeze.
The bundled extras are unusually generous: a removable washable mat, a blanket, a foldable travel bowl and side pockets. The anti-collision corner pads protect a car boot or a floor, and the lockable door zippers plus an internal leash are the security features that soft crates most often lack.
Two negatives come up in nearly every review. There is a strong chemical odour straight out of the packaging that takes days to air out, so open it and leave it somewhere ventilated before the trip. The included mat is thin, and most owners add their own cushion.
What to check before you buy
Two dogs need more length than one of the same weight. The 24-inch size is listed for pets of 12 to 30 pounds, and the range runs to 32 and 40 inch versions for large breeds. Measure both animals standing, then measure the crate interior rather than the external listing figure.
Plan the first week. This crate arrives smelling of packaging and with a thin mat, so put both in a better bed and leave the crate open with treats inside before you pack a suitcase for it.
Where it falls short
Owners state plainly that connecting the top bars takes patience and some force, which makes the no-tools claim a bit generous. And despite the lockable zippers, soft mesh can still be pushed through by an anxious dog, so it does not replace a hard crate for unsupervised use. The listing also states it is not designed for compact cars or airline travel.
8. Petsfit 22-Inch Pop-Up Crate – The Lightest Option Here
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
Pop-up soft crate
22 x 13 x 17 inch
For pets up to 15 lb
2.2 pounds
Pros
- At 2.2 pounds it is the lightest crate we tested
- True pop-up design with no assembly
- Waterproof base wipes clean after travel messes
- Self-lockable zipper helps prevent escape
- Good for car
- camping and trips
Cons
- 22 inch size suits pets up to only about 15 pounds
- Limited variant selection versus competing brands
- Soft 600D fabric is not for scratchers or chewers
Two point two pounds. That is the whole pitch, and for a Chihuahua, Pomeranian or similar small dog carried between a car, a vet visit and a campsite, it is a genuinely useful number. The frame pops up with no assembly and folds by twisting, so there is no separate folded state to store.
The waterproof base is the detail small-dog owners mention most, because small dogs have small accidents and a hoseable base is worth more than an extra pocket. The self-lockable zipper head is also the single most-requested feature on soft crates, because dogs push zips open from the inside.
The constraint is scale. This is the smallest crate in the roundup at 22 x 13 x 17 inches for pets up to 15 pounds, and owners with anything larger are directed to the 32-inch version. Variant selection is also narrower than competing brands.
What to check before you buy
Weigh your dog and then check whether it can stand, turn and lie down. At 22 inches long and 17 inches tall, a dog near 15 pounds may pass the weight limit and still fail the turn-around test, which is the sizing rule owners on r/Avianca repeat more than any other. A 15-pound dog that cannot rotate comfortably will arrive stressed.
Test the twist-fold in front of yourself. It is quick, but it is a motion rather than a button, so practise before you need it in an airport car park.
Where it falls short
Soft 600D fabric, so it is not intended for scratchers or chewers, and the narrow variant list means you may not get the colour or size you want. For a small, calm, crate-trained dog on short trips it does its job extremely well. For a medium dog, skip it and start at the 24-inch models.
9. LE SURE 36-Inch Soft Crate for Large Dogs
Lesure Today Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crates for Large Dogs, 36in Black
Soft collapsible crate
36 x 25 x 25 inch
Four sizes to 90 lb
12.75 pounds
Pros
- Quick two-minute assembly and easy disassembly
- Folds into two different compact shapes and includes a storage bag
- Reflective strips on both sides for low-light visibility
- Self-locking zippers and an integrated leash
- Waterproof fabric wipes clean and the mat is machine washable
Cons
- Soft mesh and fabric is wrong for escape artists or heavy chewers
- At 12.75 pounds it is heavy for a soft crate
- Reflective detailing does not make it a safety-certified carrier
One of the widest size ladders on this list. Four sizes cover dogs up to 35, 50, 70 and 90 pounds, which matters because giant-breed owners report that almost nothing folds flat above 48 inches. The 36-inch version measures 36 x 25 x 25 inches and sets up in about two minutes on a foldable iron frame.
Two details stand out for travel. Reflective strips on both sides make the crate visible when you are loading up in a dark car park, and the crate folds into two different compact shapes with a storage bag, so you can choose the flatter pack for a boot. Self-locking zippers and an integrated leash add real security for a 70-pound dog.
Owners also like that the waterproof fabric wipes clean and the removable mat is machine washable, so a muddy dog does not become a laundry problem. The trade-off is weight: 12.75 pounds is heavy for a fabric crate, and that number only rises at the larger sizes.
What to check before you buy
Match the size to your dog’s weight honestly rather than buying up for future growth, because a 70-pound dog in a 90-pound crate will spend the trip in a corner. Measure shoulder height and add enough clearance that your dog can stand without ducking.
