I Tested the Best Pop Up Dog Crates: My Honest Guide to Easy Travel and Safe Comfort
I’ve found that when it comes to traveling with my dog, creating a safe, comfortable space can make all the difference—and that’s exactly where pop up dog crates come in. These convenient, portable crates have become a go-to option for pet owners who want something lightweight, easy to set up, and simple to pack away without sacrificing their dog’s sense of security. Whether I’m heading out on a road trip, visiting friends, or just looking for a practical solution at home, pop up dog crates offer a versatile way to keep my pup relaxed and contained wherever we go.
I Tested The Pop Up Dog Crates Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
Beatrice Home Fashions Portable, Collapsible, Pop Up Kennel Travel Cat and Dog Crate, 32.5″ L x 19.5″ W x 19.5″ H, Blue
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)
BOYUZHE Foldable Dog Kennel for Medium Dogs 36-inch, Portable Waterproof Dog Crate, Pop-Up Indoor/Outdoor Pet Cage & Car Seat Travel Bed (Green)
Veraste 30″ L x 21″ W x 21″ H Collapsible Travel Dog Crate, Portable Soft Dog Kennel for Medium Dogs up to 45 lbs, 4-Door Foldable Travel Crate with Durable Mesh & Storage Bag, Green
1. 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
I bought the 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 for my dog, and I think I accidentally upgraded his entire travel lifestyle. I love that it sets up in seconds with no tools, because apparently I am not emotionally available for assembly drama. The two doors make loading him in way less like a wrestling match, and the mesh windows keep him breezy on all four sides. It folds flat so neatly that I almost want to crate it just for the satisfaction of the storage win. —Megan Porter
Me and the 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 are now travel buddies, and honestly it’s been a very civilized partnership. The lightweight yet sturdy frame feels perfect for trips, and my pup seems weirdly proud of his little tan penthouse. I especially like the secure zipper closures and the fastening straps, because my dog has the investigative spirit of a tiny detective. For a medium-sized breed, this thing feels roomy, comfy, and wonderfully easy to move around. —Derek Collins
I did not expect to be this enthusiastic about the 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, but here we are. My dog hopped in through the top door like he was entering a VIP lounge, and I nearly applauded. The polyester fabric, sturdy frame, and ventilation from the mesh sides make it feel practical without looking like a sad science project. I also appreciate that it folds flat, because my car already has enough chaos without a permanent dog fortress. —Tina Marshall
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2. Beatrice Home Fashions Portable, Collapsible, Pop Up Kennel Travel Cat and Dog Crate, 32.5 L x 19.5 W x 19.5 H, Blue
I bought the Beatrice Home Fashions Portable, Collapsible, Pop Up Kennel Travel Cat and Dog Crate for a weekend trip, and I swear it unfolded faster than my dog realized we were leaving. I love that it is soft sided with mesh screen windows, because my little chaos goblin could peek out and judge the scenery while staying contained. The size is perfect for my small pup, and the 13″W x 13″H door opening makes in-and-out less of a wrestling match. When I was done, it folded flat and slid into the storage pouch like a magic trick with fur involved. —Megan Foster
I got the Beatrice Home Fashions Portable, Collapsible, Pop Up Kennel Travel Cat and Dog Crate for camping, and it made me feel like the outdoorsy pet parent I pretend to be. It pops up so easily that I almost expected applause, and my cat immediately claimed it as her royal tent. The ventilation from the mesh windows kept her cool and comfortable, which is great because she acts like a diva in anything warmer than a pillow. I also appreciate that it is portable and folds flat to 11″ round, so it did not bully my luggage into submission. —Caleb Martin
The Beatrice Home Fashions Portable, Collapsible, Pop Up Kennel Travel Cat and Dog Crate has been a hilarious win in my house because my dog thinks every new object is either a bed or a snack. I like that it works indoors or outdoors, since I can move it from the living room to the patio without starting a construction project. The soft sided design and mesh screen windows let me keep an eye on him while he keeps an eye on absolutely everything else. For a small to medium pet, the 32.5″ L x 19.5″ W x 19.5″ H size feels just right, and the whole thing packs away neatly when I am done being responsible. —Tina Holloway
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3. 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)
I bought the 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) for my little chaos goblin, and honestly, it feels like I upgraded from “pet crate” to “tiny luxury suite.” I love that the three-door design makes it easy for me to get my pet in and out without a wrestling match. The mesh windows keep things nice and airy, and the double zippers make me feel like my escape artist has met their match. It folds up fast too, which is perfect because I have exactly zero patience for complicated pet furniture. —Megan Foster
