Best Dog Soft-Sided Carriers of 2026

"I was so impressed by how roomy and comfortable this carrier is for my two cats. They traveled for 13 hours and did great. The build feels high-quality, sturdy, and it's super simple to clean. Even at home, my cats lounge in it, which tells me they love it. The side pockets are perfect for treats and essentials, and I found the assembly effortless. Honestly, it's a fantastic value for the price!"

"Our small dog has really taken to this carrier. The material feels soft yet supportive, and there’s plenty of airflow through the mesh panels. The padded interior is cozy, and the zippers operate smoothly. I love how lightweight and travel-friendly it is, and it folds down easily for storage. The color is bright and doesn’t look cheap either. Overall, I feel it’s a very safe and secure option for small pets."

"I bought this for my older cat who struggled with hard plastic carriers, and this one is so much better for her comfort. It’s sturdy, easy to carry on my shoulder, and the view keeps her relaxed. I’m very happy with the quality and the price!"

"I needed a travel crate for agility competitions and found this one to be lightweight, easy to assemble, and surprisingly sturdy. Although I had to exchange sizes to get the right fit, I still give it top marks for quality and ease of use. Just make sure to add a pad at the bottom since there's no built-in padding."

"This crate has been a lifesaver for trips and hotel stays with my nervous dog. It’s super simple to collapse and set up, plus it cleans up easily after muddy paws. I appreciate the thoughtful features like the zip-open top and zipper lock. Just a heads up—it's best for dogs who don't try to escape or chew a lot."

"We bought this for our Golden Retriever to use during storms and road trips. She feels safe and cozy inside. The crate is well made, folds flat, and is really practical for travel. Highly recommended for dogs who like a comfortable, portable space."

"I purchased this crate specifically for agility competitions, needing something portable and easy to set up. The quality and sturdiness exceeded my expectations, and it’s impressively light for its size. Although I initially chose the wrong size, Amazon’s return policy made it easy to swap for a better fit. Just be sure to double-check measurements for your dog’s height!"

"This is my second time buying this crate, and I’m still a fan. It’s super simple to collapse and set up—just two quick steps. My nervous dog feels secure in it during car rides, and the thoughtful features like the zip-open top and lockable zipper make it really practical. It’s sturdy, cleans up easily, and fits well in my car when collapsed."

"We bought this crate for our Golden Retriever to help her feel safe during storms, and it’s become our go-to for travel as well. It folds down easily, feels well made, and gives our dog a cozy, secure space wherever we go."

"I've found this carrier to be incredibly sturdy and roomy—it's tall enough for my large cat to sit and stand comfortably, and my smaller cat also loves the extra height. The included collapsible water bowl is a great bonus. I appreciate how easily it zips up and the addition of the shoulder strap makes it easy to carry."

"This carrier has been perfect for transporting my cat to vet appointments. There’s plenty of space for him to move around, and the multiple openings make it simple to get him in and out. I especially like the ventilated mesh panels—my cat seems much calmer inside because he can see out."

"I love the side pocket for essentials like my phone and keys, and the fact that the carrier opens from the top, front, and back is so convenient. It’s lightweight, well-made, and easy to carry with both short handles and a removable strap. My cat even likes playing in it when it’s left open at home!"

"I've tried several cat carriers, and this one stands out for its roomy, flexible design and sturdy construction. My nearly 13 lb cat can move comfortably inside and even naps in it. The seatbelt straps make car rides more secure, and the shoulder straps are comfortable for me. I love the thoughtful features like removable padding, strong mesh, and ample storage. There are minor things I’d tweak, like the interior D-ring and luggage strap, but overall, this is a fantastic carrier."

"I really like this carrier and the customer support is excellent. The size is perfect for a typical cat, and the platinum gray color is just right. It's easy to assemble, and I appreciate the comfy mat and improved seatbelt clips. The bag gets good airflow, stands up well, and has convenient top and side access. I would prefer if the pockets were larger and could close for better security, and if the top structure was a bit firmer at the ends. Still, my cat was comfy enough to nap in it almost immediately!"

