8 Best Portable Dog Crates for Large Dogs (November 2026)
The best portable dog crates for large dogs include the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate (best overall), the Lesure Today Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crates for messy trips, and the ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for short car trips.
On this page (8 sections)
- The best portable dog crates for large dogs
- How these portable crates compare
- How we compared these portable dog crates
- What to measure before you buy a portable crate for a large dog
- Soft-sided or wire for a portable large dog crate?
- Door layout and setup speed
- Cleaning and care on the road
- Which portable crate fits your trip?
The best portable dog crate for large dogs is the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, a 36 x 24 x 24 in fabric crate that holds dogs up to 70 lb and folds flat with no tools. Pick the Lesure when a washable mat and carry bag matter more than weight, or the Amazon Basics 48-inch wire crate when the crate will mostly stay at home.
Portable means different things to different buyers. Some people want a crate that packs into a trunk for a weekend at a hotel, while others want one they can carry into a vacation rental and set up in under a minute.
This guide covers eight options across both jobs. The soft crates fold flat and carry by a handle, and the wire crates fold down too, though they weigh a lot more and suit a crate that stays set up between trips.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for messy tripsLesure Today Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crates
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
- 4
Check itZOMISIA XL Collapsible Dog Travel Crate
Best for extra-large dogs - 5
Check itPetprsco Collapsible Dog Crate
Best for three-door access - 6
Check itAmazon Basics 48-inch double door wire crate
Best for home base - 7
Check itFDW 48-inch foldable metal crate
Best for chewers - 8
Best lightweight folding crateCheck it
The best portable dog crates for large dogs
The top pick wins on size, weight and setup speed for a crate-trained large dog. Each of the other picks covers a need the Amazon Basics soft crate doesn't, from extra standing room to three-door access in a tight room.
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate: Best overall
- 36 x 24 x 24 in
- Holds dogs up to 70 lb
- Top and front doors
- Folds flat with no tools
A soft crate that sets up in seconds and packs flat. It suits crate-trained large dogs on weekend trips and hotel stays.
Pros
- Sets up with no tools
- Two doors for loading
- Mesh on all four sides
- Light at 7.89 lb
Cons
- Soft fabric suits crate-trained dogs only
- 36 in long limits very tall breeds
This crate suits a 70 lb dog on weekend trips and hotel stays. At 36 x 24 x 24 in it gives a Boxer or a German Shepherd room to stand and turn, and the frame sets up in seconds without tools.
The mesh runs on all four sides, so air moves through even when the front door is zipped shut. A top door and a front door give you two ways to load a dog that is reluctant to walk in.
Rolled-up doors fasten out of the way, which keeps the opening clear while your dog settles. At 7.89 lb it's light enough to carry from the car to the room in one hand.
The tan polyester fabric wraps a sturdy frame that folds flat for compact storage.
The trade-off is fabric. Amazon Basics says it's for crate-trained dogs only, so a dog that chews or scratches at the mesh needs a wire crate instead.
For a taller breed that can't stand in 24 in of height, the ZOMISIA XL is the better fit.
Lesure Today Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crates: Best for messy trips
- 36 x 25 x 25 in
- Holds dogs up to 70 lb
- Machine washable mat
- Storage bag included
A folding soft crate with a plush mat you can machine wash and a bag for carrying it. The self-locking zippers add peace of mind on the road.
Pros
- Removable machine washable mat
- Self-locking zippers
- Carry bag included
- Reflective strips on both sides
Cons
- Heavier than the top pick at 12.75 lb
- Water resistant fabric needs wiping, not machine washing
Lesure suits the owner whose dog comes back from a muddy walk straight into the crate. The plush mat comes out and goes in the machine, and the fabric wipes clean with a damp cloth.
The frame folds into an extra compact package and comes with a storage bag, so the crate lives in the trunk without rattling around. Lesure says assembly takes about 2 minutes and the crate can be folded two different ways for indoor and outdoor use.
Self-locking zippers stop a clever dog from nosing the door open. Reflective strips on both sides help when you're unloading in a dark parking lot, and an integrated leash gives you a second tether inside.