Check the folded shape against your vehicle. Two fold-flat options is useful, but confirm the packed dimensions for the size you actually want, not the 36-inch model we tested.
Where it falls short
It is a soft crate and the listing says so plainly: not for escape artists or heavy chewers. Owners also point out that the reflective strips help visibility but do not make it a safety-certified travel carrier, which matters if you are flying. Our wooden crate guide covers the other end of the durability spectrum.
10. Garnpet 36-Inch 4-Door Soft Crate
Garnpet 36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate for Large Dogs, 4-Door Foldable Travel Dog Kennel with Durable Mesh Windows for Indoor & Outdoor Portable Pet Crate, Soft Side Dog Crate, Beige
Soft collapsible crate
36 x 25 x 25 inch
Four sizes from 26 to 42 inch
12.85 pounds
Pros
- Four-door access with flaps that roll up and stay out of the way
- Sets up and breaks down in well under a minute
- Folds into a neat package that fits the back of a crossover
- Waterproof Oxford fabric wipes clean with a damp cloth
- Zippers work smoothly without sticking
Cons
- Included mat is thin and cheap-feeling
- Strong synthetic chemical odour that lingers after airing out
- Soft mesh can be pushed through or torn by an anxious dog
- At 12.85 pounds it is heavy for a soft crate
Four doors is the differentiator here, and owners rank this crate above two comparable soft crates they have owned for exactly that reason. With zippered access on multiple sides and flaps that roll up and stay out of the way, you can reach a dog in recovery without unfolding the whole structure, which is why several owners use it post-surgery.
The size ladder runs 26, 30, 36 and 42 inches in both beige and dark grey, so a household can match two crates. The waterproof Oxford fabric wipes clean with a damp cloth, zippers are reported smooth without sticking, and the frame folds into a neat package that fits the back of a crossover.
Two complaints are near-universal. The included mat is thin and cheap-feeling, so plan to add your own padding, and a synthetic chemical odour on arrival lingers even after airing the crate out for days.
What to check before you buy
Order early enough to deal with the smell. Air the crate in an open space for several days before your trip rather than on the morning of a flight. While it is open, drop a proper washable pad inside, because the included mat will not be enough for a dog recovering from surgery.
For two dogs, the 42-inch version plus a divider is the configuration we would test first. Buy both sizes with the same footprint and you can split them with a panel when you need to.
Where it falls short
Owners report that soft mesh can be pushed through or torn by an anxious dog, so this is still a supervised-only crate for a stressed animal despite the four doors. At 12.85 pounds it is also one of the heavier soft models here, which undercuts the weight advantage that usually sells a fabric crate.
11. PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Car Crate
PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Travel Dog Crate
Soft car crate
27 x 19 x 28 inch
For pets up to 60 lb
12.54 pounds
Pros
- Headrest strap and seatbelt slits keep it fixed in the vehicle
- Two doors allow entry from either side
- Drawstring openings for treats without opening the doors
- Machine washable outer shell and fleece cover
- Storage pockets for treats
- leashes and bags
- Collapses flat for storage
Cons
- Heavy at 12.54 pounds
- 27 x 19 x 28 inch footprint will not fit every vehicle
- Only one size option available
- Costs more than basic crates
This is the one built specifically for a back seat rather than adapted for one. It takes up a single seat, and both a headrest strap and seatbelt slits are built in, so it stays put through a hard stop instead of sliding into the footwell. Owners rate the mesh front and sides for airflow and the two doors for entry from the driver or passenger side.
The drawstring openings are an underrated detail. You can pass a treat or reach in to settle your dog without opening a door, which means a nervous dog never has to watch a zipper. The pad inside a removable waterproof fleece cover plus two storage pockets round out a genuinely well-designed travel kit, and both the shell and the fleece cover are machine washable.
It collapses flat when not in use and lists for pets up to 60 pounds. The leather handle makes lifting it out of the vehicle manageable, though 12.54 pounds is still a real weight to lift into a boot.
What to check before you buy
Measure your back seat. At 27 x 19 x 28 inches this is a tall footprint and the listing warns it will not fit all vehicles, so check the headroom against your door opening before you order. There is only one size, which makes the measurement the whole decision.
Test the securing system on a drive around your block first. Thread the seatbelt slits and the headrest strap before the dog is in, because doing both with a 60-pound dog leaning on the door is awkward.
Where it falls short
It is a soft-sided crate, so it inherits the category’s ceiling on chewers and escape artists. It is also heavier and more expensive than the basic wire and fabric options on this list, and it is a car crate rather than an airline-compliant carrier. If you fly, this is not the product to buy.
