A comprehensive review of the Frisco Indoor & Outdoor 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate, examining its portability, construction quality, and real-world performance for travel and temporary containment.
Who This Helps: Dog owners seeking affordable, portable crates for travel, camping, and temporary use with well-trained, non-destructive dogs
Last Updated: 2025-08-16
What You’ll Learn
- Complete breakdown of Frisco soft crate features and construction
- Real customer experiences and long-term durability testing
- Who should and shouldn’t choose this budget-friendly option
- How it compares to premium soft crate alternatives
Overview & Product Specifications
The Frisco Indoor & Outdoor 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate is Chewy’s budget-friendly entry into the portable crate market. Designed for pet parents who prioritize convenience and affordability over heavy-duty containment, this soft crate targets the gap between expensive travel carriers and basic wire crates.
Available Sizes & Dimensions:
- Extra Small: 21″L × 15″W × 15″H (up to 15 lbs)
- Small: 26″L × 21″W × 21″H (up to 25 lbs)
- Medium: 30″L × 21″W × 21″H (up to 40 lbs)
- Medium/Large: 36″L × 24″W × 24″H (up to 60 lbs)
- Large: 42″L × 30.5″W × 31″H (up to 85 lbs)
Key Features:
- Three zippered doors (top, front, and side access)
- Lightweight steel tube frame construction
- Water-resistant PVC coated oxford bottom fabric
- Mesh panels for ventilation and visibility
- Locking zipper clips for added security
- Foldable design with carrying handle
- Available in Dark Gray and Khaki Green
Construction Quality & Materials
Frame and Structure
The Frisco soft crate uses a lightweight steel frame that provides basic structural integrity while maintaining portability. The tubular steel construction offers sufficient rigidity for well-behaved dogs but lacks the reinforcement needed for anxious or destructive pets.
Material Breakdown:
- Frame: Lightweight steel tubing
- Fabric: Water-resistant Oxford canvas with mesh panels
- Bottom: PVC coated oxford fabric (no hard pan included)
- Hardware: Standard zippers with locking clips
Durability Considerations
The fabric is not as resistant as the manufacturer claims, and an agitated, anxious, or clever dog can manage to escape, either by chewing the fabric or by sliding the zippers with his paw. Customer feedback consistently indicates that while adequate for calm dogs, the construction cannot withstand determined escape attempts.
Three-Door Access System
Door Configuration Benefits
The three-door design sets the Frisco crate apart from many competitors in its price range. Features three zippered doors on the top, front and side for convenient entry and unloading for your pet.
Door Features:
- Front door: Primary access for daily use
- Top door: Convenient for feeding and interaction
- Side door: Flexible placement in vehicles and tight spaces
- Door straps: Allow rolling up and securing doors in open position
Security and Locking Mechanism
Zippers include locking clips for added security, and the doors have straps so you can roll them up and keep the crate open for easy access. However, multiple customer reviews note that intelligent dogs can learn to manipulate these zippers, making this unsuitable for escape artists.
Portability and Setup Features
Assembly Process
Lightweight construction makes it quick and easy to set up with no tools required. The setup process involves unfolding the frame and securing cross bars, typically taking 2-3 minutes for experienced users.
Setup Advantages:
- No tools required for assembly
- Pop-up design for quick deployment
- Compact folding for storage and transport
- Carrying handle for easy transport (smallest size includes shoulder strap)
Travel Compatibility
This crate can be used for car travel; however, please measure your crate to ensure the best fit. 36-inch fits in midsize SUV and 42-inch fits in a large SUV. The collapsible design makes it ideal for camping trips, hotel stays, and temporary containment.
Travel Limitations:
- Generally, soft crates are not approved for airline travel. Please consult with the airline prior to travel
- No seat belt attachment points for vehicle safety
- Weight limit of 85 pounds maximum across all sizes
Real-World Performance Analysis
Customer Satisfaction Trends
Customer feedback reveals a clear pattern: satisfaction correlates directly with dog temperament and intended use. This soft crate met my needs perfectly and my dog loves it! it light and large enough for my 80lb dog.
Success Stories:
- Our first one is over 4 years old and is still in perfect condition!
- Excellent for calm, well-trained dogs during travel
- Popular among owners of small to medium breeds
- Effective for temporary containment during camping
Durability Concerns
Multiple customers report significant durability issues with destructive or anxious dogs. However, it was pretty short-lived because two months after I purchased it, my puppy was able to bust the zipper and escape.
Common Failure Points:
- Zipper mechanisms breaking under pressure
- Fabric tearing from claws or teeth
- He chewed the flimsy fabric and was able to create a hole and escape. He also tore the zippers off of the fabric
- Frame bending with larger, more active dogs
Target Dog Profiles
Ideal Candidates
Based on customer feedback and manufacturer specifications, this crate works best for:
- Calm, well-socialized dogs under 60 pounds
- Dogs comfortable with soft confinement
- Travel situations requiring lightweight portability
- Temporary containment in controlled environments
- Dogs that don’t chew or scratch
Not Recommended For
- Dogs with separation anxiety or destructive tendencies
- Escape artists or Houdini-type dogs
- Aggressive chewers of any size
- Dogs requiring secure containment for safety
- Puppies still in the teething/exploration phase
Competitor Comparison
Price Point Analysis
Frisco Indoor & Outdoor Soft-Sided Dog Crate is a very affordable option if you have a small or medium dog that is not too rowdy. Typically priced 30-50% below premium alternatives like EliteField or Firstrax models.