This crate is heavier than the top pick at 12.75 lb. The waterproof fabric also means wiping rather than washing, so the mat does the deep cleaning.
Pick it over the Amazon Basics when the mat and bag are worth the extra weight.
ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate: Best for short car trips
- 36 x 25 x 25 in
- Three mesh windows
- Built-in safety leash
- External storage pocket
A compact folding crate with a safety leash inside and a pocket outside. The handle makes it easy to move between the car and a hotel room.
Pros
- Built-in safety leash
- External pocket for treats
- Three mesh windows
- Folds flat with a carry handle
Cons
- Smaller than the XL version in the same line
- No carry bag included
ZOMISIA's 36-inch crate fits the same footprint as the top pick at 36 x 25 x 25 in and weighs 12.65 lb. It suits owners who want a leash inside the crate as standard.
The built-in safety leash clips to a collar so your dog can't bolt when the door opens at a rest stop. Three mesh windows keep the view open, and an outside pocket holds treats or a small toy.
The frame uses high-strength iron pipe wrapped in 600D Oxford fabric. That fabric is tear-tough and wipes clean, which matters on camping trips where the crate sits on the ground.
The plush pad inside gives the dog a soft spot to settle.
There's no carry bag in the box, so the handle does the work. The smaller size also rules out tall breeds that need 32 in of height.
Choose this over the XL version when your dog fits in 25 in of width and you'd rather carry less weight.
ZOMISIA XL Collapsible Dog Travel Crate: Best for extra-large dogs
- 42 x 28 x 32 in
- Three mesh windows
- Built-in safety leash
- Folds flat with a handle
The largest soft crate here, built for dogs that need more standing room. It folds flat but takes more trunk space than the 36-inch models.
Pros
- 42 in long and 32 in tall
- Built-in safety leash
- External storage pocket
- 600D Oxford fabric
Cons
- 16.25 lb is heavy to carry far
- Needs a large trunk or SUV cargo area
The XL version is the largest soft crate here at 42 x 28 x 32 in. It suits a tall shepherd or a large dog that can't stand up in a 24 in crate.
Three mesh windows and a roll-up door give the same airflow as the smaller model. The built-in leash and outside pocket carry over too, and the iron pipe frame still folds flat with a handle.
The mesh also lets you watch your dog without opening the door.
The extra size costs weight: 16.25 lb is a two-hand carry, and the folded package needs a large trunk or an SUV cargo area. ZOMISIA's own notes say the 42-inch size exceeds the limits for airline cabin and checked baggage, so it's a car-and-hotel crate.
If your dog fits the 36-inch version, save the weight. If your dog needs the extra height and turning room, this is the soft crate to get.
For a dog that stays home most of the time, see our extra large dog crate picks instead.
Petprsco Collapsible Dog Crate: Best for three-door access
- 40 x 27 x 27 in
- Holds dogs from 60 to 90 lb
- Three mesh doors
- Washable fleece pad
A soft crate with doors on three sides and a fleece pad you can remove. It suits owners who load a dog from different angles in a tight room.
Pros
- Three mesh doors
- Removable washable fleece pad
- Two side pockets
- Assembles in seconds without tools
Cons
- Not for dogs new to crate training
- Too large for sedan trunks and air travel
Petprsco suits a dog that loads from different sides. Mesh doors on three sides let you open the crate toward the room, the hallway or the car door rather than always at the front.
The 40 x 27 x 27 in frame holds dogs from 60 to 90 lb. A fleece pad inside comes out for washing, and two side pockets keep leashes and treats handy.
The water-resistant Oxford fabric wipes down when a dog tracks in dirt.
Petprsco says the crate assembles in about 30 seconds without tools. Locking zippers and a thick steel frame with Oxford fabric cover the escape risk on the road.
The whole crate folds flat when you're back home.
The size is the catch. Petprsco says the crate doesn't fit sedan trunks or compact and midsize SUVs, and it's too large for air travel.