12. ZOMISIA 28-Inch Heavy Duty Foldable Crate
ZOMISIA 28″ L Collapsible Dog Crate for Dogs, Heavy Duty Dog Kennel Indoor
Hard plastic and wire crate
27.95 x 18.9 x 21.65 inch
Fits mid-to-large SUV trunks
19.95 pounds
Pros
- Reinforced hard plastic and metal wire
- Stores flat when not in use
- Two smooth-rolling wheels and sturdy handles on both sides
- Squeeze-latch locks are easy for owners and hard for dogs
- No tools needed to set up or fold down
- Three colour finishes
Cons
- At 19.95 pounds it is heavy for a hard crate in this group
- Newer design with less long-term durability data
- Hard surfaces are less comfortable without added bedding
- Limited size options shown
This is the boot-of-the-SUV answer. At 27.95 x 18.9 x 21.65 inches it is built to sit in a mid-to-large SUV trunk, reinforced hard plastic over metal wire, with squeeze-latch locks that are easy for a human and frustrating for a dog to work. Owners report checking both latches before leaving a dog unattended as a habit worth forming.
Two smooth-rolling wheels and sturdy handles on both sides make it movable around a home, patio or vehicle, which is unusual for a hard crate. It sets up and folds down in seconds with no tools, and the den-like interior suits a dog that prefers solid walls to mesh. Beige, gunmetal and woodgrain finishes keep it from looking like pure equipment.
It is a recent release on the market, which means less long-term durability data than the rest of this list. At 19.95 pounds it is also one of the heavier crates in this roundup, and hard surfaces need bedding for comfort.
What to check before you buy
Measure your boot opening with the parcel shelf in place. Wheels and side handles add width beyond the crate dimensions, so measure the widest point, not the box. If you also fly, note that the listing documents no airline or IATA specification, so this is a vehicle and home crate.
Add bedding before the first long drive. Hard plastic and wire are durable and easy to hose clean, which is a real advantage over fabric after a muddy stop, but neither is comfortable for eight hours.
Where it falls short
It is heavy and its long-term record is still thin. Owners also note that the limited size options shown make it harder to match a specific dog, and that it costs more than the equivalent soft crate. If your trips are car and hotel based, the lighter fabric models above will serve you better.
When Not to Buy a Collapsible Soft Crate
Soft fabric crates are the most popular thing in this category and the wrong choice for a meaningful number of dogs. Owners on r/puppy101 report a soft travel crate that broke and collapsed on their dog, and that was the end of crate use for that household. Other recurring reports across dog forums: dogs pushing zippers open from the inside, soft crates flipping over when a restless dog paws at the top door, and soft mesh being pushed through by an anxious animal.
Skip a soft crate if your dog chews fabric, works zippers, has separation anxiety severe enough to panic, or is a powerful escape artist. Owners on poodleforum are direct about this: soft crates are the easiest to manage and a poor choice for a chewer. Anxious flyers fare better in a solid plastic-sided carrier, and the r/germanshepherds consensus is to use wire or hard plastic while a dog is young and untrained.
The middle ground is real, though. A soft crate with a self-locking zipper, an internal leash attachment and a sturdy steel frame is a step up from a plain pop-up tent, and that describes the Petprsco, Petsfit and LE SURE models here. Treat any soft crate as supervised containment for an unfamiliar environment, and never as a substitute for a hard crate on a long solo journey.
How to Choose a Collapsible Dog Crate for Travel
Start with the trip, not the dog
Decide how the dog is travelling before you look at products. Car and hotel trips reward low weight and small packed size, so fabric and pop-up frames win. Air travel rewards a documented specification and an exterior that fits the under-seat allowance, so hard plastic wins. Neither answer is wrong, but they are not interchangeable.
For more on the vehicle side specifically, our guide to the best dog crates for car travel covers back seat versus boot placement in detail.
Size the crate to stand, turn and lie down
The rule owners repeat most, and the one airlines effectively enforce, is that the dog must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down stretched out without touching the door or ceiling. Check your airline’s under-seat allowance before buying anything for the cabin, because owners on r/Avianca and dedicated sizing threads on pet transport forums repeatedly hit the same wall: most advertised travel crates are too tall once you measure the exterior rather than the interior.
Measure the dog standing at the shoulder, then add clearance. Add clearance again for a puppy, or buy a model with a divider panel so you do not replace the crate in a year.
Know the difference between IATA-compliant and airline approved
IATA-compliant means the crate was built to the International Air Transport Association live-animal transport specification, which is a manufacturing standard. Airline approved means a specific carrier has agreed to accept it in the cabin, and that varies by airline, aircraft type, route and fare class. Sellers use the two terms interchangeably, and that is why only the SportPet kennel in this roundup can be checked against a published standard rather than a marketing claim.
