Jessica
Welcome to WeLovePetz, your number one source for all things pets.
Traveling with pets can quickly become stressful—particularly if your carrier is bulky, poorly ventilated, or just uncomfortable for your furry companion. The Amazon Basics 2-Door Foldable & Portable Travel Pet Kennel aims to solve these common issues with a lightweight soft-sided design, tool-free setup, and two-door convenience. But does it truly deliver the right mix of comfort, security, and practicality for real-world use? Below is a critical deep-dive based on hands-on usage and feature evaluation.
Key Features
- Soft-sided dog crate for keeping a furry 4-legged friend safe and comfortable when traveling
- Includes a Small dog crate made of tan polyester fabric and a lightweight yet sturdy frame
- Sets up in seconds with no tools needed; folds flat for easy portability and compact storage, 2 doors (top and front) for easy loading and unloading
- Secure zipper closures, plus fastening straps to keep unzipped rolled-up doors in place and out of the way; mesh windows and front door provide ventilation on all 4 sides
- Recommended for small breeds such as Boston Terriers and Beagles (25 lbs)
- Product dimensions: 25.98 x 18.11 x 18.11 inches (LxWxH)
Why These Features Matter
For a travel crate to perform well, it must balance portability with durability. The Amazon Basics kennel does this by using a flexible polyester shell combined with a lightweight but structured frame. The dual-door layout—top and front—creates better accessibility than single-entry soft crates, particularly when loading pets that may resist front-only entry.
The all-around mesh ventilation is another highlight, reducing heat buildup and giving pets visibility to reduce anxiety. The fact that it folds completely flat makes it suitable for apartment living, small vehicles, and owners who travel frequently.
Product Images
Hands-On Experience
Setup takes under 10 seconds—quite literally a flip-and-lock process with no rods to thread or hardware to secure. The kennel feels surprisingly stable for a soft-sided model, though not rigid enough for pets prone to chewing or clawing aggressively.
During testing with a 20 lb terrier mix, the crate maintained its shape in the car and prevented shifting thanks to its balanced weight distribution. The top door was especially useful at veterinary visits, where lifting the dog out vertically was less stressful than coaxing him through a front zipper.
Ventilation performed well in warm weather thanks to the generous mesh coverage. However, the soft fabric floor—while comfortable—may require an extra pad for pets that prefer more cushioning or insulation during longer trips.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and folds flat for easy travel | Not suitable for heavy chewers |
| Excellent ventilation on all sides | No included floor pad |
| Two-door access improves versatility | Soft structure not ideal for airline cargo |
| Fast, tool-free assembly | Limited size range for larger pets |
Comparison Table
| Feature | Amazon Basics (This Model) | EliteField Soft Crate | Budget Pick: Petmate Carrier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight ⚖️ | Very Light | Moderate | Light |
| Ventilation 🔄 | 4-Sided Mesh | 3-Sided Mesh | Basic Vents |
| Setup Time ⏱️ | Seconds | Moderate | Fast |
| Durability 🔒 | Good for calm pets | Higher structural strength | Basic |
| Best For 🐾 | Small dogs & cats | Frequent travelers | Occasional use |
Verdict
The Amazon Basics 2-Door Foldable Pet Kennel is best suited for pet owners who want a lightweight, highly portable, and well-ventilated travel solution. It’s not built for escape artists or destructive chewers, but for calm pets under 25 lbs, it offers excellent convenience and comfort during car rides, vet trips, and short travel periods. Considering its price point and ease of use, it stands out as one of the strongest soft-sided options in its category.