"I’ve used this carrier to take my cat to the vet and it held its shape well, looked attractive, and kept my cat comfortable. The locking zippers are a great safety feature, and the bed is soft yet space-saving. The only thing to watch for is that a determined cat might try to push out through the small side window, but the design is sound as long as you’re careful. Overall, I think this is a reliable and well-made carrier."

"I got this for my little guy after he had a stroke, and I’m really happy with the sturdy build and great ventilation. Assembly was a breeze, and there’s plenty of space plus a comfy pad. The zippers on every side make it super convenient while traveling."

"This carrier is perfect for my 16-pound cat. He fits comfortably and can stretch out without feeling cramped. The shoulder strap is a lifesaver for vet trips, and I love being able to secure his harness inside. The multiple access points and smooth zippers are a huge plus, and the soft base makes it cozy for anxious pets."

"I’m impressed with how easy it is to load my cats into this carrier—travel is so much less stressful now. My cats seem more comfortable and content in this carrier than any I’ve used before, and even the vet tech complimented its design and quality."

"After my old carrier was ruined, I needed a quick replacement for my large, long cat. He immediately checked this one out, and the visibility and sturdy rectangular shape were just what I needed, especially during a stressful evacuation. The mesh sides held up even when he tried to claw at them, and the fuzzy pad kept him comfortable. Delivery was fast, and customer service was excellent. Highly recommend for big cats and emergencies!"

"This carrier has been a game-changer for vet trips and travel. It's spacious, well-ventilated, and cozy for my cat, who can sit or lie down comfortably. The construction is durable, and I love the removable, washable interior. The comfortable handles and shoulder strap make carrying easy. Overall, it’s exactly what I needed for stress-free journeys."

"I was surprised by how much space my senior Shih-tzu had in this carrier, and the mesh sides help her feel less confined. The bottom is reversible for different temperatures, and the shoulder strap and zippers are strong. While I wish it had more pockets, it performed perfectly on our three-hour plane ride. I'm really happy with the design and quality."

"I’ve used both the 36'' and 26'' sizes for long road trips with my cats to the vet hospital. The carriers are impressively well-made and offer much better quality than more expensive brands. The 36'' is enormous—great for a bed and litter box, but a bit unwieldy to carry. My cats actually prefer the cozier 26'' size, which feels safer and more den-like for them, especially when traveling. I highly recommend both for extended travel or post-surgery rest, but be sure to pick the right size for your pet."

"I bought this crate for my golden retriever and it’s a perfect fit. The crate is sturdy, provides ample space, and is very comfortable for my dog. I also appreciate how easy it is to set up and break down for travel."

"After researching a lot, I got this crate for my young beagle. It arrived in perfect shape, is easy to clean, and has handy pockets for leashes and supplies. The dual openings make it well-ventilated, and my puppy loves spending time inside. It’s been especially practical for safe car rides and vet visits."

"I was searching for a carrier that would make my big cat comfortable, and this one is both soft, spacious, and easy for me to carry as an older woman. The long strap makes it convenient, and the privacy shades help calm my cat when we’re out and about. Excellent value for the price!"

"After replacing our old carriers, I found these to be perfectly sized for our medium cats, with the added bonus of privacy covers and color options. I really appreciate the multiple doors for easy access and the ability to fold them flat for storage. These are sturdy and my cats even nap in them at home."

"My anxious cat actually feels calm in this carrier, thanks to the well-placed screens and soft interior. The Velcro flaps over the openings help reduce her anxiety. The zippers and carrying strap are comfortable and work smoothly, making vet trips much easier for both of us."

"I bought this carrier for my little guy after his stroke, and I’m impressed with how well made and sturdy it is. The built-in ventilation and comfortable pad make it easy for him to travel in, and it’s a breeze to assemble. The zippers are secure, and I feel confident using it for trips to the vet."

"With a 16 lb cat, I needed something roomy, and this carrier fits him perfectly with extra space to stretch. The shoulder strap makes transport much simpler, and I love the multiple openings for convenience. The soft base is a nice touch—adding a blanket helps anxious pets feel more at ease."

"This carrier is perfect for our kitten, but I did notice that the bottom sags a bit with heavier cats. The mesh is strong, but my cat’s claw did get caught. Still, it’s a reliable option for smaller cats who need a comfortable ride."