Pick it when you drive a large SUV or van and want three ways in. Skip it for a dog new to crate training, since untrained dogs may chew the mesh.
Amazon Basics 48-inch double door wire crate: Best for home base
- 48 x 30 x 32.5 in
- Fits pets under 46 x 28.5 in
- Two doors and a divider
- Folds flat with a handle
A wire crate that folds flat and gives a large dog more room at home. It works as the crate you leave set up between trips.
Pros
- Divider adjusts the interior
- Removable plastic tray
- Two doors
- Folds flat for storage
Cons
- 43.3 lb is too heavy to carry often
- Metal wire offers less wind and draft protection
This 48-inch wire crate fits pets under 46 x 28.5 in, so it suits a Bernese, Labrador or Great Dane that needs a lot more length than a soft crate offers. It's the crate you leave set up at home and fold away between trips.
The metal wire frame has front and side doors and a divider that adjusts the internal space. That divider is useful while a young dog grows into the full 48 in.
A manual door lock keeps the latch secure.
A removable plastic tray slides out for cleaning, and the crate folds down flat with a top handle for storage. At 43.3 lb it's not something you carry up a hotel staircase.
A bottom hook holds the tray in place so it doesn't slide out in daily use.
Wire sides also leave less shelter than fabric, which matters in a drafty room. Pick this when the crate is mostly a home base and portability means folding it into a closet.
For stacking two crates, our stackable dog crates guide covers the options that work better.
FDW 48-inch foldable metal crate: Best for chewers
- 48 x 29 x 31 in
- Rust-resistant metal wire
- Leak-proof plastic tray
- Front and side doors
A metal crate with a leak-proof tray and two doors. The wire build suits dogs that chew through fabric crates.
Pros
- Powder-coated frame
- Leak-proof removable tray
- Front and side doors
- Folds down flat
Cons
- 32 lb is not a carry-on crate
- Wire sides leave less shelter than fabric
FDW's 48 x 29 x 31 in crate suits a dog that chews. The powder-coated metal wire frame stands up to a dog that would tear through a soft crate, and it still folds down flat for storage.
The leak-proof plastic tray runs the full length and comes out for cleaning. Front and side doors give you two ways in, which helps when the crate sits against a wall.
A side door also suits an anxious dog that would rather not face the front.
FDW says the frame resists rust and holds up to energetic puppies. At 32 lb it's lighter than the Amazon Basics wire crate but still heavy enough that you won't carry it far.
A handle makes the folded crate easier to move.
The wire build trades shelter for strength. It offers less wind protection than fabric and less privacy for a nervous dog.
Pick it for a chewer that stays home, and keep the soft crates for calm travelers. If you're shopping by size, our 42 inch dog crate picks cover the middle range.
XVISHX Dog Crate: Best lightweight folding crate
- 36 x 25 x 25 in
- 620D Oxford fabric
- Leather-wrapped corners
- Folds flat
At 5 lb this is the lightest crate here, so it suits owners who carry the crate more than the dog does. The fabric still wraps a steel frame.
Pros
- Only 5 lb
- Leather-wrapped corners
- Mesh on the sides and top
- Assembles without tools
Cons
- Lightest frame in this group
- Soft fabric offers less protection than wire
XVISHX makes the lightest crate in this group at 5 lb. It suits an owner who carries the crate more than the dog, like someone who moves between a car and a rental several times a week.
The frame is thickened steel pipe under 620D Oxford fabric, with leather-wrapped corners that resist scratching and chewing. Mesh covers the sides and top, and multiple doors let the dog enter from different angles.
The mesh runs over the top as well as the sides, so air moves from every direction.
It measures 36 x 25 x 25 in and folds flat in seconds without tools. The light weight makes it easy to sling into a trunk, but it also means less structure than the heavier soft crates here.
It can also be secured with a strap for car trips.
Pick it for quick trips and light use. For a dog that leans hard against the sides or paws at the door, the ZOMISIA or Lesure crates have more heft.
For a crate that collapses even smaller for storage, our collapsible dog crate for large dogs roundup has more choices.