Always confirm with your airline in writing before you fly, with the crate’s exterior dimensions and your dog’s measurements in hand.
Crate-train on the specific crate, seven days before you go
A new crate in an unfamiliar room is a new object, and treating the trip day as the first introduction is how anxious trips happen. Owners across dog training forums treat home crate training as a prerequisite rather than an optional extra, and our simple version runs a week: day one, crate open with a blanket and treats inside, no door; day two, feed the first meal in the crate; day three, add a short wait after closing the door; day four, extend the wait; day five, add a short car journey parked at home; day six, drive for ten minutes; day seven, drive for thirty. Skip straight to the drive and you are testing your dog rather than your preparation.
Secure the crate and quiet the noise
Wire and aluminum crates are loud on rough roads. Rattle reduction is simple: wedge the base with a non-slip pad or a rolled towel, secure the crate with seatbelt slits or a headrest strap so it cannot slide, and put a folded fleece over the wire panels to damp vibration. Owners report this alone changes how a nervous dog settles.
Two dogs, one trip
The most common question from two-dog households is where to find a single soft kennel that fits two small dogs. The honest answer is that under-seat space rarely allows it, so plan on two crates side by side in a boot, or a 36 to 42 inch soft crate with a divider panel for two small dogs that get along. The Petprsco and Garnpet models both run large enough for that, and the Garnpet’s four-door access makes a divided setup easier to manage.
If you need an option that will not be chewed or escaped from, our heavy-duty dog crate guide covers the hard-shell end of the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best dog crates for traveling on airplanes?
For cabin travel you need a crate that fits the under-seat allowance, so a soft-sided carrier or small hard kennel measured against your airline’s exterior limit. For cargo or checked travel, a hard-sided kennel built to the IATA live-animal specification with tie-down holes and labelled doors is the right tool. Always confirm the exact dimensions with your airline before you book.
Are collapsible impact dog crates airline approved?
Collapsible crates that collapse flat are usually made of fabric or light wire, and neither is built to the IATA live-animal specification. The impact-proof collapsible crates built from aluminum are the exception, and even those meet a manufacturing standard rather than an airline’s cabin approval. Treat airline approved as something only the carrier can grant.
What is the best pet crate for travel?
The best pet crate for travel depends on the mode of transport. A lightweight soft-sided crate wins for car trips, hotel rooms and camping because it folds to the size of a bundle. A hard plastic kennel wins for air travel and for any dog that chews, panics or works zippers, at the cost of weight and packed bulk.
What is the best dog crate for the back of an SUV?
For an SUV boot, a hard plastic and metal wire crate with smooth-rolling wheels and sturdy side handles is easiest to load and unload. A soft collapsible crate is lighter and easier to lift but needs bedding for comfort and offers less protection for a chewer. Measure the boot opening including the parcel shelf before ordering.
What is the best airline-approved dog crate?
The best airline-approved dog crate is one whose exterior dimensions fit your specific airline’s under-seat allowance and whose interior lets the dog stand, turn and lie down. Look for a crate built to the IATA Live Animal Regulation with tie-down holes, reinforced hardware and Live Animal labels supplied, then get written confirmation from your carrier.
Which dog travel crates are airline approved?
Aircraft under-seat limits are typically around 18 to 22 inches long, 9 to 11 inches tall and 9 inches wide, and only crates that fit inside those numbers travel in the cabin. Larger dogs travel in the hold in a hard-sided kennel built to the IATA specification. Sellers often label crates airline approved loosely, so measure rather than trust the listing.
Who makes the best collapsible dog crate?
No single brand wins every category, which is why we grouped our picks by trip. MidWest builds the strongest all-round folding wire crate. Amazon Basics covers both wire and soft fabric at budget levels. SportPet makes the only crate here documented to the IATA live-animal standard. PetSafe builds the most car-focused soft crate with headrest and seatbelt securing.
Which Collapsible Dog Crate Should You Buy?
Pick the MidWest 30-inch iCrate if your dog is crate-trained and you want the strongest all-round folding wire crate with a divider panel and a tray that survives years of use. Pick the PetSafe Happy Ride if the back seat is your main environment and you want headrest and seatbelt securing built in. Pick the SportPet X-Large kennel if you fly, because it is the only crate here documented to the IATA live-animal standard.
For everything else, weight and pack size decide it. A soft or pop-up crate is the right answer for hotel rooms, campsites and short car trips with a calm dog, and the Petprsco model is the one to look at first if you travel with two small dogs. Skip any soft crate for a chewer, an escape artist or a panicking dog, and use a hard shell instead. That is the best version of the best collapsible dog crates for travel advice we can give, and it is current as of 2026.