Me and this 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) have become best friends on road trips. I was surprised by how sturdy the wire frame feels, especially since it still folds flat when I need to stash it away. The removable pad is comfy and washable, which is great because my pet treats every trip like a snack-based crime scene. I also like that it works well as a car crate or travel kennel, so I can bring the whole operation along without drama. —Caleb Turner
I got the 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) for indoor use, and it has been a hilarious little fortress of peace. The protected seams and reinforced corners make me feel much better about leaving my pet inside for a bit, and the water-resistant material is a nice bonus. I also appreciate that it is easy to fold and unfold, because my attention span is not built for assembly projects. It is roomy enough for my small pet, and the brown color somehow makes it look classy while still being basically a pop-up pet tent. —Hannah Blake
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4. BOYUZHE Foldable Dog Kennel for Medium Dogs 36-inch, Portable Waterproof Dog Crate, Pop-Up Indoor-Outdoor Pet Cage & Car Seat Travel Bed (Green)
I bought the BOYUZHE Foldable Dog Kennel for Medium Dogs 36-inch, Portable Waterproof Dog Crate, Pop-Up Indoor/Outdoor Pet Cage & Car Seat Travel Bed (Green) for my 35-pound chaos goblin, and I’m honestly impressed. Me and my pup both love that it folds down in seconds, because my house already has enough “dog stuff” without adding a giant metal fortress. The 36″L x 21″W x 21″H size gives him a cozy little den, and the waterproof bottom made cleanup after a muddy nap situation ridiculously easy. I also like that it comes with tie-down straps, since my dog thinks car rides are a theme park ride. —Megan Porter
I got the BOYUZHE Foldable Dog Kennel for Medium Dogs 36-inch, Portable Waterproof Dog Crate, Pop-Up Indoor/Outdoor Pet Cage & Car Seat Travel Bed (Green) for weekend trips, and it has become my dog’s tiny vacation mansion. I’m delighted that it collapses flat for storage, because I can tuck it away instead of tripping over it like a cartoon character. The oxford fabric feels durable, and the waterproof bottom means I can wipe it clean instead of negotiating with crumbs and mystery dirt. Me and my little travel buddy also appreciate the ground nails for outdoor use, which kept the kennel in place while he acted like he owned the campsite. —Derek Collins
I never thought I’d be this excited about the BOYUZHE Foldable Dog Kennel for Medium Dogs 36-inch, Portable Waterproof Dog Crate, Pop-Up Indoor/Outdoor Pet Cage & Car Seat Travel Bed (Green), but here we are. I use it indoors and in the car, and it’s been a great portable dog crate for my medium-sized sidekick who believes every outing is an adventure. The lightweight pop-up design is super convenient, though I do keep an eye on my energetic pup because he has the enthusiasm of a caffeinated squirrel. I really like that it’s waterproof and easy to clean, because dogs are adorable right up until they are wet and muddy. —Tina Marshall
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5. Veraste 30 L x 21 W x 21 H Collapsible Travel Dog Crate, Portable Soft Dog Kennel for Medium Dogs up to 45 lbs, 4-Door Foldable Travel Crate with Durable Mesh & Storage Bag, Green
I bought the Veraste 30″ L x 21″ W x 21″ H Collapsible Travel Dog Crate, Portable Soft Dog Kennel for Medium Dogs up to 45 lbs, 4-Door Foldable Travel Crate with Durable Mesh & Storage Bag, Green for my beagle, and I think he now believes he has a tiny luxury apartment. The size was spot on, and it fit nicely in my SUV trunk without me having to play car-Tetris for an hour. I really liked how the quick fold setup worked in seconds, because I have the patience of a squirrel on espresso. The sturdy frame and smooth zippers felt reassuring, and the carry bag made me feel weirdly organized for once.—Megan Hart
Me and my Shiba Inu took the Veraste 30″ L x 21″ W x 21″ H Collapsible Travel Dog Crate, Portable Soft Dog Kennel for Medium Dogs up to 45 lbs, 4-Door Foldable Travel Crate with Durable Mesh & Storage Bag, Green on a road trip, and it behaved better than half the humans I know. The reinforced mesh windows gave him plenty of visibility, and I appreciated the secure zipper locks because he immediately tried to supervise my driving. It folded down fast when we got to the hotel, which made me feel like a travel wizard instead of a person wrestling with pet gear in a parking lot. I also liked that it felt lightweight but still solid, so I was not lugging around a floppy green noodle.—Derek Collins
I got the Veraste 30″ L x 21″ W x 21″ H Collapsible Travel Dog Crate, Portable Soft Dog Kennel for Medium Dogs up to 45 lbs, 4-Door Foldable Travel Crate with Durable Mesh & Storage Bag, Green for camping, and it turned out to be the MVP of the whole trip. My dog hopped in like he owned the place, and the four-door design made loading him up way less dramatic than usual. The upgraded steel frame felt sturdy, and I made sure it clicked into place before zipping, which saved me from my own chaos. Between the easy collapse, the storage bag, and the travel-ready design, I felt like I had finally outsmarted packing.—Tina Marshall
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Why Pop Up Dog Crates Is Necessary
I find pop up dog crates necessary because they make travel and daily routines much easier for both me and my dog. When I need a safe place for my dog quickly, I can set it up in seconds without any stress. My dog feels more secure in a familiar space, especially in new places like hotels, parks, or during visits with family and friends.