Versus Premium Alternatives:
- EliteField 3-Door: More accessories, better construction, but significantly higher price
- Firstrax Noz2Noz: Similar features but reportedly better zipper quality
- Jespet 3-Door: Comparable price point with similar durability concerns
Value Proposition
We think it’s the best soft dog crate for the money according to expert reviewers, but this comes with important caveats about dog temperament and usage expectations.
Maintenance and Care
Cleaning Process
The durable fabric can be easily washed by hand, and the rounded corners protect surfaces wherever you place it. The manufacturer provides specific care instructions for longevity.
Care Instructions:
- Hand wash only with mild, non-toxic detergent
- Use cold water and gentle scrubbing materials
- Air dry only – no machine washing or drying
- Regular inspection of zippers and fabric for wear
Replacement and Accessories
Frisco offers matching crate mats sized specifically for each crate dimension. Add a Frisco crate mat pet bed for extra comfort. However, replacement parts for damaged components are limited.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional portability with lightweight design
- Three-door access provides maximum flexibility
- Budget-friendly pricing compared to premium alternatives
- Quick, tool-free setup and breakdown
- Water-resistant bottom prevents moisture damage
- Suitable for multiple pet species beyond dogs
- Available in five sizes covering most dog breeds
- Perfect for camping, car trips, hotels and inside your home
Cons
- Not designed to withstand chewing or scratching
- Zipper mechanisms prone to failure with determined dogs
- Limited security for escape artists or anxious pets
- No airline approval for most travel situations
- Fabric susceptible to tears from claws
- Not durable enough for long-term use
- No divider panel for growing puppies
- Frame can bend under pressure from larger dogs
Who Should Buy This Crate
Perfect Match Scenarios
- Occasional travelers needing lightweight portability
- Owners of calm, well-trained small to medium dogs
- Budget-conscious buyers prioritizing basic functionality
- Temporary containment needs (vet visits, grooming, etc.)
- Campers and hotel travelers requiring collapsible solutions
Should Consider Alternatives
- Owners of dogs with separation anxiety
- Those needing primary, long-term containment solutions
- Families with destructive or escape-prone dogs
- Situations requiring maximum security and durability
- Airline travelers needing approved carriers
FAQs
Q: What size Frisco soft crate should I choose for my dog?
A: While your dog is standing, measure your dog from the tip of their nose to base of their tail. While your dog is sitting or standing, measure your dog from the top of their head to the floor. Add 4 inches to determine maximum measurements.
Q: Can I use this crate for airline travel?
A: Generally, soft crates are not approved for airline travel. Please consult with the airline prior to travel.
Q: Will this work for a dog that chews or scratches?
A: No. This crate is not designed to withstand chewing or scratching. Dogs with these behaviors need wire or heavy-duty alternatives.
Q: How do I clean the Frisco soft crate?
A: Disassemble and carefully remove the crate cover and wash it by hand with a mild, nontoxic detergent in cold water. Scrub with a gentle, nonabrasive material for the best results. Hang to dry. Do not place in the washer or dryer.
Q: Can I use this as a permanent home crate?
A: While possible for calm dogs, it’s designed primarily for travel and temporary use. The soft construction makes it less suitable for daily, long-term containment.
Q: Does the crate come with a bottom pan?
A: Soft crates do not come with a pan, but do have a PVC coated oxford bottom fabric.
Q: How long does the Frisco soft crate typically last?
A: Durability varies significantly based on dog behavior. Some customers report over 4 years of use, while others experience failures within months with destructive dogs.
Final Verdict
The Frisco 3-Door Soft-Sided Indoor/Outdoor Crate successfully delivers on its promise as an affordable, portable travel solution for well-behaved dogs. Its three-door design and lightweight construction make it genuinely convenient for temporary containment and travel scenarios.
Bottom Line: This crate represents excellent value for money when matched with appropriate dogs and usage scenarios. If you spend time getting them acclimated to the new crate, they will hopefully start to feel more comfortable. You can then bring your pooch camping or to a hotel with this versatile option.
However, buyers must understand its limitations. This is not a heavy-duty containment solution and should not be purchased for dogs with destructive tendencies, separation anxiety, or escape artist behaviors.
Rating: 3.8/5 stars
- Value for Money: 4.5/5
- Portability: 4.5/5
- Durability: 2.5/5
- Design: 4.0/5
- Suitability Range: 3.5/5
The Frisco soft crate fills a specific niche in the market for budget-conscious pet owners who need occasional travel containment for calm, well-trained dogs. Understanding its limitations is key to satisfaction with this purchase.
Sources & Evidence
- Chewy.com product listings and customer reviews – Frisco 3-Door Soft-Sided Crate specifications
- Dogster – “9 Best Soft Dog Crates in 2025” expert comparison, April 2025
- Dogster – “11 Best Dog Crates in 2025” comprehensive review, June 2025
- Pet Gear Guide – Frisco Dog Crates Review analysis, November 2020
- Customer testimonials and verified purchase reviews from multiple retailers
- Manufacturer specifications and care instructions from Frisco by Chewy
About the Author
This review was compiled through analysis of customer reviews, expert evaluations, and manufacturer specifications. Information reflects real-world usage experiences from verified customers and professional pet product testing across multiple sources.