How these portable crates compare
The table below lines up size, weight limit and weight for all eight picks. Use it to check whether a crate fits your dog and your trunk before you read the buying advice below.
| Product | Best for | Size (L x W x H) | Weight limit | Weight | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate | overall | 36 x 24 x 24 in | 70 lb | 7.89 lb | 9.7 |
| Lesure Today Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crates | messy trips | 36 x 25 x 25 in | 70 lb | 12.75 lb | 9.4 |
| ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate | short car trips | 36 x 25 x 25 in | 12.65 lb | 9.2 | |
| ZOMISIA XL Collapsible Dog Travel Crate | extra-large dogs | 42 x 28 x 32 in | 16.25 lb | 8.7 | |
| Petprsco Collapsible Dog Crate | three-door access | 40 x 27 x 27 in | 60 to 90 lb | 10.58 lb | 8.6 |
| Amazon Basics 48-inch double door wire crate | home base | 48 x 30 x 32.5 in | 43.3 lb | 8.4 | |
| FDW 48-inch foldable metal crate | chewers | 48 x 29 x 31 in | 32 lb | 8.2 | |
| XVISHX Dog Crate | lightweight folding crate | 36 x 25 x 25 in | 5 lb | 8.1 |
How we compared these portable dog crates
We compared each crate on the specs that decide whether it works for a large dog on the move. Size came first: length, width and height against the 70 lb dog standard and against taller breeds that need 32 in of height.
Weight and folded size came next, because a portable crate that's too heavy to carry defeats the purpose. We checked the weight limit each brand states and the fabric or wire build that holds it.
The lightest soft crate here is 5 lb and the heaviest wire crate is 43.3 lb, so the spread matters when you're lifting the crate in and out of a car.
Setup speed and door count followed. A crate with two or three doors loads easier in a tight hotel room, and a no-tool frame means you can set up without hunting for a screwdriver.
The soft crates set up in seconds, while the wire crates take a few minutes the first time.
Last, we looked at cleaning and escape features. Washable mats, removable trays and locking zippers decide how the crate handles a muddy dog and a clever one.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
What to measure before you buy a portable crate for a large dog
Measure your dog standing, not curled up. A crate that's too short forces a dog to crouch, and a crate that's too narrow stops it from turning around.
Write both numbers down before you compare crate listings.
Length and height for a large dog
Run a tape from nose to base of tail with the dog standing, then from the top of the head to the floor. Add 4 in to each number.
A dog that measures 32 in long and 20 in tall needs a crate around 36 in long and 24 in tall, which is why the 36-inch soft crates fit so many 70 lb dogs. The Amazon Basics 48-inch wire crate states the same rule and asks for pets under 46 x 28.5 in.
Width for turning around
Width matters less than length and height, but a dog needs enough room to turn without scraping the sides. A crate 24 to 28 in wide suits most large dogs.
The 42-inch ZOMISIA XL at 28 in wide gives the most turning room here.
Fitting the crate in your car
Measure your trunk opening and the folded crate. The 36-inch soft crates fold into a package you can lift with one hand, while the 42-inch ZOMISIA XL and both 48-inch wire crates need a large trunk or cargo area.
Petprsco says its 40-inch crate doesn't fit sedan trunks or compact and midsize SUVs.
The weight you'll actually lift
Check the crate weight against how far you'll carry it. A 5 lb crate like the XVISHX is easy to move from car to room, while a 16.25 lb soft crate or a 43.3 lb wire crate is a two-hand job.
If the crate stays in one place, the weight matters less than the interior space.
Soft-sided or wire for a portable large dog crate?
Soft-sided wins for travel. Wire wins for home use and for chewers.
Pick by how the crate gets used most. A dog that travels often does better in a crate that folds and carries easily.
When a soft crate is the better portable pick
A soft crate folds flat, weighs less and carries by a handle, so it moves from car to hotel room without a struggle. The fabric also gives a dog more shelter than open wire, which helps a nervous traveler settle.
The catch is durability: Amazon Basics says its soft crate is for crate-trained dogs only.