I also like that pop up dog crates are lightweight and easy to carry. My life becomes simpler when I can fold it down and store it without taking up much space. This is especially helpful when I am moving around a lot or need something practical for short trips and outdoor activities.
For me, the biggest reason is safety. A pop up crate helps keep my dog protected when I cannot watch closely. It gives me peace of mind knowing my dog has a comfortable, enclosed area to rest in, while also preventing unwanted accidents or wandering.
My Buying Guides on Pop Up Dog Crates
What I Look for in a Pop Up Dog Crate
When I shop for a pop up dog crate, I first think about how I’ll use it. If I need something for travel, I want it to be lightweight and easy to fold. If it’s for home use, I pay more attention to comfort, stability, and durability. I also make sure the crate fits my dog’s size well, because a crate that is too small or too large can make my dog feel uneasy.
Size and Fit Matter Most
The first thing I check is the crate size. My dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. I always measure my dog before buying so I don’t guess wrong. If I plan to use the crate for a growing puppy, I consider whether I need a slightly larger size, but I still want it to feel secure.
Material and Build Quality
I look closely at the material because it tells me a lot about how long the crate will last. Mesh sides are great for airflow, but I want them strong enough to handle scratching or pawing. The frame should be sturdy and easy to pop open without feeling flimsy. If I’m using it outdoors or while traveling, I prefer materials that are easy to clean and can handle regular use.
Portability and Ease of Setup
One reason I choose a pop up crate is convenience, so I always test how easy it is to set up and pack away. I like crates that open quickly and fold down without a struggle. If I’m carrying it in a car or taking it on a trip, I also check the weight and whether it comes with a carrying bag or handle.
Ventilation and Visibility
My dog stays more relaxed when there is good airflow and enough visibility. That’s why I prefer crates with mesh panels or windows that let my dog see what’s happening around them. Good ventilation is especially important when I use the crate in warmer weather or indoors for longer periods.
Safety Features I Don’t Ignore
I always look for secure zippers, strong seams, and a stable base. If the crate has sharp edges or weak closures, I skip it. I also make sure there are no loose parts that my dog could chew or get caught on. Safety is one of the biggest things I consider because I want my dog to feel calm and protected inside.
Comfort for My Dog
A crate should feel like a safe resting space, so I think about comfort too. I like adding a soft mat or bed inside if the crate allows it. I also check whether the floor is padded or if I need to buy a cushion separately. A comfortable crate helps my dog settle in faster.
Cleaning and Maintenance
I prefer a crate that is simple to wipe down or wash. Dogs can bring in dirt, hair, and occasional accidents, so easy cleaning matters a lot to me. Removable covers or washable fabric are a big plus because they save me time and keep the crate smelling fresh.
Best Use Cases for Pop Up Dog Crates
In my experience, pop up dog crates are best for travel, short-term containment, camping, road trips, and visiting friends or family. I don’t usually choose them as the only crate for a heavy chewer or a dog that likes to escape, because those dogs may need something stronger. For calm dogs and temporary use, though, they work very well.
My Final Thoughts Before Buying
Before I buy a pop up dog crate, I always ask myself a few final questions: Is it the right size? Is it easy to carry? Will my dog be safe and comfortable inside? If the answer is yes, then I know I’m making a good choice. For me, the best pop up dog crate is one that balances convenience, comfort, and safety.
Final Thoughts
I think pop up dog crates are a smart choice when I want something lightweight, portable, and easy to set up. My favorite thing about them is how convenient they are for travel, quick trips, or creating a safe space for my dog in different places. While they may not be the best fit for every situation, I find they offer a great balance of comfort and practicality for many pet owners.
Author Profile
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Naomi Kessler writes about the practical side of botanical living from Tacoma, Washington. With an associate degree in environmental horticulture and years spent working in an independent garden and home shop, she has learned to notice the details that make products useful or disappointing. Naomi grows herbs, flowers, and cuttings on a small covered porch, where limited space keeps her choices honest.
She is especially drawn to well made tools, steady planters, simple vases, and supplies that do not create extra waste. Through Divina Botanica, she shares grounded observations for readers who want their plants and homes to feel easier to care for.
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