Finding the right crate for your dog often feels like a balancing act. You want something secure and comfortable for your furry friend, but traditional wire crates can be heavy, cumbersome, and frankly, not very portable. If you’re an owner who loves to travel with your pet, needs a temporary containment solution, or simply wants a crate that’s easier to store, a soft-sided option might be on your radar. Enter the Lesure Soft Collapsible Dog Crate. Specifically looking at the popular 36-inch model designed for large dogs (up to 70lbs), this crate promises portability, comfort, and security. But does it deliver? Let’s break down its features and see what makes it a contender.
Designed for Life on the Go (and at Home)
The most immediate appeal of the Lesure crate is its focus on portability. Unlike rigid crates, this one features a foldable internal iron frame. When not in use, it collapses down impressively flat, making storage in a closet or car trunk much more manageable. Lesure even includes a carrying bag, a thoughtful touch that enhances its travel-friendliness.
Setting it up is refreshingly simple. Most users report assembly takes just a couple of minutes 鈥?essentially unfolding it and locking the frame supports into place. Disassembly is just as quick. This ease of use is a huge plus for trips, vet visits, or setting up a temporary safe space for your dog indoors or outdoors.
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Comfort and Airflow: A Cozy Den?
A crate should be a comfortable den, not a punishment box. The Lesure crate addresses this with several features. Four sides feature zippered mesh windows, allowing for excellent airflow and visibility. Your dog can see out, and you can easily see in, which can reduce anxiety for some pets. The mesh itself is described as high-density and durable.
Inside, Lesure includes a soft plush mat. This adds a layer of comfort right out of the box, though you can always add your dog’s favorite blanket. The mat is removable and, crucially, machine washable, making cleanup much easier. The crate’s main fabric is also water-resistant, simplifying spot cleaning for minor spills or accidents.
Safety and Durability Considerations
Safety is paramount. The heavy-duty iron frame gives the crate its structure and stability, preventing it from collapsing while your pet is inside. A welcome feature is the inclusion of self-locking zippers on the doors. This adds a layer of security against clever paws figuring out how to nudge a standard zipper open.
Additional safety touches include reflective strips for better visibility in low light (useful if using it outdoors or near traffic) and an internal leash clip to provide an extra point of security if needed, though careful supervision is always recommended when using internal tethers.
It’s important to remember this is a soft crate. While the frame is sturdy and the mesh is durable, it won’t withstand a determined chewer or a dog with severe separation anxiety who frantically tries to escape like a heavy-duty wire or plastic crate might. It’s best suited for dogs who are already crate-trained or are generally calm when contained.
Sizing and Final Thoughts
This review focuses on the Large (36"L x 25"W x 25"H) size, rated for dogs up to 70 lbs. However, Lesure offers this crate in Small, Medium, and XL sizes as well, catering to a wide range of breeds. Always measure your dog and compare against the crate dimensions to ensure they have enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Overall, the Lesure Soft Collapsible Dog Crate, particularly in the 36-inch size, presents a compelling option for owners needing a portable, easy-to-use, and comfortable crate for their large dogs. Its quick setup, included comforts like the mat, and safety features like locking zippers are definite advantages. While it may not be suitable for destructive dogs, for travel, temporary housing, or just a lighter alternative to wire crates at home, it holds strong appeal, reflected in its generally positive customer feedback (4.3 stars average). If portability and ease of use are high on your list, this crate is certainly worth considering.