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A soft sided dog kennel can make outings, overnight visits, and quiet time at home feel far more comfortable for your pup. Unlike a heavy wire crate, a fabric kennel gives many dogs a cozy little retreat they can recognize as their own - while giving pet parents an easier way to travel, organize, and settle in wherever the day leads.
For dogs who enjoy a soft bed, prefer a less open sleeping space, or need a familiar place during busy family gatherings, this kind of kennel can be a wonderful everyday essential. The best choice is not always the biggest or the most feature-packed. It is the one that fits your dog, suits your routine, and helps everyone feel more at ease.
What Is a Soft Sided Dog Kennel?
A soft sided dog kennel is a portable enclosure made with fabric panels stretched over a lightweight frame. Most designs include mesh windows for airflow and visibility, zippered doors, and a padded or removable base for comfort. Some fold flat for storage, while others are designed like travel carriers with handles and shoulder straps.
Think of it as part bed, part private den, and part travel helper. Your dog gets a defined place to rest, while you get a practical way to bring comfort along to the car, a hotel room, a friend’s house, or a weekend getaway.
Soft kennels are especially popular for calm adult dogs, small and medium breeds, puppies learning good crate habits, and pets that already enjoy settling into a cozy space. They can also be useful at home when you want to give your dog a peaceful break from visitors, kids, or household activity.
Why Dogs and Pet Parents Love Soft Kennels
Comfort is the biggest difference. A traditional metal crate has its place, but it can feel hard, noisy, and bulky. A fabric kennel often feels more inviting, especially when you add your dog’s favorite blanket or a familiar toy. The enclosed sides can create a calming den-like feeling without shutting your pet away from the room completely.
Portability matters, too. Many soft-sided designs are lighter than hard kennels and easier to carry from room to room. When folded down, they take up much less closet or trunk space. That is a real win for families who want pet gear ready for road trips without letting it take over the house.
Mesh panels are another thoughtful feature. They allow fresh air to move through the kennel and let your dog see you nearby. For a pup who gets nervous in unfamiliar places, being able to look out and spot their people can make a big difference.
Of course, soft sides are not right for every dog. A powerful chewer, an escape artist, or a dog that panics when confined may damage fabric or push through zippers. In those cases, a sturdy wire crate or hard-sided kennel is usually the safer choice. The goal is comfort, but safety always comes first.
Choosing the Right Soft Sided Dog Kennel Size
A kennel should be roomy enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down naturally. It should not be so oversized that your dog slides around during travel or loses that snug, secure feeling many pets enjoy.
Before shopping, measure your dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail while standing. Then measure from the floor to the top of the head or ears, whichever is taller. Add a few inches to each measurement for comfortable movement. Check each product’s sizing chart rather than relying only on labels like small, medium, or large. Sizing can vary widely between styles.
If your dog is still growing, it can be tempting to size up dramatically. A little extra room is smart, but an enormous kennel may not feel as cozy or stable. For a growing puppy, choose a size that offers comfortable space now and plan to upgrade when needed.
Consider Your Dog’s Sleeping Style
Dogs that curl into a small ball may be happy in a more compact setup, while sprawlers need extra floor space. Older dogs and pets with stiff joints may appreciate a kennel that is slightly roomier, with a thicker cushion and a wide opening that is easy to step through.
Also consider where you will use it. A kennel for living-room naps can be a little larger than one you need to fit behind a car seat. If travel is the priority, measure your available vehicle space before you bring a new kennel home.
Features That Make Everyday Life Easier
The details are what turn a basic kennel into a favorite part of your dog’s routine. Look for breathable mesh panels on multiple sides, particularly if your pup runs warm or you plan to use the kennel in the car. Zippers should feel secure and smooth, with doors positioned where they make sense for your space.
A removable, washable pad is a major plus. Muddy paws, shedding, and the occasional accident happen. Being able to clean the bottom insert without washing the entire kennel helps keep your pet’s space fresh with less effort.
For travel, handles and a structured frame make carrying easier. Some soft kennels include storage pockets for treats, waste bags, a leash, or vaccination records. These small touches help keep the essentials together when you are heading out the door with an excited dog.
A waterproof or easy-wipe base is helpful for outdoor events, hotel stays, and rainy-day trips. You may still want to place a blanket underneath for extra protection, especially on rough or damp surfaces. No fabric kennel should be left outside unattended, even if it is designed for outdoor use.
Help Your Dog Feel at Home Inside
The happiest kennel experience starts before the first trip. Set the kennel up at home with the door open and place a soft blanket or bed inside. Add a few treats, then let your dog investigate at their own pace. There is no need to rush or close the door right away.
Feed a few meals near the entrance, then just inside the kennel if your dog seems comfortable. Offer praise in a warm, relaxed voice when they choose to step in. The idea is simple: this is a safe, pleasant place where good things happen.
Once your dog is happily resting inside, try closing the door for a minute while you stay close. Gradually increase the time, always watching for signs of stress such as frantic scratching, heavy panting, or repeated attempts to escape. A kennel should never be used as punishment. It works best when your dog sees it as their own cozy spot.
Bringing a familiar item along helps on travel days. A blanket that smells like home, a favorite plush toy, or a safe chew can make an unfamiliar room feel much more welcoming. For families with more than one pet, each dog should have their own appropriately sized space rather than being asked to share a kennel.
Smart Safety Tips for Soft Kennel Use
Always inspect the kennel before use, especially after travel. Look for loose seams, torn mesh, bent frame pieces, or damaged zippers. A small tear can quickly become a bigger problem for a determined dog.
Never leave your pet in a soft kennel in a hot car, near an open flame, or in direct sun for long periods. Mesh improves airflow, but it does not make a kennel temperature-safe. Offer water during longer outings, and give your dog regular chances to stretch, sniff, and take a bathroom break.
For car rides, place the kennel on a stable, level surface and secure it according to the product instructions. Do not assume a soft kennel is airline-approved or crash-tested just because it is portable. Airline cabin rules and pet travel requirements vary, so confirm the exact measurements and rules before booking a flight.
A Cozy Space for Wherever Life Goes
From quiet afternoons at home to family road trips, a well-chosen soft sided dog kennel gives your best friend a little piece of comfort that travels with them. Choose one that fits your pup’s size and personality, introduce it with patience, and keep it stocked with familiar comforts. At My Pet Your Pet Our Pet, we believe every pet deserves a happy place to rest - yours, mine, and ours.
