My first impression: better for contained car travel than an open dog seat
I use the Maelson Soft Kennel as Louie’s car travel crate. Louie is a cautious Yorkshire Terrier, and he tends to move around restlessly when he rides without a contained space. Inside this kennel, he is more likely to sit quietly, look outside, or lie down and rest.
Before choosing it, I considered softer, padded dog car seats. They looked comfortable, but I was not confident that a single tether was the setup I wanted for Louie. I also did not want to choose a hard kennel only because it seemed more rigid. I wanted a lightweight enclosed option that could be secured with a seat belt, kept clean easily, and moved without much effort.
This is not a crash-test review or a guarantee of injury prevention. It is a review of how the Maelson Soft Kennel worked for Louie during regular car trips as a more contained alternative to an open-style dog seat.
Why I chose the Maelson Soft Kennel
I compared it with another soft kennel option, but preferred the Maelson design for car use because it felt more enclosed. I did not need every side to open. For Louie, fewer open access points felt more practical when the kennel was installed inside the car.
The size 52 has enough room for Louie to change position, sit upright, lie down, and look through the mesh panels. It feels spacious for one tiny dog. Although two dogs around 2 kg each could physically fit inside, I would still use separate travel spaces for each dog during car rides.
What worked well in everyday use
Light enough to move and clean
The size 52 is light enough to lift by its handles without feeling difficult to carry. It can also be folded down for storage or transport. That made it easier to take outside, shake out loose fur, and clean the inside regularly.
Washable fabric and a waterproof inner surface
The inside is especially practical for a small dog. The waterproof material is easier to wipe or rinse after dirt, loose fur, or small accidents. For routine cleaning, I found that spraying water inside and removing remaining moisture was simple.
Washable pet travel items are useful because a kennel used in the car can collect dust, fur, treats, and paw marks faster than expected.
Mesh panels for a less closed-in feeling
The kennel has mesh sections on four sides. The front and left side can open, while the outer cover can be rolled up and attached with Velcro when Louie wants to look around. On other trips, I lower the cover to reduce outside visual stimulation.
For faster roads or longer driving, I close the upper zipper so Louie can settle more calmly. He has also rested inside the kennel during car trips instead of continuing to stand and move around.
Seat belt straps on multiple sides
One of the most useful parts is the seat belt strap placement. The kennel can be secured from different directions, so I can choose the installation position that works best in the car. Once installed, it stays more organised than a loose kennel placed directly on a seat.
The detail I would not skip: the zipper locking ring
The front and left zipper openings include a small locking ring. It is easy to overlook, but it matters during car use. It helps keep the zipper from moving and makes it harder for a dog that has learned to open zippers to create an opening during a ride.
Louie can be curious with zippers, so I make sure the ring is secured before driving. This is one of those small setup steps that makes a noticeable difference in how calmly the kennel stays closed.
What to check before using it as a car travel crate
The following points made the biggest difference in our own setup.
| Part to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Seat belt installation | Confirm that the kennel is held in place and does not slide easily on the seat. |
| Zipper locking ring | Secure it before driving, especially if your dog paws at or noses zippers. |
| Interior moisture | After rinsing the waterproof floor, dry it fully before a long drive. |
| Visual stimulation | Roll up the cover for viewing or lower it when your dog settles better with less outside activity. |
| Temperature | Check the car temperature, sunlight, and airflow separately during warm weather. |
The kennel itself can make the travel area feel more contained, but it still needs correct installation and regular checks before each drive.
Who it may suit
The Maelson Soft Kennel may suit guardians who want a lightweight travel crate for a toy breed or small dog, need a washable interior, or prefer an enclosed car setup over an open dog seat. It may also work well for dogs that settle better when they have a defined resting space during travel.
It may be less suitable for dogs that panic in enclosed spaces, chew fabric aggressively, or need a different travel setup recommended by a veterinarian or qualified behaviour professional.
Final verdict
For Louie, the Maelson Soft Kennel has been a practical car travel choice because it is light, easy to clean, airy through the mesh panels, and simple to secure with a seat belt. The waterproof interior and zipper lock are small features, but they have been especially useful in real life.
Its biggest advantage is not that it looks like a luxury dog seat. It gives Louie a familiar, contained place where he can watch the view or rest during car rides.