When a wire crate makes more sense
A wire crate holds up to a dog that chews or scratches, and the open sides let air move through in a warm room. The Amazon Basics 48-inch and FDW 48-inch crates both fold flat, so they store away when not in use.
They're just too heavy at 43.3 lb and 32 lb to carry on every trip.
The travel crate that stays in the car
If the crate mostly lives in the car, weight matters less than fit. Measure the cargo area first.
A 48-inch wire crate needs 48 in of flat floor, while a 36-inch soft crate fits behind a rear seat in many SUVs. Pick the crate that matches the space you actually have.
Door layout and setup speed
More doors mean easier loading in a tight room. Three-door crates like the Petprsco let you open toward whichever side has space, and two-door crates like the Amazon Basics give a top and front option.
How many doors do you need?
Two doors cover most trips. A top door helps lift a reluctant dog in, and a front door handles the everyday walk-in.
Three doors help when the crate sits against a wall or in a corner of a hotel room. The FDW and Amazon Basics wire crates use front and side doors, which is the same idea for a home crate.
Setup without tools
Every soft crate here assembles without tools. Lesure and Petprsco both quote about 2 minutes or 30 seconds, and the Amazon Basics sets up in seconds.
Wire crates take longer to unfold and lock, so allow a few minutes the first time. The XVISHX and both ZOMISIA crates also set up without tools.
Zippers and escape proofing
Locking zippers keep a clever dog inside. Lesure uses a self-locking system and Petprsco uses locking zippers.
A built-in leash, found on both ZOMISIA crates, gives you a second tether while the door is open. The wire crates rely on a manual door lock instead.
Cleaning and care on the road
A portable crate gets dirty faster than a home crate. Mud, spilled water and dog hair build up in the mesh and on the mat.
Mats and trays that come out
Lesure's plush mat is removable and machine washable. Petprsco's fleece pad comes out too.
The wire crates use a plastic tray: the Amazon Basics tray slides out, and the FDW tray is leak-proof and removable. The ZOMISIA crates use a soft plush pad that stays in place.
Wiping fabric walls
Soft crate fabric wipes clean with a damp cloth. Lesure says its fabric is water resistant, so stains sit on the surface rather than soaking in.
Avoid machine washing the crate body itself. The 600D and 620D Oxford fabrics on the ZOMISIA and XVISHX crates also wipe clean.
Ventilation and airflow
Mesh on all four sides keeps air moving. The Amazon Basics has mesh windows and a mesh front door on all four sides, and the ZOMISIA crates have three mesh windows.
In a warm car, crack a window and never leave a dog in a parked vehicle. Fabric mesh also lets you check on your dog without opening a door.
Which portable crate fits your trip?
The best portable dog crate for large dog travel depends on your dog's size and how you'll carry it. Most owners with a dog up to 70 lb should get the Amazon Basics soft crate.
It's light, sets up in seconds and gives a crate-trained dog room to stand.
Reach for the Lesure if the mat and carry bag matter, or the XVISHX if you want the lightest crate to carry. For a tall breed that needs 32 in of height, the ZOMISIA XL is the one to get.
Chewers and dogs that stay home do better in a wire crate, so pick the Amazon Basics 48-inch for a divider and the FDW for a leak-proof tray.
Measure your dog and your trunk before you order. A crate that fits both is the one you'll actually take on the road.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for messy trips
Lesure Today Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crates
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
Is a portable crate safe for a dog that chews?
No. A dog that chews through fabric can tear the mesh and escape.
Choose a metal wire crate such as the FDW 48-inch for chewers, and save the soft crate for a dog that settles calmly inside one.
Can you fly with a portable soft dog crate?
No. Soft-sided crates are not approved for air travel, and most airlines require a rigid kennel that meets their size rules.
Use a portable soft crate for car trips and keep a separate airline-approved kennel for flights.
Should a portable crate be used for crate training?
Use a wire crate at home for training, because the open wire sides let your dog see the room and the door holds up to scratching. Move to a portable soft crate once your dog stays calm in a crate for an hour or more.
